Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image formation device which can perform more accurate operation.SOLUTION: An image formation device for forming an image on a recording medium has: a detection part for detecting physical properties of the recording medium; and a control part for controlling the operation in the image formation device, on the basis of first information that is information on the recording medium other than a detection value detected by the detection part and physical property values calculated on the basis of the detection value, or second information that is information other than the recording medium and is information acquired from the outside of the image formation device, and the detection value detected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus that forms and outputs an image on a recording medium, by appropriately adjusting various conditions (image forming conditions) related to the image forming operation and the conveyance operation of the recording medium according to the characteristics of the recording medium on which the image is formed, the recording medium can be stably conveyed and a high-quality image can be formed.

[0003] There are various types of recording media used, but it takes time for the user to appropriately change the settings, and problems may occur in image formation or the image quality may deteriorate due to omissions or inappropriate settings. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which an image forming apparatus has a measurement sensor that measures the physical properties of a recording medium, and automatically discriminates the physical properties of the recording medium based on the physical property values measured by the measurement sensor. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a plurality of acquired physical property values are input into a machine learning model to discriminate the type of the recording medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, due to differences in the measurement conditions of the measurement sensor, variations in the measurement sensor and the recording medium itself, etc., the measured physical property values alone may not provide sufficient information for the high-precision operation of the image forming apparatus.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing operations with higher precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, A detection unit for detecting the physical properties of the recording medium, The detected value detected by the detection unit and the information relating to the recording medium Detected values ​​and The Physical properties calculated based on detected values Both other than The feelings The first piece of information is a report. Report and Based on, The identification range for identifying the type of recording medium is adjusted according to at least one of the detected value and the physical property value. Control unit and It is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The first information is characterized by being information relating to the usage history of the recording medium in the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Furthermore, claims 3 The invention described is as follows: or 2 In the image forming apparatus described above, The aforementioned control unit teeth, Based on the adjusted identification range, The recording medium stored in the image forming apparatus This shows the correspondence between the type and the detected value detected by the detection unit. Modify the attribute table. Ruko It is characterized by the following.

[0013] Furthermore, claims 4 The invention described is as follows: or 2 In the image forming apparatus described above, The aforementioned control unit teeth, Based on the adjusted identification range, The image formation conditions for forming an image on the recording medium detected by the detection unit are determined. Ruko It is characterized by the following.

[0014] Furthermore, claims 5 The invention described is as follows: or 2In the described image forming apparatus, the control unit is Based on the adjusted identification range, to determine at least any one of the brand, type, and basis weight of the recording medium detected by the detection unit Ruko and is characterized by the above.

[0018] Also, the invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1 or 2 In the described image forming apparatus, a storage unit that stores a recording medium; a transport unit that transports the recording medium stored in the storage unit along a transport path; and has The detection unit is installed at a predetermined position on the transport path and detects the physical properties of the recording medium transported by the transport unit and is characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is an effect that a higher-precision operation can be performed in an image forming apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of an identification range of a recording medium in each region. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining an example of adjustment of an identification range according to a calculated basis weight. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the average value of the number of paper types used by industry type. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of share information of a recording medium used in each region. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a control procedure of identification information adjustment processing. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of type discrimination range adjustment processing and detailed discrimination range adjustment processing. [Figure 8]This flowchart shows the control procedure for the image formation control process related to the image formation operation. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the stock identification control process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system 100, including the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

[0022] The image forming system 100 may include an image forming apparatus 1 connected via a network, an external server system S (a server that manages various information related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 1), and an external image forming apparatus P (another image forming apparatus, for example, one located within the same LAN (including wireless LAN) or VPN (Virtual Private Network) as the image forming apparatus 1). The external image forming apparatus P does not have to be included in the image forming system 100 if there is no such external image forming apparatus P.

[0023] The external server system S functions as a data bank that collects and manages information on various recording media that are distributed worldwide and can be used in the image forming apparatus 1. The information on recording media includes the brand name, manufacturer (which may include distributors and sellers; the same applies hereinafter), and information on various characteristics (physical properties) (officially published information (including nominal basis weight) and measured information) of each recording media. In addition, the external server system S also stores information on the market share of recording media used worldwide, and information on the types of recording media mainly used in each industry. The external server system S may be a single server device, or a separate database device may be connected to the server device that performs control operations. The external server system S may be openly accessible, or access rights may be granted to a specific image forming apparatus 1 (or its user).

[0024] The external server system S does not have to be a single entity; there may be multiple mirror servers in the world that synchronize and hold the same data (a small time lag relative to the update frequency may be acceptable). In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may automatically determine the optimal access destination according to its installation area (the area in which the image forming apparatus 1 is used; for example, this may be determined from an IP address, or it may be information received and set by the user's input operation to the reception unit 142), or the user may manually set a preferred access destination by input operation to the reception unit 142. Furthermore, the set access destination is not limited to one location. Multiple locations may be set along with their priority, and if access to the target fails continuously for a specified time or longer, the access target may be automatically changed to the access destination with a lower priority and access may be performed.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, an operation panel 14, a storage unit 21, a transport unit 22, a physical property detection unit 23 (detection unit), an image forming operation unit 24, and the like, and forms an image on a recording medium.

[0026] The control unit 11 has a hardware processor that controls various operations in the image forming apparatus 1. The hardware processor includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing. The CPU may be a single unit, or multiple units may operate in parallel or independently depending on the application. The hardware processor may also include a microcontroller and various dedicated logic circuits in addition to the CPU.

[0027] The communication unit 12 controls communication with external devices. Communication is performed according to a predetermined communication standard, and for example, it is possible to send and receive data according to standards related to LAN (Local Area Network) and WiFi. The communication unit 12 has a network card or the like and can send requests to external devices and receive (acquire) data in response to those requests. External devices that are the communication destinations include the server equipment of the external server system S and the external image forming apparatus P. The communication unit may also have a connection terminal related to USB (Universal Serial Bus), and when a detachable device such as a USB memory stick is connected to this connection terminal, it may be possible to control the sending and receiving of data with that device.

[0028] The memory unit 13 includes volatile memory (RAM) and non-volatile memory. The RAM provides a working memory space to the CPU of the control unit 11 and stores temporary data. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory. Programs for operation control and various setting data are stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0029] The configuration data includes, for example, brand information 131, type identification information 132, regional identification information 133, and media usage history 134 (usage history). Brand information 131 stores the brand of the recording medium and its relationship to its type and basis weight. The type identification information 132 and regional identification information 133, which are attribute tables for the recording medium in this embodiment, will be described later. The media usage history 134 stores information that identifies the recording medium used for image formation in the image forming apparatus 1, along with its usage frequency (number of images formed). The information that identifies the recording medium is, for example, the brand, and may also include the manufacturer, distributor, or seller. If the brand is not specified, the data may include the type of recording medium, detected value, and / or basis weight.

[0030] Furthermore, the memory unit 13 also stores image data to be formed and drive data for driving the image forming operation unit 24 converted from said image data. While processing continues after acquisition, this data only needs to be stored in RAM. If it needs to be retained after image formation, or if temporary processing is interrupted or held until image formation after acquisition, it is moved to non-volatile memory as needed and stored there.

[0031] The operation panel 14 includes a display unit 141 having a display screen and a reception unit 142 having a touch panel or the like that is positioned overlapping the display screen. The display screen is not particularly limited, but is a liquid crystal display screen, and can be displayed in full color or limited colors under the control of the control unit 11. The display unit 141 may also have LED lamps or the like as needed, and these LED lamps may be used for status notification or as indicators to show a degree or the progress of initial settings at startup when multiple lamps are lined up.

[0032] The touch panel performs a reception operation by generating signals of touch operations and their touch positions (instructions from the user, etc.) and outputting them to the control unit 11. The method for detecting touch operations may be any well-known technique and is not particularly limited. The reception unit 142 may also have other switches, such as push-button switches, rocker switches, or rotary switches. For example, input operations related to power supply (such as switching between main power and standby states) may be received by specific push-button switches or rocker switches.

[0033] The storage unit 21, transport unit 22, physical property detection unit 23, and image forming operation unit 24 are configured to correspond to the actual image forming operation. The storage unit 21 includes a tray (cassette) for storing the recording medium on which the image is formed. The storage unit 21 may also include sensors for determining whether a recording medium is stored or for detecting the size of the recording medium. There may be multiple trays in the storage unit, and one is selected according to the settings, and a new recording medium is sent out and supplied from the selected tray.

[0034] The transport unit 22 sequentially removes (discharges) recording media from the storage unit 21 and performs a transport operation by moving and transporting them along a transport path that passes through the image formation position and fixing position before discharge. The transport unit 22 may include, for example, rollers that grip the recording media and move them at a speed and direction corresponding to their rotation, an endless belt, and guide members that define the transport direction. Furthermore, by appropriately moving the guide members to change the transport path, it may be possible to enable double-sided printing or switch the destination (tray or post-processing device) for the discharge of the recording media after image formation.

[0035] The physical property detection unit 23 is located on the transport path of the transport unit 22, for example, downstream of the storage unit 21 and upstream of the position where image formation is performed by the image forming operation unit 24 (installed at a predetermined position on the transport path), and has a sensor that detects the physical properties of the transported recording medium by measuring physical quantities related to the physical properties of the recording medium. The sensor includes, for example, a light emission unit and a light receiving unit, and measures the transmitted light intensity and reflected light intensity of the emitted light to the recording medium. The measured value (detected value) is output to the control unit 11. That is, the physical property detection unit 23 is installed on the transport path such that the recording medium is transported and passes between the emission unit and the light receiving unit (which is the transport path). The light receiving unit may further measure the intensity of specularly reflected light and the intensity of diffusely reflected light separately. The emission unit can emit light of various wavelengths such as infrared (IR), blue (B), and green (G), and the light receiving unit can measure the incident intensity for each of these wavelengths. The physical property detection unit 23 may also be capable of measuring other properties such as the weight, thickness (i.e., basis weight), and bending strength of the recording medium. The transport unit 22 may temporarily suspend the transport of the recording medium at the measurement position (just before the image formation position) by the physical property detection unit 23, or it may perform the measurement while transporting the recording medium. The position of the physical property detection unit 23 does not have to be the example position described above, but it is preferable that the measurement is performed in a way that is not affected by changes in the state of the media surface, etc., caused by the image forming operation or fixing operation.

[0036] The image forming unit 24 performs the operation of applying and fixing colorants onto the recording medium. The image forming unit 24, although not particularly limited, includes an engine that forms (develops) a toner image of CMYK 4 colors or the like on a photoreceptor based on image data indicating the content to be formed using an electrophotographic method, and then transfers this to the recording medium via a transfer body to form an image. The image forming unit 24 also has a fixing unit that heats and presses the transferred toner onto the recording medium using rollers or the like to fix it.

[0037] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, the characteristics of the recording medium to be image formed are identified based on the detection values ​​of the physical property detection unit 23. Based on the detection values ​​of the physical property detection unit 23, the media type is identified, and if necessary, a more detailed classification of the recording medium is identified based on the media type and basis weight (physical property value).

[0038] The media type is identified based on the type identification information 132. The type identification information 132 contains data relating to the correspondence between the detection values ​​of the physical property detection unit 23 and the types of recording media, such as plain paper, coated paper (glossy paper, matte paper), recycled paper, colored paper, index paper, postcards, resin films (including OHP sheets, etc.). In the type identification information 132, the corresponding recording media type is defined for each range of predetermined components among the detection values ​​of the physical property detection unit 23.

[0039] Once the media type is identified, for some of the media types, regional identification information 133 is referenced to determine the detailed classification. If there are differences in thickness and quality for each type of recording medium, for example, if the type is identified as plain paper, coated paper, recycled paper, colored paper, etc., the thickness (thin paper, plain paper, thick paper, etc.) is determined in multiple stages (thin paper and thick paper may have multiple stages) based on the basis weight. Furthermore, the detailed classification of plain paper, colored paper, etc. may also include quality (high-quality paper, medium-quality paper, low-grade paper (rough paper)).

[0040] Although basis weight (physical property value) can be measured directly as described above, here it is determined from the detected value obtained by the physical property detection unit 23. In this case, the calculated basis weight (calculated basis weight) will vary slightly from the nominal value of each recording medium depending on the measurement conditions, variations between recording media, and variations in the physical property detection unit 23 itself. Therefore, by setting a range for the nominal value (nominal basis weight) in advance, the detailed classification of the recording medium can be specified according to the calculated basis weight.

[0041] Furthermore, the types and thicknesses of commonly used recording media often differ from region to region of the world. Here, "region" refers to an area where the distribution of recording media is generally standardized, mainly including countries or several neighboring countries that share at least some common economic zones. Therefore, by defining the basis weight range for each region and using the setting corresponding to the location (region of use) of the image forming apparatus 1, it becomes possible to more accurately identify the detailed classification of the recording media from the basis weight. The correspondence between the predetermined basis weight measurement range for each region and the detailed classification of the recording media is stored in advance as initial data in the regional identification information 133, and further data with necessary adjustments (modifications) is stored in addition, as described later. Note that the initial data itself may also be updated according to market trends. The updated data may be stored, for example, in an external server system S and distributed from the external server system S to each image forming apparatus 1.

[0042] Furthermore, for OHP sheets and envelopes, detailed classification is not necessarily required when setting image formation conditions.

[0043] Regional information (second information other than the recording medium and acquired from outside the image forming apparatus 1) may be acquired, for example, by accepting input operations performed by the user or administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 on the operation panel 14 (reception unit 142) of the image forming apparatus 1 (the term "outside" here includes the person performing the input operation, such as the user). Alternatively, identification information of the region to which the IP address set on the machine is assigned may be acquired from outside.

[0044] Figure 2 shows examples of the identification range of recording media in each region. Figure 2(a) shows the identification range in Japanese identification information, Figure 2(b) shows the identification range in North American identification information, and Figure 2(c) shows the identification range in European identification information.

[0045] In each case, the nominal basis weight is shown on the horizontal axis, and the basis weight calculated by the physical property detection unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 1 is shown on the vertical axis. As described above, ordinary paper is set up in eight ranges (identification ranges R1 to R3) from thin paper (low basis weight) to thick paper (high basis weight), each connected without overlap, in a frame-like structure. The recording medium (ordinary paper) is identified as having a thickness corresponding to the nominal basis weight in the range to which the calculated basis weight belongs.

[0046] The set of points aligned along the thick vertical line represents an example of the range of calculated basis weight measured for recording media in which stable image formation operation was confirmed in the image forming apparatus 1. Since the number of recording media actually used is limited, the nominal basis weights are scattered for each recording media. For each of these recording media, the basis weight calculated based on the measurement results by the physical property detection unit 23 has a certain range, and it is desirable to define an identification range that appropriately divides the thickness of the recording media while ensuring that the identification results do not vary between different detailed classifications of each recording media.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an example of adjusting the identification range according to the calculated basis weight.

[0048] In some cases, the calculated basis weight may extend beyond the identification range (solid line frame) shown in Figure 2 above. Recording media that extend beyond the identification range in this way will be incorrectly identified as belonging to the detailed classification of recording media set to correspond to that extended range.

[0049] Depending on where the nominal basis weight of the recording medium actually used lies within the identification range, the calculated basis weight may be biased towards the upper or lower part of the identification range. For example, in the example of identification information for Japan shown in Figure 3(a), the nominal basis weights of paper A, B, and C used are all biased towards the upper edge of the identification range (towards the right in the figure), and accordingly, the calculated basis weights of all of them are biased to extend beyond the upper part of the identification range. Therefore, by shifting the boundaries of these three identification ranges upward to create boundaries b1 and b2, it becomes more difficult to mistakenly identify each recording medium.

[0050] In the example of identification information for Europe shown in Figure 3(c), the D, E, and F papers used all have nominal basis weights that are concentrated near the upper edge of the identification range, and the calculated basis weights extend above the identification range. Therefore, by shifting the boundaries of these three identification ranges upward to create boundaries b3 and b4, it becomes less likely that each recording medium will be incorrectly identified.

[0051] On the other hand, in the example of identification information for the United States shown in Figure 3(b), the nominal basis weight of the G and H papers used is biased towards the lower end of the identification range (towards the left in the figure), and the calculated basis weight is also towards the lower end of the identification range, with some extending below. Therefore, by shifting the lower ends of these two identification ranges downwards to create boundaries b5 and b6, the situation in which the identification result is uncertain can be reduced.

[0052] Here, the shiftable range is indicated by a dotted line. If the measurement conditions or the physical property detection unit 23 are significantly outside the appropriate range, it is necessary to address these issues rather than accurately identifying the recording medium. Furthermore, in the case of poor quality paper with significant variations in the recording medium itself, even if the recording medium is classified based on the nominal value, the recording medium will actually fall outside the classification, making the classification based on nominal basis weight itself inappropriate.

[0053] The combinations of recording media types and detailed classifications actually used by users of business-oriented image forming apparatus 1 are actually limited to only a small fraction of the diverse types available on the market. Some users only use a single type of recording media for image formation, and even those who use multiple types only differentiate them depending on the application, for example, one for internal work and another for external submission or distribution. Furthermore, the content of these combinations is biased depending on the industry.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the average number of paper types (types and detailed classifications) used by industry. Although some industries (industry a) may perform image formation on an average of two or more types of paper, the average number of paper types that users in each industry perform image formation on with the image forming apparatus 1 is generally two or less. In other words, each image forming apparatus 1 does not actually need to be able to accurately identify all of the numerous types of recording media as shown in Figures 2 and 3 above. Furthermore, these include differences in the type of recording media; for example, while plain paper or recycled paper is generally used for normal business operations, coated paper or high-quality paper (even if plain paper) is used for documents and booklets submitted or distributed externally. Therefore, it is sufficient if the apparatus can identify about two to three types within the same category, and it is almost not anticipated that users will need to finely differentiate and use recording media of the same category but similar basis weights.

[0055] Industry information (second information) is not particularly limited, but may be obtained by input operations to the operation panel 14 (reception unit 142) of the image forming apparatus 1 by users or administrators of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, during initial setup. In addition to this, information such as the types of recording media commonly used (frequently used) in the obtained industry (information related to operation based on the second information) is obtained from an external server system S, thereby identifying media types and detailed classifications that should be prioritized for identification. If information such as recording media frequently used in the same industry has already been obtained and stored in an external image forming apparatus P located within the same LAN or other network, the communication unit 12 may obtain this information via the LAN (network). Alternatively, this information may be stored in a removable portable storage medium such as a USB memory (flash memory), and the portable storage medium may be connected to the connection terminal of the communication unit 12 to obtain the information.

[0056] Furthermore, generally speaking, the brands of recording media distributed in each region, especially those used for office purposes, tend to be biased towards those with a certain degree of reliability in terms of quality and supply volume (brands, manufacturers, etc.) and excellent cost performance. Therefore, based on the above regional information (second information), information on frequently used recording media (share information, information related to operation based on the second information) may be acquired from an external server system S or the like and used to adjust the identification range of recording media in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0057] Figure 5 shows an example of share information for recording media used in each region. Thus, it is shown that recording media from completely different manufacturers are widely used in North America (Figure 5(a)) and Europe (Figure 5(b)). The image forming apparatus 1 may acquire, for example, the latest information on the type and nominal basis weight of such high-share recording media from an external source as information on frequently used recording media, and may widen or shift the identification range so that the basis weight calculated from the detected value when these recording media are actually used does not easily fall outside the identification range.

[0058] Alternatively, the adjustment of the identification range, which prioritizes the type and basis weight of the recording medium actually used, may be performed based on the media usage history 134 (first information, which is information about the recording medium other than the detected values / physical properties acquired within the image forming apparatus 1) (for example, according to weighting according to the frequency of use), regardless of the above-mentioned industry. In this case, for example, the adjustment operation may be performed periodically each time a predetermined number of image forming operations are performed, or in response to a predetermined input operation to the user reception unit 142.

[0059] In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 can more accurately identify the media type and detailed classification based not only on the detection values ​​of the physical property detection unit 23, but also on first information (for example, media usage history 134) and second information (for example, information on the location of the image forming apparatus 1 and information on the industry of the user of the image forming apparatus 1). Furthermore, since the image forming conditions can be set more appropriately based on the identification results, highly accurate and stable image forming operation is achieved. In addition, based on the identified information, it becomes possible to determine and display (show) to the user the brand, type, and nominal basis weight of the recording medium with greater accuracy.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 11 for the identification information adjustment process performed in the image forming apparatus 1. This process is initiated, for example, during the initial setup of the image forming apparatus 1, when a predetermined number of images have been formed, or when an input operation related to the execution command for this process is received.

[0061] When the identification information adjustment process is started, the control unit 11 acquires regional information and industry information (step S101). As described above, this information is received, for example, by an input operation to the reception unit 142 by the user. If this information has already been acquired, the acquired information can be stored in the storage unit 13 and read out again. Alternatively, the regional information may be acquired from an external source based on the IP address of the device or router information, as described above.

[0062] The control unit 11 acquires information on the type of media used according to the acquired industry (step S102). For example, the control unit 11 requests information on the type of media used from the external server system S by specifying the industry, and receives the data transmitted by the external server system S.

[0063] The control unit 11 acquires media share information corresponding to the region where the image forming apparatus 1 is located (step S103). For example, the control unit 11 requests share information of recording media used in a specified region from an external server system S and receives the data transmitted by the external server system S.

[0064] The control unit 11 acquires the media usage history 134 of its own machine and performs statistical processing (step S104). The statistical processing includes, for example, counting the cumulative usage frequency of each recording medium and creating frequency distributions of basis weight and physical property values / detection values ​​calculated for each type of recording medium (type and detailed classification). These processes may be performed periodically in the image forming apparatus 1 separately from the identification information adjustment process, in which case the control unit 1 only needs to acquire the counted and created frequency information.

[0065] The control unit 11 performs a type discrimination range adjustment process (step S105).

[0066] The control unit 11 selects identification information from the regional identification information 133 according to the region where the image forming apparatus 1 is located (step S106). The control unit 11 then performs a detailed discrimination range adjustment process (step S107).

[0067] The control unit 11 stores the type identification information 132 and regional identification information 133, which have been adjusted in the type discrimination range adjustment process, in the storage unit 13 (step S108). These adjusted data may be stored in the storage unit 13 separately from the initial data and may be returned to the initial state in accordance with a predetermined input operation. The control unit 11 then terminates the identification information adjustment process.

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the type discrimination range adjustment process and the detailed discrimination range adjustment process that are called in the identification information adjustment process.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7(a), when the type discrimination range adjustment process is called, the control unit 11 expands and adjusts the range so that the measured values ​​of the recording media of the type included in the media usage history 134 (that have been used so far) are included in the discrimination range of that type (step S121).

[0070] The control unit 11 expands and adjusts the various discrimination ranges included in the acquired share information to the extent that it does not interfere with the discrimination of the types included in the media usage history 134 (step S122). Then, the control unit 11 finishes the type discrimination range adjustment process and returns the process to the identification information adjustment process.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7(b), when the detailed discrimination range adjustment process is called, the control unit 11 obtains the nominal basis weight of the detailed classification included in the acquired share information (step S131). The control unit 11 provisionally sets the range of the calculated basis weight for these detailed classifications (step S132). This provisionally set range may simply be the range of calculated basis weight in the identification range that includes the nominal basis weight, but the range of calculated basis weight in the identification range may be slightly narrowed depending on how much the obtained nominal basis weight is on the larger or smaller side within the identification range.

[0072] The control unit 11 obtains the range of calculated basis weight for each detailed classification included in the media usage history 134. If this detailed classification is the same as that included in the share information, the control unit 11 replaces the provisional calculation range with the obtained calculated basis weight range (step S133).

[0073] The control unit 11 adjusts the identification range so that the set (including provisional) calculated basis weight ranges do not overlap with each other as much as possible (step S134). Then, the control unit 11 finishes the detailed discrimination range adjustment process and returns the process to the identification information adjustment process.

[0074] In the type identification information 132 and regional identification information 133, which define the range of discrimination for each region and industry, the range of discrimination for each type and detailed classification can be adjusted so that brands that are actually used or brands that are relatively likely to be used are given priority and are less likely to be misidentified.

[0075] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 11 for the image formation control process related to the image formation operation. This image formation control process is executed when an image formation command for a specified image (image data) on a specified recording medium is received.

[0076] The control unit 11 has the physical properties of the recording medium to be image-formed, which is sent from the storage unit 21, measured by the physical property detection unit 23, and obtains the detected values ​​(step S151). The control unit 11 also obtains additional information such as regional information and industry information (step S152). If this information has already been obtained in the identification information adjustment process, the already obtained stored data can be read as is.

[0077] The control unit 11 identifies the media type using the type identification information 132 (step S153). The type identification information 132 is adjusted according to the region, industry, etc., as described above. The control unit 11 calculates the basis weight according to the identified type from the acquired detection value (step S154).

[0078] The control unit 11 determines whether the identified media type requires further detailed classification (step S155). As described above, if the media type is plain paper, coated paper, colored paper, or recycled paper, it is determined that detailed classification is necessary ("YES" in step S155), and the control unit 11 selects regional identification information according to the region (step S156). Note that there is usually only one adjusted identification information, so it is sufficient to simply acquire this adjusted identification information. The control unit 11 identifies the detailed classification based on the selected and acquired identification information and the calculated basis weight (step S157). Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S158. If the media type is OHP (plastic film) or envelope, it is determined that further detailed classification is not necessary ("NO" in step S155), and the control unit 11 proceeds to step S157.

[0079] The control unit 11 sets the image formation conditions based on the identified media type and detailed classification (basis weight) (step S158). Alternatively, the control unit 11 may set the image formation conditions based on the media type and the detected value of the measurement result. The control unit 11 outputs a command to the transport unit 22 and the image formation operation unit 24 to perform the image formation operation (step S159). Then, the control unit 11 terminates the image formation control process.

[0080] In this explanation, it is assumed that the system maintains the correspondence between media type and detailed classification (basis weight) and the image formation conditions, and that the image formation conditions can be obtained. However, instead of maintaining this correspondence in the system, the system may send the media type and detailed classification (basis weight) to an external server system S to request information on the image formation conditions, and then obtain the data transmitted from the external server system S to set the image formation conditions.

[0081] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 11 for the brand identification control process performed in the image forming apparatus 1. This brand identification control process is performed, for example, when the system receives an input operation from a user requesting the display of the identification result of a recording medium stored in the storage unit 21.

[0082] The content of this brand identification control process is the same as the image formation control process described above, but with steps S161 and S162 added after steps S151 to S157. Detailed explanations of the overlapping processes are omitted.

[0083] If the branch is "NO" in step S155, and after processing in step S157, the control unit 11 refers to the brand information 131 to identify a brand corresponding to the identified media type and detailed classification (step S161). The control unit 11 displays the identified brand, media type, and calculated basis weight on the display unit 141 (step S162). Then, the control unit 11 terminates the brand identification control process.

[0084] Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 may not retain the brand information 131, and the control unit 11 may send the media type, physical property value / detection value, and regional information to the external server system S via the communication unit 12 to request brand information.

[0085] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, which forms an image on a recording medium, includes a physical property detection unit 23 for detecting the physical properties of the recording medium, and a control unit 11 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the detection values ​​detected by the physical property detection unit 23 and first information (for example, media usage history 134) which is information related to the recording medium other than the physical property values ​​detected by the physical property detection unit 23 and the physical property values ​​calculated based on said detection values, or second information (such as the installation area of ​​the image forming apparatus 1 and the type of business of the user of the image forming apparatus 1) which is information other than the recording medium and is acquired from outside the image forming apparatus 1 (including input to the reception unit 142 by a user, etc.), and the detection values ​​detected by the physical property detection unit 23. Since the information related to the recording medium may be insufficient for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 based solely on the detection results of the physical property detection unit 23, it is possible to perform operation with higher accuracy without extra effort by adding the first or second information.

[0086] Furthermore, the first information may also include the media usage history 134 of the recording medium in the image forming apparatus 1. By utilizing the media usage history 134 of the apparatus, the image forming apparatus 1 can prioritize and accurately identify the recording medium currently in use, and perform image forming operations, brand identification / display, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, the second information acquired from outside the image forming apparatus 1 may include information about the industry in which the image forming apparatus 1 is used. Although this information is not directly related to the recording medium, there is a bias in the recording media used for image formation depending on the industry. Therefore, by appropriately determining which recording media should be prioritized for accurate identification, the overall probability of misidentification of the recording medium and inappropriate operation resulting from such misidentification can be reduced.

[0088] Furthermore, the second piece of information may include information about the location (area of ​​use) where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. Although the area of ​​use is not directly related to the recording medium, there are differences in commonly used recording media from region to region of the world. Therefore, by prioritizing and accurately identifying recording media appropriate to the area of ​​use, it becomes possible to perform image forming operations and brand identification / display with high overall accuracy.

[0089] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 has a reception unit 142 that receives input from the user. The second information may be information entered by the user via the reception unit 142. For example, information such as the usage area and the user's industry, as described above, is known to the user and is easy to input, so accurate information can be easily obtained by having the user input it. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform various operations related to the characteristics of the recording medium with higher precision.

[0090] Furthermore, the above operation may also be an operation to change the attribute table of recording media stored in the image forming apparatus 1, that is, the type identification information 132 and the regional identification information 133. By changing the attribute table to allow for the prioritization and high-precision determination of recording media that are actually used in the image forming apparatus 1, or recording media that are likely to be used based on the above-mentioned information such as the region of use and industry, the recording media can be identified more accurately.

[0091] Alternatively, the above operation may be an operation to determine the image formation conditions for forming an image on the recording medium detected by the physical property detection unit 23. The type of recording medium and the basis weight (physical property value) or the detected value of the measurement result are used to determine the image formation conditions. By using the first or second information above in combination when specifying the type or nominal basis weight, the image formation conditions can be determined more stably and accurately, even in cases where judgments may vary if only the detected value or calculated basis weight is used.

[0092] Furthermore, the above operation may also be an operation to determine at least one of the brand name, type, or basis weight of the recording medium detected by the physical property detection unit 23. Even when identifying the brand name or nominal basis weight from the detected values, the system can be adjusted to prioritize the selection of the brand name or nominal basis weight of recording media that are most likely to be used, based on media usage history, usage area, and performance information, as described above, making it possible to determine these with greater accuracy than before.

[0093] Furthermore, information related to operation based on the second set of information may be obtained from an external image forming apparatus P connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network. In other words, by obtaining data such as the type, brand, and nominal basis weight of recording media that are frequently used depending on the region of use and industry, particularly from an external image forming apparatus P used for the same purpose within the same LAN, it becomes easy to synchronize settings between image forming apparatuses, enabling high-precision and distortion-free operation.

[0094] Alternatively, information relating to operations based on the second piece of information may be obtained from an external server system S connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network and managing information relating to such operations. By centralizing and managing such information on the external server system S and making it accessible to image forming apparatuses 1 worldwide, it becomes easier to manage the quality of the data provided by the external server system S to be up-to-date. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can easily obtain suitable data and improve the accuracy of operations related to the characteristics of the recording medium.

[0095] Alternatively, information relating to the operation based on the second piece of information may be obtained from a storage medium connected to the image forming apparatus 1. Here, "connected" does not mean that it is always connected, but rather that a detachable storage medium (such as a portable storage medium) is temporarily connected. In this way, information acquisition does not have to be performed directly via the network. Furthermore, desired information can be easily acquired without configuring the connection destination, thereby improving the accuracy of operations related to the characteristics of the recording medium.

[0096] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 21 for housing recording media and a transport unit 22 for transporting the recording media housed in the storage unit 21 along a transport path. A physical property detection unit 23 is installed at a predetermined position along the transport path and detects the physical properties of the recording media transported by the transport unit 22. In this way, the inline sensor allows for the detection of the recording medium's physical properties on the normal transport path, eliminating the need to separately set the recording medium. Furthermore, since reading is possible while the recording medium is being transported, the reading results can be quickly reflected in image forming and transport operations.

[0097] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, media usage history 134 was given as the first piece of information, and the region of use and industry were given as the second piece of information. However, the information is not limited to these, and other information may be used as long as it leads to information that can narrow down the recording media that are used most frequently.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, examples were given of a system in which the second information is received by the reception unit 142 and a system in which the usage area is determined based on an IP address, but other systems may also be used.

[0099] Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the type identification information 132 and regional identification information 133 to be obtained from the same external server system S. They may be obtained from different server systems, or one of the data may be pre-stored in the image forming apparatus 1, or obtained from another computer within the LAN.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described as displaying information such as the brand name of the identified recording medium by the display unit 141, it is not limited to this. For example, the identified information may be output as data to an external print server or terminal device. Also, the content to be displayed and output is not limited to brand name, type, and basis weight, or conversely, it may be only a part of these.

[0101] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not have to be an electrophotographic type. For example, it may be an inkjet type that ejects ink to form an image.

[0102] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to communicate directly with an external server system S or an external image forming apparatus P to acquire the necessary data. For example, a print server may communicate with other electronic devices to acquire the necessary information, and the image forming apparatus 1 may acquire all external information via the print server.

[0103] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses a USB memory as an example of a portable storage medium for storing information related to the second information, it is not limited to this. It could be a CD-ROM or DVD, or any other medium that can store data and be connected in a way that allows the data to be temporarily read.

[0104] Furthermore, the physical property detection unit 23 does not necessarily have to be located in a position where it can be measured on the transport path. It may be possible to measure within the storage unit 21, or it may measure the physical properties of a recording medium set separately in a read-only position.

[0105] Furthermore, the physical property detection unit 23 may have configurations other than the detection of transmitted / reflected light intensity and direct detection of basis weight described above, or it may detect physical properties by other methods.

[0106] Furthermore, the memory unit 13 is not limited to one built into the image forming apparatus 1. It may be an external auxiliary storage device, a network drive, or a storage area on the cloud. Furthermore, the specific configurations, processing operations, and procedures shown in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit 12 Communications Department 13 Storage section Information on 131 stocks 132 Type Identification Information 133 Regional Identification Information 134 Media Usage History 14. Control Panel 141 Display section 142 Reception Department 21 Storage Unit 22 Conveying section 23. Physical property detection unit 24 Image forming operation unit 100 Image Forming Systems P External image forming device S External Server System

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, A detection unit for detecting the physical properties of the recording medium, A control unit adjusts an identification range for identifying the type of recording medium according to at least one of the detected value and the physical property value, based on the detected value detected by the detection unit and first information which is information relating to the recording medium other than both the detected value and the physical property value calculated based on the detected value. An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first information is information relating to the usage history of the recording medium in the image forming apparatus.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit changes an attribute table showing the correspondence between the type of recording medium stored in the image forming apparatus and the detected value detected by the detection unit, based on the adjusted identification range.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit determines image forming conditions for forming an image on the recording medium detected by the detection unit based on the adjusted identification range.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit determines at least one of the brand name, type, and basis weight of the recording medium detected by the detection unit based on the adjusted identification range.

6. A storage section for housing recording media, A transport unit that transports the recording medium stored in the storage unit along a transport path, It has, The detection unit is installed at a predetermined position in the transport path and detects the physical properties of the recording medium transported by the transport unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

Images