Image forming device

Abstract

To improve usability about a type of a sheet to be used in an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus permits image formation on a sheet when a type of the sheet detected by detection means matches a type of the sheet designated in advance by an operator being a user or an administrator. The image formation apparatus permits image formation on the sheet when a prescribed printing permission condition is satisfied even if the detected type of the sheet does not match the previously-designated type of the sheet. The image formation apparatus stops image formation when the detected type of the sheet does not match the previously-designated type of the sheet and the prescribed printing permission condition is not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system, an electrostatic recording system, or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In today's world where various types of sheets are in circulation, the type of sheet set by the user via the operation unit may differ from the type of sheet fed from the storage container. Such sheets are often discarded even after an image is formed on them, resulting in unnecessary resource consumption. Patent Document 1 proposes detecting the type of sheet using a media sensor, and prohibiting sheet feeding when a sheet of a type different from the type specified by the user is stored in the storage container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-170858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the prior art, a user cannot form an image on a sheet unless the user changes the sheet type designation or replaces the sheet stored in the storage with the desired sheet type. This lacks usability. Users may tolerate a discrepancy between the designated sheet type and the type of sheet actually fed. Therefore, in such cases, usability should be ensured by continuing to form an image even if the sheet types do not match. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the usability of the sheet types used in an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, loading means for loading sheets; The sheets stacked on the stacking means Transportation Send Transportation A means of transport; The sheet Transportation In the feed direction Transportation a detecting means provided downstream of the feeding means for detecting a value relating to the surface properties of the sheet; From the loading means Transportation an image forming means for forming an image on the fed sheet; an input means for inputting the type of the sheet; A display means; a communication means connected via a network for communicating with a server that registers the types of sheets for which continuation of image formation is permitted; and The type indicated by the user-specified information for the first sheet in response to the input of the print instruction is different from the type corresponding to the value detected by the detection means for the first sheet. and the type corresponding to the value detected by the detection means for the first sheet is not a type that is registered in the server and is previously permitted to continue image formation. case, The aforementioned Transportation The means of delivery is Before the first sheet reaches the image forming means The first sheet Transportation Send Stop death, the display means displays a message inquiring whether or not to continue image formation, The image forming means When the continuation of the image formation is selected, an image is formed using image forming conditions based on the type indicated by the user-designated information for the first sheet without changing the type indicated by the user-designated information for the first sheet; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, if continuation of the image formation is not selected, the image is not formed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, usability regarding the types of sheets used in an image forming apparatus is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 2]Block diagram of an image forming apparatus [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a server. [Figure 4] Cross-section of the fixing unit [Figure 5] Diagram explaining the media sensor [Figure 6] Diagram explaining the method for determining the sheet type [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 8] Diagram explaining CPU functions [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 10] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 11] Diagram explaining user authentication [Figure 12] Diagram explaining various printing allowable conditions [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 15] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the control method DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] <Image forming device> 1, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet P by electrophotography. However, the image forming apparatus 100 may form an image by using other image forming methods, such as an inkjet method. In other words, the invention according to this embodiment is applicable to any image forming method that changes image forming conditions depending on the type of sheet P (e.g., thickness, basis weight, presence or absence of gloss, material (paper / resin)).

[0010] The feeding device 1 feeds the sheet P held in a storage 10 to a conveying path. The conveying device 2 conveys the sheet P to a registration device 3. The conveying path is provided with a media sensor 14 that detects the type of the sheet P. The registration device 3 corrects skew of the sheet P and conveys the sheet P to a secondary transfer device 28.

[0011] Image forming units 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Hereinafter, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numeral. When distinguishing between multiple components, an alphabetical character is added to the end of the reference numeral. When describing matters common to multiple components, the alphabetical character at the end of the reference numeral is omitted.

[0012] The photosensitive drum 21 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charger 22 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The exposure device 23 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 24 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image. The primary transfer roller 25 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 21 to an intermediate transfer belt 27. The intermediate transfer belt 27 transports the toner image to a secondary transfer device 28.

[0013] The secondary transfer device 28 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the sheet P. The fixing device 17 fixes the toner image onto the sheet P by applying heat and pressure to the toner image and the sheet P. The paper discharge device 4 transports the sheet P with the fixed toner image to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 and discharges it.

[0014] Control board 15 operates based on power supplied from power supply circuit 18. Operation unit 13 has a display that displays soft keys for accepting user input and inputs user instruction information for instructing print settings and permission for image formation. Note that operation unit 13 may be configured to have hard keys for inputting user instructions instead of soft keys.

[0015] <controller> As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 15 includes a CPU 200a, a memory 201a, and a communication circuit 202a. The CPU 200a performs various functions according to control programs stored in a read-only memory (ROM) area of ​​the memory 201a. The memory 201a may further include a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid-state drive (SSD). The communication circuit 202a includes a circuit for performing wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication circuit 202a accesses a server 210 via a network 211 to store information in the server 210 or acquire information from the server 210. The motor group M1 includes a motor involved in conveying the sheet P, a motor involved in forming an image on the sheet P, and a drive source such as a solenoid for switching the destination of the sheet P. The authentication device 19 is a device that performs user authentication.

[0016] The authentication device 19 may be a card reader that reads a magnetic card or an IC card that stores user authentication information. The authentication device 19 may also be a biometric reading device that reads biometric information such as a fingerprint, palm print, voice, iris, or face. The RTC 203 is a so-called real-time clock that manages the current date and time.

[0017] The CPU 200a sets image forming conditions according to type information indicating the type of sheet P detected by the media sensor 14. For example, the CPU 200a changes the fixing temperature of the fixing device 17 or the rotation speed of the motor group M1 (the conveying speed of the sheet P) according to the type information. This is because the fixing temperature and conveying speed required to ensure proper fixability differ depending on the type of sheet P. For example, the higher the basis weight of the sheet P, the higher the fixing temperature. Alternatively, the higher the basis weight of the sheet P, the lower the conveying speed. This ensures that a sufficient amount of heat is supplied to the sheet P.

[0018] The server 210 is optional. The server 210 includes a CPU 200b, a memory 201b, and a communication circuit 202b. The CPU 200b implements various functions according to a control program stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 201b. The memory 201b may further include a RAM, a HDD, an SSD, and the like. The communication circuit 202b includes a circuit for performing wired or wireless communication. The communication circuit 202b receives service requests from the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 211 and transmits corresponding responses. For example, the server 210 transmits to the image forming apparatus 100 determination conditions and other information required for the determination process in the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the server 210 may perform a determination process based on information received from the image forming apparatus 100 and transmit the determination results to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100a to 100x may be connected to a server 210. The server 210 may store user account information (e.g., user ID and password) in memory 201b. ID is an abbreviation for identification information. The CPU 200b of the server 210 determines whether the account information input from the operation unit 13 matches the account information stored in memory 201b, and transmits the determination result. This may be called user authentication.

[0020] <Fuser> 4 shows the structure of the fixing device 17. A sheet P carrying toner T is transported from the secondary transfer device 28 to the fixing device 17. The fixing nip 406 is formed when the pressure roller 405 and the fixing film 403 are pressed together, deforming the elastic layer of the fixing film 403. The pressure roller 405 is driven to rotate by the motor group M1, and the fixing film 403 also rotates following the rotation of the pressure roller 405.

[0021] A heater 404 held by a heater holder 407 and a temperature sensor 408 are provided inside the fixing film 403. The heater holder 407 is biased by a spring or the like and presses the inner circumferential surface of the fixing film 403 toward the pressure roller 405. The CPU 200a adjusts the power supplied to the heater 404 so that the fixing temperature detected by the temperature sensor 408 becomes the target temperature. The target temperature is determined based on, for example, the type of sheet P. The target temperature may also be determined based on the type of sheet P and environmental conditions (e.g., environmental temperature, environmental humidity). In this way, the CPU 200a determines the target temperature based on the type of sheet P set by the user via the operation unit 13 or the type of sheet P detected by the media sensor 14.

[0022] <Media sensor> 5A shows an example of the media sensor 14. The media sensor 14 has a surface property sensor 501 that detects the surface property of the sheet P and a thickness sensor 502 that detects the thickness of the sheet P.

[0023] The surface property sensor 501 has a light-emitting element 505 and a line sensor 506. The light-emitting element 505 is an LED (light-emitting diode) or the like that irradiates light onto the surface of the sheet P being transported on the transport path 504. The line sensor 506 has a plurality of light-receiving elements (pixels) that receive light reflected from the surface of the sheet P. As shown in FIG. 5(B), n pixels P1 to Pn are arranged along the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet P.

[0024] When sheet P is conveyed to conveying path 504, CPU 200a turns on light emitting element 505 and causes line sensor 506 to receive reflected light from sheet P. CPU 200a calculates the difference (adjacent difference) between the luminance of adjacent pixel Pi and the luminance of pixel Pi-1, and determines the surface properties (e.g., unevenness) of sheet P based on the adjacent difference. CPU 200a may also calculate the sum of the luminance values ​​of pixels P1 to Pn and detect the glossiness of the surface of sheet P based on the sum.

[0025] The thickness sensor 502 has a roller 507 that is pressed by the sheet P, and an encoder sensor 508 that detects the amount of pressing of the roller 507. The CPU 200a calculates the thickness of the sheet P based on the detection result (pressing amount) output by the thickness sensor 502.

[0026] <Relationship between detected values ​​and media characteristics> 6A shows the relationship between the degree of unevenness and the adjacent difference detected by the surface property sensor 501. The horizontal axis represents the degree of unevenness, and the vertical axis represents the adjacent difference. FIG. 6A shows that there is a linear relationship between the degree of unevenness and the adjacent difference.

[0027] The sum D of adjacent differences can be defined by equation (1). Here, the detected values ​​of pixels P1, P2, . . . Pn are expressed as p1, p2, . . . pn.

[0028] D=(p2-p1)+(p3-p2)+···+(Pn-Pn-1)···(1) In this way, when pixel Pi and pixel Pi-1 are adjacent, the difference di between the detection value pi and the detection value pi-1 is calculated (i is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to n). Furthermore, the sum D of the differences di is calculated. The more uneven the surface of the sheet P, the greater the output difference between adjacent pixels. Therefore, it is possible to convert the output difference into the degree of unevenness. If the surface is smooth, the sum D of adjacent differences will be small, and if the surface is rough, the sum D of adjacent differences will be large.

[0029] FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the amount of pressing detected by the thickness sensor 502 and the thickness of the sheet P. The horizontal axis represents the thickness, and the vertical axis represents the amount of pressing. FIG. 6B shows that there is a linear relationship between the thickness and the amount of pressing. Therefore, the CPU 200a can convert the detection value (amount of pressing) of the thickness sensor 502 into the thickness of the sheet P.

[0030] The conversion formula or conversion table may be stored in the memory 201a, and the CPU 200a can determine the unevenness and thickness by applying the detected value to the conversion formula or conversion table.

[0031] <Type determination> FIG. 6C shows a method for determining the type of sheet P. The CPU 200a determines the type of sheet P using the sum D of adjacent differences and the amount of depression E, which are detection values ​​of the media sensor 14. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6C represents the sum D of adjacent differences. The vertical axis represents the amount of depression E. Cardboard is paper that is thick and has a smooth surface. When the detection results for cardboard are plotted, the detection results are concentrated in group G1. Embossed paper is paper that is thick and has a rough surface. Therefore, the detection results for embossed paper are concentrated in group G2. Therefore, the CPU 200a can determine the type of sheet P using the sum D of adjacent differences and the amount of depression E, which are detection values ​​of the media sensor 14.

[0032] For example, if the amount of pressure E exceeds the threshold Eth1 and the sum D of adjacent differences is equal to or smaller than the threshold Dth, the CPU 200a determines the type of sheet P as "thick glossy paper." This corresponds to group G1. If the amount of pressure E exceeds the threshold Eth1 and the sum D of adjacent differences is equal to or smaller than the threshold Dth, the CPU 200a determines the type of sheet P as "embossed paper." This corresponds to group G2. If the amount of pressure E is equal to or smaller than the threshold Eth2, the CPU 200a determines the type of sheet P as "thin paper." This corresponds to group G3. Note that if the amount of pressure E is equal to or smaller than the threshold Eth1 and exceeds the threshold Eth2, the CPU 200a may determine the type of sheet P as "plain paper." These thresholds may be stored in the memory 201a. The CPU 200a determines the type of sheet P by referring to these thresholds.

[0033] The structure of the media sensor 14 described here is merely one example. For example, the thickness sensor 502 may be realized by an ultrasonic sensor such as a piezoelectric element. The ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic oscillator are attenuated as they pass through the sheet P. Therefore, the CPU 200a can determine the thickness (basis weight) of the sheet P based on the level of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver. This allows the type of sheet P to be determined with even greater accuracy. In this way, any sensor that can determine the type of sheet P can be used as the media sensor 14.

[0034] According to FIG. 1, the media sensor 14 is disposed on the conveying path. When a sheet P passes a position opposite the media sensor 14, the media sensor 14 detects the type of the sheet P. There are also cases where the type of sheet P detected by the media sensor 14 differs from the type of sheet P specified via the operation unit 13. This may be called a type mismatch. In this case, the CPU 200a stops the conveyance of the sheet P. The user removes the sheet P stopped in the conveying path. After the user removes the sheet P, the CPU 200a performs image formation again. This lacks usability. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a type mismatch occurs, image formation on the sheet P continues as long as certain print allowance conditions are met. This improves usability.

[0035] [Example 1] Fig. 7 shows a control method executed by CPU 200a. Fig. 8 shows functions realized by CPU 200a in accordance with control program 810. Each function shown in Fig. 8 will be explained together with its associated steps.

[0036] When a print instruction is input through the operation unit 13, the motor group M1 is activated to start feeding the sheet P. Next, the CPU 200a executes the following process. Note that it is assumed that the CPU 200a (type designation unit 801) receives in advance the type of sheet P input by the operator through the operation unit 13 and stores it in the memory 201a. The operator is, for example, a user who uses the image forming apparatus 100 or an administrator who manages the image forming apparatus 100.

[0037] In S701, the CPU 200a (type detection unit 802) detects the type of sheet P using the media sensor 14. The type detection unit 802 detects the type of sheet P being conveyed on the conveying path 504 based on the detection result output by the media sensor 14 and type determination conditions 811. The type determination conditions 811 include the above-mentioned equation (1), thresholds Dth, Eth1, Eth2, etc.

[0038] In S702, the CPU 200a (type determination unit 803) determines whether the type specified by the user (user-specified type) matches the type detected by the media sensor 14 (detected type). If these types match, the CPU 200a advances the process to S703. In S703, the CPU 200a (print control unit 804) continues image formation on the sheet P being conveyed through the conveying path 504. If it is determined in S702 that these types do not match, the CPU 200a advances the process to S711.

[0039] In S711, the CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) determines whether the print permission conditions 812 are satisfied. The print permission conditions 812 are conditions for continuing image formation even if the user-specified type and the detected type do not match. The print permission conditions 812 may be stored in the memory 201a or the server 210. The condition acquisition unit 805 acquires the print permission conditions 812 from the memory 201a or the server 210 and passes them to the condition determination unit 806. The condition determination unit 806 determines whether the print permission conditions 812 are satisfied. Specific examples of the print permission conditions 812 will be described later. If the print permission conditions 812 are satisfied, the CPU 200a proceeds to S703 and continues image formation. On the other hand, if the print permission conditions 812 are not satisfied, the CPU 200a proceeds to S712.

[0040] In S712, the CPU 200a (print control unit 804) stops image formation. The print control unit 804 stops the motor group M1, stops the fixing unit 17, and stops the image forming unit 20. The print control unit 804 may display a message on the display device of the operation unit 13 indicating that the user-specified type and the detected type do not match. The print control unit 804 may display a message indicating that image formation has stopped and a message urging the user to remove the sheet P.

[0041] The print permission condition 812 may be, for example, any one of the following conditions or a combination of two or more conditions. (1) The detection type is one of the predetermined types. (2) The user desires to forcibly (or temporarily) continue image formation. (3) The user is one of the predefined users. (4) The image forming device is one of the predetermined image forming devices. (5) The image forming device is installed in a predetermined location. (6) The current time information, such as the year, month, day, and time, falls within a predetermined range.

[0042] For example, if the detected type is an expensive type, continuation of image formation may not be permitted, but if the detected type is an inexpensive type, printing may be permitted. In this case, the server 210 may manage the inexpensive type as a print-permitted type. Alternatively, when the query unit 807 queries the user via the operation unit 13, the user may request continuation of image formation. Alternatively, image formation may be permitted for a high-ranking user but not for a low-ranking user. Alternatively, a type mismatch may significantly reduce print quality (image quality) for a certain model, but only slightly reduce print quality for another model. In this case, continuation of image formation may be permitted for the other model. Alternatively, a type mismatch may significantly reduce print quality between an image forming apparatus 100 installed in one installation location and an image forming apparatus 100 installed in another installation location. On the other hand, a type mismatch may significantly reduce print quality between multiple image forming apparatuses 100 installed in the same installation location. This is because the printing purposes and types of sheets P of multiple image forming apparatuses 100 installed in the same installation location are often the same or similar. Alternatively, if the time (time information 816) acquired from the RTC 203 of the CPU 200a falls within a specific range, continuation of image formation may be permitted.

[0043] In this way, in the first embodiment, if the user-specified type and the detected type match, image formation continues. Even if the user-specified type and the detected type do not match, image formation continues as long as the print permission condition 812 is satisfied. Therefore, usability will be improved.

[0044] [Example 2] In the second embodiment, the print permission condition 812 is that at least one of the following conditions is met: the detection type is permitted by the server 210; and the user desires to continue image formation. Therefore, if the detection type is permitted by the server 210, image formation continues. Also, even if the detection type is not permitted by the server 210, image formation continues if the user desires to continue image formation.

[0045] Fig. 9 shows a control method executed by the CPU 200a. In Fig. 9, the same processes as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. As Fig. 9 shows, S711 is made up of S901 to S905.

[0046] In S901, the CPU 200 (condition determination unit 806) determines whether the detected type is a predetermined type. For example, the condition determination unit 806 accesses the server 210 via the condition acquisition unit 805 and acquires allowable type information stored in the memory 201b of the server 210. The allowable type information is part of the print allowable conditions 812, and is information indicating the type (predetermined type) of sheet P for which image formation can be continued even if it differs from the user-specified type. Here, the predetermined type may be multiple types (range). If the detected type is a predetermined type, the CPU 200a advances the process to S703 and continues image formation. If the detected type is not a predetermined type, the CPU 200a advances the process to S902.

[0047] In S902, the CPU 200 (print control unit 804) stops the transport of the sheet P. The print control unit 804 stops the motors involved in the transport of the sheet P among the motors included in the motor group M1.

[0048] In S903, the CPU 200a (inquiry unit 807) displays an inquiry on the operation unit 13. Here, the inquiry is a message asking the user whether or not he or she wishes to continue image formation. The inquiry may be output by voice via a speaker of the operation unit 13. In this case, the user inputs a response by voice via the microphone of the operation unit 13.

[0049] 10A shows an example of an inquiry message displayed on the operation unit 13. In this example, the message displayed is "This paper is not registered in the server. Do you want to continue printing?" The user inputs their preference by pressing the "YES" button 1001 or the "NO" button 1002.

[0050] In S904, the CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) determines whether the user desires to continue image formation based on information input from the operation unit 13. For example, when a "YES" button 1001 displayed on the operation unit 13 is pressed, the CPU 200a determines that the user desires to continue image formation. When a "NO" button 1002 displayed on the operation unit 13 is pressed, the CPU 200a determines that the user does not desire to continue image formation. If the user does not desire to continue image formation, the CPU 200a advances the process to S712 and stops image formation. On the other hand, if the user desires to continue image formation, the CPU 200a advances the process to S905.

[0051] In S905, the CPU 200a (print control unit 804) resumes conveying the sheet P. The print control unit 804 restarts the motors included in the motor group M1 that are involved in conveying the sheet P. In S906, the CPU 200a (print control unit) continues forming an image on the sheet P.

[0052] In S907, the CPU 200a (update unit 808) determines whether to update the print permission conditions 812. For example, the CPU 200a (query unit 807) may display a predetermined query message on the operation unit 13. This message is a message that queries the user whether to add the current detected type to the permitted type information held in the memory 201b of the server 210.

[0053] 10(B) shows an example of an inquiry message displayed on the operation unit 13. In this example, the message displayed is "Do you want to register this paper in the server?" The user inputs their preference by pressing the "YES" button 1001 or the "NO" button 1002.

[0054] The CPU 200a (update unit 808) determines whether to add the current detected type to the permitted type information based on the response entered by the user to the inquiry. If the print permitted conditions 812 are to be updated, the CPU 200a proceeds to S908. If the print permitted conditions 812 are not to be updated, the CPU 200a skips S908.

[0055] In S908, the CPU 200a (update unit 808) updates the print permission conditions 812. For example, the current detection type is added to the print permission conditions 812 stored in the memory 201b of the server 210. As a result, the current detection type also belongs to the predetermined type, and therefore, a Yes determination is made in S901. In other words, steps S902 to S908 are skipped, further improving usability.

[0056] In the second embodiment, the print permission conditions 812 are stored in the memory 201b of the server 210, but this is merely an example. The print permission conditions 812 may be stored in the memory 201a of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 200a acquires the print permission conditions 812 from the memory 201a of the image forming apparatus 100 instead of the memory 201b of the server 210.

[0057] [Example 3] In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 has a user recognition function such as an authentication apparatus 19. As shown in FIG.

[0058] The authentication device 19 can perform user authentication (e.g., card authentication, user account authentication). Card authentication refers to the process in which the authentication device 19 reads authentication information recorded on a card held over the authentication device 19 by the user and determines whether the user 1101 is a legitimate user based on the authentication information. The card may be an IC card, a magnetic card, or a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone). The authentication information may be an authentication image (e.g., a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark)) printed or displayed on the card. In these cases, the authentication device 19 may be called a card reader. The authentication device 19 may also be a biometric authentication device that reads biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint or vein pattern) of the user 1101 to determine whether the user is a specific user. In user account authentication, the user 1101 is authenticated based on a user ID (and password) input via the operation unit 13. A database that stores user authentication information may be constructed, for example, in the memory 201b of the server 210. The information processing device 1100 is a personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal, and is a computer that transmits a print job to the image forming device 100.

[0059] FIG. 12A shows a database 1200 stored in the memory 201b of the server 210. The database 1200 stores information required for authentication, such as a user's name, ID, and password. The CPU 200a sends an authentication request to the server 210, along with authentication information 813 input from the operation unit 13 or the authentication device 19. Upon receiving the authentication request, the CPU 200b of the server 210 determines whether the received authentication information 813 matches the authentication information registered in the database 1200. The CPU 200b sends the authentication result to the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether to permit image formation for the user 1101, based on the authentication result received from the server 210. As a result, image formation is permitted only for users registered in the database 1200. The database 1200 also stores print permission conditions 812 that indicate the types of sheets P that each user is permitted to print on. As described in the first and second embodiments, the print permission conditions 812 indicate the types of sheets P that are permitted to be printed on even if the user-specified type and the detected type do not match. As shown in Fig. 12(A), the print permission conditions 812 may be different for each user.

[0060] Fig. 13 shows a control method executed by the CPU 200a. In Fig. 13, the same processes as those in Fig. 7 or 9 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] In S1301, the CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) determines whether authentication of the user has been successful. As described above, the CPU 200a performs user authentication using authentication information 813 input via the authentication device 19 or the operation unit 13. For example, the CPU 200a may send an authentication request accompanied by the authentication information 813 to the server 210 and receive an authentication result. Alternatively, the CPU 200a may send an authentication request to the server 210 requesting comparison information required for authentication processing, receive the comparison information, and compare the comparison information with the authentication information 813. If authentication is successful, the CPU 200a proceeds to S701.

[0062] If a mismatch between the user-specified type and the detected type is found in S702, the CPU 200a proceeds to S1311. In S1311, the CPU 200a (condition acquisition unit 805) acquires the print permission conditions 812 associated with the user from the server 210. The CPU 200a (condition acquisition unit 805) may store the print permission conditions 812 acquired from the server 210 in the memory 201a.

[0063] In S1312, the CPU 200a (type determination unit 803) determines whether the detected type is a predetermined type based on the print permission conditions 812. The type determination unit 803 determines whether the detected type satisfies the print permission conditions 812. For example, assume that the authenticated user is User A shown in FIG. 12(A), the user-specified type is plain paper, and the detected type is thick paper. In this case, User A is permitted to print on thick paper (predetermined type) even if the type does not match. Therefore, the detected type is determined to be the predetermined type. If the detected type is the predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if the detected type is not the predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S902. For example, User B is not permitted to print on thick paper in the case of type mismatch, so the CPU 200a proceeds to S902.

[0064] Thereafter, if the answer is Yes in S907, the CPU 200a proceeds to S1321. In S1321, the CPU 200a (update unit 808) updates the printing allowable conditions 812 to add the detection type as a predetermined type. For example, the update unit 808 adds the detection type to the printing allowable conditions 812 associated with the user in the server 210. For example, if the authenticated user is user A and the detection type is a translucent resin film, a translucent resin film is added to the printing allowable conditions 812 of user A.

[0065] According to the third embodiment, the print allowable conditions 812 are managed for each user. Therefore, even if the print allowable conditions 812 for user A are updated or changed, it does not affect user B. Furthermore, because the print allowable conditions 812 are updated, the next time a type mismatch occurs for the currently detected type (e.g., resin film), printing can be continued immediately. Therefore, printing is not interrupted, further improving usability.

[0066] [Example 4] In the second and third embodiments, printing on a predetermined type of sheet P is permitted even if a type mismatch occurs. Here, the print permission conditions 812 may further take into account the performance specifications of the image forming apparatus 100. A typical example of the performance specifications is printing speed. For example, even with the same type of sheet P, one image forming apparatus may produce low image quality while another image forming apparatus may produce high image quality. Therefore, the print permission conditions 812 may include a requirement that the performance specifications of the image forming apparatus 100 be predetermined performance specifications. Generally, the performance specifications of an image forming apparatus differ depending on the model name (model name or model identification code). Therefore, the print permission conditions 812 may be managed for each model name. Alternatively, the print permission conditions 812 may be managed commonly for each model group (performance specification group) consisting of multiple models with the same or similar performance specifications.

[0067] 12(B) shows management information (database 1210) stored in memory 201b of server 210. In this example, the types of sheets P that are permitted to be printed are registered for each model ID. The model ID may be any information that can identify each model, such as a model name or a model identification code.

[0068] Fig. 14 shows a control method executed by CPU 200a. In Fig. 14, the same reference numerals are assigned to processes common to Fig. 7, Fig. 9, or Fig. 13, and their explanations will be omitted. Here, S901 is replaced by S1401 and S1402, and S908 is replaced by S1411.

[0069] In S1401, CPU 200a (condition acquisition unit 805) acquires permitted printing conditions 812 associated with image forming apparatus 100. For example, condition acquisition unit 805 reads model ID 814 of image forming apparatus 100 from memory 201a and transmits it to server 210. CPU 200b of server 210 reads permitted printing conditions 812 corresponding to model ID 814 from memory 201b and transmits it to image forming apparatus 100. If permitted printing conditions 812 are managed for each performance specification (printing speed, etc.), identification information indicating the performance specification is transmitted to server 210, and permitted printing conditions 812 corresponding to the identification information is acquired.

[0070] In S1402, the CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) determines whether the detection type is a predetermined type based on the received print permission conditions 812. If the detection type is a predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S703. If the detection type is not a predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S902.

[0071] In S1411, the CPU 200a updates the print permission conditions 812 associated with the model ID 814 (or performance specifications) of the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, the update unit 808 accesses the server 210 and adds information about the type of sheet P on which the user is permitted to print to the print permission conditions 812. This allows printing on the sheet P in the same model or other models having the same or similar performance specifications, further improving usability.

[0072] [Example 5] In the fifth embodiment, the installation location of the image forming apparatus 100 is taken into consideration as a printing permission condition. The installation location may be, for example, latitude and longitude, an address, a building, a floor, or a room. For example, if installation location A and installation location B are close to each other, the content printed by each image forming apparatus 100 will likely be similar. If installation location A and installation location B are close to each other, the uses of printed materials created by each image forming apparatus 100 will likely be the same or similar. On the other hand, if installation location A and installation location B are far apart, the uses of the content or printed materials will likely be different. Therefore, if installation location A and installation location B are close to each other, the printing permission conditions 812 are likely to be similar. In particular, for multiple image forming apparatuses 100 installed at installation location A, the printing permission conditions 812 for each image forming apparatus 100 will likely be very similar. The same is true for installation location B. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the printing permission conditions 812 are managed and updated for each installation location.

[0073] 12C shows management information (database 1220) stored in memory 201b of server 210. In this example, the types of sheets P that are permitted to be printed for each installation location are registered.

[0074] Fig. 15 shows a control method executed by CPU 200a. In Fig. 15, the same reference numerals are assigned to processes common to Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 13, or Fig. 14, and their explanations will be omitted. Here, S901 is replaced by S1501 and S1502, and S908 is replaced by S1511.

[0075] In S1501, the CPU 200a (condition acquisition unit 805) acquires the permitted printing conditions 812 associated with the installation location of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the condition acquisition unit 805 reads out the installation location information 815 stored in the memory 201a of the image forming apparatus 100 and transmits it to the server 210. The CPU 200b of the server 210 reads out the permitted printing conditions 812 corresponding to the installation location information 815 from the memory 201b and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0076] In S1502, the CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) determines whether the detected type is a predetermined type based on the print permission conditions 812. If the detected type is a predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S703. If the detected type is not a predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S902.

[0077] In S1511, the CPU 200a updates the printing permission conditions 812 associated with the installation location information of the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, the update unit 808 accesses the server 210 and adds information about the type of sheet P on which the user is permitted to print to the printing permission conditions 812. This allows other image forming apparatuses 100 associated with the same installation location information to also print on the sheet P, further improving usability.

[0078] [Example 6] The durability of the image forming apparatus 100 or the environmental conditions in which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed varies from day to day. For example, if consumables are not replaced, the durability in January will be different from that in May. Therefore, the image quality in January may differ from that in May. Therefore, if the detection type is not a predetermined type, the image quality may not meet the user's expectations. On the other hand, there may not be much difference between the image quality on Monday and that on Friday within the same week. In a model with excellent durability, there may not be a significant difference between the image quality in the first week and that in the third week within the same month. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, time information is also taken into account as the print allowance condition 812.

[0079] 12D shows management information (database 1230) stored in memory 201b of server 210. In this example, the types of sheets P that are permitted to be printed on are registered for each piece of time information.

[0080] Figure 16 shows a control method executed by CPU 200a. In Figure 16, the same reference numerals are assigned to processes common to Figures 7, 9, 13, 14, and 15, and their explanations will be omitted. Here, S901 is replaced by S1601 and S1602, and S908 is replaced by S1611.

[0081] In S1601, the CPU 200a (condition acquisition unit 805) acquires the permitted printing conditions 812 associated with the current time information 816. For example, the condition acquisition unit 805 reads the time information 816 acquired from the RTC 203 and stored in the memory 201a, and transmits it to the server 210. The CPU 200b of the server 210 reads the permitted printing conditions 812 corresponding to the received time information 816 from the memory 201b, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0082] In S1602, the CPU 200a (condition determination unit 806) determines whether the detected type is a predetermined type based on the print permission conditions 812. If the detected type is a predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S703. If the detected type is not a predetermined type, the CPU 200a proceeds to S902.

[0083] In S1611, the CPU 200a (update unit 808) updates the print permission conditions 812 associated with the time information 816 of the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, the update unit 808 accesses the server 210 and adds the type information of the sheet P for which printing is permitted by the user to the print permission conditions 812. As a result, printing on the sheet P is permitted if the time or day falls within the range of the same time information, further improving usability.

[0084] <Modification> 1, the media sensor 14 is disposed on the conveyance path, but this is merely an example. The type of sheet P can be detected by the media sensor 14 before the toner image is transferred onto the sheet P. Therefore, the media sensor 14 may be disposed in the storage 10. Alternatively, the media sensor 14 may be disposed before the secondary transfer device 28.

[0085] <Technical ideas derived from examples> [Point 1] The storage container 10 is an example of a stacking means for stacking sheets. The transport device 2 is an example of a transporting means for transporting sheets loaded on the stacking means. The media sensor 14 is an example of a detection means for detecting the type of sheet. The image forming unit 20 is an example of an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet. The CPU 200a is an example of a control means for controlling the transporting means and the image forming means. The CPU 200a acquires a user-specified type regarding the type of sheet loaded on the stacking means. The sheet type detected by the detection means may match the user-specified type. In this case, the CPU 200a controls the image forming means so that an image is formed on the sheet transported by the transporting means. The sheet type detected by the detection means may not match the user-specified type. In this case, the CPU 200a determines whether user instruction information has been input to allow the image forming means to form an image on the sheet transported by the transporting means. There are cases in which the sheet type detected by the detection means does not match the user-specified type, but user instruction information has been input. In this case, the CPU 200a controls the image forming means so that an image is formed on the sheet being conveyed by the conveying means. There are cases where the type of sheet detected by the detecting means does not match the type specified by the user, and user instruction information is not input. In this case, the CPU 200a controls the image forming means so that an image is not formed on the sheet being conveyed by the conveying means. This improves usability.

[0086] [Point 2] There are cases where the sheet type detected by the detection means does not match the type specified by the user. In this case, the CPU 200a may display a screen for inputting user instruction information on the display. Since the user can input user instruction information while visually checking it, usability is improved.

[0087] [Point 3] When user instruction information is input, the CPU 200a may update the user-specified type by adding the sheet type detected by the detection means to the user-specified type. This allows the type currently permitted by the user to be printed from the next time onwards without waiting for a user instruction. This further improves usability.

[0088] [Other perspectives] There are cases where the sheet type detected by the detection means matches the sheet type previously specified by the user or administrator operator. In this case, the CPU 200a permits image formation on the sheet transported by the transport means. There are cases where the sheet type detected by the detection means does not match the previously specified sheet type, but the predetermined print permission conditions are met. In this case, the CPU 200a permits image formation on the sheet transported by the transport means. There are cases where the sheet type detected by the detection means does not match the previously specified sheet type, and the predetermined print permission conditions are not met. In this case, the CPU 200a stops image formation on the sheet transported by the transport means. In this way, even if the detected type differs from the user-specified type, image formation is permitted as long as the print permission conditions are met. This improves usability.

[0089] There may be cases where the sheet type detected by the detection means does not match the pre-specified sheet type. In this case, the display device of the operation unit 13 may function as an output means that outputs a query to the user asking whether or not to continue image formation. The input device of the operation unit 13 may function as an input means that accepts input of a response to the query. As described with respect to S904, the predetermined printing permission condition may be that the response is to continue image formation. Even if the detected type and the user-specified type differ, printing can be performed if the user desires printing. This improves usability.

[0090] The predetermined print permission condition may be that the sheet type detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined range. In this way, the detected type for which printing is permitted even if it differs from the user-specified type may be determined in advance. For example, as described with reference to Figures 12(A) to 12(D), the predetermined range may be defined by a server connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0091] The predetermined print permission condition may be that the user attempting to form an image on a sheet belongs to a predetermined range of users. For example, a user who is successfully authenticated is an example of a user who belongs to the predetermined range. This allows a specific user to form an image on a sheet of a detected type different from the user-specified type. As described with reference to FIG. 12A, the types of sheets that are permitted to be printed may be determined in advance for each user.

[0092] The predetermined print permission condition may be two conditions that are simultaneously satisfied: the first condition is that the user attempting to form an image on the sheet belongs to a predetermined range of users, and the second condition is that the type of sheet detected by the detection means belongs to a predetermined range of types for the user.

[0093] The predetermined print permission condition may be that the model of the image forming device is within a predetermined range, so that if the image forming device is a specific model, printing is permitted even if the detected type and the user-specified type differ.

[0094] The predetermined print permission condition may be two conditions that are simultaneously satisfied. The first condition is that the model of the image forming device is within a predetermined range. The second condition is that the type of sheet detected by the detection means is within a predetermined range for the image forming device. This makes it possible to manage the types of sheets that are permitted to be printed for each image forming device.

[0095] The predetermined print permission condition may be that the installation location of the image forming device is within a predetermined range, so that the image forming device installed in the specific installation location is allowed to print even if the detected type and the user-specified type differ.

[0096] The predetermined printing permission condition may be two conditions that are simultaneously satisfied. The first condition is that the installation location of the image forming device is within a predetermined range. The second condition is that the type of sheet detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined range for the installation location. This makes it possible to manage the types of sheets that are permitted to be printed for each installation location.

[0097] The predetermined print permission condition may be that the time information associated with the image forming device is time information that falls within a predetermined range, whereby, when the time information of the image forming device is the specific time information, printing is permitted even if the detected type and the user-specified type are different.

[0098] The predetermined printing permission condition may be two conditions that are simultaneously satisfied. The first condition is that the time information associated with the image forming device is time information that falls within a predetermined range. The second condition is that the type of sheet detected by the detection unit is a type that falls within a predetermined range of time information. This makes it possible to manage the type of printing that is permitted for each piece of time information.

[0099] The CPU 200a, the communication circuit 202a, and the condition acquisition unit 805 function as an acquisition unit that acquires predetermined print permission conditions from the server. The CPU 200a may determine whether the predetermined print permission conditions acquired by the acquisition unit are satisfied. However, the server is not essential, and the print permission conditions may be stored in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0100] The predetermined print permission condition may be that at least one of a first permission condition and a second permission condition is satisfied. The first permission condition is that the sheet type, user attributes, model of image forming device, installation location of the image forming device, or time information associated with the image forming device falls within a predetermined range. The second permission condition is that the user wishes to continue image formation on the sheet. Therefore, if either condition is satisfied, the user can temporarily continue image formation, further improving usability.

[0101] The display device of the operation unit 13 is an example of an output means that outputs an inquiry to the user as to whether or not to continue image formation when the first permissible condition is not satisfied. The input device of the operation unit 13 is an example of an input means that receives input of a response to the inquiry. The CPU 200a may determine whether or not the second permissible condition is satisfied based on the response.

[0102] If the second acceptable condition is satisfied based on the response, the CPU 200a may update the first acceptable condition. The determination factors for the first acceptable condition include, for example, the sheet type, the user's attributes, the model of the image forming device, the installation location of the image forming device, or time information associated with the image forming device. Any of these determination factors that are determined not to satisfy the first acceptable condition are updated to satisfy the first acceptable condition. This allows image formation to continue without querying the user, further improving usability.

[0103] There are cases where the sheet type detected by the detection unit does not match the pre-specified sheet type, but the predetermined first tolerance condition is met. In this case, the CPU 200a may permit image formation on the sheet transported by the transport unit. There are cases where the detected sheet type does not match the pre-specified sheet type, and the first tolerance condition is not met, but the predetermined second tolerance condition is met. In this case, the CPU 200a may permit image formation on the sheet transported by the transport unit. There are cases where the sheet type detected by the detection unit does not match the pre-specified sheet type, and the first tolerance condition is not met, and the second tolerance condition is not met. In this case, the CPU 200a may stop image formation on the sheet transported by the transport unit.

[0104] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10: Storage, 2: Conveyor, 14: Media sensor, 20: Image forming unit, 200: CPU

Claims

1. loading means for loading sheets; a conveying means for conveying the sheets stacked on the stacking means; a detection means provided downstream of the conveying means in the sheet conveying direction, the detection means detecting a value related to the surface properties of the sheet; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet conveyed from the stacking means; an input means for inputting the type of the sheet; A display means; a communication means connected via a network for communicating with a server that registers the types of sheets for which continuation of image formation is permitted; If the type indicated by the user-specified information for the first sheet in response to the input of the print instruction differs from the type corresponding to the value detected by the detection means for the first sheet, and the type corresponding to the value detected by the detection means for the first sheet is not a type registered in the server in advance for which continuation of image formation is permitted, the conveying means stops conveying the first sheet before the first sheet reaches the image forming means, the display means displays a message inquiring whether or not to continue image formation, The image forming means When the continuation of the image formation is selected, an image is formed using image forming conditions based on the type indicated by the user-designated information for the first sheet without changing the type indicated by the user-designated information for the first sheet; An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, if continuation of the image formation is not selected, the image is not formed.

2. loading means for loading sheets; a conveying means for conveying the sheets stacked on the stacking means; a detection means arranged downstream of the conveying means in the conveying direction of the sheet, and detecting a value related to the surface property of the sheet; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet conveyed from the stacking means; an input means for inputting the type of the sheet; a display means; If the type indicated by the user-specified information for the first sheet in response to the input of the print instruction differs from the type corresponding to the value detected by the detection means for the first sheet, the image forming means interrupts image formation on the first sheet before the first sheet reaches the image forming means, the display means displays a message inquiring whether or not to continue the image formation, The image forming means When the continuation of the image formation is selected, an image is formed using image forming conditions based on the type indicated by the user-designated information for the first sheet without changing the type indicated by the user-designated information for the first sheet; An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, if the continuation of the image formation is not selected, an image is not formed on the first sheet.

3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the type indicated by the user-specified information for the first sheet in response to the input of the printing instruction is the same as the type corresponding to the value detected by the detection means for the first sheet, the display means does not display a message inquiring whether to continue the image formation.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the type of the sheet includes at least one of cardboard, glossy paper, embossed paper, thin paper, and plain paper.

5. When the type of sheet input by the input means is plain paper and the type of sheet detected by the detection means is glossy paper, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a message inquiring whether or not to continue the image formation.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means detects a value related to the basis weight of the sheet and a value related to the surface property of the sheet.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, when the image formation is not continued, the display unit displays a message indicating that the image formation will be stopped.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the image formation is not continued, the display unit displays a message prompting the user to remove the sheet from inside the image forming apparatus.

Images