Information processing device, control method for information processing device, and program

Abstract

Recording media before being fed into the device may have dirt or scratches on their surface, and if the type of recording media is determined based on image data obtained from the surface of such abnormal recording media, there is a risk of misidentification. [Solution] An acquisition means acquires information about a recording medium from a recording medium being transported. The acquisition means sets a target area for the recording medium from which to acquire the information, and estimates the type of recording medium based on the information acquired from the target area of ​​the recording medium. In setting the target area, the distance over which the recording medium is transported is determined so that an area avoiding a part of the surface of the recording medium is set as the target area, and the acquisition means acquires the information from the set target area.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, and a program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In the commercial and industrial printing market, outputs are used for various applications such as CAD line drawings, posters, artworks, and signage. For this reason, recording media with a wide variety of properties suited for these applications are used. As the number of types of recording media increases, the task of selecting the type of recording medium to feed to a recording apparatus becomes more complicated. Recent recording apparatuses are increasingly equipped with a function that improves usability by automatically identifying the type of a fed recording medium. When automatically identifying the type of a recording medium, the surface properties of the recording medium serve as an important indicator. The surface properties of a recording medium can be derived by acquiring image data of the surface of the recording medium using an image reading means and analyzing the image data. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs in the image reading means or the recording medium, the surface properties of the recording medium cannot be derived correctly, which may lead to misidentification of the type of the recording medium.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method for identifying the type of a recording medium using a trained model that has been machine-learned using training data in which at least one of the reflectance and transmittance of the recording medium, image data obtained by imaging the surface of the recording medium, and the type of the recording medium are associated with each other. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-58434 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] Before being fed into the device, recording media may have dirt or scratches on their surface. If the type of recording media is determined based on image data acquired from such a faulty recording media surface, it may lead to a misidentification. However, the conventional technology described above does not consider how to address such situations.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology for determining the type of recording medium based on information obtained from an area that excludes areas where surface abnormalities may occur on the recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A transport means for transporting a recording medium, An acquisition means for acquiring information from the recording medium being transported by the transport means, The acquisition means includes a setting means for setting a target area of ​​the recording medium for acquiring the information from the recording medium, The acquisition means includes an estimation means that estimates the type of recording medium based on the information acquired from the target area of ​​the recording medium, The setting means determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport means, thereby setting an area that avoids a part of the surface of the recording medium as the target area. The acquisition means is characterized by acquiring the information from the target area set by the setting means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the area excluding the region where abnormalities may occur on the surface of the recording medium is designated as the target area, and the type of recording medium can be obtained based on the information acquired from that target area. This has the effect of accurately determining the type of recording medium by acquiring information about the recording medium without adding any new configurations, even if, for example, an abnormality occurs on a part of the surface of the recording medium.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an example of a recording device for performing industrial and commercial printing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing an example of the main part of the recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a recording device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of the media sensor and its surroundings according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating an example of the process for estimating the type of sheet S in the recording device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of image data of the surface of sheet S acquired using CIS. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an electrical signal of ultrasound transmitted through sheet S, acquired using an ultrasonic transmitter and microphone. [Figure 8] A flowchart (a) illustrating the details of the process in S501 in Figure 5 according to an embodiment, and a subflowchart (b) showing the details of S501 when using an outer diameter detection sensor for the roll sheet R according to another embodiment. [Figure 9]Flowchart (a) illustrating a process of acquiring characteristic values of S503 according to an embodiment, and flowchart (b) illustrating a process of estimating the type of recording medium of S504 according to an embodiment. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all combinations of features described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. The same components will be described with the same reference numerals. In addition, the relative arrangement, shapes, and the like of the components described in the embodiments are merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only thereto.

[0013] First, terms used in the present embodiment will be defined in advance as follows. • “Recording” In this specification, "recording" is not limited to the case of forming significant information such as characters and graphics. It is irrelevant whether the information is significant or insignificant, and whether it is manifested to be perceptible by human vision or not. It also broadly refers to cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or the medium is processed. • “Recording Medium” A recording medium refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses, but broadly also includes any ink-receptive material such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. In addition, although a roll sheet is assumed as the sheet in the embodiment, cut paper, cloth, plastic film, or the like may also be used. • “Ink” Ink should be interpreted broadly in the same manner as the definition of "recording" above, and refers to a medium containing a recording material that, when applied onto a recording medium, can be used for forming images, patterns, etc., processing the recording medium, or processing ink. It is liquid in terms of physical properties. • “Scanning” To perform recording on a recording medium, a recording head scans over the recording medium and performs recording. Herein, head movement during acceleration and deceleration of the head for recording or related to recording is described as scanning.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a recording apparatus 101 that performs industrial and commercial printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a main part of the recording apparatus 101 according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the recording apparatus 101 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the recording apparatus 101 is described as an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the recording apparatus 101 according to the embodiment. For example, it may be a server (e.g., a cloud server) capable of exchanging various types of data with the recording apparatus 101.

[0017] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveyance direction in which a sheet S is conveyed by the recording apparatus 101 is defined as the +Y direction, and the direction in which the recording head 204 ejects ink onto the sheet S is defined as the -Z direction. The scanning direction in which the recording head 204 can move (scan) is defined as the ±X directions.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the recording device 101 rotatably holds a roll sheet R in which a sheet S is wound into a roll. By rotating the roll sheet R with a roll drive motor, the sheet S is supplied from the roll sheet R to the transport roller 203. The transport roller 203 transports the sheet S by rotating while gripping it. Then, by rotating the transport roller 203 with a transport roller drive motor, the sheet S is transported to a position where the recording head 204 can perform recording. The recording head 204 is mounted on a carriage (not shown) and is configured to reciprocate in the ±X direction. As the recording head 204 moves in the X direction, it records an image by ejecting ink onto the transported sheet S. The sheet S on which the image has been recorded is discharged from a discharge section located downstream of the recording head 204 in the transport direction of the sheet S and loaded into the basket 103.

[0019] The control panel 102 is a UI (user interface module) that accepts various operations from the user. The user can make various settings for the recording device 101 using the various switches or touch panel provided on the control panel 102.

[0020] In the transport direction of the sheet S, a sheet detection sensor 202 is positioned in the transport path upstream of the transport roller 203. When the sheet S is supplied from the roll sheet R by the user and the sheet detection sensor 202 detects the sheet S, the transport operation of the sheet S begins. The transport of the sheet S is performed by the synchronous rotation of the roll drive motor 308 (Figure 3) and the transport roller drive motor 309 (Figure 3). At this time, the type of sheet S can be estimated by the sheet type estimation described later. Various settings for the recording device 101 include, for example, the size and type of sheet S. The operation panel 102 is used to display the sheet type estimation results, which will be described later.

[0021] In the direction of sheet S transport, a media sensor (sensor unit) 206 and an ultrasonic transmitter 207 are positioned upstream of the sheet detection sensor 202. The media sensor 206 is positioned above the direction of gravity (Z direction) of sheet S, and the ultrasonic transmitter 207 is positioned below the direction of gravity of sheet S. These media sensor 206 and ultrasonic transmitter 207 are used to estimate the type of sheet, as will be described later.

[0022] The process of recording an image onto a sheet S begins with a transport operation, where the sheet S is moved to a position opposite the recording head 204. Next, a recording operation is performed, where the recording head 204 is scanned in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the transport direction of the sheet S while ejecting ink. By alternately performing the transport operation of the sheet S and the image recording operation, the desired image is recorded onto the sheet S. The sheet S with the recorded image is then sequentially transported downstream of the recording head 204 in the transport direction of the sheet S. The transported sheet S is then cut to a specified size by a cutter 205 provided in the discharge section, and the cut sheet S is loaded into a basket 103.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the recording device 101 includes an operation panel 102, a recording head 204, a CPU 301, a sensor control unit 302, and an input / output interface (IF) 303. The recording device 101 also includes a USB port 304, a memory 305, and a motor control unit 306. Furthermore, the recording device 101 includes a sheet detection sensor 202, a media sensor 206, an ultrasonic transmitter 207, and a carriage encoder 307. The recording device 101 also includes a roll drive motor 308, a transport roller drive motor 309, a carriage drive motor 310, a lift drive motor 311, a cutter drive motor 312, and a media sensor lifting motor 313. The memory 305 has both ROM and RAM; the ROM stores programs and various data. The RAM is used as a deployment area for programs executed by the CPU 301 and as a work area for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 301 is operating.

[0024] The motor control unit 306 controls each drive motor according to the program stored in the memory 305. The roll drive motor 308 rotates the spool 201 (Figure 2) of the holding unit that holds the roll sheet R, and transports the sheet S from the roll sheet R in the transport direction. The transport roller drive motor 309 rotates the transport roller 203 and transports the sheet S to a position facing the recording head 204. The transport roller drive motor 309 is provided with an encoder (not shown) for detecting the amount of sheet S being transported. The CPU 301 can detect the amount of sheet S being transported by acquiring the amount of rotation of this encoder.

[0025] The carriage drive motor 310 rotates a carriage belt (not shown) connected to the carriage (not shown) on which the recording head 204 is mounted, thereby moving the carriage and the recording head 204 mounted on it. The lift drive motor 311 moves the carriage and the recording head 204 up and down. The cutter drive motor 312 drives the cutter 205. The media sensor lifting motor 313 moves the media sensor 206 up and down in the Z direction.

[0026] The CPU 301 receives various setting information and other data based on user operations from a PC connected via the control panel 102 or USB port 304, via the input / output IF 303. This input information is stored in the memory 305. The CPU 301 can read the information stored in the memory 305 as needed and execute various processes according to that information. In other words, the CPU 301 includes a processing unit that executes various processes.

[0027] The CPU 301 controls the carriage encoder 307, sheet detection sensor 202, CIS (contact image sensor) 401 (Figure 4), microphone 402 (Figure 4), and ultrasonic transmitter 207 via the sensor control unit 302 to obtain various information. That is, the CPU 301 performs various controls based on the input information from the carriage encoder 307, sheet detection sensor 202, CIS 401, and microphone 402. The CPU 301 also controls the carriage encoder 307, sheet detection sensor 202, media sensor 206, and ultrasonic transmitter 207 via the sensor control unit 302 to obtain information from them. The CPU 301 also performs various controls based on the input information from the carriage encoder 307, sheet detection sensor 202, and media sensor 206. The RAM of memory 305 is used as a temporary work area.

[0028] Next, the process of estimating the type of sheet S, which is executed by the CPU 301 according to the embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the media sensor 206 and its surroundings according to the embodiment.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the media sensor 206 is equipped with a CIS 401 and a microphone 402. A roller 403 is positioned opposite the CIS 401. An ultrasonic transmitter 207 is positioned opposite the microphone 402.

[0031] Here, the CPU 301 lowers the media sensor 206 in the -Z direction using the media sensor lifting motor 313, bringing the media sensor 206 into contact with the sheet S, and grips the sheet S using the CIS 401 and roller 403. By gripping the sheet S in this way, image data of the surface of the sheet S can be stably acquired and its characteristics can be measured. With the sheet S gripped by the CIS 401 and roller 403, the CPU 301 transports the sheet S and optically reads the surface of the sheet S with the CIS 401 to acquire surface image data. When the reading of the sheet S is complete, the CPU 301 raises the media sensor 206 in the Z direction using the media sensor lifting motor 313, separating the media sensor 206 from the sheet S.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for estimating the type of sheet S in the recording device 101 according to this embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 of the recording device 101 loading the program stored in memory 305 into RAM and executing it. Some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 5 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means a step in the flowchart. The process shown in Figure 5 may be started, for example, when the user sets the roll sheet S in the recording device 101. Alternatively, it may be started after the user has set the roll sheet S in the recording device 101 and the system detects that a predetermined operation has been entered by the user on the operation panel 102. For example, the operation panel 102 is provided with a paper feed button, and the process may be started when the user presses that paper feed button.

[0033] First, in S501, the CPU 301 feeds the sheet S. Details of the process in S501 will be described later. Next, in S502, the CPU 301 performs sensing. Specifically, the CPU 301 controls the media sensor 206 and the ultrasonic transmitter 207 via the sensor control unit 302 to measure the surface information and cross-sectional information of the sheet S, and stores the measured information in the memory 305.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of image data of the surface of sheet S acquired using CIS401.

[0035] Figure 6(a) shows an example of surface image data when sheet S is made of Japanese paper, and Figure 6(b) shows an example of surface image data when sheet S is made of Yupo paper. Yupo paper is a synthetic paper that combines the characteristics of paper and plastic film.

[0036] Figure 7 shows an example of an ultrasonic electrical signal transmitted through sheet S, obtained using an ultrasonic transmitter 207 and a microphone 402. Figure 7(a) shows an example of an ultrasonic electrical signal when sheet S is Japanese paper, and Figure 7(b) shows an example of an ultrasonic electrical signal when sheet S is Yupo paper.

[0037] CIS401 is a line sensor extending in the width direction of the sheet S, and acquires one-dimensional (one row) image data. The CPU301 uses CIS401 and roller 403 to hold the sheet S and synchronously drives the roll drive motor 308 and the transport roller drive motor 309 to transport the sheet S, while acquiring image data of the sheet S surface using CIS401. By reading the surface of the sheet S with CIS401 while transporting the sheet S in this way, two-dimensional image data can be acquired, for example, as shown in Figure 6(a) or (b). In Figures 6(a) and (b), the CIS direction corresponds to the width of CIS401 (the width in the X direction intersecting the sheet S), and the transport direction corresponds to the amount of sheet S transported measured by CIS401. Although an example using a one-dimensional sensor as CIS401 is shown here, the surface of the sheet S may also be measured using a two-dimensional sensor.

[0038] Furthermore, while measuring the surface of the sheet S with the CIS401, the ultrasonic transmitter 207 and microphone 402 (sound-receiving sensor) obtain ultrasonic electrical signals (cross-sectional information) as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b). In this embodiment, an example of obtaining ultrasonic electrical signals in conjunction with measuring the surface of the sheet S with the CIS401 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the measurement of the surface of the sheet S and the acquisition of ultrasonic electrical signals passing through the sheet S may be performed separately. Also, the ultrasonic electrical signals may be acquired without transporting the sheet S.

[0039] In this embodiment, the acquisition of image data of the surface of the sheet S by the CIS401 and the acquisition of electrical signals of ultrasound transmitted through the sheet S by the ultrasonic transmitter 207 and microphone 402 are repeatedly performed. Multiple sets of image data of the surface of the sheet S and electrical signals of ultrasound transmitted through the sheet S are acquired in this way and stored in the memory 305. After that, the CPU 301 proceeds to processing S503.

[0040] In S503, the CPU 301 derives the characteristic values ​​of the sheet S. Specifically, the CPU 301 uses a feature derivation method previously stored in memory 305 to derive feature quantities related to the image data (surface information) of the sheet S surface and feature quantities related to the cross-sectional information. The feature quantities related to the surface information of the sheet S are derived from the image data of the sheet S surface acquired in S502 as described above. The feature quantities related to the cross-sectional information of the sheet S are derived from the electrical signals of the ultrasound transmitted through the sheet S, acquired in S502 as described above.

[0041] Figure 9(a) is a flowchart illustrating the process of obtaining characteristic values ​​for S503.

[0042] Here, CPU301 first derives four feature quantities related to the surface information of sheet S from image data of the sheet S surface, as shown in Figure 6(a) or (b). First, in S901, CPU301 obtains the brightness of the image data of the sheet S surface as the first feature quantity (feature quantity 1). Here, brightness is derived as the average value of all pixel values ​​in that image data.

[0043] Next, the process moves to S902, where CPU301 obtains the peak-to-peak of the entire image on the surface of sheet S as the second feature (feature 2). This peak-to-peak of the entire image is derived as the difference between the maximum and minimum pixel values ​​in the image.

[0044] Next, the process moves to S903, where CPU301 obtains the peak-to-peak data in the CIS direction as the third feature (feature 3). The peak-to-peak data in the CIS direction is derived as the average of the differences between the maximum and minimum pixel values ​​within each row of pixels arranged in the CIS direction.

[0045] Next, the process moves to S904, where CPU301 obtains the peak-to-peak data in the transport direction of sheet S as the fourth feature (feature 4). The peak-to-peak data in the transport direction is derived as the average of the differences between the maximum and minimum pixel values ​​within each column of pixels arranged in the transport direction.

[0046] In this manner, the four feature quantities described above are derived based on the image data of the surface of sheet S acquired by CIS401 in S502 and stored in memory 305. Furthermore, the average value of each feature quantity is derived and these are used as the final feature quantities (f1~f4) of sheet S. While four feature quantities have been described here as surface information of sheet S, the present invention is not limited to these; for example, surface roughness of sheet S or various statistical quantities may also be used.

[0047] Next, the process moves to S905, where the CPU301 derives three feature quantities related to the cross-sectional information of sheet S from the electrical signals of ultrasound transmitted through sheet S, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b).

[0048] Specifically, CPU301 calculates Peak 1 as the fifth feature (Feature 5). This Peak 1 is derived as the maximum voltage value during the period from time t1 to time t2 in Figure 7. Next, it calculates Peak 2 as the sixth feature (Feature 6). This Peak 2 is derived as the maximum voltage value during the period from time t2 to time t3. Furthermore, it calculates Peak 3 as the seventh feature (Feature 7). This Peak 3 is derived as the maximum voltage value during the period from time t3 to time t4.

[0049] In this way, the three feature quantities (feature quantities 5 to 7 (f5 to f7)) described above are derived based on the ultrasonic electrical signals transmitted through the sheet S, which are acquired by the ultrasonic transmitter 207 and microphone 402 and stored in memory 305. Alternatively, the average value of each feature quantity may be derived and used as the final feature quantity of the sheet S. Here, feature quantities 5 to 7 were acquired using the maximum voltage value, but for example, the minimum voltage value could also be used. The cross-sectional information of the sheet S obtained here corresponds to information such as the sheet thickness and basis weight.

[0050] Next, the process proceeds to S906, where CPU 301 stores the seven feature quantities (f1 to f7) obtained in S901 to S905, based on the image data and cross-sectional information of the surface of sheet S, into memory 305. This concludes the explanation of the process for obtaining the characteristic values ​​in S503.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to S504, where the CPU 301 estimates the type of sheet S. That is, the CPU 301 uses an estimation table previously stored in memory 305 to estimate the type of sheet S from the seven features (f1 to f7) obtained in S503. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the estimation table is stored in memory 305, but the estimation table may be stored outside the recording device 101, and the recording device 101 may retrieve the estimation table from the outside and execute the processing described later.

[0052] Figure 9(b) is a flowchart illustrating the process for estimating the type of recording medium in S504.

[0053] Here, the processes S911 to S916 are repeated as many times as there are types of recording media to be estimated. For example, in this embodiment, the types of sheet S are assumed to be "plain paper," "glossy paper," "semi-glossy paper," and "glossy film," so the process is performed for these four types.

[0054] First, in S911, the CPU 301 initializes the index y in memory 305 to 0 and the variable i to 1. Next, in S912, the CPU 301 subtracts the feature quantity (fi) of sheet S mentioned above from the value (μi) in the estimation table corresponding to the type of recording medium, for example, "plain paper". At this time, the value of i is initially 1, so (μ1-f1) is calculated, and in S913, the CPU 301 calculates (μ1-f1) / μ1 and adds it to the index y. Next, in S914, the CPU 301 increments the variable i by 1 and proceeds to S915. Here, since there are 7 features, it checks whether the variable i has become 7, and if variable i=7, proceeds to S912. Next, in S912, the CPU 301 subtracts the feature quantity (f2) of sheet S mentioned above from the value (μ2) in the estimation table. Thus, (μ2-f2) / μ2 is calculated and added to the index y in S913. Once the processing of the required number of features (7 in this case) is completed in S915, the process proceeds to S916, where the CPU 301 can store the index y (plain) corresponding to the recording medium corresponding to "plain paper" in memory 305. Next, the above processing is performed using the value (μi) from the estimation table corresponding to the recording medium type "glossy paper". Thus, processing for the four types is performed in S911 to S916.

[0055] Here, the index y represents the sum of the differences between the estimated table values ​​(μi) corresponding to the type of recording medium and the actually measured features of sheet S. Therefore, the type of recording medium with the smallest sum of these differences is the closest to the actually measured type of sheet S.

[0056] The calculations performed by CPU301 in S912 and S913 can be expressed by the following formula (1).

[0057] y = Σ[(μi - fi) / μi] …Equation (1) Here, Σ represents the sum of i=1 to i=7.

[0058] Here, the index y is the sum of the values ​​obtained by subtracting the average value of each feature corresponding to any type of sheet S recorded in the estimation table beforehand by each feature of sheet S derived in S503, and then dividing by the average value, and is a value for estimating the type of sheet S. μ1 to μ7 are seven features corresponding to the types of sheet S recorded in the estimation table beforehand. Specifically, μ1 to μ7 are features corresponding to luminance, peak-to-peak of the entire image, peak-to-peak in the CIS direction, peak-to-peak in the transport direction, peak 1, peak 2, and peak 3, respectively. Furthermore, there are as many combinations of these seven features as there are types of sheet S. Similarly, f1 to f7 are seven features derived in S503. Specifically, f1 to f7 are features corresponding to luminance, peak-to-peak of the entire image, peak-to-peak in the CIS direction, peak-to-peak in the transport direction, peak 1, peak 2, and peak 3 when sheet S is measured, respectively.

[0059] In other words, index y represents the error in the feature quantities of the sheet S fed by S501 for each type of sheet S to be estimated, which is recorded in the estimation table beforehand. Therefore, the type of sheet S for which index y is smallest becomes the estimated type of sheet S. For each type of sheet S recorded in the estimation table, the aforementioned index y is calculated. Then, the type of sheet S for which index y is smallest is set as the type of sheet S fed by S501.

[0060] Furthermore, if the type of recording medium is to be estimated using only three feature quantities (μ5 to μ7) related to the cross-sectional information of sheet S, the following equation (2) may be executed in S912 and S913.

[0061] y = Σ[(μi - fi) / μi] …Equation (2) Here, Σ represents the sum of i=5 to i=7.

[0062] Alternatively, if the type of recording medium is to be estimated using only three feature quantities (μ1 to μ4) related to the surface information of sheet S, the following equation (2) may be executed in S912 and S913.

[0063] y = Σ[(μi - fi) / μi] …Equation (3) Here, Σ represents the sum of i=1 to i=4.

[0064] In the embodiments, the type of sheet S was "plain paper," "glossy paper," "semi-glossy paper," "glossy film," etc., but the type of sheet in the present invention is not limited to these. For example, a sheet with a certain texture and basis weight may be used as the first recording medium, and a sheet with a different texture and basis weight may be used as the second recording medium, or the type of sheet may be used according to the characteristics of the recording medium.

[0065] In the example described above, once processing for the four types of recording media is complete, the process proceeds to S918. The CPU 301 obtains the type of recording media when the index y is minimized, estimates that this type corresponds to the type of sheet S, and stores it in memory 305.

[0066] Next, returning to Figure 5 and proceeding to S505, the CPU 301 presents the estimation results of sheet S to the user by displaying them on the operation panel 102 via the input / output IF 303.

[0067] Next, the operation of S501 in Figure 5, which is a characteristic of this embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts of subroutines that describe different embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these two processes.

[0068] Figure 8(a) is a flowchart illustrating the details of the process S501 in Figure 5 according to this embodiment.

[0069] In S801, the CPU 301 detects that the roll sheet R has been set in the recording device 101 by the user. Next, in S802, the CPU 301 rotates the roll sheet R with the roll drive motor 308. This supplies the sheet S from the roll sheet R to the transport roller 203. Next, in S803, the CPU 301 determines whether the sheet detection sensor 202, located upstream of the transport roller 203, has detected that the sheet S has reached the transport roller 203. If no detection occurs, the transport of the sheet S continues. If the sheet detection sensor 202 detects that the sheet S has reached the transport roller 203, the CPU 301 proceeds to S804 and stops the operation of the roll drive motor 308, thereby stopping the transport of the sheet S.

[0070] Next, the process moves to S805, where the CPU 301 calculates an approximate value for the outermost circumference of the roll sheet R. Here, Y1 is the distance from the starting position of the roll sheet R to the sheet detection sensor 202, and θ1 is the rotation angle of the roll drive motor 308 during that distance. Now, assuming π is the value of pi, the outermost circumference of the roll sheet Rout is: Rout=Y1×2π / θ1…Equation (3) This allows us to estimate the outermost length of the roll sheet R. Y1 is a value specific to the recording device 101, and the rotation angle θ1 is determined from the count value of the encoder of the roll drive motor 308.

[0071] Next, the process moves to S806, where CPU301 further transports the roll sheet R according to the estimated outermost Rout.

[0072] This process ensures that sensing of the sheet S of the roll sheet R begins only after the outermost portion of the sheet S has been transported. This allows the sensing area to be defined as the region of the sheet S excluding the outermost portion of the roll sheet R, where dirt and scratches may occur on the surface of the roll sheet, thereby solving the aforementioned problem.

[0073] Furthermore, if the sheet detection sensor 202 is located Y2 downstream of the media sensor 206 in the transport direction of the sheet S, the sheet S will be transported an extra length (Rout-Y2). This ensures that when the media sensor 206 performs sensing, it is possible to reliably avoid the outermost roll of paper and perform the sheet type estimation process.

[0074] Figure 8(b) is a flowchart detailing S501 when using an outer diameter detection sensor for the roll sheet R according to another embodiment.

[0075] In S811, the CPU 301 detects that the roll sheet R has been set in the recording device 101 by the user. Next, in S812, the CPU 301 detects the outer diameter 2r of the roll sheet R using an outer diameter detection sensor (not shown). This outer diameter detection sensor is, for example, a sensor that measures the distance from a predetermined position on the recording device 101 to the outer surface of the roll sheet.

[0076] Next, the process proceeds to S813, where CPU301 obtains the outermost circumference of the roll sheet R at this time. Here, assuming pi is π, the length Rout of the outermost circumference of the roll sheet R is: Rout=2πr…Equation (4) It can be calculated using this method.

[0077] Proceeding to S814, the CPU 301 rotates the roll sheet R using the roll drive motor 308. This supplies sheet S from the roll sheet R to the conveyor roller 203. Then, proceeding to S815, the CPU 301 determines whether the sheet S has reached the conveyor roller 203, based on the sheet detection sensor 202 located upstream of the conveyor roller 203, and conveys sheet S until its leading edge reaches the conveyor roller 203. Once the leading edge of sheet S reaches the conveyor roller 203, proceeding to S816, the CPU 301 stops driving the conveyor roller 203 and stops conveying sheet S. Next, proceeding to S817, the CPU 301 further conveys the roll sheet R according to the outermost Rout determined in S813.

[0078] In this way, the sheet detection sensor 202 detects that the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the transport roller 203, and then the sheet S is transported for a further length of (Rout-Y2) from that position. This ensures that when the media sensor 206 performs sensing, the target area is set while reliably avoiding the outermost sheet portion of the roll sheet R. After this, the CPU 301 stops driving the roll drive motor 308.

[0079] In this way, the length of the outer circumference of the roll sheet R is estimated, and the sheet is measured after being transported for that length. This allows the area that avoids a part of the sheet surface (for example, the outermost surface) to be set as the sensing target area. This ensures that the outermost part of the roll sheet, which may have dirt or other contaminants, is reliably avoided from the sensing target area, and sensing can be performed by the media sensor 206. (Other embodiments) The embodiments described above are merely examples of how to implement the present invention and do not limit it. For example, the technology according to the embodiments may be applied not only to recording devices that eject ink onto a sheet to form an image, but also to scanners that read images on a sheet, or post-processing machines that process sheets. Furthermore, the sheet is not limited to a roll sheet, but may be a single-sheet sheet. In that case, the same effect as in the case of a roll sheet can be expected by transporting the sheet so that the sensing area is closer to the center of the paper, avoiding the peripheral areas that are likely to be touched by the user.

[0080] Furthermore, the estimation of the sheet type is not limited to the CPU 301 mounted on the recording device 101, but may also be performed by a scanner, post-processing machine, or PC, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, the features of the recording medium mentioned above are not limited to seven; the color or thickness of the sheet S may also be used. Also, although the above embodiment described an example where all four feature quantities based on surface information were used to estimate the type of sheet, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type of sheet may be estimated using at least one feature quantity related to the image data of the surface of the sheet S.

[0082] Furthermore, while the embodiment described estimating the type of sheet S from a total of seven features—four based on surface information and three based on cross-sectional information—the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the type of sheet S may be estimated from at least one feature based on image data (surface information) of the surface of sheet S and at least one feature related to the cross-sectional information of sheet S.

[0083] Alternatively, instead of estimating the outer circumference of the sheet, the length of the outer circumference for the maximum diameter that can be mounted on the recording device 101 may be used to determine the amount of roll sheet R to be transported. This is expected to have the effect of reliably avoiding the outermost sheet portion of the roll sheet R when sensing is performed, even when the remaining amount of roll sheet R decreases and the length of the outermost circumference becomes shorter.

[0084] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0085] This specification and drawings disclose the following information processing device, its control method, and program.

[0086] <Item 1> A transport means for transporting a recording medium, An acquisition means for acquiring information from the recording medium being transported by the transport means, The acquisition means includes a setting means for setting a target area of ​​the recording medium for acquiring the information from the recording medium, The acquisition means includes an estimation means that estimates the type of recording medium based on the information acquired from the target area of ​​the recording medium, The setting means determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport means, thereby setting an area that avoids a part of the surface of the recording medium as the target area. The acquisition means is characterized by acquiring the information from the target area set by the setting means.

[0087] <Item 2> The recording medium is provided with a holding means for holding the recording medium, The information processing apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the setting means sets the target area of ​​the recording medium with respect to the acquisition means by transporting the recording medium from the holding means by the transport means according to the distance between the holding means and the acquisition means.

[0088] <Item 3> A first detection means for detecting the amount of the recording medium transported by the transport means, The system further includes a second detection means for detecting the recording medium along the transport path of the recording medium being transported by the transport means, The amount of transported material from the holding means to the second detection means until the second detection means detects the recording medium is detected by the first detection means. The information processing apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that the setting means determines the distance over which the transport means transports the recording medium, based on the distance from the holding means to the second detection means and the transport amount.

[0089] <Item 4> The information processing apparatus according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that the recording medium is a roll-shaped recording medium, and the holding means holds the roll-shaped recording medium.

[0090] <Item 5> The holding means further includes an outer diameter detection means for detecting the outer diameter of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held by the holding means, The information processing apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that, based on the outer diameter of the recording medium detected by the outer diameter detection means, the setting means determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport means.

[0091] <Item 6> The information processing apparatus according to item 4 or 5, characterized in that a portion of the surface of the recording medium avoided by the setting means corresponds to the outermost outer part of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held by the holding means.

[0092] <Item 7> The acquisition means includes a sensor unit having an image sensor that optically reads the surface of the recording medium, The sensor unit further includes a lifting mechanism for moving it between a state in contact with the recording medium and a state separated from the recording medium. The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the information from the target area while the sensor unit is in contact with the recording medium by the lifting means.

[0093] <Item 8> The information processing apparatus according to item 7, wherein the sensor unit further has a sensor for detecting an ultrasonic electrical signal passing through the recording medium, and the acquisition means acquires information of the recording medium based on the ultrasonic electrical signal detected by the sensor while the sensor unit is in contact with the recording medium by the lifting means.

[0094] <Item 9> The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the estimation means calculates the difference between the feature quantity of the information acquired by the acquisition means and the feature quantity corresponding to the type of recording medium, and estimates the type in which the difference is minimized as the type of recording medium.

[0095] <Item 10> A control method for controlling an information processing device, A transport process for transporting recording media, An acquisition step in which a sensor unit acquires information from the recording medium being transported in the transport step, The sensor unit includes a setting step of setting a target area of ​​the recording medium for acquiring the information from the recording medium, The process includes an estimation step of estimating the type of recording medium based on the information obtained from the target area of ​​the recording medium in the acquisition step, The setting step involves determining the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport step, thereby setting an area that avoids a portion of the surface of the recording medium as the target area. The acquisition step is characterized by acquiring the information from the target area set by the setting step.

[0096] <Item 11> The control method according to item 10, characterized in that the setting step involves transporting the recording medium from the holding unit in the transport step according to the distance between the holding unit that holds the recording medium and the sensor unit, thereby setting the target area of ​​the recording medium for the sensor unit.

[0097] <Item 12> A first detection step for detecting the amount of the recording medium transported by the transport step, The system further includes a second detection step for detecting the recording medium in the transport path of the recording medium being transported by the transport step, The amount of material transported from the holding unit to the start of transport of the recording medium in the transport process until the second detection process detects the recording medium is detected by the first detection process. The control method according to item 11, characterized in that the setting step determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport step, based on the distance from the holding unit to the second detection step and the transport amount.

[0098] <Item 13> The control method according to item 11 or 12, characterized in that the recording medium is a roll-shaped recording medium, and the holding part holds the roll-shaped recording medium.

[0099] <Item 14> The system further includes an outer diameter detection step for detecting the outer diameter of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held in the holding section, The control method according to item 13, characterized in that the setting step determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport step, based on the outer diameter of the recording medium detected by the outer diameter detection step.

[0100] <Item 15> The control method according to item 13 or 14, characterized in that a portion of the surface of the recording medium avoided in the setting step corresponds to the outermost outermost part of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held in the holding part.

[0101] <Item 16> The sensor unit has an image sensor that optically reads the surface of the recording medium. The system further includes a lifting and lowering step that moves the sensor unit from a state in contact with the recording medium to a state separated from the recording medium. The control method according to any one of items 10 to 16, characterized in that the acquisition step is performed by bringing the sensor unit into contact with the recording medium by the lifting step and acquiring the information from the target area.

[0102] <Item 17> The control method according to item 16, wherein the sensor unit further has a sensor for detecting an ultrasonic electrical signal passing through the recording medium, and the acquisition step is characterized in that, with the sensor unit in contact with the recording medium by the lifting step, information of the recording medium is acquired based on the ultrasonic electrical signal detected by the sensor.

[0103] <Item 18> The control method according to any one of items 10 to 17, characterized in that the estimation step calculates the difference between the feature quantity of the information acquired in the acquisition step and the feature quantity corresponding to the type of recording medium, and estimates the type in which the difference is minimized as the type of recording medium.

[0104] <Item 19> A program characterized by causing a computer to execute all of the steps of the control method described in any one of items 10 to 18.

[0105] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 101...Recording device, 102...Operation panel, 202...Sheet detection sensor, 203...Transport roller, 206...Media sensor, 207...Ultrasonic transmitter, 301...CPU, 305...Memory, 307...Carriage encoder, 308...Roll drive motor, 401...CIS (Contact Image Sensor), 402...Microphone (Sound pickup sensor), 403...Roller

Claims

1. A transport means for transporting a recording medium, An acquisition means for acquiring information from the recording medium being transported by the transport means, The acquisition means includes a setting means for setting a target area of ​​the recording medium for acquiring the information from the recording medium, The acquisition means includes an estimation means that estimates the type of recording medium based on the information acquired from the target area of ​​the recording medium, The setting means determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport means, thereby setting an area that avoids a part of the surface of the recording medium as the target area. The acquisition means is characterized by acquiring the information from the target area set by the setting means.

2. The recording medium is provided with a holding means for holding the recording medium, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means sets a target area of ​​the recording medium with respect to the acquisition means by transporting the recording medium from the holding means by the transport means according to the distance between the holding means and the acquisition means.

3. A first detection means for detecting the amount of the recording medium transported by the transport means, The system further includes a second detection means for detecting the recording medium along the transport path of the recording medium being transported by the transport means, The amount of transported material from the holding means to the second detection means until the first detection means detects the recording medium is detected by the transport means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the setting means determines the distance over which the transport means transports the recording medium based on the distance from the holding means to the second detection means and the transport amount.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium is a roll-shaped recording medium, and the holding means holds the roll-shaped recording medium.

5. The holding means further includes an outer diameter detection means for detecting the outer diameter of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held by the holding means, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the setting means determines the distance over which the conveying means conveys the recording medium based on the outer diameter of the recording medium detected by the outer diameter detection means.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a portion of the surface of the recording medium avoided by the setting means corresponds to the outermost outer part of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held by the holding means.

7. The acquisition means includes a sensor unit having an image sensor that optically reads the surface of the recording medium, The sensor unit further includes a lifting mechanism for moving it between a state in contact with the recording medium and a state separated from the recording medium. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the information from the target area while the sensor unit is in contact with the recording medium by the lifting means.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sensor unit further has a sensor for detecting an ultrasonic electrical signal passing through the recording medium, and the acquisition means acquires information of the recording medium based on the ultrasonic electrical signal detected by the sensor while the sensor unit is in contact with the recording medium by the lifting means.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means calculates the difference between the feature quantity of the information acquired by the acquisition means and the feature quantity corresponding to the type of recording medium, and estimates the type in which the difference is minimized as the type of recording medium.

10. A control method for controlling an information processing device, The transport means of the information processing device includes a transport process for transporting a recording medium, The acquisition means of the information processing device includes an acquisition step in which a sensor unit acquires information from the recording medium being transported in the transport step, The setting means for the information processing device includes a setting step in which the sensor unit sets a target area of ​​the recording medium for acquiring the information from the recording medium, The setting means for the information processing apparatus includes an estimation step of estimating the type of recording medium based on the information obtained from the target area of ​​the recording medium in the acquisition step, The setting step involves determining the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport step, thereby setting an area that avoids a portion of the surface of the recording medium as the target area. The acquisition step is characterized by acquiring the information from the target area set by the setting step.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that the setting step sets the target area of ​​the recording medium for the sensor unit by transporting the recording medium from the holding unit in the transport step according to the distance between the holding unit that holds the recording medium and the sensor unit.

12. A first detection step for detecting the amount of the recording medium transported by the transport step, The system further includes a second detection step for detecting the recording medium in the transport path of the recording medium being transported by the transport step, The amount of material transported from the holding unit to the second detection step until the second detection step detects the recording medium is detected by the first detection step. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that the setting step determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport step, based on the distance from the holding unit to the second detection step and the transport amount.

13. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that the recording medium is a roll-shaped recording medium, and the holding part holds the roll-shaped recording medium.

14. The system further includes an outer diameter detection step for detecting the outer diameter of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held in the holding section, The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that the setting step determines the distance over which the recording medium is transported by the transport step based on the outer diameter of the recording medium detected by the outer diameter detection step.

15. The control method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a portion of the surface of the recording medium avoided in the setting step corresponds to the outermost outer part of the roll of the roll-shaped recording medium held in the holding part.

16. The sensor unit has an image sensor that optically reads the surface of the recording medium. The system further includes a lifting and lowering step that moves the sensor unit from a state in contact with the recording medium to a state separated from the recording medium. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that the acquisition step acquires the information from the target area while the sensor unit is in contact with the recording medium by the lifting step.

17. The control method according to claim 16, wherein the sensor unit further has a sensor for detecting an ultrasonic electrical signal passing through the recording medium, and the acquisition step is characterized in that, with the sensor unit in contact with the recording medium by the lifting step, information of the recording medium is acquired based on the ultrasonic electrical signal detected by the sensor.

18. The control method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the estimation step calculates the difference between the feature quantity of the information acquired in the acquisition step and the feature quantity corresponding to the type of recording medium, and estimates the type in which the difference is minimized as the type of recording medium.

19. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute all of the steps of the control method described in claim 10.

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