Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device that can preliminarily detect a kind of sheet stored in a sheet feed tray.SOLUTION: An image formation device 10 has: a conveyance unit 16; an image formation unit 17; a fixation unit 18; a detection unit 19; and a control unit 11. The conveyance unit 16 is configured to convey sheets stored in sheet feed trays 151 to 153 and 241 to 243 along a conveyance path 161. The image formation unit 17 is configured to form images on the sheet, and the fixation unit 18 is configured to fix the image on the sheet. The detection unit 19 is arranged in the conveyance path 161, and is configured to detect a kind of sheet. The control unit 11 is configured to, prior to an execution of an image formation mode serving a mode causing the image formation unit 17 to form the image and causing the fixation unit 18 to fix the image, execute a sheet kind detection mode serving a mode causing the detection unit 19 to detect the kind of sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known image forming devices that are equipped with a sensor that automatically detects the type of paper used for printing. Such image forming devices can set appropriate printing conditions and perform printing based on the type of paper detected by the sensor.

[0003] In relation to the above, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device that uses a sensor to determine the paper type during print preparation operations, and changes printing conditions such as the image formation speed and fixing temperature based on the determined paper type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-14695 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, the paper type determination operation is performed during the print preparation operation that is started by receiving a print start command. Therefore, the image forming device has a problem that it cannot start the paper type determination operation unless, for example, a print job is input. In addition, if the user cannot confirm the paper type in advance, when switching between multiple types of paper during printing, the image forming device must present the paper type to the user and confirm it every time the paper is switched, which can cause a problem of reduced productivity of the image forming device.

[0006] In addition, in the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, the printing conditions in the print preparation operation are set based on the paper type that is predicted to be most likely to be set in the paper feed tray. If the predicted paper type differs from the paper type determined by the paper type determination operation, the printing conditions are switched. Therefore, the image forming device cannot resume image formation until the switching of the printing conditions that have been set once is completed. This also causes a problem of increased standby time for the image forming device.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an image forming apparatus that can detect in advance the type of paper contained in a paper feed tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) An image forming apparatus having a conveying unit that conveys paper stored in a paper feed tray along a conveying path, an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper conveyed by the conveying unit, a fixing unit that fixes the image formed by the image forming unit to the paper, a detection unit that is disposed on the conveying path and detects the type of the paper, and a control unit that executes a paper type detection mode in which the detection unit detects the type of the paper conveyed by the conveying unit before executing an image formation mode in which the image forming unit forms the image and the image is fixed by the fixing unit.

[0010] (2) The image forming apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the control unit controls the image forming unit so as not to form the image on the paper transported by the transport unit during execution of the paper type detection mode.

[0011] (3) An image forming apparatus as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the control unit, when the paper feed tray is loaded in the device body, determines to execute the paper type detection mode and causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the loaded paper feed tray.

[0012] (4) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the control unit is connected to the apparatus itself and, when the paper feed tray is loaded into a paper feed device having the paper feed tray, determines to execute the paper type detection mode and causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the loaded paper feed tray.

[0013] (5) An image forming device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein when there is a paper feed tray containing paper whose type has not been detected and the image forming mode is not being executed, the control unit determines to execute the paper type detection mode and causes the detection unit to detect the type of the paper whose type has not been detected.

[0014] (6) An image forming device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the control unit determines to execute the paper type detection mode when the paper type detection mode is selected on a first operation screen, which is an operation screen for allowing a user to select the paper type detection mode.

[0015] (7) The image forming device described in (6) above, wherein when the paper feed tray is further selected on a second operation screen, which is an operation screen for allowing a user to select the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the selected paper feed tray in the paper type detection mode.

[0016] (8) The image forming device described in (7) above, wherein when multiple paper feed trays are selected on the second operation screen, the control unit, in the paper type detection mode, causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the selected paper feed tray in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were selected.

[0017] (9) An image forming device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein when the control unit executes the paper type detection mode while accepting a print job, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray being used in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job.

[0018] (10) An image forming device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the control unit, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, causes the conveying unit, which is located within the detection range of the detection unit, to convey the paper at a conveying speed according to the paper type detection mode.

[0019] (11) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display a third operation screen, which is an operation screen for allowing a user to confirm the type of paper detected by the detection unit.

[0020] (12) The image forming device described in (11) above, wherein the control unit adopts the changed paper type when the paper type is changed on the third operation screen, and adopts the confirmed paper type when the paper type is confirmed on the third operation screen.

[0021] (13) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the control unit controls a fixing temperature of the fixing unit based on the type of the paper.

[0022] (14) An image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the control unit is further capable of executing the paper type detection mode while a print job is being executed, and when it determines that the paper type detection mode is to be executed while the print job is being executed, interrupts the print job being executed and executes the paper type detection mode.

[0023] (15) The image forming apparatus according to (14), wherein when the control unit interrupts the print job being executed and executes the paper type detection mode, the control unit causes the fixing unit to maintain the fixing temperature before the interruption. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, the image forming device executes the paper type detection mode before executing the image forming mode. This allows the image forming device to detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray in advance in order to set printing conditions according to the detected paper type. Therefore, the image forming device can start detecting the paper type even if a print job is not input, and can also reduce the standby time of the image forming device caused by switching printing conditions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a detection unit of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen showing a detection result. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen that accepts a user's selection. [Figure 6A] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process performed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6B] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process performed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the drawings may be exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a paper feeder 20. The paper feeder 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 on the upstream side of the paper transport direction.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation panel 14, a paper feed unit 15, a conveyance unit 16, an image forming unit 17, a fixing unit 18, and a detection unit 19. Each component is connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals.

[0030] The control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the above-mentioned components and executes various types of arithmetic processing in accordance with a program.

[0031] The storage unit 12 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data in advance, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores programs and data as a working area, a hard disk that stores various programs and data, etc.

[0032] The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives various data and various signals, for example, to and from the paper feeder 20. The communication unit 13 also transmits and receives various data and the like to and from a user's PC (Personal Computer), mobile terminal, etc., via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0033] The operation panel 14 includes, for example, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and functions as a display unit that displays various information and as an operation reception unit that receives various operations from the user. The operation panel 14 may, for example, display an operation screen as the display unit, and receive operations from the user on the operation screen as the operation reception unit. Note that the display unit and the operation reception unit may be configured separately.

[0034] The paper feed unit 15 includes paper feed trays 151 to 153 that store paper sheets used for printing, and feeds the paper sheets stored in each paper feed tray one by one. However, the number of paper feed trays included in the paper feed unit 15 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0035] The transport section 16 includes a transport path 161, a plurality of transport roller pairs 162, and a drive motor (not shown) that drives the transport roller pairs 162, and transports the paper fed by the paper feed section 15 along the transport path 161.

[0036] The image forming unit 17 forms an image on the paper conveyed by the conveying unit 16 using a known imaging process such as electrophotography.

[0037] Fixing unit 18 includes a heating roller heated by a heater and a pressure roller, and applies heat and pressure to the paper on which an image has been formed by image forming unit 17, thereby fixing the image to the paper. The power supply to the heater is controlled so that the fixing temperature of fixing unit 18 measured by a temperature sensor becomes a predetermined control temperature.

[0038] The detection unit 19 is disposed on the transport path 161 and is a sensor that detects the type of paper transported within the detection range of the detection unit 19. For example, one detection unit 19 may be disposed on the transport path 161 downstream of the joining point of the paper fed from the paper feed trays 151 to 153 and the paper fed from the paper feed device 20. Alternatively, one detection unit 19 may be disposed near each paper feed tray. The types of paper detected by the detection unit 19 include the paper type, paper thickness, basis weight, smoothness, etc. A detailed configuration of the detection unit 19 will be described later.

[0039] Next, the sheet feeding device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a sheet feeding unit 24, and a conveying unit 25. Each component is connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals. Note that the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, the communication unit 23, and the conveying unit 25 of the sheet feeding device 20 have the same functions as the respective components of the image forming device 10, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] The paper feed unit 24 includes paper feed trays 241 to 243 that store paper sheets used for printing, and feeds the paper sheets stored in each paper feed tray one by one. However, the number of paper feed trays included in the paper feed unit 24 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0041] Note that the image forming system 1 may include devices other than the image forming apparatus 10 and the paper feeder 20. For example, the image forming system 1 may further include a post-processing device downstream of the image forming apparatus 10. Also, the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to include the paper feeder 20 externally.

[0042] Furthermore, image forming apparatus 10 and sheet feeding apparatus 20 may include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above. For example, sheet feeding apparatus 20 may further include a detection unit. The detection unit of sheet feeding apparatus 20 may detect the type of paper stored in sheet feeding trays 241-243 instead of detection unit 19 of image forming apparatus 10.

[0043] Next, a detailed configuration of the detection unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a detection unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0045] 2, the detection unit 19 includes a paper thickness sensor 191, a basis weight sensor 192, and a smoothness sensor 193. These sensors are disposed on the conveying path 161.

[0046] The paper thickness sensor 191 is a sensor that detects the thickness of the paper. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the paper thickness sensor 191 is attached to the transport roller 162a included in the transport unit 16, and detects the paper thickness based on the amount of displacement of the transport roller 162a when the paper passes through.

[0047] Basis weight sensor 192 is a sensor that detects the basis weight of a sheet of paper. Basis weight sensor 192 includes, for example, a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, which are disposed on both sides of the sheet of paper passing along transport path 161. Basis weight sensor 192 detects the basis weight of the sheet of paper based on the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting section, transmitted through the sheet of paper, and received by the light-receiving section. The light-emitting section may include, for example, an LED or the like.

[0048] Smoothness sensor 193 is a sensor that detects the smoothness of paper. Smoothness sensor 193 includes, for example, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are disposed on the same side of the paper passing along transport path 161. Smoothness sensor 193 detects the smoothness of the paper based on light that is emitted by the light-emitting unit, reflected by the paper, and received by the light-receiving unit.

[0049] The type, number and positions of sensors included in detection unit 19 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, detection unit 19 does not have to include at least one of paper thickness sensor 191, basis weight sensor 192 and smoothness sensor 193. Detection unit 19 may also include other types of sensors that detect glossiness, etc. Furthermore, the method in which each sensor acquires paper information is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0050] In the image forming system 1 configured as above, the image forming device 10 switches between two modes, an image formation mode and a paper type detection mode. The image formation mode is a mode in which an image is formed by the image forming unit 17 and the image is fixed by the fixing unit 18. The paper type detection mode is a mode in which the detection unit 19 detects the type of paper contained in at least one of the paper feed trays 151-153 and 241-243 and transported by the transport unit 16.

[0051] It should be noted that while the image forming mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 performs print preparation operations such as starting the rotation of the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit 17 and starting the warm-up of the fixing unit 18. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a paper type detection mode before executing the image forming mode in order to detect in advance the type of paper stored and smoothly set appropriate printing conditions when using the paper for printing.

[0052] Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may control the image forming unit 17 so as not to form an image on the paper transported by the transport unit 16. Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may control the fixing unit 18 so as not to heat and pressurize the paper transported by the transport unit 16. In other words, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may not need to supply power to the image forming unit 17 and the fixing unit 18.

[0053] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a process procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The process of the image forming apparatus 10 is to control the image forming apparatus 10 so as to detect in advance the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray.

[0054] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The algorithm shown in the flowchart in Fig. 3 is stored as a program in the storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 and is executed by the control unit 11.

[0055] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to execute the paper type detection mode (step S101).

[0056] For example, when at least one of the paper feed trays 151 to 153 is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 (main body), the control unit 11 determines to execute the paper type detection mode. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine to execute the paper type detection mode when at least one of the paper feed trays 241 to 243 is loaded in the paper feed device 20 (main body) and a notification that the paper feed tray has been loaded in the paper feed device 20 is received from the control unit 21. When a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed device 20, it is highly likely that paper has been newly set in the paper feed tray. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 determines to execute the paper type detection mode in order to confirm the type of the newly set paper.

[0057] When it is determined that the paper type detection mode is to be executed (step S101: YES), the control unit 11 specifies the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected, that is, the paper whose type is to be detected (step S102).

[0058] For example, when the control unit 11 determines in step S101 that a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed device 20 and that the paper type detection mode is to be executed, the control unit 11 identifies the loaded paper feed tray as the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected. Also, when multiple paper feed trays are loaded in succession, the control unit 11 may identify the multiple paper feed trays as the paper feed trays that contain the paper to be detected.

[0059] Furthermore, control unit 11 may specify a paper feed tray other than the paper feed tray loaded in step S101 as the paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected. For example, when paper feed tray 151 is loaded in image forming apparatus 10, if the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 152 has not been detected in the past, control unit 11 may specify both paper feed trays 151 and 152 as the paper feed trays that contain the paper to be detected.

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 causes the paper feed unit 15 to feed the paper stored in the paper feed tray identified in step S102, and causes the transport unit 16 to transport the paper (step S103). Then, the control unit 11 causes the detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper being transported by the transport unit 16 (step S104). That is, the control unit 11 executes the processes of steps S103 and S104 for the paper stored in the paper feed tray identified in step S102, thereby executing the paper type detection mode. Note that the paper whose type has been detected continues to be transported by the transport unit 16, and is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 10.

[0061] In steps S103 and S104, the control unit 11 may control each component of the image forming apparatus 10 to operate at a speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode. The control unit 11 may, for example, cause the transport unit 16 to transport the paper at a preset transport speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode. Here, the "transport speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode" may be, for example, the maximum transport speed at which the detection unit 19 can detect the type of paper (i.e., the detection accuracy of the detection unit 19 can be ensured). The control unit 11 may also cause the transport unit 16 located within the detection range of the detection unit 19 (see FIG. 2) to transport the paper at the transport speed corresponding to the paper type detection mode, and cause the transport unit 16 located outside the detection range of the detection unit 19 to transport the paper at the maximum speed.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the types of paper contained in all the paper feed trays identified in step S102 have been detected (step S105).

[0063] If it is determined that the types of paper contained in all the identified paper feed trays have not been detected (step S105: NO), the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S103. Then, the control unit 11 repeats the processes of steps S103 to S105 until the processes of steps S103 and S104 are executed for the paper contained in all the paper feed trays identified in step S102.

[0064] When it is determined that the types of paper stored in all the identified paper feed trays have been detected (step S105: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S106. Then, the control unit 11 associates the type of paper detected by the detection unit 19 in step S104 with the paper feed tray in which the paper was stored, and displays the result of detection on the operation panel 14 (step S106). That is, the control unit 11 displays an operation screen (third operation screen) for allowing the user to confirm the type of paper detected by the detection unit 19 on the operation panel 14. Note that the control unit 11 may display the detection result on an operation panel functioning as a display unit in the user's PC, mobile terminal, etc., via the communication unit 13. Hereinafter, the operation panel 14 and the operation panels of the user's PC, mobile terminal, etc. will be collectively referred to as "operation panel 14, etc."

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen showing the detection result.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 11 causes at least one of the paper types detected by the detection unit 19 in step S104 (i.e., at least one of the paper thickness, basis weight, and smoothness) to be displayed as a detection result on the operation panel 14 or the like. The detection result may be displayed not as an actual detection value, but as a rank evaluation as shown in Fig. 4. For example, as a detection result for paper thickness, rank 1 is 52 to 59 g / m 2 , Rank 2 is 60~90g / m 2 , Rank 3 is 91~120g / m 2 may be indicated.

[0067] Furthermore, when a paper type that has not been detected in the past is detected, the control unit 11 may display a list of past detection history on the operation panel 14 or the like. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, a paper thickness with a rank evaluation of 1, a basis weight with a rank evaluation of 2, and a smoothness with a rank evaluation of 3 are detected as the type of paper stored in "Tray 1" corresponding to the paper feed tray 151. When a paper type including such a combination of paper thickness, basis weight, and smoothness has not been detected in the past, the control unit 11 may display a list of past detection history on the operation panel 14 or the like, as shown in FIG. 4. The detection history may be displayed in association with the paper feed tray in which the detected paper was stored.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the user has changed the paper type displayed on the operation panel 14 or the like in step S106 (step S107). For example, the control unit 11 determines that the user has changed the paper type by receiving a user operation to change the paper type via the operation panel 14 or the like.

[0069] The control unit 11 may determine that the user has changed the paper type by accepting the user's operation of directly changing the numerical value indicating the rank evaluation of the paper type and pressing the Change button on the operation screen shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine that the user has changed the paper type by selecting the correct paper type from a list of paper type detection history and pressing the Change button.

[0070] If it is determined that the user has changed the paper type (step S107: YES), the control unit 11 adopts the paper type changed in step S107 as the paper type associated with the paper feed tray (step S108).

[0071] If it is determined that the user has not changed the paper type (step S107: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has confirmed the paper type displayed on the operation panel 14 or the like in step S106 (step S109). That is, even if the user does not change the paper type, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has confirmed the paper type at least once. For example, the control unit 11 determines that the user has confirmed the paper type by accepting a user operation to confirm the paper type via the operation panel 14 or the like. The control unit 11 may determine that the user has confirmed the paper type by accepting a user operation to press the OK button on the operation screen shown in FIG. 4, for example.

[0072] If it is determined that the user has neither changed nor confirmed the paper type (step S109: NO), the control unit 11 returns to the process of step S107. Then, the control unit 11 repeats the processes of steps S107 and S109 until the user changes or confirms the paper type.

[0073] If it is determined that the user has confirmed the paper type (step S109: YES), control unit 11 adopts the paper type confirmed in step S109 as the paper type associated with the paper feed tray (step S110).

[0074] Next, control unit 11 stores the paper type adopted in step S108 or S110 in storage unit 12 (step S111). Note that, when control unit 11 immediately executes the image forming mode after step S110 and uses the paper whose type has been detected for printing, it may immediately set printing conditions according to the detected paper type instead of storing the paper type in storage unit 12. That is, control unit 11 may control, for example, the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum of image forming unit 17 and the fixing temperature of fixing unit 18 based on the adopted paper type.

[0075] On the other hand, in step S101, when it is determined that the paper type detection mode is not to be executed (step S101: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not to execute the image formation mode (step S112).

[0076] When it is determined that the image forming mode should be executed (step S112: YES), the control unit 11 executes the image forming mode (step S113). When the control unit 11 has previously executed the processes of steps S101 to S111 and is to use paper whose type has already been detected for printing, the control unit 11 may execute the image forming mode after setting printing conditions according to the type of paper stored in the storage unit 12 in step S110. That is, the control unit 11 controls, for example, the rotation speed of the photoconductor drum of the image forming unit 17 and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 18 as printing conditions based on the type of paper stored in the storage unit 12, and then executes the image forming mode.

[0077] When it is determined that the image formation mode is not to be executed (step S112: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0078] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the paper type detection mode before executing the image formation mode. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray in advance in order to set printing conditions according to the detected paper type. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can start detecting the type of paper even if a print job is not input, and can also shorten the standby time of the image forming apparatus 10 caused by switching printing conditions. In particular, since the image forming apparatus 10 can detect the type of paper to be used in advance, it is possible to omit the effort of presenting the type of paper to be used to the user for confirmation each time the paper is switched, and a decrease in productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be avoided.

[0079] Furthermore, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 does not form an image on the paper being transported. As a result, while the paper type detection mode is being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 does not need to supply power to the image forming unit 17, and the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the user can have the image forming apparatus 10 reuse the paper that has been detected as its type and ejected outside the image forming apparatus 10 by resetting the paper in the paper feed tray.

[0080] Furthermore, when a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming device 10 or the paper feed device 20, the image forming device 10 detects the type of paper contained in the loaded paper feed tray. This allows the image forming device 10 to automatically start detecting the type of paper newly loaded in the paper feed tray without increasing the user's effort.

[0081] Furthermore, during execution of the paper type detection mode, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the conveying unit 16, which is disposed within the detection range of the detection unit 19, to convey the paper at a conveying speed according to the paper type detection mode. This enables the image forming apparatus 10 to improve the detection accuracy of the detection unit 19.

[0082] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 displays the detected paper type, thereby allowing the user to confirm the detected paper type.

[0083] Furthermore, after displaying the detected paper type, the image forming apparatus 10 adopts the paper type confirmed or changed by the user. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to allow the user to adjust the paper type even if the paper type detected by the detection unit 19 is incorrect.

[0084] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 controls the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 18 based on the type of paper. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to set an appropriate fixing temperature from the beginning of printing, and shortens the waiting time caused by switching the fixing temperature.

[0085] Although an example of the process of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this example. Various modifications and improvements such as those described below are possible.

[0086] It has been described that in step S101, the image forming apparatus 10 determines to execute the paper type detection mode when, for example, a paper feed tray is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed apparatus 20. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0087] For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 has a paper feed tray that stores paper whose type has not been detected and the image forming mode is not being executed, the image forming apparatus 10 may determine to execute the paper type detection mode in step S101. Note that "when the image forming mode is not being executed" means, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in a standby state.

[0088] Then, image forming apparatus 10 may specify the paper feed tray in step S102. After that, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray, the type of which has not been detected, in the paper type detection mode executed in steps S103 and S104. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode at an appropriate timing other than when a paper feed tray is loaded in image forming apparatus 10 or paper feeder 20. Therefore, even if a paper feed tray is loaded while image forming apparatus 10 is powered off and the paper type detection mode cannot be executed immediately after loading, image forming apparatus 10 can execute the paper type detection mode after power is turned on.

[0089] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 may display an operation screen for allowing the user to select a paper type detection mode, for example, before step S101.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting a user's selection.

[0091] 5A, the image forming apparatus 10 may display an operation screen (first operation screen) on the operation panel 14 or the like, which allows the user to select "image formation mode" or "paper type detection mode" as the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 10. Then, when the paper type detection mode is selected on the operation screen (i.e., when a user operation to select the paper type detection mode is received), the image forming apparatus 10 may determine in step S101 to execute the paper type detection mode. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode in response to a user request.

[0092] Furthermore, when displaying an operation screen for allowing the user to select a paper type detection mode, image forming apparatus 10 may further display an operation screen (second operation screen) for allowing the user to select a paper feed tray that contains the paper to be detected, as shown in B and C of FIG. Then, when a paper feed tray is selected on the operation screen, image forming apparatus 10 may identify the selected paper feed tray in step S102. After that, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper contained in the identified paper feed tray in steps S103 and S104. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray intentionally selected by the user.

[0093] 5B and 5C, image forming apparatus 10 may allow the user to select multiple paper feed trays on an operation screen for allowing the user to select a paper feed tray. When multiple paper feed trays are selected on the operation screen, image forming apparatus 10 may identify the selected paper feed trays in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were selected in step S102. After that, image forming apparatus 10 may cause detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper stored in the identified paper feed trays in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were identified in steps S103 and S104.

[0094] For example, assume that on the operation screen shown in B of Fig. 5, the user selects the paper feed trays in the order of "Tray 1" corresponding to paper feed tray 151 of image forming apparatus 10 and then "Tray 2" corresponding to paper feed tray 152. In this case, image forming apparatus 10 may detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 151, and then detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 152. This allows image forming apparatus 10 to preferentially detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray preferentially selected by the user.

[0095] Furthermore, when executing the paper type detection mode while accepting a print job, the image forming apparatus 10 may identify the paper feed tray to be used in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job in step S102. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 may cause the detection unit 19 to detect the type of paper contained in the identified paper feed tray in the order in which the paper feed trays are identified in steps S103 and S104. The image forming apparatus 10 may, for example, For example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state where it accepts print jobs, job 1 and job 2, in that order, and job 1 specifies paper feed tray 151 and job 2 specifies paper feed tray 152. In this state, when paper feed trays 151 and 152 are loaded in the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 151 and then detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 152. Alternatively, in the above state, when paper feed tray 151 and paper feed tray 152 are selected on the operation screen, the image forming apparatus 10 may detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 151 and then detect the type of paper contained in paper feed tray 152. In this way, the image forming apparatus 10 can preferentially detect the type of paper contained in the paper feed tray that is preferentially used in the print job.

[0096] In addition, when the image forming device 10 is accepting a print job and multiple paper feed trays are selected on the operation screen, the image forming device 10 may prioritize either the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job or the order in which the multiple paper feed trays were selected. That is, the image forming device 10 may detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed trays in the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job, or may detect the type of paper stored in the paper feed trays in the order in which the paper feed trays were selected. Alternatively, when the image forming device 10 is accepting a print job, the image forming device 10 may always prioritize the order in which the multiple paper feed trays are used in the print job, and may consider the order in which the paper feed trays were selected only when the image forming device 10 is not accepting a print job.

[0097] Also, it has been described that the image forming apparatus 10 detects the types of paper contained in all paper feed trays identified in step S102, and then displays the detection results and determines whether the user has changed or confirmed the paper type. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 10 may display the detection results each time it detects the type of paper contained in one paper feed tray, and determine whether the user has changed or confirmed the paper type.

[0098] Second embodiment Hereinafter, a process procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to be able to execute a paper type detection mode during execution of a print job.

[0099] In the second embodiment, for example, when paper feed tray 152 is loaded in image forming apparatus 10 while a print job is being executed using paper stored in paper feed tray 151, image forming apparatus 10 executes the paper type detection mode. Alternatively, image forming apparatus 10 may execute the paper type detection mode when a user operation to select the paper type detection mode is received on an operation screen such as that shown in A of Fig. 5 during execution of a print job. In other words, if a user wants to check the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray to be used in a later print job, the user can cause image forming apparatus 10 to execute the paper type detection mode even while a print job is being executed.

[0100] 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing performed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Steps S204 to S213 shown in Fig. 6A and 6B are similar to steps S102 to S111 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the control unit 11 first determines whether or not a print job is being executed (step S201).

[0102] When it is determined that a print job is being executed (step S201: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not to execute the paper type detection mode (step S202). For example, when an unused paper feed tray is loaded into the image forming apparatus 10 or the paper feed device 20 while a print job is being executed, the control unit 11 may determine to execute the paper type detection mode.

[0103] When it is determined that the paper type detection mode is to be executed (step S202: YES), the control unit 11 interrupts the print job being executed (step S203). Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of step S204. Next, the control unit 11 executes the processes of steps S204 to S213, and then resumes the print job interrupted in step S203 (step S214). Thereafter, the control unit 11 ends the process. Note that even when the control unit 11 interrupts the print job being executed in step S203, the fixing unit 18 may maintain the fixing temperature before the interruption.

[0104] If it is determined that a print job is not being executed (step S201: NO), or if it is determined that the paper type detection mode is not to be executed (step S202: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0105] As described above, when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment determines to execute the paper type detection mode during execution of a print job, it interrupts the print job being executed and executes the paper type detection mode. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the paper type detection mode as necessary even during execution of a print job, and can detect in advance, for example, the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray to be used in a subsequent print job. Furthermore, since the image forming apparatus 10 can detect in advance the type of paper to be used in a subsequent print job, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of presenting the type of paper to be used to the user for confirmation each time the paper is changed, and a decrease in the productivity of the image forming apparatus 10 can be avoided.

[0106] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 10 interrupts an ongoing print job to execute the paper type detection mode, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the fixing unit 18 to maintain the fixing temperature before the interruption. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to shorten the warm-up time of the fixing unit 18 when resuming the interrupted print job.

[0107] The processes of the first and second embodiments may be used in combination. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 may execute the paper type detection mode before executing the image forming mode, and may also be capable of executing the paper type detection mode during execution of a print job.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 has been described as one device. However, the above embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be configured with an information processing device that executes various determination processes and a device that executes image forming processes separately. In this case, the information processing device and the device that executes image forming processes are connected via a bus.

[0109] In addition, the process in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment may include steps other than those in the above flowchart, or may not include some of the above steps. The order of the steps is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, each step may be combined with other steps and executed as one step, may be included in other steps and executed, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed.

[0110] In addition, the means and methods for performing various processes in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The above-mentioned program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded in the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be provided as a standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the image forming apparatus 10 as one of its functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Image forming system; 10 Image forming device, 11, 21 Control section, 12, 22 memory section, 13, 23 Communications Department, 14 Operation panel, 15, 24 Paper feed section, 151~153, 241~243 Paper feed tray, 16, 25 conveyor, 161 Transport route, 162 Conveyor roller, 17 Image forming unit, 18 Fixing section, 19 Detection unit, 191 Paper thickness sensor, 192 basis weight sensor, 193 Smoothness sensor, 20 Paper feeder.

Claims

1. 1. A sensor device for measuring a characteristic of a recording medium, comprising: a first detection unit that detects a characteristic corresponding to the basis weight of the recording medium by receiving light through the recording medium being conveyed; a second detection unit that detects a characteristic corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium by receiving light reflected from the recording medium being conveyed; a third detection unit that detects a thickness of the recording medium based on a displacement of a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium, The third detection unit is provided upstream of the first detection unit and the second detection unit in a transport direction of the recording medium.

2. The first detection unit is 2. The sensor device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light-emitting unit provided on a first surface side of the recording medium and a light-receiving unit provided on a second surface side of the recording medium, via a transport path along which the recording medium is transported.

3. The second detection unit is 3. The sensor device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light emitting section; and a light receiving section that receives light emitted by the light emitting section and reflected on the recording medium.

4. A sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording medium, The image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming section forms an image on the recording medium based on image forming conditions generated based on characteristics of the recording medium measured by the sensor device.

5. a paper feed unit having a paper feed tray for feeding a recording medium to be conveyed to the sensor device; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: storing information about the recording medium based on the characteristics of the recording medium measured by the sensor device in association with the paper feed tray.

6. 1. A method for controlling a sensor device for measuring a characteristic of a recording medium, comprising: detecting a characteristic corresponding to the basis weight of the recording medium by receiving light through the recording medium being conveyed using a first detection unit; detecting a characteristic corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium by receiving light reflected from the recording medium being conveyed using a second detection unit; detecting a thickness of the recording medium based on a displacement of a conveying section that conveys the recording medium, using a third detecting section that is provided upstream of the first detecting section and the second detecting section in a conveying direction of the recording medium; A method for controlling a sensor device comprising:

7. Detecting a characteristic corresponding to the basis weight of the recording medium 7. The method for controlling a sensor device according to claim 6, wherein light emitted by an emitter from a first surface side of the recording medium is received by a light receiver on a second surface side of the recording medium via a transport path along which the recording medium is transported.

8. Detecting a characteristic corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium, 8. The method for controlling a sensor device according to claim 6, further comprising the step of receiving light emitted by a light-emitting section and reflected by the recording medium by a light-receiving section.

9. A method for controlling a sensor device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, forming an image on the recording medium by an image forming unit based on image forming conditions generated based on the characteristics of the recording medium measured by the sensor device; A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising the steps of:

10. feeding a recording medium to be conveyed to the sensor device from a paper feed tray; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: storing information about the recording medium based on the characteristics of the recording medium measured by the sensor device in association with the paper feed tray.

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