Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device which more easily selects a proper recording medium related to image formation to make it available, an image formation apparatus, an information processing method and a program.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: a display unit which displays prescribed information; and a control unit which controls at least the display unit. The control unit controls the display unit such that the display unit displays brand information of the recording medium or manufacturer information of the recording medium recommended to be used in a prescribed image formation apparatus or brand information of the recording medium or manufacturer information of the recording medium not recommended to be used in the image formation apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

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 recording medium conveyance operation according to the characteristics of the recording medium on which the image is formed, the recording medium is stably conveyed to form a high-precision image. Such image forming conditions may be changed according to the content of the image, the environment at the time of image formation, and the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 stores setting conditions indicating the association between the attribute information of a recording medium and image forming parameters. When setting conditions related to a plurality of image forming parameters are stored for a certain recording medium, by attaching a recommendation degree to each based on an evaluation such as jam occurrence or toner fixing during image formation using the image forming parameters, a technique is disclosed that makes it easy for a user to select the setting conditions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there are an enormous number of recording media in the market, and some of them cannot be dealt with in terms of adjusting image forming conditions and are not suitable for forming an image with a desired image quality. Conventionally, users have a problem in that they do not know the quality of the recording media they are using and cannot determine whether an abnormality occurring in the image forming operation is due to the recording media.

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an information processing device, an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that enable easier selection and use of an appropriate recording medium for image formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is: A display unit that displays predetermined information, At least a control unit that controls the display unit, It has, The control unit controls the display unit to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use in a predetermined image forming apparatus, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned recommendations or non-recommendations are based on the physical properties of the recording medium and predetermined values. The ideal physical properties of the recording medium, in the image forming apparatus Image Formation A recording medium in which the image formation conditions during operation are optimized. Determined by the degree of recommendation, which is determined based on the degree of conformance with the physical properties. This is an information processing device characterized by the following features.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 2 is an information processing device described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized by causing a plurality of brand information or a plurality of manufacturer information to be displayed on the display unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is an information processing device described in claim 2, The control unit is characterized by displaying the brand information or manufacturer information on the display unit in order of priority according to the degree of recommendation or non-recommendation.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 4 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit, along with the brand information or manufacturer information, determines the basis weight, media type, and recording medium corresponding to the brand information or manufacturer information. The aforementioned Recommended degree The invention is characterized by displaying at least one of the jam rates on the display unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, It has a storage unit that stores information about past image formation troubles and the brand information or manufacturer information of the recording medium that was the target of image formation when the trouble occurred. The control unit is characterized by determining, based on the information stored in the storage unit, the brand information or manufacturer information to be displayed on the display unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 6 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, It has a reception unit that receives the aforementioned brand information or manufacturer information from an external source, The control unit causes the brand information or manufacturer information received by the reception unit to be displayed on the display unit. It is characterized by the following:

[0013] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 is an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, It has a detection unit that detects the physical properties of the recording medium, The control unit is characterized by determining the brand information or manufacturer information based on the physical properties of the recording medium detected by the detection unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention described in claim 8 is, An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, Having an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit controls the display unit to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use with the image forming apparatus, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use with the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by the following:

[0015] Further, the invention according to claim 9 controls the display unit to display on the display unit brand information of a recording medium recommended for use in a predetermined image forming apparatus or manufacturer information of the recording medium, or brand information of a recording medium not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus or manufacturer information of the recording medium death, The recommendation or non-recommendation is determined based on the degree of recommendation determined based on the compatibility rate between the physical property value of the recording medium and a predetermined The ideal physical properties of the recording medium, in the image forming apparatus image formation A recording medium in which the image formation conditions during operation are optimized. physical property value, which is an information processing method characterized by the above.

[0016] Further, the invention according to claim 10 causes a computer to function as control means for controlling the display unit to display on the display unit brand information of a recording medium recommended for use in a predetermined image forming apparatus or manufacturer information of the recording medium, or brand information of a recording medium not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus or manufacturer information of the recording medium The recommendation or non-recommendation is determined based on the degree of recommendation determined based on the compatibility rate between the physical property value of the recording medium and a predetermined The ideal physical properties of the recording medium, in the image forming apparatus image formation A recording medium in which the image formation conditions during operation are optimized. physical property value, which is a program characterized by the above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, there is an effect that an appropriate recording medium related to image formation can be more easily selected and used for image formation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information system including the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit of the medium information acquisition control process. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the recommended information acquisition control process. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of how recommended media information is displayed. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the detailed view screen. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the recommended information display control process. [Figure 7] This flowchart explains the process of generating recommended media information on the device itself and acquiring recommended media information generated by an external image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] 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 information system 100, which includes the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

[0020] The information system 100 may include an image forming apparatus 1 (a predetermined image forming apparatus, the own machine) connected via a network, an external server system S, and an external image forming apparatus P (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 need to be included in the information system 100 if there is no such apparatus.

[0021] The external server system S collects information on various recording media that are distributed worldwide and can be used in the image forming apparatus 1, and maintains and manages this information as a recording media database D. 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) of each recording media (information known to the management department of the external server system S and information measured by an external image forming apparatus). The external server system S may be a single server device, or a server device that performs control operations (including communication control with the image forming apparatus) may be connected to a database device that maintains the recording media database D. 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). In this application, the terms "or" and "or" do not mean an exclusive choice, but rather all patterns of one or more combinations of either option are permitted.

[0022] Furthermore, 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 location (for example, this may be determined from an IP address, or it may be information received and set by user input operations to the operation reception unit 142), or the user may manually set a preferred access destination by input operations to the operation reception unit 142. Moreover, 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 for a specified period of time or longer, the access destination may be automatically changed to a lower priority access destination and access may be attempted.

[0023] Image forming apparatus 1 forms an image by applying a coloring material such as toner or ink to a recording medium, and includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12 (reception unit), a storage unit 13, an operation panel 14, a storage unit 21, a transport unit 22, a physical property detection unit 23 (detection unit), and an image forming operation unit 24, etc.

[0024] The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 (including the display unit 141 of the operation panel 14). The control unit 11 has 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. In addition, the hardware processor may include a microcontroller and various dedicated logic circuits other than the CPU.

[0025] 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 (accept) data corresponding to those requests (for example, brand and manufacturer information related to the recommended media information described later). External devices that are the communication destinations include the server equipment of the external server system S described above and the external image forming apparatus P.

[0026] 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. The non-volatile memory stores the program 134 for operation control and various setting data. The program 134 includes a control program related to the recommended information display control processing described later.

[0027] The configuration data includes recommended media information 131, update information 132, and trouble information 133 (trouble information). Recommended media information 131 and update information 132 are the recommended media information and its update information described later. Trouble information 133 stores and retains the history of operational abnormalities that have occurred in the machine. Operational abnormalities include at least media jams, but do not necessarily include operational abnormalities unrelated to the media, such as the drive system, power supply system, or image forming operation unit 24. In addition to the content and date and time of the trouble, trouble information 133 includes the brand name or manufacturer information of the recording medium that was performing image formation (was the target of image formation) at the time the trouble occurred, or information that can identify them. Furthermore, trouble information 133 may also include statistical analysis data of troubles, which may be updated sequentially.

[0028] The memory unit 13 also stores the image data to be formed and the drive data for the image forming operation unit 24 converted from the image data. While processing is being performed 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 suspended between acquisition and image formation, it is copied to non-volatile memory as needed and stored there.

[0029] The operation panel 14 includes a display unit 141 having a display screen and an operation reception unit 142 having a touch panel or the like that is positioned over the display screen. The display screen is not particularly limited, but is a liquid crystal display screen, and can display predetermined information in full color or limited color under the control of the control unit 11. The predetermined information here means content that is predetermined by a control program or the like, but does not have a restrictive meaning that only content that has been specifically set in the initial settings can be displayed. In addition, the display unit 141 may have LED lamps or the like as needed, and these LED lamps may be used for status notification, or multiple LEDs may be arranged together to indicate a degree or the progress of initial settings at startup, etc., as an indicator.

[0030] The touch panel generates signals of touch operation and touch position and outputs them to the control unit 11. The method for detecting touch operation may be any well-known technique and is not particularly limited. The operation 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 a specific push-button switch or rocker switch. Of the above, at least the control unit 11 and the display unit 141 constitute the information processing device of this embodiment, and the information processing device may further include a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, an operation reception unit 142, and so on.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The transport unit 22 sequentially removes (creates) recording media from the storage unit 21 and performs a transport operation by moving and transporting them along a transport path that passes through an image formation position and a 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.

[0033] The physical property detection unit 23 has a sensor that detects the physical properties of a recording medium by measuring physical quantities related to the physical properties of the recording medium being transported 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. The sensor includes, for example, a light emitter and a light receiver, and measures the transmitted light intensity and reflected light intensity of the light emitted to the recording medium. That is, the physical property detection unit 23 is installed in relation to the transport path so that the recording medium is transported and passes between the emitter and the light receiver. The reflected light intensity may further be measured separately for specular reflection and diffuse reflection. The emitter can emit light of various wavelengths such as infrared (IR), blue (B), and green (G), and the light receiver can measure the incident intensity for each of these wavelengths. The physical property detection unit 23 may also be able to measure other properties such as the weight, thickness (i.e., basis weight), and bending strength of the recording medium. The transport unit 22 may be capable of temporarily stopping transport at the measurement position by the physical property detection unit 23, or it may perform measurements while transporting the material. Alternatively, the position of the physical property detection unit 23 is not limited to the example position described above, but it is preferable that measurements can be taken without being affected by changes in the state of the media surface, etc., due to the image forming operation or fixing operation.

[0034] 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 four colors or the like on a photoreceptor based on the image data to be recorded 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.

[0035] Next, the recommended operation of the recording medium used for image formation in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, during the image forming operation, parameters (image forming conditions) such as pressure, temperature, and voltage are adjusted according to the characteristics of the recording medium to ensure stable recording medium transport, colorant application, and fixing. However, with some recording media, even when the best conditions are set, high image quality cannot be obtained, or jams may occur during transport.

[0036] In the image forming apparatus 1, by acquiring information on preferred recording media from an external device of the information system 100, such as an external server system S, the display unit 141 can display recording media (recommended media) that are suitable for image forming in the image forming apparatus 1 (media recommended for use in the image forming apparatus 1). Using the same procedure, it may also be possible to display unrecommended media that are not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus 1 on the display unit 141.

[0037] The external server system S maintains a database of ideal values ​​for the physical properties of recording media worldwide, managed by its management department (such as nominal values ​​or measured values ​​of suitable recording media selected by the management department, which may also be the target for optimizing various setting conditions (image formation conditions) during image formation operation in the image forming apparatus). On the other hand, the external server system S acquires physical property measurement values ​​and jam occurrence frequency of recording media used in image recording devices from numerous image forming apparatuses operating worldwide. Jam occurrence frequency may be acquired separately for each model and brand of image forming apparatus, taking into account compatibility. Based on this acquired information, the degree of conformity with the ideal values ​​of the physical properties and the jam occurrence rate (jam rate) are calculated and used as a recommendation level. For example, the degree of conformity may be used directly as the recommendation level. The calculated recommendation level is stored in association with the identification information of the recording media, such as brand name, manufacturer name, and paper type. Information provision from the image forming apparatus 1 to the external server system S may be performed automatically and periodically, for example, if prior consent for information provision has been obtained.

[0038] Furthermore, in the case of an external server system S, if it is suspected that the image forming apparatus has not been properly configured for accurate image formation, for example, if the jam occurrence rate is significantly higher compared to other image forming apparatuses, or if there is a clear bias (offset value) in the measurement values ​​from the physical property detection unit or if there are many other problems, the image forming apparatus may be excluded from the acquisition of information on physical property measurements and jam occurrence rates from the said image forming apparatus.

[0039] Furthermore, the brand name of a recording medium used in image forming apparatuses worldwide, whose physical properties are detected by a physical property detection unit, does not need to be specified within the image forming apparatus itself. After an external server system S acquires the acquired information (physical properties) which does not include brand name information, the brand name may be identified by comparing and verifying it with official information or management data with already identified brand names that the external server system S holds.

[0040] In this way, media that meet certain criteria based on their recommendation level (at least one of them) are selected as recommended or non-recommended media. It should be noted that there may be media that do not belong to either the recommended or non-recommended category, and the external server system S may manage information on all media, including these, in the media database D.

[0041] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit for media information acquisition control processing performed by the analysis device of the external server system S (which may be the same as the server device or another device within the system). This media information acquisition control process is executed automatically, for example, at appropriate intervals periodically.

[0042] The control unit selects one of the image forming apparatuses worldwide from a list of information collection sources (step S401). The control unit accesses the selected image forming apparatus (step S402). Note that the listed image forming apparatuses may differ each time. If the same image forming apparatus is accessed multiple times, it is configured to retrieve only the data obtained since the previous access.

[0043] The control unit obtains the overall jam occurrence rate in the image forming apparatus from the accessed image forming apparatus (step S403). The control unit determines whether the overall jam occurrence rate is below a standard value (step S404). If it is determined that the overall jam occurrence rate is below a standard value ("YES" in step S404), the control unit obtains the data of the physical properties detected during image formation and the jam occurrence rate (occurrence frequency and number of image forming operations) for each image formation (step S405). If image formation is performed for multiple types of physical property data, a combination of detection data and jam occurrence data is obtained separately for each.

[0044] The control unit compares the acquired physical property data with a database held by the machine to identify the brand and manufacturer of the recording medium (step S406). Then, the control unit proceeds to step S407. If the determination process in step S404 determines that the overall jam occurrence rate is not below the standard value (i.e., above the standard value) ("NO" in step S404), the control unit proceeds to step S407.

[0045] When the process moves to step S407, the control unit determines whether or not it has accessed all the image forming apparatuses in the list (step S407). If it is determined that it has not accessed all the image forming apparatuses in the list (i.e., there are image forming apparatuses that have not been accessed) ("NO" in step S407), the control unit returns to step S401.

[0046] If it is determined that all image forming apparatuses on the list have been accessed ("YES" in step S407), the control unit calculates a representative value for each detected value of the physical property data obtained for each brand (for example, the average value; if there are significantly outlier values, these may be excluded and recalculated) (step S408). The control unit calculates the degree of agreement (precision) with the ideal value stored in the database (step S409). The precision may be, for example, the value obtained by subtracting the absolute difference between the ideal value and the representative value divided by the ideal value (deviation rate) from 1 and multiplying by 100 (expressed as a percentage).

[0047] The control unit stores the conformance rate and the jam occurrence rate calculated for each model in the recording medium database D, in association with the brand and manufacturer information (step S410). The control unit sets a recommended medium based on the conformance rate or jam occurrence rate (step S411). The recommended medium may be determined, for example, if the conformance rate is greater than a predetermined standard value, or if the jam occurrence rate is less than a predetermined other standard value. The control unit sets update information such as the update timing of the recording medium database D (step S412). Then, the control unit terminates the medium information acquisition control process. In this way, the recommended medium information is generated and stored in the recording medium database D.

[0048] Furthermore, if the number of image forming machines accessed worldwide is very large, the precision rate and jam rate may be calculated each time information is acquired by accessing a predetermined number of image forming machines, and the recording medium database D may be updated sequentially.

[0049] Information may also be collected on non-recommended media. In this case, a standard for the overall jam rate is not necessary, but on the other hand, data collection from image forming machines where jams occur due to the image forming machine itself, regardless of the type of recording medium, may be omitted.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 1 may, for example, pre-set communication timings with an external server system S and periodically acquire information on recommended media (non-recommended media) from the external server system S. Communication timings may include, for example, the first startup of the day, if the image forming operation has been interrupted for a standard time or longer, or at a specific time such as 12:00. Furthermore, communication does not have to be performed daily, but may occur once every few days. The image forming apparatus 1 may retain information such as the timing of the most recent access to the external server system S (or version information of recommended information sent from the external server system S if such information is acquired), and the external server system S may send only the differential data since the last access to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 may request information from the external server system S when a user requests the display of recommended media information. In this case, the latest information can be obtained, but it will take time to display it, corresponding to the time required to receive the data. Also, if the network connection is interrupted, the display will be based on the oldest information held at that time.

[0052] Furthermore, if multiple image forming machines of the same model (external image forming machine P) are located within the same LAN, the recommended media (non-recommended media) information acquired first by one image forming machine (e.g., external image forming machine P) may be acquired by the other image forming machine (e.g., image forming machine 1). In this case, image forming machine 1 may first attempt to access external image forming machine P, and if access is unsuccessful or if it does not possess more recent recommended media information than itself, it may access the external server system S. When the most recent recommended media information is acquired from external image forming machine P, the timing of the most recent data acquisition is the timing when the external image forming machine P acquires this data from the external server system S.

[0053] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 11 for the recommended information acquisition control process performed in the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, this process is executed, for example, automatically at periodically set timings, or when a request for display of recommended media is received from the user.

[0054] The control unit 11 accesses the external server system S or external image forming apparatus P to which the data request is received (step S101). As described above, for example, priority is given to accessing an external image forming apparatus P of the same model within the LAN, and if there is no such apparatus or access is not possible (for example, if the external image forming apparatus P is turned off), the control unit may access the external server system S.

[0055] The control unit 11 sends its own machine model information and update information 132 (information related to the most recent update date and version information, etc.) to the data acquisition destination to request the latest recommended media information (step S102). The control unit 11 waits for a reply from the external server system S, etc., receives the recommended media information (update data), and updates the currently held recommended media information to store (step S103). The control unit 11 updates the update information 132 (step S104). Then, the control unit 11 terminates the recommended information acquisition control process.

[0056] Alternatively, each time the recommended media settings are updated by the media information acquisition control process in the external server system S, the recommended media information may be automatically distributed to each registered image recording device (registration here refers to all image forming devices that have been registered for use, regardless of whether consent to the above information collection has been given or not). In this case, the image forming device 1 does not need to perform steps S101 and S102 in the recommended information acquisition control process.

[0057] When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a request from the user to display recommended media (or non-recommended media), it displays a list of the acquired recommended media (often multiple) on the display unit 141.

[0058] Figure 4 shows an example of the content displayed for recommended media information. As shown in Figure 4(a), the displayed information may include, but is not limited to, the brand name or manufacturer name (manufacturer information), media type, basis weight, jam occurrence rate (indicated as jam rate), or conformity rate. Conversely, some or all of the media type, basis weight, and jam occurrence rate may not be displayed. The media types referred to here include, for example, plain paper, coated paper, recycled paper, colored paper, index paper, and postcards. If no specific conditions are set, the display unit 141 may display a list of all recommended media managed and configured by the external server system S. If all information does not fit on the display screen, it can be made visible by scrolling or page switching.

[0059] The displayed content may be filtered. For example, only specific media types may be extracted and displayed in a list. Alternatively, the relevant recording media may be extracted based on the shipping region of the recording media (by country or a broader region, such as North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, etc.). Furthermore, the content may be extracted based on a specific manufacturer name. These filtering conditions may be set in advance when the display of recommended information begins, or the filtering may be performed by operating the operation reception unit 142 (such as GUI operation) while viewing the displayed information.

[0060] The display order can be any list order, or it can be based on specific parameters, such as prioritizing items with high precision or prioritizing items with low jam rates. Furthermore, the display order may be sortable based on user interaction. As shown in Figure 4(b), for example, selecting the "Jam Rate [ppm]" column will sort the entries in descending order of jam rate and update the display.

[0061] Furthermore, while the above designates all recording media that meet the criteria for recommendation (or non-recommendation) as recommended (or non-recommendation), it is also possible to display only a predetermined number of recording media that meet the above criteria, specifically those with the highest (lowest) recommendation (or non-recommendation) relative recommendations. The predetermined number may be 1.

[0062] Furthermore, based on the history information of the recording media used by the machine or the external image forming apparatus P, the display may be automatically narrowed down to recording media of the corresponding paper type and shipping region. For example, by referring to trouble information 133, or by statistically processing trouble information 133 in advance, the usage amount and trouble frequency of each brand of recording media used so far may be determined, and the recommended media information obtained from the external server system S or the like may be corrected or the display priority changed. In this case, it is also possible to cancel these corrections and changes according to user operation.

[0063] The image forming apparatus 1 may also be capable of displaying a detailed display screen for a recording medium of a brand selected from the list display.

[0064] Figure 5 shows an example of the detailed view screen. The displayed content may include items not shown in the list view. Furthermore, the contents of the detailed display screen may be output as an image by the image forming unit 24, or output as data (file) such as PDF (Portable Document Format) to a designated folder in the machine's storage unit 13, or further output to an external terminal device (not shown) via the communication unit 12. Here, by selecting the "Print" button B1 or the "PDF Output" button B2, the detailed information is formed as an image by the image forming unit 24, converted into PDF format data, and output to a designated folder. Users or the corporations to which they belong can order, purchase, and acquire recording media based on this outputted detailed data, set them in the storage unit 21 of the image forming device 1, and use them as the target for image formation.

[0065] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 11 for the recommended information display control process performed in the image forming apparatus 1. This process, which includes the information processing method of this embodiment, is executed when an input operation is received from a user or the like requesting the display of a recommended medium.

[0066] When the recommended information display control process is started, the control unit 11 reads and acquires the recommended media information 131 (step S121). The control unit 11 determines whether or not a filtering condition for the display content has been set (step S122). If it is determined that a filtering condition has been set ("YES" in step S122), the control unit 11 extracts the recording media included in the acquired recommended media information 131 that match the condition (step S123). If corrections based on the device's past usage history have been made as described above, these corrections are also taken into consideration. Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S124. If it is determined that no filtering condition has been set ("NO" in step S122), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S124.

[0067] When the process moves to step S124, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a setting for the display order has been made (step S124). In this case, the setting is not limited to user settings, but also includes initial settings, etc. If it is determined that a setting for the display order has been made ("YES" in step S124), the control unit 11 rearranges (sorts) the recording media to be displayed according to the setting (step S125). As described above, if a change in priority based on the previous usage status of the own machine, etc. is made, it is also performed here. Then, the process of the control unit 11 moves to step S126. If it is determined that a setting for the display order has not been made ("NO" in step S124), the process of the control unit 11 moves to step S126.

[0068] When the process moves to step S126, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 141 to display a list of recommended media (step S126). If no display order is set, the control unit 11 simply displays the recommended media information in the order it is stored.

[0069] The control unit 11 determines whether or not an operation to select one of the displayed recommended media has been accepted (step S127). If it is determined that the selection operation has been accepted ("YES" in step S127), the control unit 11 obtains detailed information of the selected recording medium and displays it in a predetermined format (step S131).

[0070] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a cancellation operation for the selection operation has been accepted (step S132). If it is determined that a cancellation operation has been accepted ("YES" in step S132), the control unit 11 returns to step S126.

[0071] If it is determined that the cancellation operation has not been accepted ("NO" in step S132), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a request for output of detailed information (such as image formation or PDF data) has been accepted (step S133). If it is determined that the output request has been accepted ("YES" in step S133), the control unit 11 forms an image or outputs data of the detailed information according to the content of the accepted request (step S134). Then, the processing of the control unit 11 returns to step S132. If it is determined that the output request has not been accepted ("NO" in step S133), the processing of the control unit 11 returns to step S132.

[0072] If the determination process in step S127 determines that the selection operation has not been accepted ("NO" in step S127), the control unit 11 determines whether or not an operation related to the request to terminate the display of the list of recommended media (termination operation) has been accepted (step S128). If it is determined that the termination operation for the list display has been accepted ("YES" in step S128), the control unit 11 terminates the display of the list of recommended media by the display unit 141 and erases the temporary data for display (step S130). Then, the control unit 11 terminates the recommendation information display control process.

[0073] If it is determined that the termination operation has not been accepted ("NO" in step S128), the control unit 11 determines whether or not an input operation regarding the display settings (filtering conditions or display order settings) has been accepted (step S129). If it is determined that an input operation regarding the display settings has been accepted ("YES" in step S129), the control unit 11 returns to step S122. If it is determined that an input operation regarding the display settings has not been accepted ("NO" in step S129), the control unit 11 returns to step S127.

[0074] [Differentiation] In the above explanation, it was described that an external server system S acquires physical property detection data and jam occurrence information from numerous image forming machines around the world and statistically sets recommended media, and that image forming machine 1 acquires and displays the information of the recommended media. However, it is also conceivable that recommended media information may be generated and used within the scope of the own machine, an external image forming machine P alone, or within a LAN. Image forming machine 1 (external image forming machine P) can, for example, store information (physical property values) of the recording medium on which an image was formed, the number of image formations, and jam occurrence information for each image forming job execution, and use this information to generate recommendation information.

[0075] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating recommended media information on the machine itself and acquiring the recommended media information generated by the external image forming apparatus P.

[0076] The recommended information generation control process shown in Figure 7(a) is executed periodically when a certain amount of image forming has been performed and multiple types of recording media have been used by the local machine (in this case, the image forming apparatus 1, but the same procedure can also be used for an external image forming apparatus P, based on the usage history of the recording media in the external image forming apparatus P), when conditions such as the number of image forming operations are met, or when an input operation related to an execution command is made to the operation reception unit 142 by a user or the like.

[0077] The control unit 11 acquires the physical properties of the recording medium (step S161). The control unit 11 identifies the brand and manufacturer information corresponding to the physical properties (step S162). The ideal values ​​of the physical properties and the brand and manufacturer information corresponding to the physical properties may be obtained from an external server system S or the like. Note that the identification of the brand and manufacturer may be performed simultaneously during the image forming operation and the identification information may be retained, in which case the processing in step S162 may be omitted.

[0078] The control unit 11 calculates the conformance rate of the physical properties of each brand to its ideal value (step S163). The control unit 11 refers to the trouble information 133 to obtain information on abnormalities (troubles) that occurred during image formation, and calculates the frequency (occurrence rate) of occurrence relative to the number of image formations for each brand as needed (step S164). If the trouble information 133 includes the occurrence rate and is updated sequentially, the calculation process in step S164 may be omitted. Based on the conformance rate or trouble occurrence rate information, the control unit 11 determines whether each brand is recommended (not recommended) or not (step S165). Then, the control unit 11 terminates the recommendation information generation control process.

[0079] Figure 7(b) is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 11 for the recommended media acquisition control process, which acquires the recommended media information obtained by the recommended media generation control process described above using an external image forming apparatus P. When acquiring small-scale recommended media information from an external source in this manner, it is particularly preferable that the external image forming apparatus P is the same model as the image forming apparatus 1 or at least a product of the same model series. In the recommended media acquisition control process shown in Figure 3, the process of step S101 is replaced by the process of step S101a, the processes of steps S111 and S112 are added in place of the process of step S102, and the process of step S104 is deleted. The process of step S103 is the same in both cases, and the same reference numerals are used, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The startup conditions for this recommended media acquisition control process are the same as the startup conditions for the recommended media acquisition control process shown in Figure 3.

[0080] The control unit 11 accesses the external image forming apparatus P (step S101a). The control unit 11 obtains the overall jam rate in the external image forming apparatus P (step S111). The control unit 11 determines whether the overall jam rate is below a reference value (step S112).

[0081] If it is determined that the overall jam occurrence rate is below the standard value (YES in step S112), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S103 to acquire recommended media information (step S103). Then, the control unit 11 terminates the recommended information acquisition control process. If it is determined that the overall jam occurrence rate is not below the standard value (greater than the standard value) (NO in step S112), the control unit 11 terminates the recommended information acquisition control process. In this case, the processing in steps S111 and S112 may be omitted, and recommended media information may be obtained regardless of the overall jam occurrence rate.

[0082] In the above description, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the recommended (or not recommended) recording media for use with the machine. However, such displays may also be configured and controlled to be performed by a computer (PC, information processing device) outside the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the computer only needs to identify the model of the image forming apparatus 1 and display the recommended (or not recommended) recording media; the operation is the same as described above. Alternatively, a physical property detection device equivalent to the recording media physical property detection unit 23 may be connected to the computer to detect and acquire the physical properties of the recording media, or detection data of the physical properties of the recording media from an external physical property detection device may be acquired and used by the computer itself to determine the recommended media.

[0083] Furthermore, the computer may be pre-associated with the image forming apparatus 1 (a predetermined image forming apparatus). In this case, it is desirable that the information on recommended media (non-recommended media) in the image forming apparatus 1, which has been acquired and made displayable by the computer, be synchronized so that it can also be displayed in the image forming apparatus 1. Conversely, the recommended media information acquired by the image forming apparatus 1 may also be made displayable by the computer. That is, in situations where the computer and the image forming apparatus 1 can communicate, the latest recommended media information acquired by one may be copied and transmitted to the other without delay.

[0084] Furthermore, the recommended media information obtained from the external server system S and the recommended media information generated by the machine or external image forming apparatus P may be displayed in a switchable, simultaneous, or integrated manner, or their recommendation levels may be combined into a single display.

[0085] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 including the information processing device of this embodiment has a display unit 141 that displays predetermined information and a control unit 11 that controls at least the display unit 141. The control unit 11 controls the display unit 141 to display brand information or manufacturer information of a recording medium recommended for use with the image forming apparatus 1, or brand information or manufacturer information of a recording medium not recommended for use with the image forming apparatus 1. In this way, by displaying information that specifically identifies the appropriate recording medium for image formation on the display unit 141, users can easily select a recording medium that will produce a high-quality, appropriate image during image formation. Furthermore, this reduces the occurrence of image quality defects and jams (blockages) caused by the recording medium, thereby preventing wasted time on forced adjustments and the time and effort required for troubleshooting. In addition, even if an abnormality mainly related to jams (blockages) occurs during actual use of the recording medium, it becomes easy to determine whether the cause lies with the recording medium.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may display brand information or manufacturer information for multiple recommended media on the display unit 141. By allowing recommended media to be presented for each of multiple media types, and by enabling the presentation of multiple types of recommended media even within the same media type, it is possible to reduce situations where the displayed content is not useful, such as when recommended media are difficult to obtain.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may display brand information or manufacturer information of recommended media on the display unit 141 in order of priority according to the degree of recommendation or non-recommendation. By displaying the information in an objectively preferred (or least preferred) order, it becomes easier to select the more preferred option and use it for image formation. It also becomes easier to select a recording medium by comparing priority with one's own needs.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may display at least one of the following on the display unit 141, along with brand information or manufacturer information of the recommended media: basis weight, media type, suitability rate, and jam occurrence rate. Rather than simply listing recommended media, by indicating basis weight and media type, which are often selection criteria, and also displaying suitability rate and jam occurrence rate, which can serve as selection criteria, users can easily and appropriately make comprehensive selection decisions while considering ease of acquisition (ordering, purchasing, or receiving), the circumstances of their business partners, and costs.

[0089] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 has a storage unit 13 that stores information on past image forming troubles and the brand information or manufacturer information of the recording medium that was the target of image forming when the trouble occurred as trouble information 133. The control unit 11 determines the recommended medium related to the brand information or manufacturer information to be displayed on the display unit 141 based on the information stored in the storage unit 13. In other words, the recommended medium can also be displayed by referring to the image forming history of the machine itself. Compatibility with recording media may differ from model to model, so in particular, even if information such as jam occurrence rates is calculated and displayed without being separated by model, it becomes possible to make adjustments based on actual trouble occurrence information.

[0090] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 12 that receives brand information or manufacturer information related to recommended or non-recommended media from an external source. The control unit 11 may display the brand information or manufacturer information of the recommended or non-recommended media received by the communication unit 12 on the display unit 141. In other words, information on recommended or unrecommended media may be obtained from an external source. By obtaining information from an external image forming apparatus P that is already in use, for example, it becomes easier to select a recording medium in a new image forming apparatus. Furthermore, by obtaining statistical recommendation / unrecommendation information based on the usage status of many image forming apparatuses from an external server system S, it becomes possible to obtain more accurate information and more reliably and stably form images with the desired image quality.

[0091] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may have a physical property detection unit 23 for detecting the physical properties of the recording medium, and the control unit 11 may determine a recommended medium (or a non-recommended medium) based on the physical properties of the recording medium detected by the physical property detection unit 23. In other words, conversely to or in addition to the above, by determining a recommended medium (or a non-recommended medium) based on the physical property detection results of the recording medium during image forming in the machine, the user can easily find a recording medium that is suitable for their machine.

[0092] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment has the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus, and the control unit 11 controls the display unit 141 to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use with the machine, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use with the machine. In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 itself can display information about recording media suitable (or unsuitable) for use with the machine, so the user can easily find out which recording media are suitable for image forming with the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 itself displays the information, the user does not need to set the model information of the image forming apparatus 1, so the user can obtain information about recording media suitable for image forming with the image forming apparatus 1 more easily and reliably.

[0093] Furthermore, in the information processing method of this embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 141 to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use in a predetermined image forming apparatus 1, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus 1. This type of information processing related to display control allows users to easily select a recording medium that produces high-quality, appropriate images during image formation. Furthermore, this reduces the occurrence of image quality defects and jams caused by the recording medium, thereby preventing wasted time on unnecessary adjustments and troubleshooting.

[0094] Furthermore, by installing and running the program 134 related to the above information processing method on a computer, it is possible to easily obtain information on recommended media and display it to the user in a general-purpose configuration.

[0095] 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, the information processing system 100 was described as including an external server system S. However, if the recommended media information is not statistically determined based on data aggregated from numerous image forming apparatuses worldwide, the external server system S may not be included. Furthermore, if the recommended media information is generated only by the machine itself, the information processing system 100 is unnecessary, and the process can be completed solely by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, information on each recording medium, particularly the jam occurrence rate, was described as being managed and displayed for each model of image forming apparatus. However, it is not necessarily required to separate the information for all models. Image forming apparatuses of similar models, or even those from the same manufacturer, may be managed and displayed together. Alternatively, when evaluating the degree of recommendation, particularly focusing on the conformance rate, the jam occurrence rate may be counted collectively without classifying it by image forming apparatus model.

[0097] Furthermore, the external image forming apparatus P is not limited to being the same model as the image forming apparatus 1 (the own machine). It may also be a similar model to the own machine, and the quality of the recording medium itself (mainly the conformance rate) does not need to be considered in relation to the differences between models.

[0098] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the recommended media information being displayed by the display unit 141 in the image forming apparatus 1, the invention is not limited to this. The display processed by the image forming apparatus 1 may also be displayed on the display screen of an external computer.

[0099] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the acquisition of recommended media information from other devices of the information system 100 via a network (communication line), it is not limited to this. For example, data provided by portable recording media such as USB memory, CD-ROM, or DVD may be read into or copied to the image forming apparatus 1 for use. Alternatively, the machine may directly collect recording media information from other external image forming apparatuses P (especially multiple units) and generate recommended media information.

[0100] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to use the physical property detection unit 23 for processing related to the display of the recommended medium, and the physical property detection unit 23 does not need to be capable of performing the same measurements as the physical properties related to the determination of the recommended medium.

[0101] Furthermore, while the above embodiment used conformance rate or jam rate to determine the priority order of recommendation levels, it is not limited to this. Other objective parameters that define the quality of the recording medium for image formation, or subjective user parameters, may also be used to certify recommended media and calculate the recommendation level.

[0102] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described as initially displaying a list of recommended media, it is not limited to this. For example, each media could be displayed on separate pages from the beginning according to priority, or the display screen could be divided into multiple windows (multiple windows could be created) and these displays could coexist.

[0103] Furthermore, while the above description uses a storage unit 13 consisting of non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory as an example of a computer-readable medium for storing the program 134 related to the display control of the recommended medium of the present invention, the invention is not limited to these. Other computer-readable media that can be used include other non-volatile memories such as MRAM, and portable storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD discs. In addition, a carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing the program data of the present invention via a communication line.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 1. Image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit 12 Communications Department 13 Storage section 131 Recommended Media Information 132 Update information 133 Troubleshooting Information 134 Programs 14. Control Panel 141 Display section 142 Operation Reception Section 21 Storage Unit 22 Conveying section 23. Physical property detection unit 24 Image forming operation unit 100 Information Systems B1, B2 buttons D Recording media database P External image forming device S External Server System

Claims

1. A display unit that displays predetermined information, At least a control unit that controls the display unit, It has, The control unit controls the display unit to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use in a predetermined image forming apparatus, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus. The recommendation or non-recommendation is determined by a degree of recommendation based on the degree of compatibility between the physical properties of the recording medium and the predetermined ideal physical properties of the recording medium, which optimize the image formation conditions during image formation operation in the image forming apparatus. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit causes a plurality of brand information or a plurality of manufacturer information to be displayed on the display unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit displays the brand information or the manufacturer information on the display unit in order of priority according to the degree of recommendation or non-recommendation.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit displays at least one of the basis weight, media type, degree of recommendation, and jam rate corresponding to the recording medium related to the brand information or manufacturer information on the display unit, along with the brand information or manufacturer information.

5. It has a storage unit that stores information about past image formation troubles and the brand information or manufacturer information of the recording medium that was the target of image formation when the trouble occurred. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit determines the brand information or manufacturer information to be displayed on the display unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

6. It has a reception unit that receives the aforementioned brand information or manufacturer information from an external source, The control unit causes the brand information or manufacturer information received by the reception unit to be displayed on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. It has a detection unit that detects the physical properties of the recording medium, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit determines the brand information or the manufacturer information based on the physical properties of the recording medium detected by the detection unit.

8. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, Having an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit controls the display unit to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use with the image forming apparatus, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use with the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

9. The display unit is controlled to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use with a given image forming apparatus, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use with the image forming apparatus. The recommendation or non-recommendation is determined by a degree of recommendation based on the degree of compatibility between the physical properties of the recording medium and the predetermined ideal physical properties of the recording medium, which optimize the image formation conditions during image formation operation in the image forming apparatus. An information processing method characterized by the following:

10. Computers The display unit is configured to function as a control means for controlling the display unit to display brand information or manufacturer information of recording media recommended for use in a given image forming apparatus, or brand information or manufacturer information of recording media not recommended for use in the image forming apparatus. The recommendation or non-recommendation is determined by a degree of recommendation based on the degree of compatibility between the physical properties of the recording medium and the predetermined ideal physical properties of the recording medium, which optimize the image formation conditions during image formation operation in the image forming apparatus. A program characterized by the following features.

Images