JP2023153136A - Image forming apparatus, information processing method of recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of contributing to identifying the cause of problems such as jams, an information processing method of a recording medium and a program.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes reception means 100b for receiving the kind of a recording medium by a user, detection means 91, 92 for discriminating the kind of the recording medium of an object for forming an image, and storage means 110 for storing at least two pieces of information among information related to the received kind, information related to the discriminated kind, and information related to coincidence/noncoincidence between the received kind and the discriminated kind about a recording medium that receives kind setting. The detection means detects a recording medium which does not undergo kind setting by a user in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium which receives kind setting in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode. In the second detection mode, a conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunctional digital multifunction peripheral called an MFP, and an information processing method and program for a recording medium.

An image forming device in which the user sets the attributes (type, etc.) of a recording medium such as a sheet on which an image is to be formed from an operation panel, etc., and based on these settings, images are formed under the optimal image forming conditions for the recording medium. It has been known.

Furthermore, recently, image forming apparatuses have been provided that automatically determine the physical properties of a recording medium using an optical sensor or the like.

Further, Patent Document 1 describes a first mode in which image forming conditions of an image forming section are set according to information for determining the type of recording medium obtained based on information detected by a detection sensor, and In an image forming apparatus capable of switching to a second mode in which the image forming conditions of the image forming unit are set according to the type of recording medium, the detection operation may be performed in the second mode even if the type of recording medium is specified in advance. At a possible timing, a parameter for type determination is detected for the recording medium that is temporarily stopped before being conveyed to the image forming section, information for determining the type of recording medium is stored in the storage section, and the first An image forming apparatus is disclosed that sets image forming conditions in accordance with the information for determining the type of recording medium when the storage unit stores information for determining the type of recording medium in the mode.

Patent Document 2 discloses that the media characteristics of the recording material being transported to the image forming section are detected, and the detected first media characteristics of the recording material being transported and the time of the previous image formation stored in the RAM are disclosed. If the second media characteristics of the recording material are different, and the image forming conditions according to the first media characteristics are different from the image forming conditions according to the second media characteristics, the image forming process is interrupted, and discloses an image forming apparatus that allows a user to input media characteristics using an input means after an interruption, and restarts the image forming operation under image forming conditions according to the inputted media characteristics.

Patent No. 05435984 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-106112

However, the attributes of the recording medium set in the image forming apparatus by user input etc. are not necessarily correct, and if they do not match the sensor's detection results regarding the recording medium, inappropriate image forming conditions may be set. If image formation is forcibly performed under these image forming conditions, problems such as so-called jamming, in which the recording medium becomes jammed on the conveyance path, may occur. When such a problem occurs, a service person will respond as necessary, but since it is unclear how the product was used, it is not possible to identify the cause, and it is difficult to suggest improvements. I can't. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that contributes to identifying the cause of the failure, but the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have not been able to satisfy such a request.

The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an information processing method for a recording medium, and a program that can contribute to identifying the cause of malfunctions such as jams. .

The above objective is achieved by the following means.
(1) A reception means for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection means for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted by the receiving means, information regarding the accepted type of recording medium, information regarding the determined type of recording medium, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; an accumulation means for accumulating at least two pieces of information;
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium whose type has been set by the reception means in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode.
(2) a reception means for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection means for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted by the receiving means, information regarding the accepted type of recording medium, information regarding the determined type of recording medium, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; an accumulation means for accumulating at least two pieces of information;
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium whose type has been set by the reception means in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the transport speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the transport speed of the recording medium is set according to the type accepted by the receiving means. An image forming apparatus characterized by a conveying speed.
(3) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of pieces of information to be stored in association with each other.
(4) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the storage means also stores information about defects occurring in the image forming apparatus.
(5) The information regarding the type includes image information regarding the presence or absence of an image on the surface of the recording medium, transmittance information, reflectance information, stiffness information, thickness information, basis weight information, size information, eye direction information, color information, Contains at least one of moisture information, smoothness information, resistance information, friction information, recording medium configuration information, and printing information,
The configuration information of the recording medium includes at least one of pulp, coating, fluorescent agent, filler, and coloring material, and the printing information includes the brand of the recording medium, environmental information, paper feed port information, and image formation. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above, which includes at least one of the information.
(6) The detection means includes a light source and a light receiving sensor capable of receiving transmitted light and/or reflected light of the light irradiated onto the recording medium from the light source,
Based on the transmitted light and/or reflected light received by the light receiving sensor, at least one of the transmittance, reflectance, basis weight, thickness, color, smoothness, and constituent elements of the recording medium is detected. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above.
(7) analysis means for analyzing the possibility of a malfunction occurring based on the information stored in the storage means;
a notification means for notifying a user of the possibility of occurrence of the malfunction analyzed by the analysis means;
The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above, comprising:
(8) The image according to item 1 or 2 above, wherein the setting of the type of recording medium by the user is performed by an external print instruction means, and the receiving means receives the setting made by the print instruction means via a network. Forming device.
(9) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the detection time is shorter in the second detection mode than in the first detection mode.
(10) An image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium, the image forming means forming an image on the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted by the accepting means without reflecting the determination result in the image forming process. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above.
(11) comprising an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium, and the image forming means is a recording medium for which the type setting is accepted when it is analyzed by the analyzing means that there is a possibility that a defect may occur; 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 7, wherein the image forming apparatus switches to image forming conditions corresponding to the determined type.
(12) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first detection mode has higher parameter detection accuracy than the second detection mode.
(13) The detection range of parameters for the recording medium by the detection means is different between the first detection mode and the second detection mode, and the detection time and detection accuracy of the first detection mode are different from those of the second detection mode. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above, which has an equivalent or higher performance.
(14) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.
(15) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, further comprising an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium, and wherein the image forming means is capable of printing the information stored in the storage means on the recording medium.
(16) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, which is capable of transmitting the information stored in the storage means to a display device connected via a network.
(17) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the information stored in the storage means can be displayed on a display means of the apparatus itself.
(18) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, which is capable of outputting the information stored in the storage means to a storage medium externally attached to the image forming apparatus.
(19) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the information stored in the storage means can be outputted by an audio output device.
(20) comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the learning means suspends image formation and/or causes the notification means to issue a warning based on the learning result.
(21) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the information stored in the storage means is classified by combination, and the frequency is digitized and stored.
(22) The image forming apparatus according to item 21, wherein the original information in which the frequency is digitized is deleted.
(23) The image forming apparatus according to item 21, wherein data having representative characteristics is stored for each classification, and similar data is stored by number of times.
(24) When the amount of accumulated information reaches the storage capacity of the storage means, the information about the first recording medium after insertion and removal of the recording medium supply cassette is retained and other information is deleted. 3. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2.
(25) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above, wherein when the amount of stored information reaches the storage capacity of the storage means, only the information in which the problem has occurred is retained and other information is deleted.
(26) The image forming apparatus according to item 20, wherein the learning means provides notification when the same problem occurs multiple times.
(27) comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the learning result by the learning means is reflected in the image forming process by the image forming means.
(28) comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the learning result by the learning means is transmitted to an external server.
(29) comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the learning result by the learning means is shared with other image forming apparatuses.
(30) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the storage means is built in the image forming apparatus.
(31) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the storage means is an external storage device externally attached to the image forming apparatus.
(32) a detection means for detecting physical properties of the recording medium;
an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium;
Storage for accumulating at least two pieces of information among setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection means, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information. means and
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium that has not been set in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium that has been set in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode.
(33) a detection means for detecting physical properties of the recording medium;
an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium;
Storage for accumulating at least two pieces of information among setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection means, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information. means and
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium that has not been set in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium that has been set in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set to be the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the settings for the recording medium. An image forming apparatus characterized by a conveying speed.
(34) The image forming apparatus according to item 32 or 33, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.
(35) a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode.
(36) a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the type accepted in the reception step. An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that the conveyance speed is set as a conveyance speed.
(37) The information processing method for a recording medium according to item 35 or 36, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.
(38) a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium using a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode.
(39) a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium by a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set to be the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the settings for the recording medium. An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that the conveyance speed is set as a conveyance speed.
(40) The information processing method for a recording medium according to item 38 or 39, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.
(41) a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute processing in a different second detection mode,
A program characterized in that the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower in the second detection mode than in the first detection mode.
(42) a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute processing in a different second detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the type accepted in the reception step. A program characterized by setting the conveyance speed.
(43) The program according to item 41 or 42, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.
(44) a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium using a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute,
A program characterized in that the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower in the second detection mode than in the first detection mode.
(45) a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium by a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the settings for the recording medium. A program characterized by setting the conveyance speed.
(46) The program according to item 44 or 45, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.

According to the invention described in the above item (1), while the setting of the type of recording medium by the user is accepted, the detection means performs detection for determining the type of recording medium on which an image is to be formed.

Then, regarding the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding the match/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type. , at least two pieces of information are stored in the storage means.

Therefore, the at least two pieces of information obtained each time the user's settings for the type of recording medium are accepted are stored in the storage means, so the at least two pieces of information are stored and stored in the storage means over time. It turns out.

As a result, for example, when a problem such as a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus for a recording medium for which the type has been set by the user, the image forming apparatus can determine whether or not the recording medium has a large amount of mismatched information based on the accumulated information. By checking this, it is possible to identify that the cause is a setting error by the user, and thus the image forming apparatus can contribute to identifying the cause of the malfunction.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (3), since the plural pieces of information to be stored are stored in the storage means in association with each other, handling becomes easy.

According to the invention described in item (4) above, since information on defects occurring in the image forming apparatus is also accumulated in the storage means, it becomes easy to analyze and identify the cause when a defect occurs in the image forming apparatus.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (5), image information regarding the presence or absence of an image on the surface of the recording medium, transmittance information, reflectance information, stiffness information, thickness information, basis weight information, size information, eye direction information, and color. At least one of information, moisture information, smoothness information, resistance information, friction information, recording medium configuration information, and printing information is stored in the storage means as acceptance information and/or discrimination information. Further, the configuration information of the recording medium includes at least one of pulp, coating, fluorescent agent, filler, and coloring material, and the printing information includes the brand of the recording medium, environmental information, paper feed port information, and image formation. At least one of the information is included.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (6), the transmittance, reflectance, basis weight, thickness, color, smoothness of the recording medium, and the like of the recording medium are determined based on the transmitted light and/or reflected light received by the light receiving sensor. At least one of the components is detected.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (7), the possibility of a malfunction occurring is analyzed and notified based on the accumulated information, so the user can recognize the possibility of a malfunction occurring.

According to the invention described in item (8) above, when the user sets the type of recording medium using an external print instruction means, this setting is accepted by the image forming apparatus via the network.

According to the invention described in item (9) above, the second detection mode is performed in a shorter detection time than the first detection mode.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (10), for the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted, the determination result is not reflected in the image forming process, in other words, the image forming process corresponding to the accepted type is reflected. to form an image.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (11), when it is analyzed that there is a possibility of a defect occurring, the image forming conditions are switched to those corresponding to the determined type, so that the recording medium can be printed under appropriate image forming conditions. Images can be formed, and problems such as jams can be prevented from occurring.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (12), the parameter detection by the detection means is performed with higher detection accuracy in the first detection mode than in the second detection mode.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (13), the detection range of the parameter by the detection means is different between the first detection mode and the second detection mode, and the detection time and detection accuracy of the first detection mode are different from each other. The setting is equal to or higher than detection mode 2.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (14), the detection range in the second detection mode is set wider than that in the first detection mode.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (15), the user can check the information stored in the storage means by printing it on the recording medium.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (16), the user can check the information stored in the storage means by displaying it on a display device connected via a network.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (17), the user can check the information accumulated in the storage means by displaying it on the display means of the image forming apparatus.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (18), the information accumulated in the accumulation means can be output to and stored in a storage medium externally attached to the image forming apparatus.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (19), the information stored in the storage means can be outputted as audio by the audio output device.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (20), the image forming apparatus can learn the information accumulated in the storage means, and can interrupt image formation and/or issue a warning using the notification means based on the learning results. .

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (21), the information accumulated in the accumulation means is classified for each combination, and the frequency is digitized and saved.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (22), since the original information in which the frequency is digitized is deleted, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the storage means from being overwhelmed by the accumulation of unnecessary information.

According to the invention described in the previous section (23), data with representative characteristics are stored for each classification, and similar data is stored by number of times, so there is no need to store similar data as is, and storage efficiency is improved. gets better.

According to the invention described in the preceding item (24), when the amount of accumulated information reaches the storage capacity of the storage means, information about the first recording medium after insertion and removal of the recording medium supply cassette is retained. However, since other information is deleted, it is possible to secure the storage capacity of the storage means while retaining only the minimum necessary information.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (25), when the amount of accumulated information reaches the storage capacity of the storage means, only the information in which the problem has occurred is retained and other information is deleted, so that unnecessary information is deleted. It is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the storage means from being compressed due to the accumulation of information.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (26), since a notification is made when the same malfunction occurs multiple times, a notification can be made when the probability of occurrence of the malfunction is high.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (27), since the information stored in the storage means is learned and the learning result is reflected in the image forming process by the image forming means, more appropriate image formation can be performed. .

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (28), since the information accumulated in the storage means is learned and the learning results are sent to an external server, the learning results from a plurality of image forming apparatuses can be transmitted to the external server. Can be managed centrally.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (29), it is possible to learn the information stored in the storage means and to share the learning results with other image forming apparatuses.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (30), information can be stored in the storage means built into the device itself.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (31), information can be stored in the storage means externally attached to the own device.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs (32) and (38), the setting information set regarding the recording medium, the detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection means, and the information regarding the match/mismatch between the setting information and the detected information. Since at least two pieces of information are accumulated in the storage means, the at least two pieces of information are accumulated and stored in the image forming apparatus over time. As a result, for example, when a problem such as a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus for a recording medium whose type has been set by the user, it is possible to check whether the recording medium has a lot of mismatched information based on the accumulated information. Since it is possible to identify that the cause is a setting error by the user, the image forming apparatus can contribute to identifying the cause of the malfunction.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (35), for example, when a malfunction such as a jam occurs in an image forming apparatus for a recording medium whose type is set by a user, a record with a large amount of mismatched information is determined based on the accumulated information. By checking whether the problem is a medium, etc., it is possible to identify that the cause is a setting error by the user, which can contribute to identifying the cause of a malfunction in the image forming apparatus.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (41), the setting of the type of recording medium by the user is accepted, detection is performed to determine the type of recording medium on which an image is to be formed, and information regarding the accepted type is sent; The computer of the image forming apparatus can execute a process of storing at least two pieces of information in the storage means, including information regarding the determined type and information regarding matching/mismatching between the accepted type and the determined type. .

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (44), the physical properties of the recording medium are detected by the detection means, an image is formed on the recording medium, and the setting information set regarding the recording medium and the detection information of the detected recording medium are The computer of the image forming apparatus can perform a process of accumulating at least two pieces of information among the configuration information and the information regarding coincidence/mismatch of the detection information in the accumulating means.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a conveyance path of a sheet on which an image is printed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an optical sensor. It is an explanatory view of an ultrasonic sensor. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a control section of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus during printing. It is a graph showing an example of an analysis result. It is a graph which shows another example of an analysis result. It is a graph which shows yet another example of an analysis result. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display for notifying a user that a problem may occur. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information sharing system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which accumulated information is displayed on a display section of an operation panel section. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which accumulated information is printed on paper. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which accumulated information is transmitted to and displayed on an external display device connected via a network. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which accumulated information is output to an external storage medium such as a USB memory and displayed on an external personal computer (PC). FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how accumulated information is output as a sound using a speaker or the like provided in the image forming apparatus. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus when transmitting information to be transmitted to a server in the second embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a transport path of a recording medium on which an image is printed in an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As the image forming apparatus 1, although not limited to, a copying machine, a printer, an MFP, or the like can be used. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 allows a user to set information regarding the type (also referred to as sheet type or paper type) of a recording medium such as paper on which an image is printed (hereinafter, the recording medium is also referred to as a sheet or paper). The image forming apparatus has a user setting mode in which the image forming apparatus can automatically determine information regarding the sheet type without the user setting information regarding the sheet type.

In FIG. 1, a paper feed section 60 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 1, and in this paper feed section 60, a first paper feed cassette 60a in the upper stage and a second paper feed cassette 60b in the lower stage are arranged. At the same time, a sheet conveyance path 8 is formed in the vertical direction in communication with the paper feed port 8a of the first-stage paper feed cassette 60a and the paper feed port 8b of the second-stage paper feed cassette 60b. The sheet fed to the sheet transport path 8 from the paper feed port 8a of the first paper feed cassette 60a or the paper feed port 8b of the second paper feed cassette 60b is placed at an upper position of the sheet transport path 8. The sheet is configured to be transported upward along the sheet transport path 8 as shown by arrow A up to the pair of skew correction rollers 72 . Further, a manual feed tray (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of the first paper feed cassette 60a across the sheet conveyance path 8, and sheets set in the manual feed tray are conveyed through the manual feed port 8c. 8. Note that the reference numeral 71 shown in FIG. 2 is a conveyance roller for conveying the sheet fed from the second-stage paper feed cassette 60b.

The skew correction roller 72 is a roller for correcting the skew (inclination) of the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 8 .

Two media detection sensors 91 and 92 are arranged in the sheet transport path 8 between the paper feed port 8a of the upper first stage paper feed cassette 60a and the skew correction roller 72 on the upstream and downstream sides in the transport direction. ing. These media detection sensors 91 and 92 detect a discrimination parameter for discriminating information regarding the sheet type, and the upstream media detection sensor 91 detects light irradiated onto the sheet as the discrimination parameter. The media detection sensor 92 on the downstream side, which is an optical sensor, is an ultrasonic sensor that detects ultrasonic waves output toward the sheet as a discrimination parameter. Note that the optical sensor 91 may be placed on the upstream side, and the ultrasonic sensor 92 may be placed on the downstream side.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the optical sensor 91. The optical sensor 91 includes a transmission light source 91a such as an LED, a reflection light source 91b, and a light receiving element 91c such as a photodiode. The light receiving element 91c detects the amount of transmitted light 93 that passes through M and the amount of reflected light 94 that is emitted from the reflection light source 91b and is reflected by the sheet M. Then, based on the detected levels of the amount of transmitted light and the amount of reflected light, a control unit 100, which will be described later, determines information regarding the sheet type including the type of sheet M (basis weight, OHP, recycled paper, coated paper, etc.). Note that the optical sensor 91 may be composed of a plurality of sensor groups corresponding to each color of red, green, and blue, for example.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the ultrasonic sensor 92. The ultrasonic sensor 92 includes a pair of ultrasonic transmitting section 92a and an ultrasonic receiving section 92b that are arranged diagonally opposite to each other across the sheet conveying path 8 with respect to the passing direction of the sheet M (see FIG. 1). This ultrasonic sensor 92 transmits ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transmitting section 92a to the sheet M that is passing through, and receives the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the sheet M at an ultrasonic receiving section 92b. Then, a control unit 100, which will be described later, determines whether the sheet M is a sheet of paper or an envelope based on the amount of attenuation of the ultrasonic waves caused by the sheet M.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control section 100, a storage device 110, an image reading device 120, an operation panel section 50, an image forming section 10, a paper feed section 60, the above-mentioned optical sensor 91, and an ultrasonic sensor. 92, and further includes a printer controller 150, a network interface (network I/F) 160, etc., and are connected to each other via a system bus 175.

The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, an S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 103, an NV-RAM (Non Volatile RAM) 104, a clock IC 105, and the like.

The CPU 101 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 by executing an operation program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. For example, in addition to executable control of a copy function, a printer function, a scan function, etc., especially in this embodiment, the optical sensor 91 executes light amount detection and the ultrasonic sensor 92 detects ultrasonic waves in the automatic detection mode described above. , information regarding the sheet type is determined based on the detection results, and at the time of printing, image forming conditions corresponding to the sheet type are automatically set based on the determination results of the information regarding the sheet type, and printing is executed. Furthermore, in the user setting mode, print job settings including sheet type settings, which are performed by the user by operating the operation panel unit 50 or from a terminal device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone, are accepted. At the same time, image forming conditions corresponding to the received sheet type are set and printing is executed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical sensor 91 performs light amount detection and the ultrasonic sensor 92 detects ultrasonic waves for sheets for which the sheet type is set by the user in the user setting mode. Determine the sheet type. Then, it checks whether the received sheet type and the determined sheet type match or do not match, and performs control processing such as storing and accumulating necessary information including the results in the storage device 110.

The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and other data.

The S-RAM 103 serves as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program, and temporarily stores the program and data used when executing the program.

The NV-RAM 104 is a non-volatile memory backed up by a battery, and stores various settings related to image formation, the number of pixels of the display section 54, data of various screens displayed on the display section 54, etc. .

The clock IC 105 not only keeps track of time, but also functions as an internal timer to measure processing time and the like.

The storage device 110 is comprised of a hard disk or the like, and stores programs, various data, and the like. In particular, in this embodiment, information regarding the sheet type that has been input by the user, information regarding the sheet type determined based on the detection results of the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92, and the sheet type that has been determined as the received sheet type are provided. It functions as an accumulation means for accumulating necessary information including at least two types of information regarding coincidence/mismatch of species.

The image reading device 120 includes a scanner or the like, reads an original set on a platen glass by scanning it, and converts the read original into image data.

The operation panel unit 50 is used when the user instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform jobs, etc., and makes various settings, and includes a reset key 51, a start key 52, a stop key 53, a display unit 54, a touch panel 55, etc. We are prepared.

The reset key 51 is used to reset settings, the start key 52 is used to start operations such as scanning, and the stop key 53 is pressed to interrupt operation. It is.

The display section 54 is made of, for example, a liquid crystal display device and displays messages, various operation screens, etc. The touch panel 55 is formed on the screen of the display section 54 and detects touch operations by the user.

The image forming unit 10 prints on paper a copy image generated from the image data of the original read by the image reading device 120 and the print data transmitted from the external terminal device 3, etc. A print engine 18 consisting of image forming hardware parts such as a drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer belt, and a transfer roller, and a fixing section 19 that heats and presses the sheet on which the image is formed to fix the image. etc.

The network I/F 160 functions as a communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from external servers, terminal devices, other image forming apparatuses, etc. via the network 4.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 functionally includes a media detection control unit 100a, a sheet type setting control unit 100b, an image formation control unit 100c, a storage unit 100d, an external communication control unit 100e, and an edge processing unit 100f. .

The media detection control unit 100a operates the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92, which are media detection sensors, and determines the sheet type based on the detection results. As mentioned above, not only the sheet type is determined in the automatic detection mode, but also when the user sets the sheet type in the user setting mode, the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92 are operated to determine the sheet type based on the detection results. Determine the sheet type.

The sheet type setting control unit 100b receives the sheet type set by the user in a print job from the operation panel unit 50 or the terminal device 3 in the user setting mode.

In the user setting mode, the image forming control unit 100c uses the sheet type set by the user accepted by the sheet type setting control unit 100b, and in the automatic detection mode, based on the sheet type determined by the media detection control unit 100a. The image forming unit 10 is controlled under image forming conditions corresponding to each sheet type, and an image is printed on the sheet.

The storage unit 100d stores the sheet type set by the user and the sheet type determined by the media detection control unit 100a.

The external communication control unit 100e corresponds to the network I/F 160 in FIG. 2, and transmits and receives data between the terminal device 3, an external server, another image forming apparatus, and the like.

Further, the sheet type setting control unit 100b accumulates information regarding the sheet type for which the user's settings have been accepted in the storage device 110 as reception information, and further stores information regarding the sheet type for which the user has set the sheet type and for sheets for which the user has not set the sheet type. Information regarding the sheet type automatically determined by the media detection control unit 100a is stored in the storage device 110 as determination information. Further, the sheet type setting control unit 100b determines whether the received sheet type matches/mismatches the determined sheet type, and provides information regarding the match/mismatch together with information regarding the received sheet type and information regarding the determined sheet type. Information may be stored in storage device 110. Alternatively, all of the information regarding the accepted sheet type, the determined sheet type, and the information regarding match/mismatch may be stored in the storage device 110.

When storing, each piece of information to be stored is stored in association with each other by assigning the same ID or the like. This makes it easier to handle each piece of information.

The edge processing unit 100f has an analysis function and a learning function, and uses information accumulated in the storage device 110 to analyze the possibility that a problem such as a paper jam will occur. Further, the learning results obtained by the learning function are reflected in the image forming process by the image forming section 10, transmitted to an external server, etc., or shared with other image forming apparatuses. An example of the learning function is correction of a threshold value for sheet type determination.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained with a focus on control by the control unit 100.

A user operates the operation panel section 50 to instruct a print job, or instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a print job from the terminal device 3 . In the user setting mode, the user can set the type of sheet on which an image will be formed (sheet type) when instructing a print job. A print job including sheet type settings is accepted by the control unit 100. When a print job instruction including sheet type settings is issued on the terminal device 3, the print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 4 and accepted by the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1. An example of a situation where the user sets the sheet type and performs printing (image formation) is when the user sets thick paper as plain paper to increase productivity, for example.

When the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, it feeds the sheet from the first paper feed cassette 90a or the second paper feed cassette 90b to the sheet conveyance path 8, and also skews the fed sheet. It is conveyed toward the correction roller 72.

The control unit 100 causes the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92 to detect parameters for determining the sheet type during the conveyance of the conveyed sheet. Specifically, the light receiving element 91c receives transmitted light and/or reflected light of the light irradiated onto the sheet from the light sources 91a and 91b of the optical sensor 91. Moreover, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter 92a of the ultrasonic sensor 92 is received by the ultrasonic receiver 92b.

The control section 100 determines information regarding the type of sheet based on the amount of light received by the light receiving sensor 91c of the optical sensor 91 and the amount of light received by the ultrasonic receiving section 92b of the ultrasonic sensor 92.

The detection of the discrimination parameters by the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92 and the discrimination of the sheet type based on the detection results are performed for both sheets for which the user has not set the sheet type and for sheets for which the user has set the sheet type. .

In this embodiment, the detection of the discrimination parameter by the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92 is performed in the first detection mode in the automatic detection mode in which the user does not set the sheet type, and in the user setting mode, the detection of the discrimination parameter is performed in the first detection mode in the user setting mode. This is performed in a second detection mode different from the detection mode. In the automatic detection mode, the sheet type is determined based on the detection result of the first detection mode, and printing on the sheet is performed under image forming conditions corresponding to the determined sheet type. On the other hand, in the user setting mode, the sheet type is determined based on the detection result of the second detection mode, but the image forming conditions corresponding to the sheet type set by the user are applied. Printing on the sheet is performed according to the conditions. Therefore, printing is performed without reflecting the detection results from the optical sensor 91 and the ultrasonic sensor 92.

In the first detection mode, since the sheet type is unknown, the sheet conveyance speed is slowed so that any sheet can be conveyed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the detection is performed between the time the sheet reaches each media detection sensor 91 and 92 and the time it reaches the skew correction roller 72, thereby reducing productivity as much as possible. Image formation is performed under conditions corresponding to the automatically determined sheet type.

On the other hand, in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed corresponds to the sheet type set by the user. Therefore, depending on the sheet type, the conveyance speed will be faster than in the first detection mode, so the time from when the sheet reaches each media detection sensor 91 and 92 until it reaches the skew correction roller 72 will be shortened. Therefore, the detection time is also shortened.

For example, the range in which the detection results are stable after the sheet reaches the media detection sensors 91 and 92 until it reaches the skew correction roller 72 is set as the media detection range of 25 mm, and the sheet conveyance speed in the first detection mode is : 150mm/s, sheet conveyance speed in second detection mode: 150mm/s to 400mm/s, the first detection time is 25mm ÷ 150mm/s ≒ 167ms, and the second detection time is at least 25mm ÷400mm/s≒63ms.

Detection of the discrimination parameters by each of the media detection sensors 91 and 92 is performed by sampling multiple times. This sampling is performed within the processing capacity and control requirements of the CPU 100a, and in the second detection mode, the number of data samples is smaller than in the first detection mode, which may reduce detection accuracy. Conversely, the first detection mode has higher detection accuracy than the second detection mode.

However, in the second detection mode, the discrimination parameter can be detected in a range different from that in the first detection mode, so that the detection time and detection accuracy can be made equal to or higher than those in the first detection mode. Specifically, by performing detection even when the leading edge of the sheet is conveyed beyond the skew correction roller 72, the detection range (detection length) can be expanded, and the second The detection range of the detection mode is wider than the detection range of the first detection mode, and it is possible to make the detection time and detection accuracy of the second detection mode equal to or higher than those of the first detection mode. In the second detection mode, the information regarding the automatically determined sheet type is not reflected in the image forming process, so there is no effect on productivity.

In the automatic detection mode in which the user does not set the sheet type, the media detection control unit 100a executes detection in the first detection mode, determines the sheet type based on the detection result, and the image formation control unit 100c performs image formation. The unit 10 is controlled to print an image on the sheet under image forming conditions corresponding to the determined sheet type. Further, the sheet type setting control unit 100b stores information regarding the determined sheet type in the storage device 110.

On the other hand, in the user setting mode, the sheet type setting control unit 100b receives the sheet type set by the user, and the image forming control unit 100c controls the image forming unit 10 with image forming conditions corresponding to the accepted sheet type, and print the image. Further, the media detection control unit 100a causes the media detection sensors 91 and 92 to perform detection in the second detection mode, and determines the sheet type based on the detection results. The sheet type setting control unit 100b stores at least two of the following: information regarding the determined sheet type, information regarding the sheet type set and accepted by the user, and information regarding matching/mismatching of the accepted sheet type and the determined sheet type. Information is stored in storage device 110.

Note that information storage in the storage device 110 may be performed each time a print job is completed, or each multiple jobs, or at a predetermined time, or may be stored at a limited time. Not allowed. Further, the sheet type determination may be performed on all sheets of a print job, or may be performed only on the first sheet of a print job as a representative sheet.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during printing. This operation is executed by the CPU 101a of the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus operating according to an operation program stored in the ROM 101b or the like.

In step S01, it is determined whether or not the user has set the sheet type (whether or not the setting has been accepted). If there is no sheet type setting (“none” in step S01), the first detection mode is applied in step S02, and the sheet type is automatically detected and determined in step S03.

Next, in step S04, image formation is performed under image forming conditions corresponding to the automatically detected and determined sheet type, and then in step S05, information regarding the automatically detected and determined sheet type is stored in the storage device 110.

On the other hand, if the sheet type is set by the user in step S01 ("Yes" in step S01), the second detection mode is applied in step S06, and the sheet type is automatically detected and determined in step S07.

Next, in step S08, image formation is performed under image forming conditions corresponding to the sheet type set by the user, and then in step S09, the automatically detected and determined sheet type and the sheet set by the user and accepted by the image forming apparatus are The seeds are stored in storage device 110. You may also store information regarding the match/mismatch between the received sheet type and the automatically detected/discriminated sheet type, or change the automatically detected/discriminated sheet type to the accepted sheet type and check the match/mismatch. Information regarding discrepancies may be stored.

Table 1 shows an example of information stored in the storage device 110 in the automatic detection mode in which the sheet type is not set by the user.

The information in Table 1 is generated for each print job using information about a representative sheet (for example, the first sheet). The same applies to Table 2 and subsequent tables. The "accumulation date and time" in the table is the date and time when the information was stored in the storage device 110, and the "detection ID" is identification information corresponding to the print job for which the information regarding the sheet type was detected and determined. "Detection date and time" is the date and time when information regarding the sheet type was detected and determined, "machine information" is the identification information given to the image forming apparatus 1, and "media detection sheet type" is the date and time when information regarding the sheet type was detected and determined. This information indicates the type of sheet. In this embodiment, as described above, automatic detection and discrimination of the sheet type is performed only for one sheet, such as the first sheet of a print job. "Number of sheets passed at detection ID" indicates the number of sheets printed in that job, and "Fault information at detection ID" indicates whether there is a problem such as a jam during execution of the print job. In this example, a problem occurred. It has been shown that they have not.

Table 2 shows an example of information stored in the storage device 110 when automatic detection and discrimination by the media detection sensors 91 and 92 is not performed in the user setting mode.

In Table 2, in addition to the "accumulation date and time" and "machine information" in Table 1, "user setting sheet type", "number of sheets passed for each setting sheet type", and "fault information for each setting sheet type" are accumulated. This example shows that the user set thick paper 2 and a fixing jam occurred during printing.

Table 3 shows a first example of information stored in the storage device 110 when automatic detection and discrimination are performed by the media detection sensors 91 and 92 in the user setting mode.

The information in Table 3 is generated for each print job. The same information as Table 1 is "accumulation date and time," "detection ID," "detection date and time," "machine information," "media detection sheet type," "number of sheets passed at detection ID," and "fault information at detection ID." In addition, "user-set sheet type" indicating the sheet type set by the user is stored. In this example, even though the user has set thick paper 2 as the sheet type, the sheet type determined based on the media detection sensors 91 and 92 is thin paper, and it can be seen that the two are different. It is also shown that a fixing jam problem occurs during a print job. Note that the problem is not limited to a jam, and even in the case of a jam, it is possible to indicate that the jam is in a portion other than the fixing unit 19, for example, in the finisher.

Table 4 shows a second example of information stored in the storage device 110 when automatic detection and discrimination by the media detection sensors 91 and 92 is performed in the user setting mode.

In the example of Table 4, instead of the "user setting sheet type" in Table 3, information about "relationship with user setting sheet type" is transmitted. "Relationship with user-set sheet type" is information regarding the match/mismatch between the sheet type set by the user and the sheet type determination result (thin paper in this example) by the media detection sensor, and indicates that there is a mismatch. ing. Note that both the "user setting sheet type" in Table 3 and the "relationship with user setting sheet type" in Table 4 may be stored.

Table 5 shows a third example of information stored in the storage device 110 when automatic detection and discrimination are performed by the media detection sensors 91 and 92 in the user setting mode.

In the example of Table 4, regarding the "relationship with the user-set sheet type," the match/mismatch between the sheet type set by the user and the sheet type determination results by the media detection sensors 91 and 92 is directly shown. In the example of Table 5, differences in basis weight levels are shown as sheet type information. In other words, if thick paper 1 is ranked -1 on the lower basis weight category, plain paper + is -2 rank, plain paper is -3 rank, and thin paper is -4 rank on the lower basis weight category based on thick paper 2, the sheet set by the user Assuming that the type is thick paper 2, the paper type is displayed as -4 rank because there is a -4 rank difference in basis weight classification between thick paper 2 and thin paper, which is the automatically detected and determined sheet type. Note that the "user setting sheet type" in Table 3 may also be stored.

In the examples in Tables 3 to 5, the combination of "media detection sheet type" and "user setting sheet type" or the combination of "media detection sheet type" and "relationship with user setting sheet type" is stored in the storage device 110. It was configured to do this. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to accumulate combinations of "user setting sheet type" and "relationship with user setting sheet type", or to store combinations of "media detection sheet type", "user setting sheet type", and "user setting sheet type". It is sufficient to accumulate at least two pieces of information from the "relationship with sheet type".

Furthermore, since each piece of information is assigned a detection ID, it is stored in association with each other via the detection ID. Even if the information is stored separately, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the same detection ID. Each piece of information can be associated and handled.

FIG. 7 shows the analysis results by the edge processing unit 100f of the image forming apparatus 1, and shows the results when printing is performed under image forming conditions corresponding to the sheet type determined based on the detection results by the media detection sensors 91 and 92. , is a graph showing the number of sheets passed and the jam rate for each sheet type over a certain period of time. The bar graph shows the number of sheets passed for each automatically detected sheet type, and the line graph shows the ratio of the number of jammed sheets to the number of sheets passed (jam rate). This analysis is based on the media detection sheet type and defect information (jam count) included in the data (Table 1) accumulated in the storage device 110 when the image forming apparatus 1 installed on the market operates in the automatic detection mode. Is going. It can be seen from FIG. 7 that the frequency of occurrence of jams is low.

Next, FIG. 8 shows the number of sheets passed and the jam rate for each sheet type when printing is performed based on the sheet type set by the user. This analysis was also performed by the edge portion 100f of the image forming apparatus 1, which operated based on the user settings, based on the user setting sheet type and defect information included in the data (Table 2) stored in the storage device 110. be. It can be seen from FIG. 8 that the frequency of jam occurrence is greater than in the case of FIG. In particular, the jam rate of cardboard is higher than that of other sheet types.

By the way, the jam rate relative to the total number of sheets passed in the automatic detection mode shown in Figure 7 is 0.0070%, and the same jam rate in the user setting mode shown in Figure 8 is 0.0186%, which is higher than the jam rate in the automatic detection mode. . Furthermore, in the user setting mode, the ratio of thick paper passing is higher and the ratio of thin paper passing is lower than in the automatic detection mode.

FIG. 9 shows a case where printing is performed based on the sheet type set by the user in the user setting mode, and the sheet type is also automatically detected and determined by the media detection sensors 91 and 92 (in FIG. 9, it is indicated as active detection). 2 is a graph showing the number of sheets passed and the jam rate for each sheet type analyzed in In this case, the number of sheets passed is the number of sheets passed when the sheet type set by the user does not match among the automatically detected and determined number of sheets passed for each sheet type, and the jam rate for this number of sheets passed. It is. This analysis also shows that the edge processing unit 100f of the image forming apparatus 1, which performs printing based on user settings and also automatically detects the sheet type, is included in the data (Tables 3 to 5) stored in the storage device 110. This is done based on the media detection sheet type, user-set sheet type, relationship with the user-set sheet type, and defect information. It can also be seen from FIG. 9 that the jam rate for thick paper and thin paper is higher than for other sheet types.

As described above, in this embodiment, in the user setting mode, the information regarding the sheet type set by the user and accepted by the image forming apparatus 1, the information regarding the sheet type automatically detected and determined by the image forming apparatus 1, and the information regarding the sheet type automatically detected and determined by the image forming apparatus 1, At least two pieces of information are stored in the storage device 110: information regarding the set sheet type and information regarding coincidence/mismatch of information regarding the automatically detected and determined sheet type. Using the accumulated information, it is possible to identify the cause of the problem by analyzing which sheet types have the most user setting errors, and to report the analysis results to the image forming apparatus 1 periodically, at any time, or in real time. can be grasped. Then, during printing, etc., the control unit 100 displays a message based on the analysis result on the display unit 54 to urge the user to confirm the appropriate sheet type settings, thereby preventing problems caused by setting errors. can.

Furthermore, when a malfunction such as a jam occurs, the image forming apparatus 1 also stores specific malfunction information in the storage device 110, thereby correlating the user's setting error with the malfunction and accumulating the information. Data can be analyzed. For example, if the user has set thick paper, automatic detection and discrimination determines that the sheet type is thin paper, and it is analyzed from the accumulated data that jams occur frequently as defect information, the analysis result is obtained as defect occurrence information. . In fact, if printing is performed on thin paper under the image forming conditions set by the user for thick paper, the paper is heated more than necessary, curling occurs, and jamming occurs in the fixing unit 19.

In the image forming apparatus 1, when the automatically detected and determined sheet type is, for example, thin paper, and the sheet type set by the user is, for example, thick paper, a jam may occur as shown in FIG. 10. A warning display indicating this can be displayed on the display unit 54 to notify the user. The user can choose whether to continue printing or cancel it. If the user continues printing, the user can choose whether to print on the thick paper he or she has set, depending on whether the "Print using automatically detected paper type" option is checked. You can now choose whether to print on thin paper that is automatically detected and determined.

Note that the notification to the user may be displayed on the screen of the terminal device 3 instead of being displayed on the display unit 54 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The notification may be by email or may be by voice. In the case of audio, after interrupting printing, the message "Continuing printing may cause a jam. If you wish to continue printing, press the start button. If you wish to cancel, press the stop button and change the paper type." Please play a message like "Please."

Furthermore, the edge processing unit 100f of the image forming apparatus 1, which has analyzed that there is a possibility of a problem occurring, issues an instruction to switch to the image forming conditions corresponding to the automatically detected and determined sheet type or an instruction to interrupt the image forming process. You may also go to the image forming control section 100c. Upon receiving this instruction, the image forming section 10 performs printing under the image forming conditions for the instructed sheet type, or interrupts printing. Further, switching of image forming conditions or interruption of image forming processing may be notified to the user. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which notification is made only when the same problem occurs multiple times.

Furthermore, the analysis results and learning results performed by the edge processing unit 100f of the image forming apparatus 1 are not held only in the image forming apparatus 1, but as shown in FIG. The information may be transmitted to a plurality of other image forming apparatuses 21 to 26, and the possibility of occurrence of a malfunction may be shared between the image forming apparatus 1 and the other image forming apparatuses 21 to 26, for example. Further, the analysis results and learning results may be sent to the server (including a cloud server) 5. In this case, the server 5 can centrally manage analysis results and learning results sent from the image forming apparatus 1 and other image forming apparatuses 21 to 26.

The image forming apparatus 1 also matches/disagrees the information regarding the sheet type received by the other image forming apparatuses 21 to 26, the information regarding the determined sheet type, and the information regarding the received sheet type and the information regarding the determined sheet type. At least two pieces of information, as well as analysis results and learning results, may be acquired and collected from the other image forming apparatuses 21 to 26 to serve as a server.

Next, a method for utilizing the information stored in the storage device 110 in the market by a service person or the like will be described.

If jams or troubles occur frequently in a particular image forming apparatus, if the conditions under which jams or troubles occur are known, the cause can be investigated.

As a method of obtaining information for investigation, you can print out a list of the information accumulated in the image forming apparatus 1 and refer to it, or use the terminal device 3 such as a tablet or smartphone connected via a network, or the display section of the operation panel 50. 54.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which the accumulated information is displayed on the display section 54 of the operation panel section 50. The displayed information may be all or part of the information accumulated for each job. In FIG. 12, the date and time (detection date and time), the sheet type set by the user, the sheet type detected and determined by the media detection sensors 91 and 92, the number of sheets passed, and the status of the problem are displayed. Information hidden on the screen can be displayed in order by scrolling. Further, it may be configured such that the date and time and presence or absence of a defect can be searched as search items.

FIG. 13 shows a list printed on paper P. The printed content is the same as the panel display in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which information accumulated in the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to and displayed on a terminal device 3, such as a tablet or a smartphone, as a display device connected via a network.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the data can be output to an external storage medium such as a USB memory 300 for display and reference on an external personal computer (PC), or as shown in FIG. It is also possible to confirm by outputting audio using the provided speaker 400 or the like.

As described above, information on the sheet type detected and determined by the media detection sensors 91 and 92, information on the sheet type set by the user, matching/mismatching sheet type information, and machine malfunction information are added. By storing information in the storage device 110, it becomes possible to investigate the cause of the failure, but the storage device 110 has a finite capacity and cannot be stored forever.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of information is compressed by accumulating the results of analysis of the accumulated information by the edge processing unit 100.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the accumulated information is classified into combinations such as thin paper, plain paper, plain paper +, thick paper 1 to 4, coated paper, etc., and the frequency of occurrence of jam rates, etc. is quantified. and save it. In addition, the amount of accumulated information is compressed by deleting the original information in which the frequency was digitized and saved. Furthermore, the amount of data may be reduced by storing data with representative characteristics for each classification, and storing similar data by number of times.

Alternatively, when the accumulated information reaches the capacity of the storage device 110, the data of the first sheet after insertion and removal of the paper feed cassettes 60a and 60b is retained and other information is deleted. It's okay to do that. Unless the paper feed cassettes 60a, 60b are inserted/removed, the types of sheets fed are considered to be the same, and it is considered that the sheet types may have changed when the paper feed cassettes 60a, 60b are inserted/removed. It's for a reason. Furthermore, the amount of data can be reduced by retaining data when a jam or trouble occurs and deleting other information, and by selecting and storing more useful information, the storage device 110 can be This enables storage without placing a load on the capacity.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, the information regarding the sheet type may include various types of information in addition to the information on the sheet type itself and the information shown in Tables 3 to 5. For example, image information regarding the presence or absence of an image on the sheet surface, sheet transmittance information, reflectance information, stiffness information, thickness information, basis weight information, size information, grain direction information, color information, moisture information, smoothness information, At least one of resistance information, friction information, sheet configuration information, and printing information may be included. The sheet configuration information includes at least one of pulp, coating, fluorescent agent, filler, and coloring material, and the printing information includes sheet brand, environmental information, paper feed port information, and image forming information. At least one is included.

Table 6 summarizes this information for each detection means to be acquired. For example, the optical sensor 91 can obtain information on paper type, transmittance, and reflectance determined from optical characteristics. Paper size information is obtained from the paper feed cassettes 90a and 90b, stiffness information is obtained from the sheet conveyance motor (mechanical mechanism), sheet thickness information is obtained by measuring the amount of displacement of the sheet conveyance roller with a displacement sensor, and CMOS Information on paper grain direction, smoothness, and color can be obtained from the sensors used. "User settings" are information set by the user.

Further, Table 7 shows the relationship between sheet type and basis weight.

By accumulating such information in the storage device 110, the image forming apparatus 1 can analyze, for example, the relationship between basis weight, fixing heat amount, and defects based on the accumulated sheet type setting error information and defect information. and can notify the user of the analysis results.

Furthermore, although the case where information is stored in the storage device 110 built into the image forming apparatus 1 has been described, a print server called Fiery, etc., which is externally attached to the image forming apparatus 1 as an expansion option, etc. has been described. Information may be stored in
[Second embodiment]
The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 selects among the information regarding the sheet type set by the user, the information regarding the automatically detected/discriminated sheet type, and the information regarding the match/mismatch between these two sheet types. The case where at least two pieces of information are stored in the storage device 110 has been described.

However, the information stored in the storage device 110 is not limited to these, and includes setting information set regarding sheets, sheet detection information detected by detection means such as media detection sensors 91 and 92, and settings. The configuration may be such that at least two pieces of information, the information and the information regarding the match/mismatch of the detected information, are stored in the storage device 110. Alternatively, the configuration information and the detection information may not be transmitted, but information regarding the match/mismatch between the configuration information and the detection information may be accumulated. The determination of whether the setting information and the detection information match/mismatch is performed by the sheet type setting control unit 100b.

"Setting information set regarding sheets" refers to information set by the user such as sheet type when executing a print job, information set by the user via the operation panel etc. for the paper feed cassettes 60a and 60b, image formation This is information set in advance for the paper feed cassettes 60a and 60b at the time of shipment (initial stage) of the apparatus 1, and any information set in the image forming apparatus 1 for sheets is applicable.

"Sheet detection information" is the detection information of the physical properties of the sheet, including sheet transmittance information, reflectance information, stiffness information, thickness information, basis weight information, size information, grain direction information, color information, moisture information, This includes smoothness information, resistance information, friction information, etc., and any information detected by a sensor on the sheet is applicable.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when storing information to be stored in the storage device 110. This operation is executed by the CPU 101a of the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus operating according to an operation program stored in the ROM 101b or the like.

In step S11, the presence or absence of setting information set regarding the sheet is checked. If there is no setting information (“absent” in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12, and if there is setting information (“presence” in step S11), the process proceeds to step S16. Note that a sheet setting mode may be provided so that the user or the like can select the sheet setting mode, and if the sheet setting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S12, and if the sheet setting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S12, the first detection mode is applied, and in step S13, the physical properties of the sheet are automatically detected. In the first detection mode, as in the first detection mode in the first embodiment, information regarding the sheet is unknown, so the sheet conveyance speed is slowed down so that any sheet can be conveyed. There is.

Next, in step S14, image forming conditions corresponding to the automatically detected sheet detection results are automatically set and image formation is performed, and then, in step S15, the detection information of the automatically detected sheet is stored in the storage device 110. .

On the other hand, in step S16, the second detection mode is applied, and in step S17, the physical properties of the sheet are automatically detected. In the second detection mode, similarly to the second detection mode in the first embodiment, the conveyance speed is determined according to the sheet setting information.

Next, in step S18, image forming conditions corresponding to the setting information set for the sheet are automatically set and image formation is performed, and then, in step S09, the automatically detected detection information and the settings set for the sheet are set. Information is stored in storage device 110. Note that information regarding the match/mismatch between the setting information set for the sheet and the automatically detected detection information may also be stored, or the information may be changed to either the automatically detected detection information or the setting information set for the sheet. Information regarding matching/mismatching may be stored. Alternatively, instead of storing the automatically detected detection information and the setting information set regarding the sheet, information regarding coincidence/mismatch may be stored.

Further, the sheet type setting control unit 100b may determine the sheet type based on the automatically detected sheet detection information, and the determined sheet type may also be stored in the storage device 110.

In the second embodiment, at least two of the setting information set regarding the sheet, the detection information of the sheet automatically detected by the image forming apparatus 1, and the information regarding the match/mismatch between the setting information regarding the sheet and the detection information. This information is stored in the storage device 110 over time, or information regarding coincidence/mismatch between sheet-related setting information and detection information is stored in the storage device 110. In addition, using the accumulated information, you can analyze which sheets have the most user setting errors and identify the cause of the problem, and you can obtain analysis results periodically, at any time, or in real time. can. Then, during printing, etc., the control unit 100 displays a message based on the analysis result on the display unit 54 to prompt the user to confirm the appropriate sheet settings, thereby preventing the occurrence of problems due to setting errors. .

Furthermore, when a malfunction such as a jam occurs, the image forming apparatus 1 also stores specific malfunction information in the storage device 110 to prevent sheet-related setting errors and malfunctions such as user setting mistakes. It is possible to associate and accumulate data and analyze the accumulated data.

1 Image forming device 3 Terminal device (external print instruction means)
4 Network 5 Server 8 Sheet conveyance path 10 Image forming section 21 to 26 Other image forming apparatus 50 Operation panel section 54 Display section 60 Paper feeding section 72 Skew correction roller 91 Optical sensor (media detection sensor)
91a, 91b light source 91c light reception detection element 92 ultrasonic sensor (media detection sensor)
91a Ultrasonic transmitting section 91b Ultrasonic receiving section 100 Control section 100a Media detection control section (discrimination means)
100b Sheet type setting control unit (reception means)
100c Image formation control section 100d Storage section 100e External communication control section (transmission means, reception means)
100f Edge processing unit 110 Storage device (storage means)

Claims (46)

a reception means for accepting the setting of the type of recording medium by the user;
a detection means for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted by the receiving means, information regarding the accepted type of recording medium, information regarding the determined type of recording medium, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; an accumulation means for accumulating at least two pieces of information;
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium whose type has been set by the reception means in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode. a reception means for accepting the setting of the type of recording medium by the user;
a detection means for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted by the receiving means, information regarding the accepted type of recording medium, information regarding the determined type of recording medium, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; an accumulation means for accumulating at least two pieces of information;
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium whose type has been set by the reception means in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the transport speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the transport speed of the recording medium is set according to the type accepted by the receiving means. An image forming apparatus characterized by a conveying speed. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of pieces of information to be stored in association with each other. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means also stores information on defects occurring in the image forming apparatus. The information regarding the type includes image information regarding the presence or absence of an image on the surface of the recording medium, transmittance information, reflectance information, stiffness information, thickness information, basis weight information, size information, eye direction information, color information, moisture information, Contains at least one of smoothness information, resistance information, friction information, recording medium configuration information, and printing information,
The configuration information of the recording medium includes at least one of pulp, coating, fluorescent agent, filler, and coloring material, and the printing information includes the brand of the recording medium, environmental information, paper feed port information, and image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the information is included. The detection means includes a light source and a light receiving sensor capable of receiving transmitted light and/or reflected light of the light irradiated onto the recording medium from the light source,
Based on the transmitted light and/or reflected light received by the light receiving sensor, at least one of the transmittance, reflectance, basis weight, thickness, color, smoothness, and constituent elements of the recording medium is detected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. analysis means for analyzing the possibility that a malfunction will occur based on the information stored in the storage means;
a notification means for notifying a user of the possibility of occurrence of the malfunction analyzed by the analysis means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the type of recording medium by the user is performed by an external print instruction means, and the receiving means receives the setting made by the print instruction means via a network. . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second detection mode has a shorter detection time than the first detection mode. The present invention further comprises an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium, and the image forming means forms the image without reflecting the determination result in the image forming process for the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted by the accepting means. Item 2. Image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2. The image forming means includes an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium, and the image forming means determines the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted when the analyzing means analyzes that there is a possibility that a defect may occur. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus switches to image forming conditions corresponding to the selected type. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first detection mode has higher parameter detection accuracy than the second detection mode. The detection range of parameters for the recording medium by the detection means is different between the first detection mode and the second detection mode, and the detection time and detection accuracy of the first detection mode are equal to or higher than those of the second detection mode. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium, and wherein the image forming means is capable of printing the information stored in the storage means on the recording medium. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage means can be transmitted to a display device connected via a network. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage means can be displayed on a display means of the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage means can be output to a storage medium externally attached to the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage means can be outputted by an audio output device. comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the learning means suspends image formation and/or causes a notification means to issue a warning based on the learning result. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage means is classified by combination, and the frequency is digitized and stored. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the original information in which the frequency is digitized is deleted. 22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein data having representative characteristics is stored for each classification, and similar data is stored by number of times. When the amount of stored information reaches the storage capacity of the storage means, information about the first recording medium after insertion and removal of the recording medium supply cassette is retained and other information is deleted. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 2. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of stored information reaches the storage capacity of the storage means, only the information in which the problem has occurred is retained and other information is deleted. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the learning means provides notification when the same problem occurs multiple times. comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a learning result by the learning means is reflected in an image forming process by the image forming means. comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the learning result by the learning means is transmitted to an external server. comprising a learning means for learning the information accumulated in the accumulation means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the learning result by the learning means is shared with other image forming apparatuses. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is built in the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is an external storage device externally attached to the image forming apparatus. a detection means for detecting physical properties of the recording medium;
an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium;
Storage for accumulating at least two pieces of information among setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection means, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information. means and
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium that has not been set in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium that has been set in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode. a detection means for detecting physical properties of the recording medium;
an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium;
Storage for accumulating at least two pieces of information among setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection means, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information. means and
Equipped with
The detection means detects a recording medium that has not been set in a first detection mode, and detects a recording medium that has been set in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set to be the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the settings for the recording medium. An image forming apparatus characterized by a conveying speed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode. a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode. a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. performed in a different second detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the type accepted in the reception step. An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that the conveyance speed is set as a conveyance speed. 37. The information processing method for a recording medium according to claim 35, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode. a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium using a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower than in the first detection mode. a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium using a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
is executed by the image forming device, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set to be the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the settings for the recording medium. An information processing method for a recording medium, characterized in that the conveyance speed is set as a conveyance speed. The information processing method for a recording medium according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode. a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute processing in a different second detection mode,
A program characterized in that the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower in the second detection mode than in the first detection mode. a reception step for accepting the setting of the recording medium type by the user;
a detection step for determining the type of recording medium on which the image is to be formed;
With respect to the recording medium for which the type setting has been accepted in the receiving step, information regarding the accepted recording medium type, information regarding the determined recording medium type, and information regarding matching/mismatch between the accepted type and the determined type; storing at least two of the information in a storage means;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium whose type has not been set by the user is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium whose type has been set in the reception step is detected in the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute processing in a different second detection mode,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the type accepted in the reception step. A program characterized by setting the conveyance speed. 43. The program according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode. a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium using a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute,
A program characterized in that the conveyance speed of the recording medium is not slower in the second detection mode than in the first detection mode. a detection step of detecting physical properties of the recording medium using a detection means;
an image forming step of forming an image on the recording medium;
At least two pieces of information out of setting information set regarding the recording medium, detection information of the recording medium detected by the detection step, and information regarding coincidence/mismatch between the setting information and the detection information are stored in a storage means. an accumulation step for accumulating;
to be executed by the computer of the image forming apparatus, and further,
In the detection step, a recording medium that has not been set is detected in a first detection mode, and a recording medium that has been set is detected in a second detection mode different from the first detection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute,
In the first detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set to be the same regardless of the physical properties of the storage medium, and in the second detection mode, the conveyance speed of the recording medium is set according to the settings for the recording medium. A program characterized by setting the conveyance speed. 46. The program according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the second detection mode has a wider detection range than the first detection mode.

Images