Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, information collection method and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device which collects information on a sheet type which a manufacturer has not grasped, and which can contribute to improvement of detection accuracy of a sheet type, and also to provide an information processing device, an information collection method and a program.SOLUTION: An image forming device 100 includes: detection means 26 for detecting information regarding a physical property value of a sheet used for image forming; acquisition means 11 for acquiring information regarding a brand of the sheet; and control means 11 for allowing storage means 13 to store information regarding the physical property value of the sheet detected by the detection means and information regarding the brand of the sheet acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, or a multi-function digital multifunction machine called an MFP, an information processing apparatus for collecting information about the type of sheet on which an image is formed, an information collecting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses that automatically determine the type (sheet type or paper type) of a sheet (including paper) that is a recording medium on which an image is formed, using an optical sensor or the like, are provided.

[0003] Image forming devices that perform such sheet type discrimination generally perform sheet type discrimination based on predetermined conditions, such as sheet type discrimination thresholds set by the manufacturer. However, the predetermined conditions are often set based on sheet type information obtained by the manufacturer, and if a user uses a sheet type that the manufacturer does not recognize, the predetermined conditions cannot handle the user, and the wrong sheet type may be discriminated. Therefore, it is important to collect information on sheet types that are not recognized and to improve detection accuracy.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device that executes printing by calling up process conditions based on the product name of transfer paper from a remote management system. Specifically, in order to set in an operation control value setting means that specifies image formation operation conditions, the device is provided with a setting value storage means for storing the setting value data suitable for image formation according to the paper type for each product name, and a product name acquisition means for acquiring the product name of transfer paper, and is provided with a function of acquiring the setting value data suitable for each product name of transfer paper via a communication line from a remote management system that can remotely manage multiple image forming devices, and storing the setting value data in the setting value storage means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-271139 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the image forming device described in Patent Document 1 cannot handle data on sheet types that the manufacturer does not know. For this reason, there is a need to provide an image forming device that can collect information on sheet types that the manufacturer does not know and improve the accuracy of sheet type detection.

[0007] This invention has been made in consideration of the above technical background, and aims to provide an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an information collection method, and a program that can collect information on sheet types that are unknown to manufacturers and contribute to improving the accuracy of sheet type detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object can be achieved by the following means: (1) a detection means for detecting information regarding physical properties of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to an operation by a user; A receiving means for receiving input of information regarding the brand of the sheet; a control means for correlating information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the detection means with information on the brand of the sheet received by the reception means, and storing the information in a storage means; An image forming apparatus comprising: (2) The information regarding the brand of the sheet is the same as that described in the preceding paragraph including the brand information of the sheet. 1 to The image forming apparatus described above. (3) The information on the physical properties of the sheet and the information on the brand of the sheet stored in the storage means can be transferred to another image forming apparatus via an external device. OR 2 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . (4) The receiving means receives information about the brand of the sheet obtained by reading the barcode by transfer from a portable information terminal having a barcode reading function, according to any one of the preceding paragraphs 1 to 4. 3 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , (5) Equipped with an operation display unit; The receiving means receives information about the brand of the sheet based on a user input from the operation display unit. 3 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , (6) The receiving means receives information about the brand of the sheet based on at least one of voice input, photography by a camera, and reading by an image reading device, according to any one of the above items 1 to 4. 3 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , (7) The transfer from the mobile information terminal is performed by at least one of short-range wireless communication means such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), infrared communication, NFC communication, and wireless WIFI. 4 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . (8) The information on the brand of the sheet received by the receiving means is written in a machine management list outputted on a paper output medium so that a serviceman can communicate problem information. 7 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , (9) The information regarding the brand of the sheet received by the receiving means is included in the email sent by the serviceman to inform him of the problem. 7 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , (10) The method according to any one of the above items 1 to 5, further comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet stored in the storage unit and information on the brand of the sheet to an external device. 9 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , (11) a first acquisition means for acquiring information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation, the information being detected by a detection means of the image forming apparatus in response to an operation by a user; a second acquiring means for acquiring information on the brand of the sheet, the input of which is accepted by a accepting means of the image forming apparatus; a storage means for storing information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet acquired by the first acquisition means and information on the brand of the sheet acquired by the second acquisition means in association with each other; An information processing device comprising: (12) A step in which a detection unit of the image forming apparatus detects information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to an operation of the image forming apparatus by a user; A step of receiving an input of information regarding the brand on the sheet by a receiving means; a step of causing a control unit to associate information regarding the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the detection unit with information regarding the brand of the sheet received by the reception unit, and storing the associated information in a storage unit; An information gathering method comprising: (13) a detection step in which a detection unit of the image forming apparatus detects information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to an operation by a user; a receiving step of receiving input of information regarding the brand of the sheet; a control step of associating information about the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected in the detection step with information about the brand of the sheet acquired in the reception step and storing the information in a storage means; A program for causing a computer of the image forming apparatus to execute the above. (14) a first acquisition step of acquiring information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation, the physical property values ​​being detected by a detection unit of the image forming apparatus in response to an operation by a user; a second acquisition step of acquiring information on the brand of the sheet, the input of which is accepted by a receiving unit of the image forming apparatus; a step of storing in a storage means information related to the physical property values ​​of the sheet acquired in the first acquisition step and information related to the brand of the sheet acquired in the second acquisition step in association with each other; A program for causing an information processing device to execute the above. (15) The information regarding the brand of the sheet is the same as that described in the preceding paragraph including the brand information of the sheet. 11 The information processing device described in (16) A detection means for detecting information regarding physical properties of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to an operation by a user; a receiving means for receiving an input of information regarding the brand of the sheet corresponding to the physical property value detected by the detecting means; a control means for correlating information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the detection means with information on the brand of the sheet received by the reception means, and storing the information in a storage means; An image forming apparatus comprising: (17) The information regarding the brand of the sheet is the same as that described in the preceding paragraph including the brand information of the sheet. 16 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (1), information on the physical properties of the sheet detected by the detection means and information on the brand of the sheet acquired by the acquisition means are stored in the storage means of the image forming device. Therefore, when a sheet type unknown to the manufacturer is used, the information on the detected physical properties of the sheet and the information on the brand of the sheet are stored and accumulated in the storage means, so that information on the sheet type unknown to the manufacturer can be collected. As a result, the number of unknown sheet types is reduced, which contributes to improving the detection accuracy of the sheet type.

[0010] According to the invention described in the above item (2), the information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet and the information on the brand of the sheet are stored in association with each other, so that both pieces of information can be easily handled.

[0011] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (3), the information relating to the sheet brand includes at least one of the sheet brand, the input sheet type information, and the determination threshold value for the sheet type.

[0012] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (4), the information on the physical properties of the sheet and the information on the brand of the sheet stored in the storage means can be transferred to another image forming apparatus via an external device.

[0013] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (5), a correction means is provided that corrects the sheet type discrimination result using a learning function for discriminating the sheet type, and the sheet type discrimination result corrected by the correction means is stored in the memory means, thereby further improving the sheet type detection accuracy.

[0014] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (6), when the correction means corrects the discrimination result of the envelope, which is a sheet, based on the learning function, the voltage value detected by the ultrasonic sensor is corrected.

[0015] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (7), when the correction amounts are different for sheets that have been determined to be of the same type based on the learning function, highly accurate correction can be performed by averaging the correction amounts or by performing correction that takes into account the variation by calculating the standard deviation.

[0016] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (8), the learning means and the correction means are provided at the edge terminal of the image forming apparatus, and the sheet type discrimination result can be corrected in real time at the edge terminal.

[0017] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (9), a learning function that performs reinforcement learning using an inference model of a machine learning algorithm makes it possible to correct the algorithm and automatically update the firmware.

[0018] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (10), the user can select whether or not to automatically update the firmware.

[0019] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (11), information on the brand of the sheet obtained by reading the barcode can be obtained by transfer from a portable information terminal having a barcode reading function.

[0020] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (12), information regarding the brand of the sheet can be obtained based on a user input from the operation display unit.

[0021] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (13), information about the brand of the sheet can be obtained based on at least one of voice input, photography by a camera, and reading by an image reading device.

[0022] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (14), the information regarding the brand of the sheet obtained by reading the barcode can be transferred from the mobile information terminal by at least one of short-range wireless communication means such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), infrared communication, NFC communication, and wireless WIFI.

[0023] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (15), the information relating to the acquired sheet brand is written in a machine management list that is output to a paper output medium so that the service technician can communicate the problem information. Therefore, the service technician can check the information relating to the acquired sheet brand on the paper output medium.

[0024] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (16), the information about the sheet brand is included in the email in which the service technician communicates the problem information, so that the service technician can check the obtained information about the sheet brand in the email.

[0025] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (17), the image forming apparatus can transmit information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet stored in the storage means and information on the brand of the sheet to an external device.

[0026] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (18), when a sheet type unknown to the manufacturer is used, information regarding the detected physical properties of the sheet and information regarding the sheet brand are stored and accumulated in the memory means of the information processing device, so that information regarding the sheet type unknown to the manufacturer can be collected.

[0027] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (19), a correction means is provided that corrects the sheet type discrimination result using a learning function for discriminating the sheet type, and the sheet type discrimination result corrected by the correction means is stored in the memory means, thereby further improving the sheet type detection accuracy.

[0028] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (20), a learning function that performs reinforcement learning using an inference model of a machine learning algorithm can correct an algorithm that realizes a correction function, automatically update the firmware, and transmit the updated firmware to the image forming device.

[0029] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (21), when a sheet type unknown to the manufacturer is used, information on the detected physical properties of the sheet and information on the sheet brand can be collected.

[0030] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (22), the computer of the image forming device can be caused to execute a process of acquiring information regarding the physical properties of the sheet used for image formation and information regarding the brand of the acquired sheet, and storing the information in a memory means.

[0031] According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (23), the computer of the information processing device can be caused to execute a process of acquiring information regarding the physical properties of the sheet to be used for image formation and information regarding the brand of the acquired sheet, and storing the information in a storage means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a control system of the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a basis weight detection sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of thresholds written in a threshold table. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a setting example of a threshold table. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph showing each threshold value defined in the threshold value table shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a sheet type setting screen Sc1. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a sheet type determination process performed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an input screen for paper brand information. [Figure 10] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining the procedure for inputting paper brand information. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus when paper brand information is input. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of an image forming process by the image forming apparatus when a start button Bn2 on a sheet type setting screen Sc1 is pressed. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14 is a flowchart showing the operations of the image forming apparatus, the portable information terminal, and the external storage device when carrying out the input and transfer process of the paper brand information described in FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] First, a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that forms images by an electrophotographic method. Note that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be another method such as an inkjet method. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 may not be a multifunction peripheral, but may be a device that only forms images.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 1, a paper feed cabinet unit 2, an operation display unit 3, and a cover unit 4.

[0037] The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a power source 10, a control unit 11, paper feed trays 12-1 and 12-2, an image forming unit 20, a registration roller 25, a basis weight detection sensor 26, and a paper discharge tray 27.

[0038] A power source 10 supplies power to each component of the image forming apparatus 100. A control unit 11 controls the operation of each component of the image forming apparatus 100. Paper feed trays 12-1 and 12-2 are trays that store sheets (paper). In this embodiment, a paper feed cabinet unit 2 equipped with paper feed trays 12-3 and 12-4 is also provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus main body 1. The paper feed trays 12-1 to 12-4 store sheets of different paper types, sizes, etc. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the paper feed trays 12-1 to 12-4, they will be collectively referred to as paper feed tray 12.

[0039] The image forming section 20 includes imaging units 21Y, 21M, 21C and 21K for forming toner images of each color, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black), an intermediate transfer unit 22, a secondary transfer roller 23 and a fixing section 24.

[0040] The imaging unit 21Y includes a photoconductor drum 211Y, a charger and a developer (each of which is shown as a circle in the drawing) that are arranged around the photoconductor drum 211Y. The imaging unit 21Y develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 211Y by light irradiated from a laser scanning optical unit (not shown) by moving negatively charged toner from the developer to the photoconductor drum, thereby forming a yellow toner image.

[0041] Since the configurations of the imaging units 21M, 21C, and 21K are the same as that of the imaging unit 21Y, a description of these configurations will be omitted here. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the photoconductor drums 211Y, 211M, 211C, and 211K, they will be collectively referred to as the photoconductor drum 211.

[0042] The intermediate transfer unit 22 includes an intermediate transfer belt 221 that is rotated, and primary transfer rollers 222Y, 222M, 222C, and 222K. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the primary transfer rollers 222Y, 222M, 222C, and 222K, they will be collectively referred to as primary transfer rollers 222.

[0043] The intermediate transfer unit 22 primarily transfers and combines the toner images formed on each photoconductor drum 211 onto the intermediate transfer belt 221 by an electric field applied from a primary transfer roller 222 disposed at a position facing each photoconductor drum 211 of the imaging unit 21. The combined image is transferred onto a sheet (an example of a recording material) by a secondary transfer roller 23.

[0044] The fixing unit 24 includes a heating roller 241 and a pressure roller 242. The heating roller 241 and the pressure roller 242 come into contact with each other to form a nip. The heating roller 241 is heated by an unillustrated IH (Induction Heating) or halogen heater (not shown), etc. The heating roller 241 rotates following the rotation of the pressure roller 242. When a sheet is fed into the nip, the sheet is heated by the heating roller 241. As a result, the toner is fixed to the sheet. The fixing unit 24 also includes a temperature detection unit (not shown), such as a thermistor. The sheet with the fixed toner is discharged to the paper output tray 27.

[0045] The registration rollers 25 are rollers provided above and below the sheet transported on the sheet transport path Tp. The registration rollers 25 correct skew and rotation of the sheet transported on the transport path Tp by contacting the edge of the sheet with a nip between a roller provided above the sheet and a roller provided below the sheet. A basis weight detection sensor 26 is provided upstream of the registration rollers 25 in the sheet transport direction of the transport path Tp. The basis weight detection sensor 26 (an example of a physical property value detection unit) detects the basis weight of the sheet transported on the transport path Tp. The basis weight detection sensor 26 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 described later.

[0046] The operation display unit 3 is configured, for example, by a touch panel in which a touch sensor as an operation input unit (one example of an input unit) and a display panel as a display unit are integrally formed. Note that the operation input unit and the display unit may be configured separately, for example, like a mouse or a keyboard and a display panel. The operation display unit 3 displays a sheet type setting screen Sc1 (see FIG. 7) based on the control by the display control unit 16 described later.

[0047] The sheet type setting screen Sc1 is a screen on which the type of sheet identified by the sheet type discrimination unit 17 and the type of sheet estimated from the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 are displayed as selectable buttons. The sheet type setting screen Sc1 is displayed on the display unit of the operation display unit 3 (see FIG. 1) (or the display unit of a terminal device (not shown)) when a user such as a serviceman (maintenance person) or a user administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 instructs transition to a learning mode for learning the type of sheet.

[0048] The learning of the sheet type in the learning mode is performed, for example, when a new type of sheet is set in the sheet feed tray 12 and a user presses a learning mode start button or the like (not shown) displayed on the display unit. The sheet type setting screen Sc1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 described later.

[0049] The cover section 4 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) section 41 and an IR (Image Reader) unit section 42. The ADF section 41 reads an original document set in a paper feed section (not shown) and sends it to an original tray (not shown). The IR unit section 42 optically reads an image from the original document on the original tray and performs A / D conversion on the read image to generate image data (scan data). <Configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus main body> Next, the configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 13, a communication I / F (Interface) unit 14, an image processing unit 15, an image forming unit 20, a display control unit 16, a sheet type discrimination unit 17, and a threshold correction unit 18.

[0051] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113. The CPU 111 reads out various programs stored in the ROM 113, such as a system program, an image forming program, and a sheet type discrimination program, and loads the programs in the RAM 112, and controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the loaded programs.

[0052] The RAM 112 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 111 and data related to these programs.

[0053] ROM 113 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor memory, and stores a system program corresponding to image forming apparatus 100, a sheet image forming program executable on the system program, a type discrimination program, etc. These programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes, and CPU 111 sequentially executes operations in accordance with the program codes. In other words, ROM 113 is used as an example of a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores a program executed by a computer.

[0054] The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 13 stores document image data included in a print job, a threshold table T, and the like. The threshold table T is a table in which the type of sheet is associated with an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the basis weight of the sheet. The threshold table T will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 6 described later. The various programs stored in the ROM 113 may be stored in the storage unit 13. That is, the storage unit 13 is also used as an example of a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores a program executed by a computer.

[0055] The communication I / F unit 14 controls the transmission and reception of various data such as print jobs between the communication I / F unit 14 and a terminal device (not shown) connected via a network (not shown).

[0056] The image processing unit 15 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on the document image data included in the print job transmitted from a terminal device (not shown) to convert it into print image data. The image processing unit 15 then performs various image processes on the print image data based on the contents of the print settings included in the print job. The image forming unit 20 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1, so its description will be omitted here.

[0057] The display control unit 16 controls the display of various screens such as the sheet type setting screen Sc1 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) on the display unit of the operation display unit 3 (see FIG. 1).

[0058] The sheet type discrimination unit 17 is connected to a basis weight detection sensor 26 via a cable or the like (not shown), and discriminates the type of the sheet by referring to a threshold value table T based on the basis weight of the sheet transmitted from the basis weight detection sensor 26.

[0059] The threshold correction unit (an example of a condition change unit) 18 performs a threshold correction process when the sheet type associated with a button selected by a user (serviceman, user administrator, etc.) via the sheet type setting screen Sc1 (see Figure 7) differs from the sheet type determined by the sheet type determination unit 17.

[0060] Specifically, the threshold correction unit 18 calculates the difference between the basis weight (an example of a first physical property value) detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 used by the sheet type discrimination unit 17 to discriminate the sheet type and the basis weight (an example of a second physical property value) of the sheet type associated with the button selected by the user. Then, the threshold correction unit 18 corrects the threshold by increasing or decreasing the threshold in the threshold table T (see FIG. 1) using the calculated difference as a shift amount so that the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 coincides with the basis weight of the sheet type associated with the button selected by the user.

[0061] The threshold correction unit 18 may change, instead of the threshold, the detection (sensing) conditions of the sheet by the basis weight detection sensor 26. Alternatively, the threshold correction unit 18 may change the threshold (an example of a second threshold) used when converting the transmitted light L3 or the reflected light L2 (see FIG. 3) detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 into basis weight. <Configuration of basis weight detection sensor> Next, the configuration of the basis weight detection sensor 26 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the basis weight detection sensor 26.

[0062] 3, the basis weight detection sensor 26 includes transmission light sources 261a and 261b, a reflective light source reference plate 262, a reflection light source 263, and a light receiving unit 264. The transmission light source 261a is configured with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that irradiates near-infrared light, for example, and the transmission light source 261b is configured with an LED that irradiates blue light, etc. The light receiving unit 264 includes a photodiode 264a as a light receiving element.

[0063] The reflective light source reference plate 262 is a plate used when correcting the measured value by the light receiving unit 264. The reflective light source 263 is composed of an LED that emits green light or the like. The photodiode 264a receives transmitted light L3 that is emitted from the transmissive light sources 261a and 261b and transmitted through the sheet transported on the transport path Tp, and reflected light L2 that is the irradiation light L1 emitted from the reflective light source 263 and reflected on the sheet. The photodiode 264a measures the transmittance (an example of a physical property value) of the received transmitted light L3 and the reflectance (an example of a physical property value) of the received reflected light L2, and outputs the measured value to the sheet type discrimination unit 17 (see FIG. 1).

[0064] In addition, in FIG. 3, the transmissive light sources 261a and 261b are arranged on the lower side and the reflective light source 263 is arranged on the upper side, but in reality, as shown in FIG. 1, the transmissive light sources 261a and 261b are arranged on the right side and the reflective light source 263 is arranged on the left side with respect to the sheet passing vertically.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, by positioning the basis weight detection sensor 26 upstream of the registration rollers 25, the basis weight detection sensor 26 can detect the basis weight of the sheet when the leading edge of the sheet abuts against the nip of the registration rollers 25 and the conveyance of the sheet is stopped. <Threshold configuration> Next, the configuration of the thresholds written in the threshold table T will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a graph showing an example of the configuration of the thresholds.

[0066] The horizontal axis of the graph in Figure 4 is the nominal basis weight (g / m 2), and the vertical axis represents the detected basis weight (g / m 2 ) Of the two bold solid vertical lines shown in the graph, the left vertical line indicates the nominal basis weight lower limit Thl1, and the right vertical line indicates the nominal basis weight upper limit Thhu1. Meanwhile, of the two bold solid horizontal lines shown in the graph, the upper vertical line indicates the detection basis weight upper limit Thhu2, and the lower vertical line indicates the detection basis weight lower limit Thl2. The rectangular area surrounded by the four solid lines of the nominal basis weight lower limit Thl1, the nominal basis weight upper limit Thhu1, the detection basis weight upper limit Thu2, and the detection basis weight lower limit Thl2 indicates the range of thresholds used to distinguish this type of paper.

[0067] In addition, of the two dashed horizontal lines shown in the graph, the upper dashed line indicates the detected basis weight variable upper limit value Thvu, and the lower dashed line indicates the detected basis weight variable lower limit value Thvl. When correcting the detected basis weight upper limit value Thhu2, it is possible to increase the detected basis weight variable upper limit value Thvu as the maximum value, and when correcting the detected basis weight lower limit value Thl2, it is possible to decrease the detected basis weight variable lower limit value Thvl as the minimum value.

[0068] In this embodiment, the detected basis weight lower limit Thl2 and the detected basis weight upper limit Thu2 are set to values ​​corresponding to the upper limit and lower limit of the basis weight category corresponding to each type of sheet when the image forming conditions are switched according to the type of sheet. However, the detected basis weight lower limit Thl2 and / or the detected basis weight upper limit Thu2 may be set to any value by the user according to the user's business form, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, the detection basis weight lower limit Thl2 and / or the detection basis weight upper limit Thu2 may be set to an average value of the detection results of the basis weights of the sheets by the basis weight detection sensor 26 when a plurality of sheets are passed through the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the detection basis weight lower limit Thl2 and / or the detection basis weight upper limit Thu2 may be set to a value taking into consideration a standard deviation calculated using a plurality of detection results by the basis weight detection sensor 26. For example, the detection result with the lowest standard deviation among a plurality of detection results obtained by the basis weight detection sensor 26 may be used to set the detection basis weight lower limit Thl2 and / or the detection basis weight upper limit Thu2. <Example of threshold table settings> Next, a setting example of the threshold value table T will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a table showing a setting example of the threshold value table T.

[0070] The left side of the table in Fig. 5 shows the lower and upper limits of the threshold variable range and the sheet type, and the right side shows the lower and upper limits of the threshold range of the detected basis weight. Fig. 5 shows examples of thresholds set in image forming apparatuses 100 destined for Japan, the United States (inches), and Europe. Note that Fig. 5 shows an example in which thresholds for Japan, the United States, and Europe are all displayed in threshold table T, but in reality, only the thresholds for the country to which image forming apparatus 100 is shipped are displayed.

[0071] For example, in the threshold table T shown in FIG. 5, the lower limit of the detection basis weight for the sheet type "thin paper" is "58.7 (g / m 2 )” and the lower limit of the threshold variable range is “52 (g / m 2 )” and the upper limit is “59(g / m 2 )”

[0072] The lower limit of the detectable basis weight for a sheet type classified as "plain paper" is 58.8 (g / m2) in Japan, the United States, and Europe. 2 )" in Japan and Europe. 2 )" and in the United States it is "98.3 (g / m 2)”

[0073] Fig. 6 is a graph showing each threshold value defined in the threshold value table T shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6A is a graph showing an example of threshold values ​​applied to the image forming apparatus 100 destined for Japan, Fig. 6B is a graph showing an example of threshold values ​​applied to the image forming apparatus 100 destined for the United States, and Fig. 6C is a graph showing an example of threshold values ​​applied to the image forming apparatus 100 destined for Europe.

[0074] As shown in threshold table T in FIG. 5, the threshold range of the detected basis weight is different for each of the destinations: Japan, the United States, and Europe, and therefore it can be seen that the width and height of the rectangle indicating the threshold range shown in FIG. 6 are also different for each of the destinations: Japan, the United States, and Europe.

[0075] Returning to Fig. 5, the explanation will continue. The lower limit value of the detected basis weight in the threshold value table T shown in Fig. 5 is the detected basis weight lower limit value Thl2 in the graph shown in Fig. 4, and the upper limit value of the detected basis weight is the detected basis weight upper limit value Thu2 in the graph shown in Fig. 4. Moreover, the lower limit value of the threshold variable range in the threshold value table T shown in Fig. 5 is the detected basis weight lower limit value Thl2 in the graph shown in Fig. 4, and the upper limit value of the threshold variable range is the detected basis weight upper limit value Thu2 in the graph shown in Fig. 4.

[0076] For example, when the type of sheet fed into the image forming apparatus 100 for Japan is “plain paper”, the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 varies from the detection basis weight lower limit Thl2 of “58.8 (g)” to the detection basis weight upper limit Thu2 of “96.2 (g / m 2 However, if the detection result of the basis weight detection sensor 26 is within the threshold range of "52 (g / m 2 In this case, the sheet type determination unit 17 erroneously determines that the type of the sheet is "thin paper."

[0077] In this embodiment, in such a case, the sheet type setting screen Sc1 (see FIG. 7) displays the result of the sheet type determination as "thin paper" and shows other sheet type options by buttons, and prompts the user to input the correct sheet type. <Sheet type setting screen configuration> Next, the configuration of the sheet type setting screen Sc1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sheet type setting screen Sc1. Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sheet type setting screen Sc1 in which a button indicating a sheet type determined by the sheet type determination unit 17 is highlighted. Fig. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sheet type setting screen Sc1 in which a button indicating a sheet type selected by a user is highlighted.

[0078] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the sheet type setting screen Sc1 has a paper type setting button display area Ar1, a basis weight detection result display area Ar2, a basis weight shift amount display area Ar3, a learning mode button Bn1, a start button Bn2, and a stop button Bn3.

[0079] In the paper type setting button display area Ar1, a plurality of buttons are displayed showing the names of various different paper types (sheet types). In the example shown in Fig. 7A, the "Thin Paper" button is highlighted. This indicates that the type of sheet determined by the sheet type determination unit 17 is thin paper.

[0080] A user (serviceman, user administrator, etc.) who is running the sheet type learning mode can select the button that displays the correct sheet type if the highlighted sheet type differs from the actual sheet type. Figure 7B shows the state where the "Plain Paper" button has been pressed by the user. If the highlighted sheet type matches the actual sheet type, the user does not need to reselect a button.

[0081] The basis weight detection result display area Ar2 displays the basis weight (g / m 2 ) is displayed. The user can use the basis weight displayed on the basis weight detection sensor 26 as a basis for determining whether or not the determination result by the sheet type determination unit 17 is correct.

[0082] In the basis weight shift amount display area Ar3, the difference between the basis weight of the sheet of the sheet type of the discrimination result and the basis weight of the sheet of the sheet type selected by the user is displayed as the basis weight shift amount. The basis weight shift amount in the basis weight shift amount display area Ar3 is displayed when the threshold correction unit 18 determines that the discrimination result by the sheet type discrimination unit 17 differs from the sheet type corresponding to the button selected by the user after the learning mode button Bn1 is pressed.

[0083] 7A and 7B show an example in which both the basis weight detection result display area Ar2 and the basis weight shift amount display area Ar3 are displayed on the sheet type setting screen Sc1, but the present invention is not limited to this. Either the basis weight detection result display area Ar2 or the basis weight shift amount display area Ar3 may be displayed, or neither may be displayed.

[0084] The learning mode button Bn1 is a button that, when pressed by the user, causes the threshold correction unit 18 to start calculation of the difference (shift amount) and correction processing.

[0085] The start button Bn2 is a button for starting a print job, and the stop button Bn3 is a button for ending the learning mode and stopping a print job that was started by pressing the start button Bn2.

[0086] For example, the basis weight detection sensor 26 detects that the basis weight is “52 (g / m 2)" and the sheet type discrimination unit 17 determines that the type of the sheet is "thin paper." In this case, the "Thin Paper" button, which indicates thin paper, is highlighted, as shown in FIG. 7A. However, if the actual type of the sheet is plain paper, the user selects the "Plain Paper" button, which indicates plain paper, as shown in FIG. 7B, and then presses the learning mode button Bn1.

[0087] As a result, the threshold correction unit 18 detects the lower limit of the detection basis weight of plain paper, i.e., “58.8 (g / m 2 )” (the lower limit of the domestic threshold in Figure 5) and the detection threshold of “52 (g / m 2 )” which is the difference between “6.8(g / m 2 Then, the threshold correction unit 18 calculates the difference of “6.8(g / m 2 )” as the shift amount to “58.8(g / m 2 )” and the lower limit of the detection basis weight of plain paper is set to the result of the subtraction, “52 (g / m 2 Based on this correction, the upper limit of the detection threshold for thin paper is set to "51.9 (g / m 2 )” is corrected.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the threshold correction unit 18 corrects the threshold using the difference between the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 and the basis weight associated with the sheet type selected by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the threshold correction unit 18 may change the threshold by dividing the range indicated by the upper and lower limit values ​​of the threshold into a predetermined number of steps as a unit of change. This makes it possible to simplify the threshold correction process by the threshold change unit 18.

[0089] <How to identify the sheet type> Next, a sheet type determination method by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a sheet type determination process by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0090] The sheet discrimination process by the image forming apparatus 100 begins when a user who has placed a new sheet to be used in the paper feed tray 12 (see FIG. 1) presses a learning mode start button (not shown) displayed on the screen of the operation display unit 3.

[0091] First, the control unit 11 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 100 detects pressing of the learning mode start button (step S1). Next, the display control unit 16 causes the operation display unit 3 to display the sheet type setting screen Sc1 (see FIG. 7) (step S2). Next, the control unit 11 performs control to feed a sheet from the paper feed tray 12 and start conveying the sheet in the direction of the registration rollers 25 (step S3).

[0092] Next, the basis weight detection sensor 26 that has detected the sheet detects the basis weight of the sheet (step S4). Next, the sheet type discrimination unit 17 discriminates the type of the sheet based on the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 (step S5). Next, the display control unit 16 highlights the button of the type discriminated by the sheet type discrimination unit 17 in step S5 among the paper type setting buttons on the sheet type setting screen Sc1 (step S6).

[0093] Next, the display control unit 16 displays the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 in step S4 in the basis weight detection result display area Ar2 (see FIG. 7) of the sheet type setting screen Sc1 (step S7). Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the learning mode button Bn1 on the sheet type setting screen Sc1 has been pressed by the user (step S8). If it is judged in step S8 that the learning mode button Bn1 has not been pressed (if the judgment in step S8 is NO), the control unit 11 continues the judgment in step S8.

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the learning mode button Bn1 has been pressed (if step S8 is judged as YES), the threshold correction unit 18 determines whether or not the sheet type selected by the user matches the sheet type judged by the sheet type discrimination unit 17 (step S9). If it is determined in step S9 that the sheet types match (if step S9 is judged as YES), the sheet type discrimination process by the image forming apparatus 100 ends. In other words, if the sheet type selected by the user matches the sheet type judged by the sheet type discrimination unit 17, the threshold correction unit 18 does not perform the threshold correction process.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the sheet types do not match (if step S9 is determined as NO), the threshold correction unit 18 calculates the difference between the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 and the basis weight of the sheet of the sheet type selected by the user (step S10). Next, the threshold correction unit 18 corrects the threshold for determining the sheet type using the calculated difference as a shift amount, and stores the corrected threshold in a threshold table T (see FIG. 5) in the storage unit 13 (step S11).

[0096] Next, the control unit 11 sets the sheet type for which the threshold has been corrected as the type of sheet to be printed (image formed) (step S12). After the process of step S12, the sheet type determination process by the image forming apparatus 100 ends.

[0097] If the correction amounts applied by the threshold correction unit 18 are different for multiple sheets that have been determined to be of the same type based on the learning function, the threshold correction unit 18 may perform correction by averaging the correction amounts. Alternatively, correction may be performed taking into account the variation calculated by calculating the standard deviation. This type of processing allows for highly accurate correction.

[0098] In addition, although the case where basis weight is detected by basis weight detection sensor 26 has been described, an ultrasonic sensor consisting of an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver may be used to determine whether a sheet is an envelope. To correct the envelope determination result, the voltage value detected by the receiver of the ultrasonic sensor may be corrected. In this case, too, if the correction amounts of the voltage values ​​differ for multiple sheets determined to be the same type of envelope based on the learning function, a correction may be performed by averaging the correction amounts, or a correction may be performed taking into account the variation calculated by the standard deviation.

[0099] After the correction of the threshold value by the learning function described in Fig. 8 is completed, a process of collecting information related to the brand of the sheet is performed. In this embodiment, paper brand information (brand information of the sheet) is exemplified as the information related to the brand of the sheet, but sheet type information or a judgment threshold of the sheet type may be used, and at least one of paper brand information, sheet type information, and a judgment threshold of the sheet type is preferable.

[0100] To input paper brand information, as shown in FIG. 9, a paper brand information input button Bn4 is provided on the sheet type setting screen Sc1 displayed on the operation display unit 3, and pressing this button Bn4 enters the paper brand information input mode.

[0101] 10(A), when the wrapping paper of the paper 300 has barcode information as paper type information, the paper brand information is input by reading the barcode with the mobile information terminal 400 and reading the decimal information of the product code (EAN / JAN, etc.) of the paper 300. After reading, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the mobile information terminal 400 is brought close to the image forming apparatus 100, and the product code is transferred from the mobile information terminal 400 to the image forming apparatus 100 by a wireless communication (NFC communication) means equipped in the image forming apparatus 100. Note that as a transfer means, in addition to NFC communication, short-range wireless communication such as BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), infrared communication, wireless WIFI, etc. may also be used.

[0102] Image forming apparatus 100, which has received the product code, associates the information on the physical properties of the sheet obtained in the process of Fig. 8 with the paper brand information and stores them as a set in storage unit 13 etc. Information on the physical properties of the sheet includes the physical properties of the sheet and basis weight converted from the physical properties, and in this embodiment includes paper type / sensing information from basis weight detection sensor 26 etc., basis weight shift amount (number of steps), paper type error correction amount (number of steps), etc.

[0103] Note that the data may be stored not in the memory unit 13 built into the image forming apparatus 100 but in an external memory such as a USB memory externally connected to the image forming apparatus 100, a print server such as a Fiery externally connected to the image forming apparatus 100 as an expansion option, or a memory server or cloud server other than CSRA / CSRC (a remote diagnostic system for multifunction devices).

[0104] If the wrapping paper of the paper 300 does not have barcode information as paper type information, the paper brand information may be input using a soft keyboard or the like on the screen of the operation display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 100. After input, the physical property values ​​and the paper brand information are associated with each other and stored as a set in the storage unit 13.

[0105] After storing the information, it is desirable to have the paper type and brand information also entered in the machine management list that the service person submits to the development department as trouble information. There are two output formats for the machine management list: paper output format and CSV format.

[0106] In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 collects information on the paper type / sensing information from the basis weight detection sensor 26, information on physical properties such as the basis weight shift amount (number of steps) and the paper type error correction amount (number of steps), and paper brand information.

[0107] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 10(C), the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the information on the physical properties and the paper brand information as a set to the external storage device (server terminal) 500, which is an information processing device called CSRA / CSRC mentioned above. The external storage device 500 is made up of a personal computer or the like, and operates according to a program to obtain the information on the physical properties and the paper brand information, and stores them as a set in a storage unit (not shown).

[0108] Incidentally, data may be transferred directly from the mobile information terminal 400 to the external storage device (server terminal) 500 via a telephone line or WIFI communication.

[0109] In this way, by transferring information to the external storage device 500, the external storage device 500 collects information on physical properties such as paper type / sensing information from the basis weight detection sensor 26, basis weight shift amount (number of steps), paper type error correction amount (number of steps), and paper brand information collected from all over the world or from a wide range of regions.

[0110] The external storage device 500 is equipped with firmware (FW) having a reinforcement learning algorithm that can review the current algorithm of the paper type detection process from the data, and if necessary, the firmware is upgraded to correct the algorithm. If the current firmware of the image forming device 100 also needs to be upgraded, the upgraded firmware is sent to the image forming device 100 so that the firmware of the image forming device 100 can be automatically upgraded to correct the algorithm. Note that the image forming device 100 may be provided with a selection means for whether or not to automatically update the firmware, and the firmware may be automatically upgraded only when a user (including a serviceman or administrator) or the like selects automatic firmware update.

[0111] It is difficult for the development department of the image forming apparatus 100 to collect information on all sheet types (paper brand information) in a centralized manner. Therefore, by prioritizing the collection of information on the sheet types used by users as in this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently develop and analyze algorithms for identifying paper types.

[0112] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when the above-mentioned paper brand information is input. This operation is executed by the CPU 111 of the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 100 operating in accordance with an operation program stored in the ROM 112 or the like.

[0113] When pressing the paper brand information input button Bn4 on the sheet type setting screen Sc1 is detected (step S21), the process transitions to a paper brand information input mode, and determines whether product code information has been received from the mobile information terminal 400 (step S22). If it has been received (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23. If it has not been received (NO in step S22), the process accepts input of paper brand information via the soft keyboard displayed on the operation display unit 3 (step S27), and then proceeds to step S23.

[0114] In step S23, the paper type / sensing information from the basis weight detection sensor 26, etc., the basis weight shift amount (number of steps), the paper type error correction amount (number of steps), and other physical property values ​​are associated with the paper brand information and stored as a set in the memory unit 13.

[0115] Next, after the paper brand information is entered in the machine management list (step S24), the information on the physical properties and the paper brand information are transferred to the external storage device 500 (step S25).

[0116] Thereafter, if necessary, the firmware is updated (step S26).

[0117] In the above-described process, the methods of inputting paper brand information have been exemplified by transferring and inputting the product code from the portable information terminal 400 that has read the barcode, and by inputting the paper brand information using a soft keyboard, but as another input method, the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with a voice input means such as a microphone, and the paper brand information may be input by voice. Also, the paper brand information may be input by photographing it with a camera attached to the image forming apparatus 100, or the paper brand information of the wrapping paper may be input by reading an image of the paper brand information using the IR unit 42, which is an image reading device.

[0118] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 100 when the start button Bn2 on the sheet type setting screen Sc1 is pressed.

[0119] First, the control unit 11 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the setting values ​​of the process control (image forming conditions) based on the discrimination result of the sheet type discrimination process shown in FIG. 8 (step S21). In other words, various setting values ​​according to the sheet type such as "thin paper" or "plain paper" are set.

[0120] Next, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 100 starts the image forming operation based on the process control (step S22). Next, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged from the discharge tray 27 (see FIG. 1) (step S23). After the process of step S23, the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 100 ends.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, when the type of sheet input via the sheet type setting screen Sc1 differs from the type of sheet discriminated by the sheet type discrimination unit 17, the threshold correction unit 18 calculates the difference between the physical property value detected by the basis weight detection sensor 26 and the physical property value associated with the input sheet, and corrects the conditions using the difference as a shift amount. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to more appropriately correct the conditions used to discriminate the type of sheet, without requiring the user to specify the correction amount.

[0122] 13 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, paper brand information is input to mobile information terminal 400, and mobile terminal 400 acquires information regarding physical properties from image forming apparatus 100, and transfers the information regarding physical properties and the paper brand information to external storage device 500 in association with each other.

[0123] An operation screen including a learning mode button Bn10 and a paper brand information button Bn11 is displayed on the mobile information terminal 400. When the image forming apparatus 100 executes paper type detection, a user such as a serviceman can press the learning mode button Bn10 on the screen of the mobile information terminal 400 to start up the learning mode application of the image forming apparatus 100, enabling processing by the learning function shown in Fig. 8. Of course, the aforementioned learning mode button Bn1 displayed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100 may also be pressed.

[0124] 8, the image forming apparatus 100 detects the paper type using the basis weight detection sensor 26 and the like, and detects information related to physical properties such as paper type / sensing information, basis weight shift amount (number of steps), paper type error correction amount (number of steps), etc. After detection, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the information related to the detected physical properties to the mobile information terminal 400, and the mobile information terminal 400 acquires the information related to the physical properties.

[0125] Next, when the user presses the paper brand information button Bn11 on the screen of the mobile information terminal 400, the mobile information terminal 400 enters a paper brand information input mode. In this state, a camera provided in the mobile information terminal 400 reads the barcode on the wrapping paper of the paper 300, and reads decimal information of the product code of the paper 300. The product code of the paper 300 thus inputted to the mobile information terminal 400 and information on the physical property values ​​obtained from the image forming apparatus 100 are associated with each other as a set, and are stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the mobile information terminal 400. As described above, the brand information may be inputted by using a soft keyboard or the like on the screen of the mobile information terminal 400, or may be inputted by voice or the like.

[0126] Thereafter, the portable information terminal 400 transfers the information relating to the physical property values ​​and the paper brand information to the external storage device (server terminal) 500 as a set.

[0127] In this manner, in this embodiment, the user can transfer information relating to physical property values ​​and paper brand information to the external storage device 500 by operating the mobile information terminal 400 .

[0128] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operations of the image forming apparatus 100, the mobile information terminal 400, and the external storage device (server terminal) 500 when carrying out the input and transfer process of the paper brand information explained in Fig. 13. The operation of each device is executed by the CPU of each device operating according to an operating program.

[0129] When the learning mode button Bn10 on the portable information terminal 400 is pressed (step S41), or when the learning mode button Bn1 on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100 is pressed (step S31), the learning mode application of the image forming apparatus 100 is started.

[0130] After starting the learning mode, image forming apparatus 100 passes a sheet and detects information related to physical property values ​​(step S32), and then transmits the detection result to portable information terminal 400 (step S33).

[0131] By the transmission from the image forming apparatus 100, the portable information terminal 400 acquires information on the physical property values ​​(step S42).

[0132] Next, after the user presses the paper brand information button Bn11, the camera of the mobile information terminal 400 is started, the barcode attached to the wrapping paper of the paper 300 is read by the camera (step S43), and decimal information of the product code (brand information) is read from the read barcode (step S44). After that, the information on the physical properties and the paper brand information are sent as a set to the external storage device 500 (step S45).

[0133] The external storage device 500 receives and acquires the information relating to the physical property values ​​and the paper brand information transmitted from the mobile information terminal 400 (step S51), and stores them in a storage unit (not shown).

[0134] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may have a function of performing reinforcement learning using an inference model of a machine learning algorithm (AI), and may automatically update the firmware by the reinforcement learning function. In this case, the firmware may be automatically updated only when a user (including a serviceman or an administrator) or the like selects automatic firmware update.

[0135] Although the learning function and correction function are built into the image forming apparatus, the learning function and correction function may be provided in an edge terminal near the image forming apparatus, and the edge terminal may correct the basis weight and envelope detection voltage in real time. In this case, the edge terminal may also be provided with a function for reinforcement learning using an inference model of a machine learning algorithm (AI), and the firmware may be automatically updated by the reinforcement learning function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 100 Image forming device 1 Image forming device main body 2 Paper feed cabinet section 3 Operation display section 11 Control section 13 Storage section 16 Display control section 17 Seat type discrimination section 18 Threshold correction unit 20 Image forming section 26 Basis weight detection sensor 111 CPU 113 ROM 261a and 261b Transmitting light source 262 Reference plate for reflected light source 263 Reflection light source 264 Light receiving part

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects information regarding physical properties of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to a user's operation; A receiving means for receiving input of information regarding the brand of the sheet; a control means for correlating information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the detection means with information on the brand of the sheet received by the reception means, and storing the information in a storage means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information regarding the brand of the sheet includes brand information regarding the sheet.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the physical properties of the sheet and the information on the brand of the sheet stored in the storage means can be transferred to another image forming apparatus via an external device.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accepting unit accepts information relating to the brand of the sheet obtained by reading a barcode by transfer from a portable information terminal having a barcode reading function.

5. Equipped with an operation display unit, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accepting unit accepts information regarding the brand of the sheet based on a user input from the operation display unit.

6. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accepting unit accepts information relating to the brand of the sheet based on at least one of voice input, photography by a camera, and reading by an image reading device.

7. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transfer from the portable information terminal is performed by at least one of short-range wireless communication means including BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), infrared communication, NFC communication, and wireless WIFI.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information regarding the brand of sheets accepted by said accepting means is written in a machine management list that is output to a paper output medium so that a serviceman can communicate problem information.

9. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information regarding the brand of the sheets received by said receiving means is included in an email sent by a service technician to notify the customer of the problem information.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits information regarding the physical property values ​​of the sheet stored in the memory unit and information regarding the brand of the sheet to an external device.

11. a first acquiring means for acquiring information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation, the physical property values ​​being detected by a detecting means of the image forming apparatus in response to an operation by a user; a second acquiring means for acquiring information on the brand of the sheet, the information being accepted by a accepting means of the image forming apparatus; a storage means for storing information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet acquired by the first acquisition means and information on the brand of the sheet acquired by the second acquisition means in association with each other; An information processing device comprising:

12. a step of detecting information on physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation by a detection means of the image forming apparatus in response to an operation of the image forming apparatus by a user; A step of receiving an input of information regarding the brand on the sheet by a receiving means; a step of causing a control unit to associate information regarding the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the detection unit with information regarding the brand of the sheet received by the reception unit, and storing the associated information in a storage unit; An information gathering method comprising:

13. a detection step in which a detection unit of the image forming apparatus detects information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to an operation by a user; a receiving step of receiving input of information regarding the brand of the sheet; a control step of associating information about the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected in the detection step with information about the brand of the sheet acquired in the reception step and storing the information in a storage means; A program for causing a computer of the image forming apparatus to execute the above.

14. a first acquisition step of acquiring information regarding physical property values ​​of a sheet to be used for image formation, the physical property values ​​being detected by a detection unit of the image forming apparatus in response to an operation by a user; a second acquisition step of acquiring information on the brand of the sheet, the input of which is accepted by a receiving unit of the image forming apparatus; a step of storing in a storage means information related to the physical property values ​​of the sheet acquired in the first acquisition step and information related to the brand of the sheet acquired in the second acquisition step in association with each other; A program for causing an information processing device to execute the above.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the information relating to the brand of the sheet includes brand information of the sheet.

16. a detection unit for detecting information regarding physical properties of a sheet to be used for image formation in response to an operation by a user; a receiving means for receiving an input of information regarding the brand of the sheet corresponding to the physical property value detected by the detecting means; a control means for correlating information on the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the detection means with information on the brand of the sheet received by the reception means, and storing the information in a storage means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the information relating to the brand of the sheet includes brand information of the sheet.

Images