JP2006350200A - Image forming apparatus and paper storage environment monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve high productivity printing operation ensuring satisfactory print quality free from the effects of the moisture content of paper or contact damage throughout a storage period right after paper is stored. <P>SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus 70, a paper tray 80 stores paper P that has an IC tag 10 in which storage environment monitor information, including a moisture content calculated under paper storage environment monitor in a paper storage environment monitoring system, is written. When a print instruction is inputted from an operation panel 72, a printing control section 712 drives a tag reading/writing section 95, reads the storage environment monitor information from the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P stored in the paper tray 80. According to the moisture content of the paper P incorporated in the storage environment monitor information, a printing operation is carried out while printing control parameters, such as the transfer voltage of a transfer unit 91 and the fixing temperature of a fixing roller 861, are corrected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that corrects printing control parameters at the time of printing an image on a sheet in accordance with the moisture content of the sheet accommodated in the apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of accurately recognizing the moisture content of the sheet in a shorter time without contact and appropriately correcting the printing control parameters, and a sheet storage environment for monitoring the storage environment of the sheet used in the image forming apparatus It relates to a monitoring device.

  As is well known, in image printing with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a laser printer, the water content of the printing medium (paper) has a great influence on the printing quality.

  For example, with regard to the transfer system, when the moisture content of the paper is high, the transfer voltage becomes excessive and the density of the low density image decreases, and conversely, when the moisture content of the paper is low, the transfer voltage becomes excessively low, resulting in poor transfer. appear.

  Regarding the fixing system, the moisture content (water content) of the paper is an important parameter for the curling of the paper. For example, when the paper is shifted to the water-containing side containing more moisture in a high humidity environment. The printing paper is curled and looks bad.

  In order to prepare for deterioration of paper curl when the moisture content is high, the fixing temperature is often used at a temperature slightly lower than the optimum temperature, but in this case, especially in a high-speed machine, a paper with a normal moisture content is used. When used, there is a risk of fixing failure.

  In order to reduce the above-described adverse effect of the moisture content on the print quality, for example, in the printing control of a laser printer, the moisture content of the paper is measured and the paper is heated according to the measured value, or the transfer voltage or peeling Various measures are taken to maintain good print quality against changes in the moisture content of the paper, such as optimizing printing control parameters such as voltage and fixing voltage (temperature).

  In this measure, as a known method for measuring the moisture content of the paper, as described in the following Patent Document 1, a moisture sensor is brought into contact with the stored paper, or a nearby temperature sensor or humidity sensor is used. There is a method to determine the moisture content based on the detection results.

  Further, as described in Patent Document 2 below, a method is known in which the moisture content is determined by measuring the amount of water vapor generated from a sheet by heating with a heating device.

  Further, as a method for improving curling of printed matter caused by the influence of moisture content, a method of installing a correction device outside a paper discharge port is known as described in Patent Document 3 below.

  In a transfer method using a transfer roll, conventionally, a constant current value is applied before the transfer process, and the voltage value at that time is held, or calculation is performed based on the voltage value (resistance). There is known a constant voltage control method for obtaining a transfer voltage suitable for a value).

  In this constant voltage control method, it is not always possible to maintain an optimum voltage due to impedance fluctuations accompanying changes in the type of transfer material (paper) and the water content.

Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 4 below, the resistance value of the transfer material is estimated by monitoring the current value at the tip portion of the transfer material, and the transfer voltage is corrected according to the estimated resistance value. There was also a way to do it.
JP-A-7-53075 JP-A-9-204080 JP 11-334968 A JP 2001-109281 A

  However, in the method of calculating the moisture content from the detection output of the moisture sensor brought into contact with the paper described in Patent Document 1, when the apparatus is speeded up and miniaturized, a minute surface damage at the time of paper conveyance, called bleed, The problem is that there is a high risk of image quality defects such as white spots due to the effect of uneven charging on the surface of the paper due to leaching from contact parts such as solvents and oils used in the manufacturing process, friction or condensation. It was.

  In addition, in the method of calculating the moisture content from the detection output of the sensor in the vicinity of the paper, the moisture content of the paper immediately after storing the paper in a storage environment different from the inside of the printer is erroneously detected. There was a problem that it might be.

  Further, in the method of obtaining the moisture content based on the amount of water vapor generated from the paper by heating described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to wait for the generation of water vapor before performing the printing, and therefore, the productivity of printing. There is a problem in that the degree of deterioration becomes unavoidable, particularly in the operating situation where printing of a single sheet occupies the majority.

  Further, in the configuration in which the curl correction device described in Patent Document 3 is installed outside, there is a problem in that the installation location is restricted because the printing device becomes large and requires a large installation area.

  Further, in the method of estimating the resistance value of the transfer material and correcting the transfer voltage described in Patent Document 4, the hardware configuration for control and the control software are complicated, which causes an obstacle to cost reduction of the apparatus. In addition to this, it cannot cope with transfer materials whose resistance value and moisture content are more diversified, and furthermore, the resistance value fluctuation in the page and the instability in the first sheet are eliminated. In the end, it was impossible to accurately recognize the moisture content and correct the parameter to an optimum value, and it was inevitable that the image quality deteriorated due to the influence of the moisture content.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and can accurately correct the printing control parameters by accurately recognizing the moisture content of the paper in a short time without contact with the paper immediately after the paper is contained. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform a highly productive printing operation with good printing quality without being affected by a change in moisture content or contact damage, and that can be realized with a small and inexpensive configuration.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to accurately recognize the moisture content of the paper in a short time without contact with the paper and immediately correct the printing control parameter through the storage period immediately after the paper is stored. Another object of the present invention is to provide a paper storage environment monitoring device for monitoring the storage environment of paper before being accommodated in the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for correcting printing control parameters at the time of printing an image on a sheet in accordance with the moisture content of the sheet accommodated in the apparatus. Tag reading / writing means for reading information from the tag and writing information to the IC tag, and storage environment by the tag reading / writing means from the IC tag embedded in the paper accommodated in the apparatus And correction control means for reading the monitoring information and correcting and controlling the print control parameter in accordance with the moisture content of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the environment measuring means for measuring the environment in the vicinity of the paper housed in the apparatus, and the predetermined update period after the paper is housed, The tag reading / writing unit reads the last update time from the IC tag to recognize the storage period up to the current time, and based on the storage period and the environment information indicating the environment measured by the environment measuring unit, The moisture content calculating means for calculating the moisture content, and the moisture content of the paper calculated by the moisture content calculating means and the calculation time are written to the IC tag by the tag reading / writing means each time, and the storage environment A storage environment monitoring control means for updating monitoring information is provided.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moisture content calculating means extracts the paper quality information of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag, It comprises means for calculating the moisture content based on paper quality information and the storage period and environment information.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the environment measuring means detects a temperature in the vicinity of the accommodated sheet as the environment, and the accommodated the sensor. It comprises a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity in the vicinity of the paper as the environment.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the correction control means extracts the paper quality information of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag. The printing control parameter is corrected according to the quality of the paper.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the correction control means includes means for correcting and controlling a transfer voltage at the transfer portion as the print control parameter.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first, fifth, and sixth aspects, the correction control means includes means for correcting and controlling a fixing temperature in the fixing portion as the print control parameter. Features.

  The invention described in claim 8 further comprises mode setting means for selectively setting a fixing priority mode and a curl correction priority mode in the invention described in claim 7, wherein the correction control means is configured to set the fixing mode when the fixing mode is set. Corrects and controls the fixing temperature to a temperature at which fixing can be stabilized at an appropriate level. When the curl correction priority mode is set, the fixing is stabilized at a level lower than the fixing priority mode and lower than the appropriate level. And a means for correcting and controlling the fixing temperature so as not to cause curling of the paper.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in a paper storage environment monitoring device for monitoring a paper storage environment in a storage location, tag reading / writing for reading information from an adjacent IC tag and writing information to the IC tag. Means, environmental measuring means for measuring the environment in the vicinity of the paper being stored in the storage location, environmental information indicating the environment measured by the environmental measuring means, and the moisture content of the paper based on the storage period of the paper The moisture content calculating means for calculating the moisture content of the paper calculated by the moisture content calculating means by the tag reading / writing means to the IC tag embedded in the paper being stored in the storage location. Storage environment monitoring control means for writing storage environment monitoring information including the storage environment monitoring information.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the ninth aspect, the storage environment monitoring and controlling unit is configured to perform a previous update from the IC tag by the tag reading / writing unit every predetermined update period during the storage of the paper. Read the update time, recognize the storage period up to the current time, and calculate the moisture content of the paper by the moisture content calculation means based on the storage period and the environment information indicating the environment measured by the environment measurement means And an update means for updating the storage environment monitoring information by writing the calculated moisture content of the sheet and the calculation time into the IC tag by the tag reading / writing means each time.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the information including the paper quality of the storage environment monitoring target paper is input, and the tag is embedded in the IC tag embedded in the storage paper. Read / write means has information registration means for writing the input information as the storage environment monitoring information, and the moisture content calculation means extracts paper quality information included in the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag. And a means for calculating the moisture content based on the paper quality, the storage period, and environmental information.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the environment measuring means detects a temperature in the vicinity of the paper being stored as the environment, and the temperature sensor is being stored. It comprises a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity in the vicinity of the paper as the environment.

  According to the present invention, the storage environment monitoring information is read from the IC tag embedded in the paper accommodated in the apparatus by the tag reading / writing means, and printed according to the moisture content of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information. Since the control parameter is corrected and controlled, it is possible to accurately correct the print control parameter by accurately recognizing the moisture content of the paper in a short time without contact with the paper at any time after the paper is contained. A highly productive printing operation with good printing quality that is not affected by moisture content changes or contact damage.

  In addition, since it is basic to recognize the moisture content by reading the storage environment monitoring information from the IC tag embedded in the contained paper, a complicated hardware configuration and control software for the moisture content recognition processing are not required, and the size is reduced. And can be realized with an inexpensive configuration.

  Further, according to the paper storage environment monitoring apparatus according to the present invention, the moisture content of the paper is calculated based on the environmental information indicating the environment in the vicinity of the paper being stored in the storage location and the storage period, and the calculated moisture content is calculated. Since the storage environment monitoring processing function for causing the storage environment monitoring information to be written to the IC tag embedded in the paper to be written is provided, the storage environment monitored paper is accommodated in the image forming apparatus having the tag reading / writing means. Thus, it is possible to smoothly execute the control for accurately recognizing the moisture content of the paper in a short time without contact with the paper and appropriately correcting the printing control parameter at any time during the storage period immediately after the paper is stored.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a paper storage environment monitoring system according to the present invention.

  This system monitors the storage environment of the paper P at the storage location of the paper P, and in particular, monitors the moisture content of the paper P through detection of temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the paper P.

  Here, the paper P is a wireless IC tag (hereinafter referred to as an IC tag) 10 embedded (spread in), and the moisture content as a storage environment monitoring result of the paper P in the system is the paper P. Is recorded in the IC tag 10 embedded in the.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this system, the paper P is placed at a predetermined position in a storage place (in this example, a storage is assumed, but it may be a released space). In this case, a tag reading / writing unit that is installed at a position capable of wireless communication with the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P, and performs processing of reading and writing information wirelessly with the IC tag 10 of the paper P 20, a temperature sensor 30 for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the paper P in the storage, a humidity sensor 40 for detecting the humidity in the vicinity of the paper P, the moisture content of the paper P from the detection output of the temperature sensor 30 and the detection output of the humidity sensor 40 Paper storage environment monitoring in which the calculated moisture content is written to the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P by the tag reading / writing unit 20 and the written moisture content is periodically updated. Equipped with device 50 Composed of Te.

  The paper storage environment monitoring device 50 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, an input / operation unit 53, a display unit 54, an output unit 55, and the like.

  The control unit 51 has a processing function for calculating the moisture content of the paper P from the detection output of the temperature sensor 30, the detection output of the humidity sensor 40, and the storage period of the paper P, and the calculated moisture content is embedded in the paper P. The IC tag 10 is written by the tag reading / writing unit 20, and the moisture content of the paper P is periodically recalculated using the moisture content calculation processing function, and the moisture content written to the IC tag 10 is written. Is provided with an environment monitoring control unit 511 having a storage environment monitoring information update processing function for sequentially updating by rewriting to the calculated value.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an IC tag embedding mode of the paper P that is a storage environment monitoring target of this system.

  FIG. 2A shows an IC tag embedding mode in a sheet P1 fed in the longitudinal direction when used in an image forming apparatus 70 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) described later. The IC tag 10 is embedded at a location corresponding to the right corner of the front end of P1 in the paper feeding direction.

  FIG. 2B shows an IC tag embedding mode in the paper P2 fed in the short direction when accommodated in the image forming apparatus 70, and the front left corner of the paper P in the paper feeding direction. The IC tag 10 is embedded in the corresponding location.

  In the system shown in FIG. 1, the storage environment can be monitored for each of the sheets P1 and P2 having the embedding mode shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The sheet P (P1, P2) also needs to be placed at a predetermined position in the storage so that the IC tag 10 embedded in the sheet P is close to the tag reading / writing unit 20.

  FIG. 3 shows the tag reading / writing unit 20 and the IC tag embedded in the paper P in the storage monitoring environment of the paper P in this system (the state in which the paper P is placed at a predetermined position in the storage in the above-described direction). 10 is a block diagram showing an arrangement relationship with FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the IC tag 10 and the tag reading / writing unit 20 are each realized by communication means based on RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) technology.

  In FIG. 3, an IC tag (RFID wireless IC tag) 10 is formed by integrating an antenna unit 101, a transmission / reception unit 102, a control unit 103, and a storage unit 104 into a tag shape, which is embedded in a paper P in a form to be rolled up. However.

  The antenna unit 101 constitutes a resonance circuit and a rectifying / smoothing circuit. When the power wave transmitted from the tag reading / writing unit 20 is received, the output of the resonance circuit based on the reception is rectified by the rectifying / smoothing circuit. Smoothed and supplied to the control unit 103 as constant DC power.

  Further, since the signal is transmitted from the tag reading / writing unit 20 while being superimposed on the power radio signal, this signal is received by the antenna unit 101, demodulated by the transmission / reception unit 102, and supplied to the control unit 103. To do.

  The control unit 103 operates using the output of the rectifying / smoothing circuit as operating power, writing data (received demodulated data) input from the transmission / reception unit 102 to the storage unit 104, and reading data from the storage unit 104 A process of modulating by the transmission / reception unit 102 and transmitting as a radio signal from the antenna unit 101 is performed.

  On the other hand, the tag reading / writing unit (RFID reader / writer) 20 includes an antenna unit 201, a transmission / reception unit 202, and a control unit 203.

  When the tag reading / writing unit 20 communicates with the IC tag 10, the control unit 203 modulates the carrier signal by the transmission / reception unit 202 and transmits it as a power radio signal from the antenna unit 201, and then the data signal to be transmitted Is modulated by the transmission / reception unit 202 so as to be superimposed on the power radio signal and transmitted from the antenna unit 201.

  A process of receiving a radio wave signal transmitted from the IC tag 10 by the antenna unit 201, demodulating the received signal as data by the transmission / reception unit 202, and transferring the data to the storage environment monitoring device 50 through the control unit 203; Then, the data sent from the storage environment monitoring device 50 is received by the control unit 203, and the data is modulated by the transmission / reception unit 102 and transmitted from the antenna unit 201 to the IC tag 10 as a radio wave.

  As described above, the tag reading / writing unit 20 performs RFID wireless communication with the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P, thereby writing information to the storage unit 104 in the IC tag 10 and the storage unit. A process of reading information from 104 is performed.

  In the paper storage environment monitoring system (see FIG. 1) of the present invention, the information (storage environment monitoring information) that the tag read / write processing unit 20 writes to the IC tag 10 is the paper quality (or the storage environment monitoring target paper P) (or , Brand), date of manufacture, basis weight, size, moisture content, moisture content calculation time, and other information.

  Among these, for each information of paper quality (or brand), production date / time, basis weight, and size, for example, the IC tag 10 (embedded in the paper P) at the time before the storage environment of the paper P is monitored. Write.

  Further, during monitoring of the storage environment of the paper P, as will be described later (see FIG. 4), the paper P is obtained from two environmental data, that is, the detection output (temperature) of the temperature sensor 30 and the detection output (humidity) of the humidity sensor 40. The moisture content is calculated, and the calculated moisture content and the calculation time are written to the IC tag 10 as storage environment monitoring information, and the previous moisture content is calculated from the IC tag 10 every time a preset update time is reached. Storage environment monitoring information by reading the time, recalculating the moisture content in the storage period from the previous moisture content calculation time to the current time based on the environmental data (temperature, humidity) at this time and writing it in the IC tag 10 The process of sequentially updating is repeatedly executed.

  Next, a paper storage environment monitoring process in this system will be described.

  In this system, first, a predetermined storage position is set in such a way that the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P (stacked in a plurality of sheets) to be monitored in the storage environment is in the direction close to the tag reading / writing unit 20. Placed on.

  Next, under the control of the control unit 51 of the paper storage environment monitoring device 50, the input / operation unit 53 receives input of information on the paper quality, manufacturing date / time, basis weight, and size of the paper P and places the information on a predetermined storage position. After the above-described various input information is written as storage environment monitoring information through the tag reading / writing unit 20 in the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 embedded in the placed paper P, the storage environment for the paper P as a target Start the monitoring process.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the paper storage environment monitoring process of this system.

  In FIG. 4, the environment monitoring control unit 511 of the paper storage environment monitoring device 50 firstly sets information on the environment monitoring execution flag (that is, the paper on which the environment monitoring has been performed based on the environment start instruction operation by the input / operation unit 53. Information) and wirelessly transmitted from the tag reading / writing unit 20 to perform processing for writing the environment monitoring flag to the IC tag 10 embedded in the storage environment monitoring target paper P (step S101). .

  Subsequently, the environment monitoring control unit 511 takes in the respective detection outputs (temperature, humidity) from the temperature sensor 30 and the humidity sensor 40 near the paper P (step S102).

  In addition, the environment monitoring control unit 511 receives, from the IC tag 10 (storage unit 104) embedded in the storage environment monitoring target paper P, information on the paper quality of the paper P stored in advance as a tag reading / writing unit. 20 through (step S103).

  Subsequently, the environment monitoring control unit 511 calculates the moisture content of the paper P in the storage environment based on the temperature and humidity captured in step S103 and the paper quality information read from the IC tag 10 in step S104 ( Step S104).

  Next, the information on the calculated moisture content and the measurement time (calculation time) of the moisture content is wirelessly transmitted through the tag reading / writing unit 20 to the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P. A process of writing the moisture content and the calculation time thereof as storage environment monitoring information is performed (step S105).

  Thereafter, the environment monitoring control unit 511 starts counting the data update time set in advance, and determines that the data update time has been reached due to the expiration of the count (YES in step S106), the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 The storage environment monitoring information stored in (1) is updated (steps S107 to S110).

  In this storage environment monitoring information update process, when the environment monitoring control unit 511 determines that the data update time has been reached in step 106 (YES in step S106), the temperature and humidity currently detected by the temperature sensor 30 are determined. The humidity detected by the sensor 40 is taken in (step S107), and then the paper quality information and the previous moisture content update time (measurement time) are read from the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P. Reading is performed through the writing unit 20 (step S108).

  Subsequently, the environment monitoring control unit 511 executes the storage environment under the storage environment based on the temperature and humidity information acquired in step S107 and the paper quality and the previous moisture content update time read from the IC tag 10 in step S108. The moisture content of the paper P at the present time is calculated (step S109).

  That is, the environment monitoring control unit 511 recognizes the storage period from the previous moisture content update time and the current time, and considers the paper quality, ambient temperature, and humidity of the paper P in the storage period, and the moisture content of the paper P. Is calculated.

  Further, the environment monitoring control unit 511 wirelessly transmits the information on the moisture content calculated in step S109 and the current measurement time (calculation time of the moisture content) through the tag reading / writing unit 20 to the paper P. A process of updating the storage environment monitoring information by overwriting each information of the moisture content and the current measurement time in the storage unit 104 of the embedded IC tag 10 (step S110).

  By repeating the processing of steps S107 to S110 every time the data update time is reached (YES in step S106), the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P placed in the storage is stored in the storage unit 104. The storage environment monitoring information (in this example, the moisture content and its calculation time) in the storage environment can be stored and updated sequentially, thereby realizing the storage environment monitoring of the paper P.

  In this paper storage environment monitoring, the moisture content is calculated in consideration of the temperature and humidity around the paper P subject to storage environment monitoring, the storage time from the last update to the current update, and the paper quality of the paper P (step) Therefore, as a result of the paper storage environment monitoring, the moisture content corresponding to the paper quality of the paper P and its measurement time are written as storage environment monitoring information in the IC tag 10 of the paper P (step S110). Can do.

  The paper P that has received the storage environment monitoring based on the processing shown in FIG. 4 is taken out from the storage location (storage) as necessary and loaded into the image forming apparatus 70 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) according to the present invention (see FIG. 5). And used for image printing.

  In this image printing, the storage environment monitoring information recorded on the IC tag 10 of the accommodated paper P is utilized as control parameter correction control data at the time of image printing.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, a paper tray 80 is disposed below the image forming apparatus 70. In the paper tray 80, paper P (P1, P2: see FIG. 2) that has undergone storage environment monitoring processing by the paper storage environment monitoring system in FIG. 1 can be stored.

  A heater 81 that heats the paper P is disposed below the paper tray 80 in order to reduce the moisture content of the paper P stored in the paper tray 80.

  Further, in the vicinity of the paper discharge portion in the paper tray 80, a feeding roller 82 for feeding and feeding the paper P stored in the paper tray 80 one by one is disposed.

  A paper transport / discharge mechanism in which a transport guide 83, a transport belt 84, and a discharge tray 85 are connected is provided downstream of the feed roller 82 in the paper transport direction.

  In the paper conveyance path between the conveyance belt 84 and the discharge tray 85, there is provided a fixing unit 86 that has a heat fixing roller 861 and a pressure roller 862, and heats and fixes an image (toner image) on the paper P passing between both rollers. It is done.

  Further, a photosensitive drum 87 that rotates in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 5 and an exposure unit 88 that irradiates the photosensitive drum 87 with laser beam light are provided above the paper tray 80.

  In the vicinity of the periphery of the photoconductive drum 87, an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum 87 by irradiation with a laser beam from the charger 89 and the exposure device 88 that uniformly charges the photoconductive drum 87 negatively. A developing unit 90 that develops toner, a transfer unit 91 that transfers a toner image on the photosensitive drum 87 onto a sheet P conveyed from a sheet tray 80 to a transfer position via a feed roller 82 and a conveyance guide 83, and after transfer A stripper 92 for stripping the sheet P from the photosensitive drum 87, a neutralizer 93 for neutralizing the surface of the photosensitive drum 87 after the transfer, and a cleaning unit 94 for removing residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 87 after neutralization. Arranged.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 70, when a sheet P is stored in the sheet tray 80, a tag reading / writing unit that reads and writes tag information with the IC tag 10 embedded in the sheet P. 95 is provided.

  In order to reliably read and write the tag information in the tag reading / writing unit 95, each of the sheets P1 and P2 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B has an embedded IC tag 10 respectively. It is necessary to accommodate the paper tray 80 in the correct orientation so as to be close to the reading / writing position of the tag reading / writing unit 95.

  FIG. 6 shows the arrangement relationship between the tag reading / writing unit 95 and the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P when the paper P is stored in the paper tray 80 in the correct orientation as described above, and the functional configuration of both. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tag reading / writing unit 95 is equivalent to the antenna unit 201, the transmitting / receiving unit 202, and the control unit 203 in the tag reading / writing unit 20 (see FIG. 3) of the paper storage environment monitoring system in FIG. The antenna unit 951, the transmission / reception unit 952, and the control unit 953.

  Further, a temperature sensor 96 for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the paper P stored in the paper tray 80 and a humidity sensor 97 for detecting humidity are provided at the upper position of the paper tray 80.

  In the image forming process of the image forming apparatus 70, an electrostatic latent image is scanned by an exposure device 88 that scans a semiconductor laser beam modulated by pixel information on a photosensitive drum 87 that has been uniformly charged in advance by a charger 89. Form an image.

  A toner having a negative charge is supplied to the photosensitive drum 87 from the electrostatic latent image by the developing device 90 to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 87.

  By applying a positive transfer bias to the transfer device 91, the developed toner image is transported downstream between the sheet P (feed roller 82 and transport guide 83 and between the photosensitive drum 87 and the transfer device 91. ).

  The paper P on which the toner image is transferred is peeled off from the photosensitive drum 87 by applying a predetermined peeling voltage from the peeling device 92, and then the paper P is transported downstream by the transport belt 84 to fix the paper 86. And the transferred toner image is fixed to the paper P and then discharged onto the discharge tray 85.

  Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum 87 after the transfer and peeling process is neutralized by the static eliminator 93 and the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 87 without being transferred to the paper P is cleaned. Scrape and remove.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus 70, in parallel with the above-described electrophotographic process, the storage environment monitoring information is received by the tag reading / writing unit 95 from the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P accommodated in the paper tray 80. According to the reading and the moisture content of the paper P included in the storage environment monitoring information, correction control of various printing control parameters such as a transfer voltage, a peeling voltage, or a fixing temperature during the electrophotographic process is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control system related to print control parameter correction control of the image forming apparatus 70 according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, an image forming apparatus 70 includes a control unit 71 that controls the entire apparatus, an operation panel unit 72 that performs an input operation of various information such as a print command, and displays various information such as operation guidance. A storage unit 73 is provided for storing various information such as necessary programs.

  A tag reading / writing unit 95, a temperature sensor 96, a humidity sensor 97, and a heater 81 are connected to the control unit 71, and a transfer fixing unit 91, a peeling unit 92, and a heating fixing roller 861 of a fixing unit 86 are driven. Are connected via a transfer unit (transfer device driving unit 911, peeling device driving unit 921, fixing roller driving unit 865).

  The control unit 71 includes an environment monitoring control unit 711 and a print control unit 712.

  The environment monitoring control unit 711 receives a storage medium monitored by the paper storage environment monitoring system (see FIG. 1) in the paper tray 80, and after each preset update period elapses, a temperature sensor 96, a processing function for calculating the moisture content of the paper P based on the temperature, humidity, etc. measured by the humidity sensor 97, and storage environment monitoring information including the moisture content of the paper P calculated by the moisture content calculation processing function. It has a processing function of writing (in the image forming apparatus 70) into the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P through the tag reading / writing unit 95 and updating the storage content (storage environment monitoring information).

  The printing control unit 712 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 in response to a print command after the paper P whose storage environment has been monitored in advance by the paper storage environment monitoring system (see FIG. 1) is stored in the paper tray 80. In addition to executing the print control through the image forming process (electrophotographic process), the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P is passed through the tag reading / writing unit 95 in parallel with the image forming process. It has a control function of reading out the moisture content and correcting the printing control parameter in accordance with the read moisture content.

  The storage unit 73 stores correction characteristic data 731. The correction characteristic data 731 is a database that the print control unit 712 refers to in determining the correction level of each parameter corresponding to the moisture content of the paper P at the time of the print control parameter correction control. For example, moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic data obtained by converting transfer voltage correction characteristics with respect to the moisture content is included.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristics that are the basis of the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristics data.

  This moisture content / transfer voltage characteristic always corresponds to the reference value (the moisture content reference value) depending on how much the moisture content is lower or higher than the reference value in order to obtain an appropriate image quality. Value) to how much value should be increased or decreased.

  Among the correction characteristic data 731 described above, in addition to the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic data based on the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic, the moisture content / peeling voltage correction characteristic data based on the peeling voltage correction characteristic with respect to the moisture content, The moisture content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data based on the fixing temperature correction characteristic with respect to the moisture content is also included.

  A plurality of types corresponding to the paper quality of the paper P are prepared for the water content / transfer voltage correction characteristic data, the water content / peeling voltage correction characteristic data, and the water content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data.

  The operation of the image forming apparatus 70 having such a configuration will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sheet storage environment monitoring control operation in the image forming apparatus 70.

  In FIG. 9, the environment monitoring control unit 711 of the image forming apparatus 70 has set (accommodated) paper in the paper tray 80 based on, for example, a detection output of a mechanism (not shown) that detects attachment / detachment of the paper tray 80. Whether or not is monitored (step S201).

  Here, when it is determined that the paper is set based on the detection output indicating that the paper tray 80 is attached (YES in step S201), the environment monitoring control unit 711 performs a tag information reading operation on the tag reading / writing unit 95. An instruction is given (step S202), and it is checked whether or not the tag information has been read by the reading operation (step S203).

  Here, if the tag information cannot be read (NO in step S203), the environment monitoring control unit 711 has set the paper in which the IC tag 10 is not embedded or the paper P in which the IC tag 10 is embedded is in the correct orientation. It is determined that it is not set to, and the process ends.

  When the tag information is read (YES in step S203), the environment monitoring control unit 711 checks whether or not an environment monitoring flag is present in the read tag information (step S204).

  Here, when the environment monitoring flag does not exist (NO in step S204), the environment monitoring control unit 711 determines that the paper P that has not been subjected to the paper storage environment monitoring in the paper storage environment monitoring system of FIG. The process proceeds to step S210.

  On the other hand, when the environment monitoring flag exists (YES in step S204), the environment monitoring control unit 711 determines that the sheet P on which the sheet storage environment monitoring is performed is set, and is embedded in the sheet P in step S202. The moisture content information is extracted from the tag information read by the tag reading / writing unit 95 from the IC tag 10, and the value of the moisture content (water content of the contained paper P) is heated by the heater 81. It is checked whether or not the moisture content value (threshold value) set in advance as a threshold value is higher (step S205).

  Here, when the moisture content of the stored paper P is high (step S205 YES), the environment monitoring control unit 711 drives the heater 81 to start heating the paper P currently stored in the paper tray 80 (step S205). In accordance with this, the heating start time is written to the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P through the tag reading / writing unit 95 (step S207), and then the process proceeds to step S210.

  If the moisture content of the stored paper P is lower than the threshold value (NO in step S205), the environment monitoring control unit 711 checks whether or not the heating of the paper P by the heater 81 is being executed (step S208). ) If heating is being performed (step S208 YES), the heating is stopped (step S209). If heating is not being performed (step S208 NO), the process proceeds to step S210 as it is.

  In step 210, the environment monitoring control unit 711 starts counting a preset data update time, and determines that the data update time has been reached due to the expiration of the count (YES in step S210), the accommodated IC tag 10 The storage environment monitoring information stored in the storage unit 104 is updated (steps S211 to S214).

  In this storage environment monitoring information update process, when the environment monitoring control unit 711 determines that the data update time has been reached in step 210 (YES in step S210), the temperature and humidity currently detected by the temperature sensor 96 are determined. Humidity detected by the sensor 97 is captured (step S211), and then the paper quality information and the previous moisture content update time (measurement time: the paper) from the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 embedded in the accommodated paper P The first reading after the accommodation of P reads the measurement time in the paper storage environment monitoring system) through the tag reading / writing unit 95 (step S212). At this time, if the heating start time is written in the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 by the process of step S207, the heating start time is also taken in.

  Subsequently, the environment monitoring control unit 711 reads the information on the temperature and humidity captured in step S211 and the information on the paper quality and the previous moisture content update time read from the IC tag 10 in step S212 (if any, the heating start time). And the water content of the paper P at the current time in the storage (accommodating) environment in the apparatus is calculated (step S213).

  That is, the environment monitoring control unit 711 recognizes the storage period from the previous moisture content update time and the current time, and determines the paper quality, ambient temperature, and humidity (if any, the heating start time) of the paper P during the storage period. In consideration of this, the moisture content of the paper P is calculated.

  Furthermore, the environment monitoring control unit 711 wirelessly transmits the information on the moisture content calculated in step S213 and the current measurement time (calculation time of the moisture content) to the paper P through the tag reading / writing unit 95. The storage environment monitoring information is updated by overwriting the information on the water content and the current measurement time in the storage unit 104 of the embedded IC tag 10 (step S214), and then the processing after step S205 is continued.

  By repeating the processing of steps S205 to S214 every time the data update time is reached (YES in step S210), the storage unit 104 of the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P after being accommodated in the image forming apparatus 70 stores the data in the storage unit 104. Storage environment monitoring information (in this example, moisture content and its calculation time) under the storage environment (accommodation environment) can be stored and sequentially updated.

  As described above, in the present invention, the storage environment of the paper P is monitored by the paper storage environment monitoring system (see FIG. 1), and the storage environment monitoring information (including the moisture content) as the monitoring result is embedded in the paper P. The image forming apparatus 70 monitors the storage environment of the paper P in its own device even after the paper P having been subjected to the storage environment monitoring is set (accommodated) in the image forming apparatus 70. Thus, the monitoring result (storage environment monitoring information: including moisture content) is written in the IC tag 10 of the accommodated paper P, and the process of sequentially updating this is continued.

  Next, in the image forming apparatus 70 according to the present invention, a print control operation using the paper P that receives the above-described storage environment monitoring process (see FIG. 9) immediately after storage will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the print control operation of the image forming apparatus 70 according to the present invention.

  Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 70 is a copying machine, for example. In this case, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 70 further includes a document reading unit in addition to the components shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 70 according to the present invention can be applied not only to a copying machine but also to a facsimile machine, a laser printer, and the like.

  With respect to the processing of step S301 in FIG. 10 in these application examples, in the case of a facsimile machine, reception of data from the counterpart facsimile machine, and in the case of a laser printer, reception of a print instruction from the host PC, respectively. What is necessary is just to make it transfer to the process after step S302, recognizing it as a printing command.

  In FIG. 10, in the image forming apparatus 70, the print control unit 712 monitors whether there is a print command during standby (step S301).

  Note that the image forming apparatus 70 continuously executes a series of storage environment monitoring processes as shown in FIG.

  During this time, when a print command based on a copy start operation on the operation panel unit 72 is input (YES in step S301), the print control unit 712 prints the document to be copied by reading it with a document reading unit (not shown). While copying the image data to be copied, the tag reading / writing unit 95 reads the paper quality information and the moisture content information from the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P accommodated in the paper tray 80 (step S302). ).

  Next, the print control unit 712 accesses the correction characteristic data 731 stored in the storage unit 73, and the moisture content / control parameter (transfer voltage, peeling voltage) corresponding to the paper quality read in step S302 therein. The correction characteristic data is referred to for each type of control parameter (step S303).

  Subsequently, the print control unit 712 determines the correction amount of each control parameter corresponding to the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 in step S302 based on the moisture content / control parameter correction characteristic data referred to in step S303, and The image data to be printed is printed on the paper P through the image forming process described with reference to FIG. 5 while correcting the corresponding control parameters with the correction amount (step S304), and the printed paper P is printed on the discharge tray 85. Discharge.

  Then, every time printing of image data on one sheet of paper P is completed, it is monitored whether there is next image data (step S305). If there is next image data (YES in step S305), the above-mentioned image data is displayed. When printing with control parameter correction control (step S304) is continued and printing of all image data is completed (NO in step S305), the process returns to the standby state in step S301.

  Examples of the control parameters to be corrected according to the moisture content during execution of the printing operation in step S304 include a transfer voltage, a peeling voltage, and a fixing temperature.

  The print control unit 712 corrects the transfer voltage in the transfer unit 91 through the transfer unit drive unit 911, corrects the release voltage in the release unit 92 through the release unit drive unit 921, and fixes the heat in the heat fixing roller 861 through the fixing roller drive unit 865. Control for correcting the temperature is performed, for example, for each printing operation for one page.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the control parameter correction control during execution of the printing operation in step S304 of FIG. 10. In particular, FIG. 11A shows an example of transfer voltage correction control, and FIG. ) Respectively show examples of fixing temperature correction control.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the print control unit 712 has a transfer voltage in the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic data (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the paper quality read from the IC tag 10 of the stored paper P. The moisture content read from the IC tag 10 at the same time as the paper quality is compared with the paper quality, and whether or not the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is higher than the reference moisture content corresponding to the paper quality. A check is made (step S3041a).

  Here, when the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is higher than the reference moisture content (high in step S3041a), the transfer voltage value corresponding to the moisture content is read from the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic data. Then, control is performed so that the transfer voltage is lowered to that value (step S3042a).

  On the other hand, when the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is lower than the reference moisture content (lower in step S3041), the transfer voltage value corresponding to the moisture content from the moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic data. And the transfer voltage is increased to that value (step S3043a).

  As for the fixing temperature, as shown in FIG. 11B, the print control unit 712 uses the moisture content serving as a reference in the moisture content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data corresponding to the paper quality read from the IC tag 10, and the above-mentioned At the same time as the paper quality, the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is compared, and it is checked whether or not the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is higher than a reference moisture content corresponding to the paper quality (step S3041b).

  When the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is higher than the reference moisture content (high in step S3041b), the fixing temperature value corresponding to the moisture content is read from the moisture content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data. Then, control is performed so that the fixing temperature is raised to that value (step S3042b).

  On the other hand, when the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is lower than the reference moisture content (lower in step S3041b), the fixing temperature value corresponding to the moisture content from the moisture content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data. And the fixing temperature is lowered to that value (step S3043b).

  Similarly, the print control unit 712 also refers to the moisture content / peeling voltage correction characteristic data for the peeling voltage, and whether the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is higher than the reference moisture content corresponding to the paper quality. Depending on whether it is low, the value of the peeling voltage corresponding to the moisture content is read from the correction characteristic data, and the peeling voltage is corrected and controlled to that value (a value that enables efficient peeling in the state of the moisture content).

  According to the control parameter correction control by the print control unit 712 (see step S304 in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11), during the execution of the image forming process described with reference to FIG. By reducing the transfer voltage when the transfer voltage is high, it is possible to prevent a decrease in density of the low-density image due to an excessive transfer voltage.

  Conversely, by increasing the transfer voltage when the moisture content is lower than the reference value, it is possible to prevent image loss due to transfer failure due to insufficient transfer voltage.

  Further, by increasing the fixing temperature when the moisture content is higher than the reference value, it is possible to obtain a good print quality by maintaining a stable fixing where the fixing becomes sweet with the moisture content.

  Conversely, by lowering the fixing temperature when the moisture content is lower than the reference value, it is possible to obtain a good print quality while maintaining an appropriate degree of fixing where the moisture content remains unchanged.

  When the moisture content of the paper P is high, stable fixing can be performed by increasing the fixing temperature. On the other hand, the paper P tends to be curled when the moisture content is high, and the fixing temperature is increased in this state. There is a concern that the appearance of the paper P deteriorates when the fixing is performed on the paper P.

  This kind of deterioration in appearance can be prevented to some extent by lowering the fixing temperature when the moisture content of the paper P is high, but in that case, the fixing becomes sweet and the print quality deteriorates.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 70 of the present invention, when the fixing temperature is controlled, the moisture content of the paper P is high in consideration of avoiding the deterioration of the appearance of the paper P after completion of fixing due to the curling of the paper P. It is desirable to perform the printing operation by setting a fixing temperature at which the sweetness of fixing can be minimized and curling does not occur.

  Regarding the fixing temperature control in this case, the image forming apparatus 70 according to the present invention utilizes a configuration including a tag reading / writing unit 95 that exchanges information with the IC tag 10 embedded in the accommodated paper P. The paper quality information of the paper P is stored in the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P, while the paper P is read based on the paper quality information read from the IC tag 10 by the tag reading / writing unit 95. It is determined whether the paper is easy to curl or difficult to curl, and when it is determined that the paper is easy to curl, the fixing temperature is determined by minimizing the sweetness of fixing and preventing curling. A method of controlling the fixing at a temperature can be considered.

  According to this control, even in a printing operation using a paper-type paper P that is likely to be curled when the water content is high, the fixing quality is kept within an allowable range and the curling is not generated. Image formation can be realized.

  In the image forming apparatus 70 according to the present invention, “fixing priority mode” and “curl correction priority mode” are selectively set as an example of fixing temperature control applicable to both stabilization of fixing and prevention of curling. A mode setting unit may be provided, and the fixing temperature may be corrected and controlled so as to be effective by either fixing stability or curl correction according to the mode set by the mode setting unit.

  As a functional configuration in this case, for example, a mode setting button for selectively specifying “fixing priority mode” and “curl correction priority mode” is provided on the operation panel unit 72.

  Also, the print control unit 712 takes in the operation input of the mode setting button by the user and sets the “fixing priority mode” or the “curl correction priority mode” with the priority mode setting function and the priority mode setting function. In accordance with the “fixing priority mode” or “curl correction priority mode”, a priority correction control function for performing correction control of the fixing voltage is provided so that fixing or curl correction can be performed with priority over each other.

  The fixing voltage correction control operation in the image forming apparatus having such a functional configuration (referred to as 70B for convenience) will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Note that the fixing voltage correction control shown in FIG. 12 is performed in place of the fixing voltage correction control shown in FIG. 11B during the processing of step S304 in FIG. The correction control of parameters other than the fixing voltage when the priority mode is set in the apparatus 70B is as shown in FIG.

  In the image forming apparatus 70B, in the control parameter (fixing temperature) correction control in step S304 of FIG. 10, the print control unit 712 corresponds to the paper quality read from the IC tag 10 embedded in the paper P in step S302. The reference moisture content in the moisture content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data (stored in the storage unit 73) is compared with the moisture content read from the IC tag 10, and the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is the paper quality. It is checked whether or not the water content is higher than the reference moisture content (step S3041c).

  Here, when the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is lower than the reference moisture content (lower in step S3041c), the print control unit 712, like step S3044b in FIG. A value of the fixing voltage corresponding to the moisture content is read from the temperature correction characteristic data, and control is performed so that the fixing temperature is lowered to that value (step S3044c).

  On the other hand, when the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is higher than the reference moisture content (high in step S3041c), the print control unit 712 is set by the user through the priority mode setting button operation of the operation panel unit 72. It is determined whether the priority mode being set is the fixing priority mode or the curl correction mode (step S3042c).

  If the fixing priority mode is set (fixing priority in step S3042c), the print control unit 712 determines the moisture content from the moisture content / fixing temperature correction characteristic data as in step S3043b in FIG. The fixing temperature corresponding to is read and the fixing temperature is raised to the value (step S3043c).

  In contrast, when the curl correction priority mode is set (curl correction priority in step S3042c), the print control unit 712 fixes to a value that minimizes the sweetness of fixing and does not cause curling. Control is performed to lower the temperature (step S3045c).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 70B accepts the setting of “fixing priority mode” or “curl correction priority mode”, and when the moisture content read from the IC tag 10 is high, if the fixing priority mode is set, fixing is performed. Correcting and controlling the fixing temperature to a temperature that can stabilize the image at an appropriate level, while maintaining stable fixing, curl correction is minimized and curling occurs if the curl correction priority mode is set. The fixing temperature is controlled to be lowered to a temperature at which no fixing occurs (the fixing temperature is corrected and controlled to a temperature that is lower than the setting in the fixing priority mode and can be stabilized at a level lower than the appropriate level and does not cause curling of the paper. Therefore, it is possible to form an image with the print quality as desired by the user during fixing stabilization or curl correction.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the storage environment monitoring information is read from the IC tag embedded in the stored paper P by the tag reading / writing means, and is included in the storage environment monitoring information. Since the printing control parameter is corrected according to the moisture content of the storage paper, the storage environment monitoring information is simply read from the IC tag embedded in the storage paper by the tag reading / writing means without contact with the paper. It is fundamental to be able to recognize the moisture content of the stored paper, and it is not necessary to contact the moisture sensor with the paper in order to measure the moisture content, and paper due to minute surface damage, bleed, friction or condensation during paper conveyance Surface charging unevenness does not occur, and good print quality without image quality deterioration such as white spots can be maintained.

  Further, in combination with paper storage environment monitoring in which the moisture content of the paper is calculated from the environmental data of the paper before storage and stored in the IC tag of the paper as storage environment monitoring information. Even when printing is performed immediately after the monitored paper is stored in the image forming apparatus, the moisture content of the paper is accurately recognized through the operation of reading the storage environment monitoring information from the IC tag of the paper in a non-contact manner. It is possible to obtain an optimum image quality by correcting the above.

  Also, there is no need for processing such as determining the moisture content from the amount of water vapor generated by heating the contained paper, and printing productivity can be achieved by advancing the printing operation without waiting for this type of moisture content indexing processing time. Can be raised.

  In addition to the moisture content of the paper, the paper quality information of the paper is extracted from the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag, and the print control parameter correction control is performed based on the moisture content and the paper quality information. Therefore, it is possible to set a fixing temperature at which no curling occurs with respect to the paper quality of the paper. Therefore, in this case, an external curl correction device is not required, the size of the device can be prevented from being increased, and restrictions on the installation location can be eased.

  Further, according to the paper storage environment monitoring apparatus according to the present invention, the environment around the paper being stored is measured, and the moisture content of the paper is determined based on the environmental information indicating the measured environment and the storage period of the paper. Since the storage environment monitoring information including the calculated water content of the paper and the calculation time of the water content is written to the IC tag embedded in the paper by the tag reading / writing means, the IC tag By storing the paper after storage environment monitoring in which the storage environment monitoring information is written in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus reads the tag of the own apparatus from the IC tag embedded in the stored paper. The storage environment monitoring information can be read by the writing means and control can be performed to correct the printing control parameter in accordance with the moisture content included in the storage environment monitoring information.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses that correct printing control parameters at the time of image printing on a sheet according to the moisture content of the sheet accommodated in the apparatus, and from an IC tag embedded in the accommodated sheet. By reading the storage environment monitoring information in a non-contact manner and correcting the print control parameters in accordance with the moisture content of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information, it is possible to avoid being affected by changes in the moisture content of the paper and contact damage. Highly productive printing operation can be realized by printing quality.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a paper storage environment monitoring system according to the present invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the IC tag embedding aspect of the paper P used as the storage environment monitoring object. The block diagram which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the tag reading / writing part of a paper storage environment monitoring system, and the IC tag embedded in the paper of monitoring object, and a functional structure of both. 6 is a flowchart showing a paper storage environment monitoring process of the paper storage environment monitoring system. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an arrangement relationship between a tag reading / writing unit of an image forming apparatus and an IC tag embedded in a storage sheet and a functional configuration of both. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. The figure which shows a moisture content / transfer voltage correction characteristic. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet storage environment monitoring control operation in the image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart showing a print control operation of the image forming apparatus. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control parameter correction control in S304 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a fixing voltage correction control operation of an image forming apparatus having a fixing priority or curl correction priority mode setting function.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... IC tag 101 ... antenna part 102 ... transmission / reception part 103 ... control part 104 ... storage part 20 ... tag reading / writing part 201 ... antenna part 202 ... transmission / reception part 203 ... control part 30 ... Temperature sensor 40 ... Humidity sensor 50 ... Paper storage environment monitoring device 51 ... Control unit 511 ... Environmental monitoring control unit 52 ... Storage unit 53 ... Input / operation unit 54 ... Display unit 55 ... Output unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 ... Image forming apparatus, 71 ... Control part, 711 ... Environmental monitoring control part, 712 ... Print control part, 72 ... Operation panel, 73 ... Storage part, 731 ... Correction characteristic data, 80 ... Paper tray, 81 ... Heater, 82 ... Feeding roller, 83 ... Conveying guide, 84 ... Conveying belt, 85 ... Discharge tray, 86 ... Fixing device, 861 ... Heat fixing roller, 862 ... Pressure roller, 865 ... Fixing roller driving unit, 87 ... Sense Body drum, 88 ... exposure unit, 89 ... charger, 90 ... developing unit, 91 ... transfer unit, 911 ... transfer unit drive unit, 92 ... release unit, 921 ... release unit drive unit, 93 ... static remover, 94 ... cleaning 95, tag reading / writing unit, 951 ... antenna unit, 952 ... transmission / reception unit, 953 ... control unit, 96 ... temperature sensor, 97 ... humidity sensor, P, P1, P2 ... paper with IC tag embedded therein

Claims (12)

In an image forming apparatus that corrects printing control parameters at the time of image printing on a sheet according to the moisture content of the sheet stored in the apparatus,
Tag reading / writing means for reading information from an adjacent IC tag and writing information to the IC tag;
The storage environment monitoring information is read by the tag reading / writing means from the IC tag embedded in the paper accommodated in the apparatus, and the print control parameter is set according to the moisture content of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information. An image forming apparatus comprising: a correction control unit that performs correction control. Environmental measuring means for measuring the environment in the vicinity of the paper housed in the apparatus;
After storing the paper, the tag reading / writing unit reads the last update time from the IC tag and recognizes the storage period up to the current time for each predetermined update period, and the storage period and the environment measurement unit Moisture content calculating means for calculating the moisture content of the paper based on environmental information indicating the measured environment;
Storage environment monitoring control means for updating the storage environment monitoring information by writing the moisture content of the paper and the calculation time calculated by the moisture content calculating means to the IC tag each time by the tag reading / writing means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The moisture content calculating means is
The paper quality information of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag is extracted, and the moisture content is calculated based on the paper quality information, the storage period, and environmental information. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. The environment measuring means includes
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the stored paper as the environment;
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a humidity sensor configured to detect humidity near the accommodated sheet as the environment. 5. The correction control means includes
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for extracting paper quality information of the paper included in the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag, and correcting the print control parameter in accordance with the paper quality of the paper. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 above. The correction control means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that corrects and controls a transfer voltage in the transfer unit as the print control parameter. The correction control means includes
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for correcting and controlling a fixing temperature in the fixing unit as the print control parameter. A mode setting means for selectively setting the fixing priority mode and the curl correction priority mode;
The correction control means includes
When the fixing mode is set, the fixing temperature is corrected and controlled to a temperature at which fixing can be stabilized at an appropriate level. When the curl correction priority mode is set, it is lower than the fixing priority mode and lower than the appropriate level. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means for correcting and controlling the fixing temperature to a temperature at which the fixing can be stabilized at a level and the sheet is not curled. In the paper storage environment monitoring device that monitors the paper storage environment in the storage location,
Tag reading / writing means for reading information from an adjacent IC tag and writing information to the IC tag;
Environmental measuring means for measuring the environment in the vicinity of the paper being stored in the storage location;
Moisture content calculating means for calculating the moisture content of the paper based on environmental information indicating the environment measured by the environmental measuring means and the storage period of the paper;
Storage in which the storage environment monitoring information including the moisture content of the paper calculated by the moisture content calculating means is written by the tag reading / writing means to the IC tag embedded in the paper being stored in the storage location. A paper storage environment monitoring apparatus comprising: an environmental monitoring control unit. The storage environment monitoring control means is
During storage of the paper, the tag reading / writing unit reads the last update time from the IC tag and recognizes the storage period up to the current time for each predetermined update period, and the storage period and the environment measurement unit measure the storage period. The moisture content calculating means calculates the moisture content of the paper based on the environmental information indicating the environment, and the tag reading / writing means each time the calculated moisture content of the paper and the calculation time. The paper storage environment monitoring apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an update unit that writes the information into the IC tag and updates the storage environment monitoring information. Information for inputting information including the paper quality of the storage environment monitoring target paper, and writing the input information as the storage environment monitoring information to the IC tag embedded in the paper being stored by the tag reading / writing means. Registration means
The moisture content calculating means is
The paper content information included in the storage environment monitoring information read from the IC tag is extracted, and the moisture content is calculated based on the paper quality, the storage period, and the environment information. The paper storage environment monitoring device according to 10. The environment measuring means includes
A temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the vicinity of the paper during storage as the environment;
The paper storage environment monitoring device according to claim 9, further comprising a humidity sensor that detects humidity in the vicinity of the paper during storage as the environment.

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