Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a media processing apparatus that can achieve optimal liquid application to a medium. [Solution] A media processing apparatus comprising: liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one medium; and crimping means for applying a crimping process to a bundle of media including the medium to which the liquid has been applied, the apparatus further comprising: surface state acquisition means for acquiring the surface state of the medium; and control means for controlling the amount of liquid applied by the liquid application means to the medium based on the information regarding the surface state acquired by the surface state acquisition means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium processing apparatus and an image forming system. [Background Art]

[0002] There has been known a medium processing apparatus that binds a sheet bundle formed by stacking sheet-shaped media. As binding processing applied to such a medium processing apparatus, there are known "staple binding processing" in which binding is performed using a needle-shaped member (binding member) that penetrates the sheet bundle, and "crimp binding processing" in which a part of the sheet bundle is pressed and deformed for binding.

[0003] When performing crimp binding, "liquid application" may be performed, in which a member (liquid application member) that holds a liquid such as water in a sponge or the like is brought into contact with a crimped portion of a sheet serving as a sheet-shaped medium. For the purpose of securing the crimping strength of the crimped portion of the sheet, a configuration is disclosed in which the application amount (water addition amount) of the liquid applied to the sheet in liquid application is controlled in accordance with at least the thickness of the sheets constituting the sheet bundle and the number of sheets to be bound (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, even when the same amount of liquid is applied to actual sheets, variations in materials, manufacturing processes, and the like may cause variations in the effect obtained by the liquid application. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, there has been a problem that the liquid application amount determined based on quantitative parameters such as sheet thickness and the number of sheets to be bound is not necessarily optimal.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to realize optimal liquid application to a medium. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a media processing apparatus comprising: liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one medium; and crimping means for applying a crimping process to a bundle of media including the medium to which the liquid has been applied, the apparatus further comprising: surface state acquisition means for acquiring the surface state of the medium; and control means for controlling the amount of liquid applied by the liquid application means to the medium based on the surface state information acquired by the surface state acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve optimal liquid application to a medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An overall configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the water supply unit. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the internal structure of a media processing device. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the edge binding section of a media processing device, viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a media processing device. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of an image captured with a microscope. [Figure 8] Conceptual diagram of the steps involved in generating and utilizing a learning model. [Figure 9] A flowchart for the process of generating a learning model. [Figure 10] Flowcharts for liquid application and binding processes using a learning model. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a data table of factors and levels used to determine the amount of liquid dispensed. [Figure 12] An overall configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] An overall configuration diagram of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First embodiment of image forming system 1] The image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0010] The image forming system 1 has an image forming function that forms an image on paper, a type of sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function that performs predetermined post-processing on the paper on which the image has been formed. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to operate in conjunction with an image forming apparatus 2 that has an image forming function and a media processing apparatus 3 that has a post-processing function.

[0011] In this embodiment, the description assumes that "paper" is the sheet-like medium to be processed in the image forming system 1. However, the processing in this embodiment is not limited to paper. For example, any medium on which an image can be formed using a conventionally known image forming process is acceptable, regardless of its type. Furthermore, media that can be subjected to folding or binding processes are also included, and there are no limitations on materials or specifications.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on a sheet and discharges the sheet with the formed image to the medium processing apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a sheet feeding portion 2a that accommodates sheets, a conveying portion 2b that conveys the sheets accommodated in the sheet feeding portion 2a, and an image forming portion 2c that forms an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveying portion 2b. The image forming portion 2c may be of an inkjet system that forms an image using ink, or may be of an electrophotographic system that forms an image using toner. The image forming apparatus 2 further includes an operation panel 110 serving as an operation unit for checking the status of the apparatus and setting items such as an image forming mode. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 200 that controls various operations of the conveying portion 2b and the image forming portion 2c. Since the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 is already well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] The medium processing apparatus 3 receives the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 2, performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet, and then discharges the sheet to a first discharge tray 21, a second discharge tray 26, or a discharge tray 30. The medium processing apparatus 3 also includes a control unit 300 that controls various operations of the conveying portion and the post-processing portion.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid applying unit 6 that supplies liquid to a pressure-bonded portion of a sheet when performing pressure-bond binding. The medium processing apparatus 3 includes at least one or more types of staplers (only a staple-less stapler 5 is shown in the present example), the liquid applying unit 6 disposed in the vicinity thereof, a main tank 8 for replenishing liquid, and a coil tube 7 for feeding liquid from the main tank 8 to the liquid applying unit 6. Note that the tube for feeding liquid does not need to have a coil shape.

[0015] Note that paper is widely known as an example of a sheet-shaped medium. Therefore, in the present specification, the term "sheet P" is used when describing a sheet-shaped medium as a processing target. Further, when describing a sheet bundle, the "sheet bundle Pb" configured by bundling a plurality of sheets as media is used as an example.

[0016] [Embodiment of Medium Processing Apparatus 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a medium processing apparatus. The medium processing apparatus 3 has a function of performing predetermined post-processing on sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. One of the post-processing according to the present embodiment is a binding process as "pressure binding process" that binds a bundle of a plurality of sheets P on which images are formed (sheet bundle) without using binding staples. Further, another one of the post-processing according to the present embodiment is a binding process as "staple binding process" that binds a bundle of a plurality of sheets P on which images are formed (sheet bundle) using binding staples. Hereinafter, the bundle of sheets P is referred to as "sheet bundle Pb" as a medium bundle.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the description mainly focuses on the liquid application process when performing the pressure binding process. However, the liquid application process performed in association with the staple binding process is also the same. In addition, when "binding process" is described in the following description, it means a process including both the "pressure binding process" and the "staple binding process", and is not limited to the binding method (whether using binding staples or pressure deformation).

[0018] More specifically, the "pressure binding process" according to the present embodiment is a process of applying pressure to a binding position corresponding to a part of the sheet bundle Pb, deforming the binding position (deforming by pressure) to bind the bundle, and is a process referred to as "pressure binding". The binding processes executable in the medium processing apparatus 3 include edge binding process for binding an edge portion of the sheet bundle Pb and saddle stitching process for binding a central portion of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0019] The medium processing apparatus 3 includes pairs of conveyance rollers 10 to 19, a switching member 20, and the like, and a control unit 300 serving as a control means. The control unit 300 controls operations of the pairs of conveyance rollers 10 to 19, the switching member 20, and the like. Details of the control unit 300 will be described later. The pairs of conveyance rollers 10 to 19 convey the sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 inside the medium processing apparatus 3. More specifically, the pairs of conveyance rollers 10 to 13 convey the sheets P along the first conveyance path Ph1.

[0020] Furthermore, transport roller pairs 14-15 transport the paper P along the second transport path Ph2. In addition, transport roller pairs 16-19 transport the paper P along the third transport path Ph3. A punch hole punching means 132, which punches the paper P transported by transport roller pairs 10 and 11, is positioned between transport roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0021] The first transport path Ph1 is the path from the paper supply port of the image forming apparatus 2 to the first discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pair 11 and 14 in the transport direction and is the path to the second discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pair 11 and 14 in the transport direction and is the path to the discharge tray 30.

[0022] The switching member 20 is positioned at the branching point of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching member 20 is configured to switch between a first position in which the paper P is discharged to the first discharge tray 21 via the first transport path Ph1, and a second position in which the paper P being transported along the first transport path Ph1 is guided to the second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, when the trailing end of the paper P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes the transport roller pair 11, the transport roller pair 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby guiding the paper P to the third transport path Ph3. The media processing device 3 is also equipped with multiple sensors that detect the position of the paper P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. The multiple sensors are indicated by black triangles (▲) in Figure 2.

[0023] The media processing device 3 includes a first discharge tray 21. Paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1 is placed on the first discharge tray 21. Paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 that has not undergone binding is discharged to the first discharge tray 21.

[0024] The media processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 as a mounting tray, an end fence 23 for edge stapling, side fences 24L and 24R, an edge stapling processing unit 25, a staple stapling processing unit 155, and a second discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23 for edge stapling, the side fences 24L and 24R, the edge stapling processing unit 25, and the staple stapling processing unit 155 perform edge stapling on a stack of paper Pb consisting of multiple sheets of paper P that are transported from the second transport path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The stack of paper Pb that has undergone edge stapling is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0025] In this context, "edge binding" refers to the binding process performed by the edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155. Specifically, this includes "parallel binding," which performs binding along one side of the paper stack Pb parallel to the main scanning direction; "diagonal binding," which performs binding at the corners of the paper stack Pb; and "vertical binding," which performs binding along one side of the paper stack Pb parallel to the transport direction.

[0026] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is transported from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end-binding end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction." That is, the "transport direction" in this specification refers to the direction toward the end-binding end fence 23, which is a different direction from the previous direction, after the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 has moved toward the second discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 10, etc., and then changed direction by the transport roller pair 15. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the transport direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)."

[0027] Multiple sheets of paper P, transported sequentially via the second transport path Ph2, are temporarily placed on the internal tray 22, which serves as a loading tray. The end-binding end fence 23 aligns the positions of the sheets of paper P or paper bundles Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the positions of the sheets of paper P or paper bundles Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The end-binding processing unit 25 and the staple-binding processing unit 155 perform end-binding on the paper bundles Pb aligned by the end-binding end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, the transport roller pair 15 discharges the end-bound paper bundles Pb to the second discharge tray 26.

[0028] Furthermore, the media processing device 3 further includes a saddle-stitching end fence 27, a saddle-stitching processing unit 28, a paper folding blade 29, and an output tray 30. The saddle-stitching end fence 27, the saddle-stitching processing unit 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle-stitching on a stack of paper Pb consisting of multiple sheets of paper P being transported along the third transport path Ph3. The output tray 30 receives the stack of paper Pb that has been saddle-stitched from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0029] The saddle-stitching end fence 27 aligns the transport direction of multiple sheets of paper P that are transported sequentially along the third transport path Ph3. The saddle-stitching end fence 27 is also configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the paper stack Pb faces the saddle-stitching processing unit 28 and a folding position where it faces the paper folding blade 29. The saddle-stitching processing unit 28 saddle-stitches the center of the paper stack Pb aligned by the saddle-stitching end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the paper stack Pb placed on the saddle-stitching end fence 27 at the folding position in half and grips it between the transport roller pair 18. The transport roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the saddle-stitched paper stack Pb into the discharge tray 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the media processing device 3 includes a second liquid storage tank 47 and a liquid supply path 45 for supplying liquid to a liquid supply member 501 (part of the liquid supply means) provided in the end binding processing unit 25. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied to a first liquid storage tank (not shown) via a liquid supply pump (not shown) and a liquid supply path 45.

[0031] [Configuration of the end-binding processing unit 25] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25, which performs the liquid application process and crimp binding process shown in Figure 3, as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. As shown in Figure 4, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application means 31 for applying liquid to a sheet of paper P or a stack of paper Pb, and a crimping means 32 for applying crimp binding to the sheet of paper P or stack of paper Pb to which the liquid has been applied. The liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are arranged downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction and adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0032] The liquid dispensing means 31 dispenses the liquid stored in a first liquid storage tank (not shown) onto the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, the dispensing of liquid by the liquid dispensing means 31 onto the paper P or paper stack Pb, and the operation of the liquid dispensing means 31 during said dispensing, will be referred to as "liquid dispensing." Furthermore, the liquid dispensing operation of the liquid dispensing means 31, which involves control processing, will be referred to as "liquid dispensing processing."

[0033] Here, the liquid stored in the first storage tank for use in liquid supply is, more specifically, primarily composed of a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H2O". The temperature of the liquid is irrelevant; it may be hot water or even steam water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it may include purified water or even ionized salts. The metal ion content is also irrelevant, ranging from soft water to very hard water.

[0034] Furthermore, additives may be included in addition to the main component. It may contain residual chlorine used in tap water, and it is also desirable that colorants, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and drying agents such as glycerin be added. Moreover, since inks used in inkjet printing devices and inks used in water-based pens also use water as a component, these may also be used as "liquid additives."

[0035] While the specific examples given here are not the only ones that will work, even "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or diluted ethanol solution used for disinfection, can be used. However, if the sole purpose is to enhance the binding strength after binding, readily available and manageable tap water is sufficient. Furthermore, using a liquid with water as the main component, as exemplified above, will improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb more effectively than using a liquid that does not have water as the main component.

[0036] [Configuration of the liquid dispensing means 31] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid application means 31 is configured to move in the main scanning direction together with the crimping means 32 by the driving force transmitted from the edge binding processing unit moving motor 55. The liquid application means 31 includes a lower pressing plate 33 as a base for the paper P or paper stack Pb, an upper pressing plate 34, and a liquid application means moving mechanism 35. The components of the liquid application means 31 (lower pressing plate 33, upper pressing plate 34, liquid application means moving mechanism 35, liquid application unit moving motor 42) are held by a liquid application frame 31a and a base member 48.

[0037] Furthermore, the liquid application frame 31a, which holds the components of the liquid application means 31, has a liquid application means rotating shaft 562 equipped with a drive transmission gear 562a fixed to its bottom surface. The liquid application means rotating shaft 562 and the drive transmission gear 562a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 on which the liquid application frame 31a is provided. The drive transmission gear 562a also meshes with the output gear 563a of the liquid application means rotating motor 563.

[0038] Furthermore, the liquid application means 31 is configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions on the base member 48, with the driving force of the liquid application means rotation motor 563 being transmitted to the liquid application means rotation shaft 562 via the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a.

[0039] The lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are positioned downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. Paper P or stacks of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 are also placed on the lower pressing plate 33. The lower pressing plate 33 is provided on a lower pressing plate holder 331. The upper pressing plate 34 is configured to be movable in the thickness direction of the paper P or stacks of paper Pb when facing the paper P or stacks of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0040] In other words, the lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "thickness direction") of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Furthermore, the upper pressing plate 34 has a through-hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position facing the liquid application member 501, which is held via a holding portion 37 attached to the base plate 40.

[0041] The liquid application mechanism 35 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding part 37, and the liquid application member 501 in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb. In this embodiment, the liquid application mechanism 35 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding part 37, and the liquid application member 501 in conjunction with a single liquid application part moving motor 42. The liquid application mechanism 35 comprises, for example, a liquid application part moving motor 42, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0042] The liquid application unit moving motor 42 generates a driving force to move the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding part 37, and the liquid application member 501. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb and is rotatably mounted on the liquid application frame 31a in forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid application unit moving motor 42 via a pulley or belt. The nut 39 is screwed onto the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force from the liquid application unit moving motor 42 is transmitted, causing the trapezoidal screw 38 to rotate in forward and reverse directions, which in turn causes the nut 39 to reciprocate on the trapezoidal screw 38.

[0043] The base plate 40 is positioned at a distance from the upper pressing plate 34. The base plate 40 also holds the liquid-applying member 501 with its tip portion protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34. Furthermore, the base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and is configured to reciprocate along the trapezoidal screw 38 by rotating the trapezoidal screw 38 in forward and reverse directions.

[0044] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34 around the tip portion of the liquid application member 501. Furthermore, the columnar members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. Additionally, the columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their tip portions on the lower pressing plate 33 side. Furthermore, retainers are provided at the tip portions of the columnar members 41a and 41b opposite to the lower pressing plate 33 to prevent them from detaching from the base plate 40.

[0045] The coil springs 42a and 42b are fitted onto the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b then bias the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressing plate 33 relative to the base plate 40.

[0046] The liquid application means 31 applies liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid application means 31 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb by bringing the liquid application member 501 into contact with the paper P or paper stack Pb.

[0047] Furthermore, the liquid application means 31 includes a surface state acquisition means that acquires information about the surface state of the paper P or paper bundle Pb in order to determine the amount of liquid to be applied and to determine factors that affect the effect of the applied liquid. In this embodiment, as an example of the surface state acquisition means, a microscope 95 is provided as an imaging means attached to the base plate 40. The microscope 95 photographs the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 and acquires an image. The image acquired by the microscope 95 is used as information for determining factors that determine the amount of liquid to be applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application means 31.

[0048] Specifically, the captured image is used to determine the surface condition of the paper P or paper bundle Pb (for example, the thickness of the fibers and the state of wrinkles in the paper P) and to determine the optimal amount of liquid to apply to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The imaging device is not limited to the microscope 95; any other imaging device capable of acquiring an image sufficient to understand the surface condition of the paper P or paper bundle Pb may be used.

[0049] [Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 2] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 200, a short-range communication circuit 220, an engine control unit 240 as control means, an operation panel 110 as an operation unit, and a network interface 280. Of these, the control unit 200 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, system memory (MEM-P) 202, northbridge (NB) 205, southbridge (SB) 206, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 207, a local memory (MEM-C) 208 as a storage unit, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 209, and an HD (Hard Disk) 210 as a storage unit, and is configured to connect the NB 205 and the ASIC 207 with an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 211.

[0051] Of these, the CPU201 controls the entire image forming apparatus 2. The NB205 is a bridge for connecting the CPU201 with the MEM-P202, SB206, and AGP bus 211, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P202, as well as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master and an AGP target.

[0052] MEM-P202 consists of a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, which is a memory for storing programs and data that realize each function of the control unit 200, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 204, which is used for program and data deployment and drawing during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM 204 may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0053] SB206 is a bridge for connecting NB205, PCI bus 212, and peripheral devices. ASIC207 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and acts as a bridge connecting AGP bus 211, PCI bus 212, HDD controller 209, and MEM-C208, respectively. This ASIC207 consists of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of ASIC207, a memory controller that controls MEM-C208, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via PCI bus 212 between the printer unit 241 and the scanner unit 242. Note that ASIC207 may also be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface.

[0054] MEM-C208 is local memory used as a copy image buffer and code buffer. HD210 is storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. HD210 controls data reading or writing to HD210 according to the control of CPU201. The AGP bus 211 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing, and by directly accessing MEM-P202 with high throughput, the graphics accelerator card can be made faster. The near-field communication circuit 220 is equipped with a near-field communication antenna 221. The near-field communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth®.

[0055] Furthermore, the engine control unit 240 is composed of a printer unit 241 and a scanner unit 242. The operation panel 110 includes a panel display unit 111, such as a touch panel, which displays current settings and selection screens and accepts input from the operator, and a panel operation unit 112, which consists of a numeric keypad that accepts setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings and a start key that accepts copy start instructions. The control unit 200 controls the entire image forming apparatus 2, for example, controlling drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 110. The printer unit 241 and scanner unit 242 include image processing parts such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0056] The image forming apparatus 2 can be sequentially switched and selected between document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 110. When the document box function is selected, it enters document box mode; when the copy function is selected, it enters copy mode; when the printer function is selected, it enters printer mode; and when the facsimile mode is selected, it enters facsimile mode. The network I / F 280 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 1000. The short-range communication circuit 220 and the network I / F 280 are electrically connected to the ASIC 207 via the PCI bus 212.

[0057] As explained above, the image forming apparatus 2 uses the hardware resources provided by the control unit 200 to implement a function that controls operations related to image formation through software (control program) executed by the CPU 201.

[0058] [Hardware configuration of media processing device 3] Next, the control block configuration of the media processing device 3 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the media processing device 3.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the media processing device 3 has a configuration in which the CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, HDD 304, and I / F 305 are connected via a common bus 310.

[0060] The CPU 301 is the arithmetic unit and controls the operation of the entire media processing unit 3. The RAM 302 is a volatile storage medium that allows high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a workspace for the CPU 301 when processing information. The ROM 303 is a read-only, non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 304 is a non-volatile storage medium that allows reading and writing of information and has a large storage capacity, and stores the OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0061] The media processing device 3 processes control programs stored in the ROM 303, information processing programs (application programs) loaded into the RAM 302 from storage media such as the HDD 304, etc., using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 301. This processing constitutes a software control unit that includes various functional modules of the media processing device 3. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources installed in the media processing device 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the media processing device 3. In other words, the CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, HDD 304, and I / F 305 constitute a control unit 300, which is a control means for controlling the operation of the media processing device 3.

[0062] I / F305 is an interface that connects, for example, the transport roller drive motors 10M, 11M, 14M, and 15M, the switching member rotation motor 20M, the side fence movement motor 24M, the contact / separation motor 32M, the crimping means rotation motor 56M, the liquid application unit movement motor 42M, the end stapling unit movement motor 55M, the staple stapling unit drive motor 62M, the staple stapling means rotation motor 82M, the staple stapling unit movement motor 80M, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detection sensor 51, the liquid supply pump 46, the operation panel 110, and the microscope 95 to the common bus 310.

[0063] The control unit 300 controls the drive of the transport roller drive motors 10M, 11M, 14M, and 15M, the switching member rotation motor 20M, the side fence movement motor 24M, the contact / separation motor 32M, the crimping means rotation motor 56M, the liquid application unit movement motor 42M, the end stapling unit movement motor 55M, the staple stapling unit drive motor 62M, the staple stapling means rotation motor 82M, the staple stapling unit movement motor 80M, and the liquid supply pump 46 via the I / F 305.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 300 acquires the detection results of the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, and the set detection sensor 51. The control unit 300 also accepts input operations from the operation panel 110 and transmits various information to the operation panel 110. The control unit 300 also acquires the imaging results of the microscope 95. Figure 6 shows the components related to the edge-stitching processing unit 25 and the staple-stitching processing unit 155 that perform edge-stitching, but the components related to the saddle-stitching processing unit that performs saddle-stitching are similarly controlled by the control unit 300.

[0065] As explained above, the media processing device 3 uses the hardware resources provided by the control unit 300 to implement a function that controls operations related to liquid application through software (control program) executed by the CPU 301.

[0066] [Regarding the determination of the amount of liquid to be dispensed] The method for determining the amount of liquid supplied in this invention will be explained below. This will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an example of an image captured by the microscope 95, and Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the generation step and application concept for generating a learning model using the captured image.

[0067] Even if two sheets of paper P are the same thickness, their surface condition (fiber structure) may differ due to variations in materials and manufacturing processes. For example, the paper P shown in Figure 7(a) has a surface condition with thin fibers and many fiber wrinkles, while the paper P shown in Figure 7(b) has a surface condition with thick fibers and few fiber wrinkles. Thus, the surface condition of paper P can vary, and it is possible that a single stack of paper Pb may contain a mixture of papers P with different surface conditions. Furthermore, differences in surface condition will affect the effects of liquid application.

[0068] Therefore, in this invention, as shown in Figure 8, various images of paper P obtained by photographing the surface state of various paper P with a microscope 95 are constructed as training data. On the other hand, the levels of factors used to determine the amount of liquid to be applied corresponding to the surface state of each image are prepared as ground truth data based on evaluation results during the design phase. Here, "factors" refer to, for example, the "fiber thickness" and "fiber wrinkles" mentioned above, and are examples of factor information in this invention. In this example, the ground truth data is information linking the relationship between "fiber thickness," "fiber wrinkles," and "amount of liquid applied."

[0069] A learning model is generated by performing machine learning using the above training data and ground truth data. The generated learning model is stored, for example, in the control unit 300 of the media processing device 3, and the information necessary to determine the amount of liquid dispensed is calculated from the learning model, and control is determined.

[0070] [Generating a Learning Model] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the learning model generation process.

[0071] The process of generating a learning model is performed, for example, on a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal acquires images 500 of various sheets of paper P, taken with a microscope 95, from a predetermined device where the images 500 are stored, and prepares training data (S901). Next, based on the acquired images 500 of the surface state of the sheets of paper P, the terminal determines the appropriate amount of liquid to apply to each factor, and prepares ground truth data (S902). By performing machine learning using the training data prepared in step S901 and the ground truth data prepared in step S902, a learning model 600 is obtained as an output product. Once machine learning has been completed for all the images 500 (S903: Yes), the learning model generation process is finished, and the generated learning model is loaded into the control unit 300 of the media processing device 3. If machine learning has not been completed for all 500 captured images (S903: No), the process returns to step S901 and continues generating data until machine learning is completed for all 500 captured images.

[0072] [Utilization of learning models] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the liquid application and binding processes using a learning model.

[0073] In the media processing device 3, when the liquid application process and binding process are performed using the learned model, the control unit 300 of the media processing device 3 transports the paper P to the edge binding processing unit 25. Once the paper P reaches the edge binding processing unit 25, the control unit 300 instructs the microscope 95 to take an image. This causes the microscope 95 to take an image of the paper P (S1001).

[0074] Next, the control unit 300 transmits the image of the paper P captured by the microscope 95 to the learning model 600. Upon receiving the image, the learning model 600 transmits information indicating the optimal amount of liquid to the control unit 300 as its output. As a result, the control unit 300 obtains information indicating the optimal amount of liquid to be applied (S1002). Next, based on the acquired information indicating the optimal amount of liquid to be applied, the control unit 300 instructs the liquid application means 31 of the edge binding processing unit 25 to perform the liquid application process (S1003).

[0075] If the control unit 300 determines that the liquid application process has been performed on the last sheet of paper in the stack Pb (S1004: Yes), it instructs the crimping means 32 to perform the binding process. If the control unit 300 determines that the liquid application process has not reached the last sheet of paper in the stack Pb (S1004: No), it causes steps S1001 to S1004 to be repeated. Once the binding process is complete, the stack Pb is discharged into the second discharge tray 26 (S1005), and the liquid application process and binding process are completed.

[0076] Figure 11 shows an example of a data table of factors and levels used to determine the amount of liquid dispensed.

[0077] As described above, the ground truth data used in machine learning is data that determines the optimal amount of liquid to apply, considering the surface condition of the paper P in the captured image, based on evaluation results during the design phase. The data table DT1 shown in Figure 11 is an example where the thickness of the paper P fibers is set as factor A, with five levels from A1 (very thin) to A5 (very thick), and the wrinkles in the paper P fibers are set as factor B, with five levels from B1 (very many) to B5 (very few). In the case of this data table DT1, ground truth data for 25 patterns is created and used in machine learning along with the training data mentioned above.

[0078] Although specific numerical values ​​are not shown in data table DT1, in reality, the values ​​for each level (A1-A5, B1-B5) and the calculation formulas using these values ​​are predetermined during the design phase. In the learning model 600 used in step S1002 of Figure 10, after determining the combination of levels (e.g., A1 and B1) through AI (artificial intelligence) image recognition, a coefficient is determined (e.g., 1.0 + 0.5 = 1.5) using the predetermined values ​​for each level (e.g., A1 = 1.0, B1 = 0.5) and a calculation formula (e.g., simple addition). By multiplying the standard liquid application amount by this coefficient, the appropriate liquid application amount is obtained. Note that the items constituting the factors and levels are not limited to these. For example, the amount of paper dust in paper P (high / low), the fiber density of paper P (sparse / dense), etc., can also be used.

[0079] Furthermore, while the above explanation assumes that the recognition and analysis of captured images are performed using AI (artificial intelligence), it is also possible to perform the recognition and analysis of captured images using image processing without AI. When using image processing without AI, the surface condition of the paper can be understood by filtering edges and shading, or by analyzing the degree of concentration and dispersion of dark areas.

[0080] [Second embodiment of the image forming system 1] Next, a second embodiment of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is an overall configuration diagram of the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0081] The image forming system 1 consists of an image forming apparatus 2 and a media processing apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a paper feeding unit 2a, an image forming unit 2c, a fixing unit 2d, etc. The paper feeding unit 2a holds multiple sheets of paper and feeds them out one by one along the transport unit 2b. The image forming unit 2c forms an image on the paper fed out from the paper feeding unit 2a. The image formed by the image forming unit 2c is transferred to the paper via a transfer mechanism (not shown) at a position before the fixing unit 2d. The fixing unit 2d heats and pressurizes the paper on which the image is placed to fix the image to the paper. After fixing, the paper is fed out of the image forming apparatus 2 and sent to the media processing apparatus 3 located downstream of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0082] The media processing device 3 performs predetermined post-processing on the received paper and then discharges the paper to the second output tray 26. The image forming apparatus 2 is provided with an operation panel 110 for setting the image forming mode and other settings. The image forming apparatus 2 and the media processing device 3 are connected to each other via the control unit 200 and the control unit 300 so that they can communicate with each other. The image forming method that the image forming apparatus 2 can employ is not limited to the electrophotographic method, but can also be applied to other image forming methods such as the inkjet method.

[0083] In the image forming system 1 with the above configuration, the learning model 600 generated by machine learning is part of the control program, and therefore is not limited to being held in the control unit 300 of the media processing device 3. As shown in Figure 12, it may also be held in the control unit 200 of the image forming device 2, which is a separate device. Alternatively, it may be held in an external information processing device (such as a PC) other than the image forming device 2 and the media processing device 3.

[0084] For example, the learning model 600 may be stored as part of a control program written to a control unit 200 of an image forming apparatus 2 that communicates with a media processing apparatus 3, as shown in the figure.

[0085] [Third Embodiment of Image Forming System 1] Next, a third embodiment of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is an overall configuration diagram of the image forming system 1 according to the third embodiment. Components equivalent to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0086] The learning model 600 may be stored on a cloud system (information processing device) 700 that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 2 via a communication network 1000. In this case, the image captured by the microscope 95 during the liquid application process (step S1001 in Figure 10) is input from the control unit 300 of the media processing device 3 to the learning model 600 on the cloud system 700 via the control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 2. Information regarding the amount of liquid to be applied, determined based on the learning model 600, is transmitted from the cloud system 700 to the control unit 300 via the control unit 200. Based on the information regarding the amount of liquid to be applied received from the cloud system 700, the control unit 300 of the media processing device 3 causes the liquid application means 31 to perform the liquid application process.

[0087] Alternatively, the learning model 600 may be stored in the cloud system 700 under normal circumstances, and when the power to the image forming apparatus 2 is turned on, the learning model 600 stored in the cloud system 700 may be downloaded to the image forming apparatus 2 for use. This eliminates the need for communication between the image forming apparatus 2 and the cloud system 700 at the time printing starts, and shortens the time from when the user issues a print command until printing begins. Furthermore, communication with the cloud system 700 may be bypassed by the image forming apparatus 2; instead, the media processing device 3 may be made capable of communicating with the cloud system 700, and the captured images from the microscope 95 may be directly input from the control unit 300 to the learning model 600 in the cloud system 700.

[0088] [About the selection screen] The process of acquiring an image of paper P using the aforementioned microscope 95, and the process of determining the amount of liquid to be applied using the learning model 600, do not have to be executed at all times; it may be possible to select whether to execute or not. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation screen. For example, the control unit 200 displays an operation screen 111A, as shown in Figure 14, on the operation panel 110, which serves as the control unit, allowing the user to select from the operation panel 110. To optimize the amount of liquid dispensed during the binding process using the microscope 95 and AI (artificial intelligence), the user selects the "ON" button displayed on the operation screen 111A. To apply the same amount of liquid dispensed as in conventional machines, the user selects the "OFF" button displayed on the operation screen 111A.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its technical essence. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The above embodiments are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0090] [Modes of the present invention] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows:

[0091] <Aspect 1> Embodiment 1 is a media processing apparatus having a liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one medium, and a crimping and binding means for applying a crimping and binding process to a bundle of media including the medium to which the liquid has been applied, characterized in that it comprises a surface state acquisition means for acquiring the surface state of the medium, and a control means for controlling the amount of liquid applied by the liquid application means to the medium based on the surface state information acquired by the surface state acquisition means.

[0092] <Aspect 2> Embodiment 2 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 1, the determination is performed using a learning model that has been trained on machine learning based on the information contained in the surface state of various media acquired by the surface state acquisition means as training data.

[0093] <Aspect 3> Embodiment 3 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the determination is performed by the control means.

[0094] <Aspect 4> Embodiment 4 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the determination is performed on another device that is connected in a communicative manner.

[0095] <Aspect 5> Embodiment 5 is characterized by including an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a medium and a medium processing apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0096] <Aspect 6> Embodiment 6 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 5, the determination is performed by the control means of the media processing apparatus.

[0097] <Aspect 7> Embodiment 7 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 5, the determination is performed by the control means of the image forming apparatus.

[0098] <Aspect 8> Embodiment 8 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 5, it includes another device that is communicatively connected to at least one of the image forming apparatus and the media processing apparatus, and the determination is performed in the other device.

[0099] <Pattern 9> Embodiment 9 is characterized in that, in Embodiment 5, it includes an operation unit that displays an operation screen for selecting whether to perform or not perform the acquisition of the surface state by the surface state acquisition means and the determination.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the media processing apparatus of Embodiment 1, optimal liquid application to the medium can be achieved. According to the media processing apparatus of Embodiment 2, more optimal liquid application can be performed for each medium. According to the media processing apparatus of Embodiment 3, the amount of liquid applied can be determined within the media processing apparatus. According to the media processing apparatus of Embodiment 4, the amount of liquid applied can be determined independently of the media processing apparatus, thereby increasing design flexibility. According to the image forming system of Embodiment 5, image forming and post-processing can be performed in a series. According to the image forming system of Embodiment 6, the amount of liquid applied can be determined independently of the image forming apparatus, thereby increasing design flexibility. According to the image forming system of Embodiment 7, the amount of liquid applied can be determined independently of the media processing apparatus, thereby increasing design flexibility. According to the image forming system of Embodiment 8, the amount of liquid applied can be determined independently of the image forming system, thereby increasing design flexibility. According to the image forming system of Embodiment 9, the user can choose whether or not to execute the liquid application amount determination process utilizing a learning model. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Media processing equipment 25: Binding Processing Unit 31: Liquid dispensing means 32: Crimping means 95: Microscope 110: Control Panel 200: Control Unit 300: Control Unit 500: Captured image 600: Learning Model 700: Cloud System 1000: Communication Network [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-201432

Claims

1. A liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one medium, A crimping and binding means for applying a crimping and binding process to a bundle of media containing the medium to which the liquid has been applied, A media processing apparatus having, A surface state acquisition means for acquiring the surface state of the aforementioned medium, A control means that controls the amount of liquid applied by the liquid application means to the medium based on the surface state information obtained by the surface state acquisition means, A media processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination is performed using a learning model that has been trained on the training data, with the information contained in the surface state of various media acquired by the surface state acquisition means as training data.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination is performed by the control means.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination is performed in another device that is connected in a communicative manner.

5. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, A media processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, An image forming system characterized by including the following.

6. The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the determination is performed by the control means of the media processing device.

7. The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the determination is performed by a control means of the image forming apparatus.

8. Includes another device that is communicatively connected to at least one of the image forming apparatus and the media processing apparatus, The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that the determination is performed in the other device.

9. The image forming system according to claim 5, further comprising an operation unit that displays an operation screen for selecting whether to perform or not perform the acquisition of the surface state by the surface state acquisition means and the determination.

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