Information processing apparatus, program, and image forming system

Abstract

To notify a user of information on a sheet satisfying a condition determined about the relationship with a specific sheet even when an image is not formed on the specific sheet.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a sensor that detects the properties of a specific sheet; and a processor that outputs information on a sheet satisfying a condition determined about the relationship with the properties detected by the sensor. The sensor includes at least an infrared sensor that detects the properties based on irradiating the sheet with an infrared ray, or an electric sensor that detects the properties based on an electric resistance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that when the characteristics of a sheet are detected by the characteristic detection means provided in the image forming apparatus, one or a plurality of sheet designations that match the characteristics in the sheet information stored in the storage means are extracted. Patent Document 2 describes a form identification apparatus having a recording unit that stores feature amounts of a plurality of types of registered forms, a primary collation unit that extracts feature amounts from the input form and collates them with the registered forms, and a secondary collation unit that collates forms that could not be recognized by the primary collation using the feature amounts with the registered forms. Patent Document 3 describes that an image forming apparatus includes a measurement unit that measures the physical properties of a medium on which an image is formed, an image forming operation unit that forms an image on the medium, a reading unit that reads the formed image, and a medium specifying unit that specifies the medium type based on the measurement result by the measurement unit and the reading result by the reading unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a technology that detects an image formed on a specific sheet of paper and notifies the user of information about the sheet of paper that meets the conditions defined for the relationship with the specific sheet of paper, etc., based on the detected image. However, in this case, if there is no image formed on the specific sheet of paper, it is impossible to notify the user of information about the sheet of paper that meets the conditions defined for the relationship with the specific sheet of paper. An object of the present invention is to notify the user of information about a sheet of paper that meets the conditions defined for the relationship with a specific sheet of paper even when there is no image formed on the specific sheet of paper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Claim 1 The invention described in A sensor that detects properties of a specific paper, and a processor that outputs to a display device information based on the difference between the property detected by the sensor and the property of the paper that satisfies a condition defined for the relationship between the property detected by the sensor, the sensor including at least an infrared sensor that detects the property based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays or an electrical sensor that detects the property based on electrical resistance, The information is information about a defect that occurred in the process of forming an image on the sheet of paper that meets the conditions. characterized in that It is an information processing apparatus. Claim 2 The invention described in Claim 1 is an information processing apparatus characterized in that the processor does not output the information when the conditions defined for the defect that occurred in the process are not met. Claim 3 The invention described in the infrared sensor or the electrical sensor causes a computer to have a function of acquiring the results detected by an infrared sensor that detects the properties of a sheet of paper based on irradiating the sheet of paper with infrared rays, or an electrical sensor that detects the properties of the sheet of paper based on electrical resistance, and, as information about a sheet of paper that meets the conditions defined for the relationship with the acquired results, , the information being information on a defect that occurred in a process of forming an image on the paper that satisfies the condition a function of outputting to a display device information based on the difference between the detected property and the property of the sheet of paper that meets the conditions. Claim 4The invention described in [reference] includes a sensor for detecting the properties of paper, a processor that outputs to a display device information based on the difference between the property detected by the sensor and the property of paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper on which the property has been detected by the sensor. The sensor includes at least an infrared sensor that detects the property based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays, or an electrical sensor that detects the property based on electrical resistance. , the information being information on a defect that occurred in a process of forming an image on the paper that satisfies the condition It is an image forming system characterized by the above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] Claim 1 According to the invention of [reference], it is possible to notify the user of a problem that has occurred in the process of forming an image on paper having properties related to the properties of specific paper. Claim 2 According to the invention of [reference], it is possible to suppress the user from being informed of information that is not suitable for notifying the user as information about a problem with paper having properties related to the properties of specific paper, compared to the case where information about the problem is output regardless of whether the conditions defined for the problem are satisfied. Claim 3 According to the invention of [reference], it is possible to notify the user of a defect that occurred in a process of forming an image on a paper having a property related to the property of a specific paper 。 Claim 4 According to the invention of [reference], it is possible to notify the user of a defect that occurred in a process of forming an image on a paper having a property related to the property of a specific paper 。

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of the relationship specifying system 1 according to the present embodiment. The relationship specifying system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that specifies the relationship between one sheet of paper and another sheet of paper different from this one sheet of paper. Examples of the relationship between one sheet of paper and another sheet of paper include, for example, a relationship in which one sheet of paper and another sheet of paper have the same brand, a relationship in which the properties of one sheet of paper and the properties of another sheet of paper are similar, a relationship in which the properties of one sheet of paper and the properties of another sheet of paper are not similar, and the like. In addition, the relationship in which one sheet of paper and another sheet of paper have the same brand is, in other words, a relationship in which the properties of one sheet of paper and the properties of another sheet of paper are the same. The relationship specifying system 1 as an example of an image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a sensor 20. The image forming apparatus 10 and the sensor 20 are connected via a network.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a sheet of paper. The image forming apparatus 10 may be a so-called electrophotographic type that forms an image by transferring toner onto a sheet of paper, or may be a so-called inkjet type that forms an image by discharging ink onto a sheet of paper. Further, the sheet of paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 10 may be continuous paper in which each page is continuously formed in the paper conveyance direction, or may be cut paper. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a storage unit 10T for storing sheets of paper.

[0010] The sensor 20 detects the properties of the paper. Four sensors 20 are provided in the relationship identification system 1 of the present embodiment. More specifically, the relationship identification system 1 is provided with an infrared sensor 20a, an electrical sensor 20b, a color sensor 20c, and a composition sensor 20d. In the present embodiment, the infrared sensor 20a, the electrical sensor 20b, the color sensor 20c, and the composition sensor 20d are all attached inside the housing portion 10T of the image forming apparatus 10. When the infrared sensor 20a, the electrical sensor 20b, the color sensor 20c, and the composition sensor 20d are described without particular distinction, they may simply be referred to as the sensor 20.

[0011] The infrared sensor 20a is a sensor that detects the properties of the paper based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays. The infrared sensor 20a irradiates the paper with infrared rays and receives the infrared rays emitted through the paper, and detects the properties of the paper from the received infrared rays. Examples of the infrared rays emitted through the paper include infrared rays reflected by the paper, infrared rays transmitted through the paper, and infrared rays radiated when the paper absorbs infrared rays.

[0012] The infrared sensor 20a mainly detects the chemical properties of the paper based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays. Examples of the chemical properties of the paper include the moisture content of the paper, the materials incorporated in the paper, etc. The materials incorporated in the paper may be additives added to the paper. Examples of the additives include sizing agents, fillers, dyes, strengthening agents, etc. The sizing agent is an additive used to suppress the bleeding of ink adhering to the paper. The filler is an additive used to fill the spaces between fibers in the paper. The strengthening agent is an additive used to increase the strength of the paper. When the paper contains moisture or additives, if this moisture or additives absorb infrared rays, the infrared rays are less likely to be reflected from the paper by the amount of this absorption. Therefore, the infrared sensor 20a of the present embodiment detects the moisture content of the paper, the materials incorporated in the paper, etc. from the infrared rays reflected from the paper.

[0013] As the infrared sensor 20a, a near-infrared sensor, a mid-infrared sensor, or a far-infrared sensor may be used. Examples of the near-infrared sensor include those that receive electromagnetic waves having wavelengths in the range of 780 nm or more and less than 2500 nm. Examples of the mid-infrared sensor include those that receive electromagnetic waves having wavelengths in the range of 2500 nm (2.5 μm) or more and less than 25000 nm (25 μm). Examples of the far-infrared sensor include those that receive electromagnetic waves having wavelengths in the range of 25 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. In the present embodiment, a near-infrared sensor is used as the infrared sensor 20a.

[0014] The electrical sensor 20b is a sensor that detects the properties of the paper based on electrical resistance. More specifically, the electrical sensor 20b is provided with a deformable member, and the electrical sensor 20b detects the properties of the paper from the change in the electrical resistance of the deformable member when the deformable member is displaced as the paper connected to the deformable member is displaced. Examples of the electrical sensor 20b include a strain sensor that detects strain, a pressure sensor that detects pressure, and the like. Examples of the deformable member include metal, semiconductor, and the like.

[0015] The electrical sensor 20b mainly detects the physical properties of the paper based on electrical resistance. Examples of the physical properties of the paper include the rigidity of the paper and paint on the paper. Examples of the paint on the paper include whether the paper is coated with paint and the amount of paint applied to the paper. The ease of displacement of the paper varies depending on the rigidity of the paper and the paint on the paper. Therefore, the electrical sensor 20b of the present embodiment detects the rigidity of the paper and the paint on the paper based on electrical resistance.

[0016] The color sensor 20c is a sensor that detects properties related to the color of the paper. Examples of the properties related to the color of the paper include the color of the paper, the brightness of the paper, and the like. Examples of the color sensor 20c include an image sensor and an element that generates an electric current when receiving light. Examples of the element that generates an electric current when receiving light include a diode, a transistor, etc. In the present embodiment, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor is used as the color sensor 20c.

[0017] The constituent sensor 20d is a sensor that detects the constitution of the paper. Examples of the constitution of the paper include the smoothness of the surface of the paper, the amount of voids contained between fibers in the paper, the basis weight of the paper, the thickness of the paper, the roughness of the surface of the paper, etc. Examples of the constituent sensor 20d include an image sensor. In the present embodiment, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor is used as the constituent sensor 20d.

[0018] Note that the sensor 20 used in the relationship specifying system 1 is not limited to the above four sensors 20. For example, instead of the electric sensor 20b, an ultrasonic sensor may be used. The ultrasonic sensor is a sensor that detects the properties of the paper based on transmitting ultrasonic waves to the paper. The ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic waves to the paper and receives the sound waves reflected from the paper, and detects the properties of the paper from the received sound waves. The ultrasonic sensor mainly detects the physical properties of the paper based on transmitting ultrasonic waves to the paper. Examples of the physical properties of the paper include the rigidity of the paper and the paint on the paper. The speed at which ultrasonic waves propagate through the paper varies depending on the rigidity of the paper and the paint on the paper. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor in the present embodiment detects the rigidity of the paper and the paint on the paper based on the time from when ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the paper until the sound waves reflected from the paper are received. Also, both the electric sensor 20b and the ultrasonic sensor may be provided in the relationship specifying system 1.

[0019] In this embodiment, information on the properties of paper is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 for each brand of paper. Note that the paper in which information is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 may be referred to as stored paper hereinafter. Further, when the sensor 20 detects the properties of a specific piece of paper, the sensor 20 transmits the detection result to the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, each of the sensors 20 provided in the relationship specifying system 1 detects the properties of a specific piece of paper and transmits the detection result to the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 specifies the relationship between the specific piece of paper whose properties are detected by the sensor 20 and the stored paper by comparing the transmitted detection result with the properties of the stored paper. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 outputs information indicating the specified relationship. Note that the paper whose relationship with the stored paper is to be specified may be referred to as target paper hereinafter.

[0020] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a processor 11 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 through execution of a program, a storage device 12 that stores programs and various data executed by the processor 11, and an operation reception device 13 that receives user operations. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a display device 14 that displays an image, an image reading unit 15 that reads an image, an image forming unit 16 that forms an image, and a network IF (= Interface) 17 that realizes communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and the sensor 20. These units are connected by signal lines 18 such as a data bus, an address bus, and a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

[0021] The processor 11 is configured by, for example, a CPU. By executing processing based on programs stored in the storage device 12, various functions are realized. Here, the processor 11 and the sensor 20 can be regarded as information processing devices. The memory device 12 is composed of, for example, a ROM in which a BIOS (= Basic Input Output System) or the like is stored, a RAM used as a work area, and a hard disk device in which basic programs, application programs, etc. are stored. However, it does not prevent the ROM and the RAM from being included in a part of the processor 11.

[0022] The operation reception device 13 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a mechanical button, a switch, etc. Also, as the operation reception device 13, a touch sensor that constitutes a touch panel integrally with the display device 14 may be used. The display device 14 is composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (= Electro Luminescence) display used for displaying information.

[0023] The image reading unit 15 reads an image recorded on a sheet. As the image reading unit 15, for example, a scanner is used. As the scanner, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) type that reduces the reflected light of the light irradiated from a light source to a document by a lens and receives the light with a CCD is used. Also, as the scanner, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type that receives the reflected light of the light irradiated from an LED light source to a document in order with a CIS may be used. The image forming unit 16 forms an image on a sheet. As the image forming unit 16, for example, a printer is used.

[0024] <Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 10. In FIG. 3, a part of the functions realized by the processor 11 through the execution of an application program is shown. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a reception unit 101, an instruction unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, a storage unit 104, a calculation unit 105, a specification unit 106, a setting unit 107, a defect notification determination unit 108, and an output unit 109.

[0025] The reception unit 101 receives requests from the user. Examples of requests from the user include a request to specify the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet, a request to set the printing conditions using the target sheet, a request to notify a defect in printing using the storage sheet related to the target sheet, and the like. When the reception unit 101 receives a request from the user, it notifies the instruction unit 102 that a request has been made. The instruction unit 102 instructs each of the sensors 20 provided in the relationship identification system 1 to detect the properties of the target sheet. When the instruction unit 102 is notified by the reception unit 101 that there has been a request from the user, it gives an instruction to each sensor 20.

[0026] The acquisition unit 103 acquires the results of the detection of the properties of the target sheet by the sensors 20 from each of the sensors 20 provided in the relationship identification system 1. Also, when one sensor 20 detects a plurality of properties of the target sheet, the acquisition unit 103 acquires the detection results for each property to be detected. The storage unit 104 stores information related to the storage sheet, such as the properties of the storage sheet. The content stored in the storage unit 104 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The calculation unit 105 calculates an index regarding the relationship between the properties of the target sheet and the properties of the storage sheet. The calculation unit 105 calculates the difference between the result of the detection of the properties of the target sheet by the sensor 20 and the properties of the storage sheet stored in the storage unit 104. In the present embodiment, the properties of the target sheet detected by the sensor 20 and the properties of the storage sheet stored in the storage unit 104 are specified as numerical values. The value specified for the properties of the sheet may be the value detected by the sensor 20 or a value processed by the calculation unit 105 based on the value detected by the sensor 20. The calculation unit 105 calculates the Euclidean distance as the difference between the result of the detection of the properties of the target sheet by the sensor 20 and the properties of the storage sheet stored in the storage unit 104. The Euclidean distance n is calculated by the following formula (1). Formula 1

[0028] TIFF0007700449000001.tif21114

[0029] In the above formula (1), p is a value specified for the properties of the target paper, and q is a value specified for the properties of the storage paper. Also, a is a coefficient determined for each type of paper property, and i is a number for identifying the type of paper property. That is, the calculation unit 105 calculates the difference between the properties of the target paper and the storage paper for each type of paper property, and calculates the Euclidean distance n based on the difference for each type of property. In particular, in the present embodiment, for each property detected by the sensor 20 provided in the relationship identification system 1, the difference between the properties of the target paper and the storage paper is calculated, and the Euclidean distance n is calculated based on the difference for each property.

[0030] Further, when the calculation unit 105 calculates the Euclidean distance n, it calculates the norm value which is the length of the calculated Euclidean distance n. The calculation unit 105 calculates the Euclidean distance n and the norm value regarding the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper for each storage paper in which the properties of the paper are stored in the storage unit 104. Here, from the above formula (1), the greater the difference between the value specified for the properties of the target paper and the value specified for the properties of the storage paper, the greater the Euclidean distance n and the norm value. In other words, the greater the difference between the properties of the target paper and the storage paper, the greater the Euclidean distance n and the norm value. The calculation unit 105 associates the calculated norm value with the target paper and the storage paper which are the targets of this norm value, and stores it in the storage unit 104.

[0031] The specifying unit 106 specifies the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper. More specifically, the specifying unit 106 specifies the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper from the norm value calculated by the calculation unit 105. The specifying unit 106 of the present embodiment specifies the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper using the same threshold value and the similar threshold value.

[0032] The same threshold value is a threshold value used to specify that the properties of the target paper and the stored paper are the same. The same threshold value is defined as a threshold value at which it is determined that the properties of the target paper and the stored paper are the same. In the present embodiment, when the norm value calculated by the calculation unit 105 is equal to or less than the same threshold value, the specifying unit 106 specifies that the target paper and the stored paper associated with this norm value have the same properties. The similarity threshold value is a threshold value used to specify that the properties of the target paper and the stored paper are similar. The similarity threshold value is defined as a threshold value at which it is determined that the properties of the target paper and the stored paper are similar. Also, the similarity threshold value is a value larger than the same threshold value. In the present embodiment, when the norm value calculated by the calculation unit 105 is larger than the same threshold value and equal to or less than the similarity threshold value, the specifying unit 106 specifies that the target paper and the stored paper associated with this norm value have similar properties. Also, when the norm value is larger than the similarity threshold value, the specifying unit 106 specifies that the target paper and the stored paper associated with this norm value do not have similar properties.

[0033] The specifying unit 106 specifies the relationship between the target paper and the stored paper for each stored paper. Then, the specified relationship is associated with the target paper and the stored paper that are the objects of this relationship and stored in the storage unit 104.

[0034] The setting unit 107 sets the printing conditions using the target paper. Examples of the printing conditions include the density of the image formed on the target paper. When the setting unit 107 is notified from the reception unit 101 that there is a request to set the printing conditions using the target paper, the setting unit 107 sets the printing conditions. More specifically, the setting unit 107 sets the printing conditions set for the stored paper associated with the smallest norm value among the stored papers in which information is stored in the storage unit 104 as the printing conditions using the target paper.

[0035] The defect notification determination unit 108 determines a notification of a defect that occurred when printing was performed using the stored paper. When the defect notification decision unit 108 is notified by the reception unit 101 that there is a request to notify a defect in printing using the storage paper related to the target paper, it decides on the defect notification. More specifically, the defect notification decision unit 108 decides on the notification of the defect that occurred in printing using the storage paper associated with the smallest norm value among the storage papers in which information is stored in the storage unit 104. The output unit 109 outputs information. More specifically, the output unit 109 outputs information such as the result specified by the specifying unit 106, the content set by the setting unit 107, and the content of the notification determined by the defect notification decision unit 108 to the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0036] <Contents stored in the storage unit> Next, the content of the information stored in the storage unit 104 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a paper management table. The paper management table is a table for managing storage paper and is stored in the storage unit 104. In the paper management table, the brand of the storage paper is shown in "Brand". Also, in the paper management table, the name of the manufacturer of the storage paper is shown in "Manufacturer Name".

[0037] Also, in the paper management table, the type of the storage paper is shown in "Type". Also, in the paper management table, the items classified according to the "Type" of the storage paper are shown in "Items". Also, in the paper management table, the basis weight of the storage paper is shown in "Basis Weight". Also, in the paper management table, the density of the image formed on the storage paper is shown in "Density". This "Density" is the density of the image as the printing condition set in printing using the storage paper.

[0038] In addition, in the paper management table, for "bleed-through", when an image is formed on the memory paper, the density of the image that has penetrated to the surface opposite to the surface on which the image is formed among the memory papers is shown. This "bleed-through" is the result of printing under the conditions where "density" is set.

[0039] Also, in the paper management table, for "defect", information on defects that occurred during printing using the memory paper is shown. An example of "defect" will be described. For the memory paper of "A", "paper wrinkle on March 15, 2020" is shown as a "defect". This means that when printing was performed using the memory paper of "A" on March 15, 2020, a defect occurred in which wrinkles formed on this "A" memory paper.

[0040] The administrator of the relationship identification system 1 inputs "brand", "manufacturer name", "type", "item", "basis weight", "density", "bleed-through", and "defect" into the paper management table for each memory paper. Also, when defects occur multiple times during printing for one memory paper, the information on each defect is input into the target "defect". Although not shown in the figure, the paper management table stores information on other properties different from "type", "item", and "basis weight" as properties of the paper. In particular, in this embodiment, the paper management table stores information on the properties detected by each sensor 20 provided in the relationship identification system 1 for each memory paper.

[0041] <Relationship Identification Process> Next, the relationship identification process will be described. The relationship identification process is a process for identifying the relationship between the target paper and the memory paper. The relationship identification process is performed by the relationship identification system 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the relationship identification process. The reception unit 101 determines whether there is a request from the user to specify the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper (step (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "S") 101). For example, the reception unit 101 makes the above determination based on whether an operation for requesting to specify the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper is performed via the operation reception device 13. While the negative result continues, the reception unit 101 repeats the determination in step 101.

[0042] On the other hand, if there is a request to specify the relationship (YES in S101), proceed to the next step. Each sensor 20 provided in the relationship specification system 1 receives an instruction from the instruction unit 102 and detects the properties of the target paper (S102). In the present embodiment, the sensor 20 detects the properties of the paper stored in the storage unit 10T of the image forming apparatus 10 as the properties of the target paper. When the sensor 20 detects the properties of the target paper, the detection result is transmitted to the acquisition unit 103. The acquisition unit 103 acquires the detection result transmitted from the sensor 20 (S103).

[0043] The calculation unit 105 calculates the Euclidean distance n and the norm value for the target paper and the storage paper from the properties of the target paper detected by the sensor 20 and the properties of the storage paper stored in the storage unit 104 (S104). The calculation unit 105 calculates the Euclidean distance n and the norm value for each storage paper in which information is stored in the storage unit 104. The specification unit 106 specifies the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper from the result calculated by the calculation unit 105 (S105). More specifically, the specification unit 106 specifies any one of the relationships between the properties of the target paper and the storage paper, whether the properties of the target paper and the storage paper are the same, whether the properties of the target paper and the storage paper are similar, and whether the properties of the target paper and the storage paper are not similar, as the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper. Also, the specification unit 106 specifies the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper for each storage paper.

[0044] The output unit 109 outputs information such as the result specified by the specifying unit 106 to the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10. More specifically, the output unit 109 outputs information indicating the relationship specified by the specifying unit 106 and information stored in the storage unit 104 regarding the storage paper whose relationship with the target paper has been specified, to the display device 14.

[0045] Note that although the relationship specifying system 1 of the present embodiment specifies the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper from the results detected by the plurality of sensors 20 regarding the properties of the target paper, it is not limited thereto. At least one of the sensors 20 described above may be provided in the relationship specifying system 1. Then, the relationship specifying system 1 may specify the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper from the properties of the target paper detected by at least one sensor 20 provided in the relationship specifying system 1 and the properties of the storage paper. Also, although the relationship specifying system 1 is provided with the color sensor 20c and the component sensor 20d respectively, it is not limited thereto. One sensor 20 may detect the color of the paper and the component of the paper at the same time.

[0046] <Setting process> Next, the setting process will be described. The setting process is a process of setting the conditions for printing using the target paper. The setting process is performed by the relationship specifying system 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the setting process. The reception unit 101 determines whether there is a request from the user to set the conditions for printing using the target paper (S201). For example, the reception unit 101 makes the above determination based on whether an operation for requesting to set the printing conditions is performed via the operation reception device 13. While the negative result continues, the reception unit 101 repeats the determination in step 201.

[0047] On the other hand, if there is a request to set the conditions (YES in S201), the process proceeds to the next step. In steps 202 to 204, the same processes as steps 102 to 104 of the relationship identification process (see FIG. 5) are performed. If the relationship identification process has been performed before the setting process is performed, the norm value for each storage sheet has already been calculated by the calculation unit 105. In this case, the processes of steps 202 to 204 may be omitted.

[0048] The setting unit 107 determines whether there is a storage sheet associated with a norm value equal to or less than the similarity threshold among the norm values for each storage sheet (S205). If there is no storage sheet associated with a norm value equal to or less than the similarity threshold (NO in S205), the setting process ends.

[0049] On the other hand, if there is a storage sheet associated with a norm value equal to or less than the similarity threshold (YES in S205), the setting unit 107 extracts the storage sheet associated with the smallest norm value. Note that the storage sheet associated with the smallest norm value may hereinafter be referred to as a related sheet. Further, the setting unit 107 sets the printing conditions set for the related sheet as the printing conditions for printing using the target sheet (S206). More specifically, the setting unit 107 sets the content stored in the storage unit 104 as the printing conditions for printing using the related sheet as the printing conditions for printing using the target sheet. The output unit 109 outputs information indicating the content set in the setting unit 107 to the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 (S207).

[0050] <Defect notification process> Next, the defect notification process will be described. The defect notification process is a process for notifying a defect that occurred when printing was performed using a storage sheet. The defect notification process is performed by the relationship identification system 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the defect notification process. The reception unit 101 determines whether there is a request from the user to notify a defect that occurred in the printing of the storage paper related to the target paper (S301). For example, the reception unit 101 makes the above determination based on whether an operation for requesting notification of the defect has been performed via the operation reception device 13. While the negative result continues, the reception unit 101 repeats the determination in step 301.

[0051] On the other hand, if there is a request to notify a defect (YES in S301), the process proceeds to the next step. In steps 302 to 304, the same processes as steps 102 to 104 of the relationship identification process (see FIG. 5) are performed. If the relationship identification process has been performed before the defect notification process, the norm value for each storage paper has already been calculated by the calculation unit 105. In this case, the processes in steps 302 to 304 may be omitted.

[0052] The defect notification decision unit 108 determines whether there is a storage paper associated with a norm value that is less than or equal to the similarity threshold among the norm values for each storage paper (S305). If there is no storage paper associated with a norm value that is less than or equal to the similarity threshold (NO in S305), the defect notification process ends. On the other hand, if there is a storage paper associated with a norm value that is less than or equal to the similarity threshold (YES in S305), the defect notification decision unit 108 extracts the related paper. Further, the defect notification decision unit 108 determines whether the related paper satisfies the notification conditions (S306). The notification conditions are conditions defined for determining whether to notify a defect that occurred in the printing. The notification conditions are defined from the perspective of determining whether the cause of the defect is attributable to the storage paper. Also, in the present embodiment, the notification conditions are defined such that the defect has occurred a predetermined number of times or more in the printing in the most recent one year. The predetermined number of times can be any number, but for example, it is 3 times. The defect notification decision unit 108 determines whether the related paper satisfies the notification conditions by referring to the "defect" of the related paper in the paper management table (see FIG. 4).

[0053] When the related sheet does not satisfy the notification conditions (NO in S306), the defect notification process ends. In this case, no notification of the defect that occurred during printing is made. Also, when the related sheet satisfies the notification conditions (YES in S306), the defect notification determination unit 108 determines to notify the defect that occurred during the printing of the related sheet. In this case, the output unit 109 outputs information indicating the defect that occurred during the printing of the related sheet to the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 (S307).

[0054] <Example of information output> Next, an example of the information output to the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a specific screen 40. The specific screen 40 is a screen showing the result specified by the specifying unit 106 regarding the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet. In the present embodiment, when the relationship specifying process (see FIG. 5) is performed, the specific screen 40 is displayed on the display device 14. The specific screen 40 shows a specific screen explanation unit 41, an information display unit 42, a setting request unit 43, and a notification request unit 44.

[0055] The specific screen explanation unit 41 shows information explaining the specific screen 40. In the illustrated example, the specific screen explanation unit 41 shows the text "The relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet is as follows." explaining that the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet is displayed on the specific screen 40.

[0056] The information display unit 42 shows information regarding the storage sheet. In the information display unit 42 of the present embodiment, for each storage sheet, "rank", "relationship", "norm value", "brand", "manufacturer name", "type", "item", "tsubo weight", "density", and "back missing" are shown. The "rank" shows the order determined in ascending order of the "norm value". The "relationship" shows the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet specified in the specifying unit 106. "Identical" shown in the "relationship" means that the specifying unit 106 has specified that the nature of the target sheet is the same as the nature of the storage sheet. Also, "similar" shown in the "relationship" means that the specifying unit 106 has specified that the nature of the target sheet is similar to the nature of the storage sheet. Also, "dissimilar" shown in the "relationship" means that the specifying unit 106 has specified that the nature of the target sheet is not similar to the nature of the storage sheet.

[0057] Also, the "norm value" shows the norm value calculated by the calculation unit 105 regarding the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet. Also, "brand", "manufacturer name", "type", "item", "basis weight", "density", "bleed-through" show the "brand", "manufacturer name", "type", "item", "basis weight", "density", "bleed-through" stored in the paper management table (see Fig. 4). Note that the information displayed on the information display unit 42 is not limited to the illustrated example. The information stored in the storage unit 104 regarding the nature of the target detected by the relationship specifying system 1 may be shown for each storage sheet on the information display unit 42.

[0058] Also, when the user selects the setting request unit 43, setting processing (see Fig. 6) by the relationship specifying system 1 is performed. Then, when the setting processing is performed, a setting screen 50 is displayed on the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 as shown in Fig. 9. The setting screen 50 is a screen showing the printing conditions set for the target sheet. The setting screen 50 shows a setting screen explanation unit 51, a condition display unit 52, an adopted paper display unit 53, a determination unit 54, a negation unit 55, and a change unit 56.

[0059] The setting screen explanation unit 51 shows information explaining the setting screen 50. In the illustrated example, the setting screen explanation unit 51 shows the text "Set the printing conditions for the target sheet as follows. Is that okay?" which explains that the printing conditions for the target sheet are set to the content shown on the setting screen 50. The condition display unit 52 shows the printing conditions set for the target paper. The content shown in the condition display unit 52 is the content set in the setting unit 107 in the setting process (see FIG. 6). In the illustrated example, the text "Printing condition: printing density '0.98'" is shown in the condition display unit 52.

[0060] The adopted paper display unit 53 shows information regarding the stored paper. The target stored paper for which information is displayed in the adopted paper display unit 53 is the stored paper for which the conditions adopted as the printing conditions using the target paper were set. In the present embodiment, the adopted paper display unit 53 shows information regarding the related paper. Also, in the adopted paper display unit 53, "relationship", "norm value", "brand", "manufacturer name", "type", "item", "basis weight", "density", and "penetration" regarding the related paper among the information displayed in the information display unit 42 of the specific screen 40 (see FIG. 8) are shown.

[0061] Here, when the user selects the determination unit 54, the content shown in the condition display unit 52 is determined as the printing condition for the target paper. Also, when the user selects the negation unit 55, the setting of the printing condition for the target paper is canceled. Also, when the user selects the change unit 56, the target stored paper to be applied as the printing condition for the target paper is changed. Although illustration is omitted, when the change unit 56 is selected, for example, a screen for selecting any of the stored papers in which information is stored in the storage unit 104 may be displayed on the display device 14. Then, when the user selects any stored paper, the conditions set in the printing using the selected stored paper may be set as the printing conditions for the target paper.

[0062] Also, on a specific screen 40 (see FIG. 8), when the user selects the notification request section 44, the malfunction notification process by the relationship identification system 1 is performed. Then, when the malfunction notification process is performed, a malfunction notification screen 60 is displayed on the display device 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 10. The malfunction notification screen 60 is a screen for notifying the user of malfunctions that occurred during printing using the storage paper related to the target paper. The malfunction notification screen 60 shows a malfunction explanation section 61 and a malfunction display section 62.

[0063] The malfunction explanation section 61 shows information explaining the malfunction notification screen 60. In the illustrated example, the malfunction explanation section 61 shows the text "The malfunction history of the paper with the highest similarity to the target paper is as follows." which explains that the malfunction information regarding the storage paper is displayed on the malfunction notification screen 60. The malfunction display section 62 shows the content of the malfunction that occurred during printing using the storage paper. The target storage paper for which the content of the malfunction is shown in the malfunction display section 62 is the storage paper for which the malfunction notification was determined by the malfunction notification determination section 108 in the malfunction notification process (see FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, the malfunction display section 62 shows the content of the malfunction that occurred during printing of the related paper. The "malfunction occurrence date" in the malfunction display section 62 shows the date on which the malfunction occurred during printing of the related paper. Also, the "malfunction content" in the malfunction display section 62 shows the content of the malfunction that occurred during printing of the related paper.

[0064] Note that when the related paper does not satisfy the notification conditions (NO in S306 of FIG. 7) and thus the malfunction notification is not performed, the output unit 109 may output information indicating that the malfunction is not notified, together with information indicating the reason for not notifying the malfunction, to the display device 14. For example, the output unit 109 may display on the display device 14 text such as "Since the frequency of malfunctions in the paper with the highest similarity is low, the malfunction is not notified" including the fact that the malfunction is not notified and the reason for not notifying the malfunction.

[0065] As described above, in the present embodiment, the sensor 20 detects the properties of the target paper. Further, the processor 11 outputs information about the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the properties detected by the sensor 20. And the sensor 20 includes at least an infrared sensor 20a that detects properties based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays, or an electrical sensor 20b that detects properties based on electrical resistance. Here, examples of the paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the properties detected by the sensor 20 include storage papers for which the Euclidean distance n and the norm value are calculated for the relationship with the target paper. Further, examples of the information about the storage paper include information such as "rank", "relationship", "norm value", "brand", "manufacturer name", "type", "item", "basis weight", "density", "bleed-through", etc. shown in the information display section 42 of the specific screen 40 for the storage paper. Further, examples of the information about the storage paper include information about the printing conditions set for the storage paper, which is displayed in the condition display section 52 of the setting screen 50. Further, examples of the information about the storage paper include information about defects that occurred in printing using the storage paper, which is displayed in the defect display section 62 of the defect notification screen 60. That is, the information about the storage paper may be any information as long as it is the information stored in the storage unit 104 as the information about the storage paper.

[0066] Note that the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the properties detected by the sensor 20 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20 may be the storage paper associated with a norm value that is equal to or less than a predetermined value among the storage papers in which information is stored in the storage unit 104. Also, the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20 may be the storage paper that corresponds within a predetermined order from the smallest norm value among the storage papers in which information is stored in the storage unit 104. Also, the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20 may be defined based on the Euclidean distance n calculated by the calculation unit 105. That is, the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20 may be any storage paper that satisfies the conditions based on the index calculated by the calculation unit 105 for the relationship between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper. Note that the storage paper that satisfies the conditions based on the index calculated by the calculation unit 105 also includes the storage paper for which the Euclidean distance n or the norm value has been calculated for the relationship with the target paper as described above.

[0067] In addition, the calculation unit 105 may calculate not only an index based on the difference between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper, but also an index regarding the match between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper. Then, the storage paper that satisfies the conditions based on the calculated index may be regarded as the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20. As the storage paper that satisfies the conditions based on the index regarding the match between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper, for example, it may be the storage paper for which an index regarding the match between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper has been calculated. Also, as the storage paper that satisfies the conditions based on the index regarding the match between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper, for example, it may be the storage paper for which the index regarding the match between the property of the target paper and the property of the storage paper corresponds to a predetermined numerical range.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the sensor 20 includes an ultrasonic sensor or an electrical sensor 20b that detects properties based on transmitting ultrasonic waves to the paper, and an infrared sensor 20a. Then, the processor 11 outputs information regarding the storage paper that satisfies the conditions regarding the relationship between the properties detected by the ultrasonic sensor or the electrical sensor 20b and the properties detected by the infrared sensor 20a. In particular, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor or the electrical sensor 20b detects the physical properties of the paper. Also, the infrared sensor 20a detects the chemical properties of the paper.

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, the sensor 20 further includes a color sensor 20c that detects the color or brightness of the paper. Then, the processor 11 outputs information regarding the storage paper that satisfies the conditions regarding the relationship between the properties detected by the infrared sensor 20a or the electrical sensor 20b and the color or brightness detected by the color sensor 20c.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, the calculation unit 105 calculates a norm value based on the difference between the properties of the target paper and the properties of the storage paper. Also, in this embodiment, as described above, information regarding the storage paper that satisfies the defined conditions for the calculated norm value is output. That is, the information output to the output unit 109 as information regarding the storage paper is information based on the difference between the properties detected by the sensor 20 and the properties of the storage paper that satisfy the conditions. In particular, in this embodiment, the information based on the difference is information based on the difference between the value specified for the properties detected by the sensor 20 and the value specified for the properties of the storage paper that satisfy the relationship with the properties detected by the sensor 20.

[0071] Note that in this embodiment, although it has been described that the information based on the difference between the value specified for the properties detected by the sensor 20 and the value specified for the properties of the storage paper that satisfy the relationship with the properties detected by the sensor 20 is the Euclidean distance n or the norm value, it is not limited to this. The calculation unit 105 may calculate a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the value specified for the property of the reference paper from the value specified for the property of the target paper. Then, the specifying unit 106 may specify the relationship between the target paper and the reference paper by comparing the subtraction value calculated by the calculation unit 105 with the same threshold value or a similar threshold value. Further, the output unit 109 may output information regarding the reference paper for which the subtraction value has been calculated. That is, the information based on the difference between the value specified for the property detected by the sensor 20 and the value specified for the property of the reference paper that satisfies the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20 may be the information based on the above-described subtraction value.

[0072] Also, in the present embodiment, the information regarding the reference paper is information on a defect that occurred in the process of forming an image on the reference paper that satisfies the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20. Further, when the processor 11 does not satisfy the conditions defined for the defect that occurred in the process of forming an image on the reference paper, the processor 11 does not output information on the defect. Examples of the conditions defined for the defect include the above-described notification conditions (see FIG. 7).

[0073] In the present embodiment, it has been described that the notification condition is that the defect has occurred a predetermined number of times or more in the printing in the most recent one year, but the notification condition is not limited to the above conditions. The notification condition may be, for example, that the defect has occurred a predetermined number of times or more in the printing regardless of the period in which the defect occurred. Further, the notification condition may be that a predetermined defect has occurred in the printing. The predetermined defect may be any defect, for example, poor fixing or the like. That is, any condition may be defined as long as the notification condition relates to a defect in the printing.

[0074] Also, in the present embodiment, the reference paper to be applied to the printing conditions using the target paper and the reference paper for which the defect is to be notified are the reference papers associated with the smallest norm value, but the present invention is not limited to this. Processor 11 may list a plurality of storage sheets as candidates for the storage sheets to be applied to the printing conditions of the target sheet and as candidates for the storage sheets for which defects are to be notified. For example, Processor 11 may list all the storage sheets associated with a norm value that is equal to or less than the same threshold value and all the storage sheets associated with a norm value that is equal to or less than a similar threshold value as candidates for the storage sheets to be applied to the printing conditions of the target sheet and as candidates for the storage sheets for which defects are to be notified. Further, Processor 11 may list all the storage sheets associated with a norm value that is equal to or less than a predetermined value and all the storage sheets that correspond within a predetermined order from the smallest norm value as candidates for the storage sheets to be applied to the printing conditions of the target sheet and as candidates for the storage sheets for which defects are to be notified. Furthermore, Processor 11 may cause the display device 14 to display information indicating each of the storage sheets listed as candidates in a manner in which the user can select any of the storage sheets listed as candidates. When the user selects any storage sheet, Processor 11 may set the printing conditions set for the selected storage sheet as the printing conditions for the target sheet. Also, Processor 11 may cause the display device 14 to display information on a defect that occurred in printing using the selected storage sheet as information on a defect that occurred in printing using a storage sheet related to the target sheet.

[0075] Also, in this embodiment, although it has been described that the sensor 20 is provided in the storage unit 10T of the image forming apparatus 10, the present invention is not limited to this. The sensor 20 may be provided in the paper conveyance path in the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the sensor 20 may be provided on the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction from the storage unit 10T and on the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction from the area where an image is formed on the paper by the image forming unit 16.

[0076] Also, in this embodiment, although the image forming apparatus 10 identifies the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet, the apparatus used to identify the relationship between the target sheet and the storage sheet is not limited to the image forming apparatus 10. A device different from the image forming apparatus 10 and having a processor 11 may specify the relationship between the target paper and the storage paper using the results detected by the sensor 20. Then, this device may output information regarding the storage paper that satisfies the conditions defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor 20. Examples of the device having the processor 11 include a computer, a smartphone, a tablet type information terminal, and the like. Here, the device having the processor 11 and the sensor 20 can also be regarded as an information processing device.

[0077] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphical Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Also, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be achieved not only by one processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating with each other. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0078] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious from the description of the claims that those obtained by making various changes or improvements to the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1... relationship specifying system, 10... image forming apparatus, 11... processor, 14... display device, 20... sensor, 20a... infrared sensor, 20b... electrical sensor, 20c... color sensor, 20d... configuration sensor, 40... specific screen, 50... setting screen, 60... malfunction notification screen

Claims

1. A sensor for detecting properties of a specific paper, a processor that outputs to a display device information based on the difference between the property detected by the sensor and the property of the paper that satisfies a condition defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor, as information about the paper that satisfies the condition; comprising: the sensor includes at least an infrared sensor that detects the property based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays, or an electrical sensor that detects the property based on electrical resistance; the information is information about a defect that occurred in the process of forming an image on the paper that satisfies the condition, characterized by an information processing apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor does not output the information when the condition defined for the defect that occurred in the process does not hold.

3. On a computer, a function of acquiring the result detected by an infrared sensor that detects the property of the paper based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays, or an electrical sensor that detects the property of the paper based on electrical resistance; a function of outputting to a display device information based on the difference between the property detected by the infrared sensor or the electrical sensor and the property of the paper that satisfies a condition defined for the relationship with the acquired result, as information about the paper that satisfies the condition; is realized, the information is a program that is information about a defect that occurred in the process of forming an image on the paper that satisfies the condition.

4. A sensor for detecting properties of a paper, a processor that outputs to a display device information based on the difference between the property detected by the sensor and the property of the paper that satisfies a condition defined for the relationship with the property detected by the sensor, as information about the paper that satisfies the condition; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper on which the property has been detected by the sensor; comprising: the sensor includes at least an infrared sensor that detects the property based on irradiating the paper with infrared rays, or an electrical sensor that detects the property based on electrical resistance; the information is information about a defect that occurred in the process of forming an image on the paper that satisfies the condition, characterized by an image forming system.

Images