JP2020123835A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that enhances the user's understanding and satisfaction when a characteristic value of paper is measured using a media sensor.SOLUTION: An image forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, a media sensor that measures characteristic values that represent the characteristics of the paper and obtains the characteristic values as measured values, a reference value determination unit, and a display unit. The reference value determination unit determines a reference value for comparison with the measured value on the basis of the measured value or on the basis of an instruction from a user. The display unit displays the measured value and the reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that uses a measurement result of a media sensor.

There are various types of paper used for forming images, and different paper types have different properties such as paper thickness, smoothness, and basis weight. Therefore, the adjustment value of the paper transport system changes depending on the paper type. For example, if an incorrect paper type is set when an image is formed on paper, JAM or image defects may occur.

Therefore, the characteristic value of the paper is measured by a measuring device (media sensor), and the measurement result is notified from the measuring device to the image forming apparatus via a communication medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). After that, the image forming apparatus displays the matching sheet profile information from the sheet profile information registered in advance. Thus, the user can set the correct paper type and basis weight of the paper stored in the paper feed tray by associating the displayed paper profile information with the paper feed tray that uses the paper profile information.

An image forming apparatus equipped with a media sensor is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-242242. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a sheet is conveyed, the media sensor measures the characteristic value of the sheet, and the sheet type of the sheet is detected based on the measured characteristic value. Then, the detected paper type is displayed on the touch panel.

JP, 2016-11997, A

However, like the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, even if only the paper type is displayed on the display unit, it is difficult for the user to determine whether or not the measurement result of the media sensor is correct. For example, even if the measurement by the media sensor fails due to some error, it is difficult for the user to recognize it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that enhances user understanding and satisfaction when measuring a characteristic value of a sheet using a media sensor. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention measures an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet and a characteristic value that represents the characteristic of the sheet, and obtains the characteristic value as a measurement value. And a reference value determination unit and a display unit. The reference value determination unit determines a reference value for comparison with the measured value based on the measured value or an instruction from the user. The display section displays the measured value and the reference value.

According to at least one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the user's understanding and satisfaction when the characteristic value of the paper is measured using the media sensor.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the image forming apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of functional composition of a controller of an image forming device body to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the example of the basic screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the automatic paper-sheet setting screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the characteristic value display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the characteristic value list table which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the individual reference value display screen (the 1) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the individual reference value display screen (the 2) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the individual reference value display screen (the 3) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the reference value selection screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the selection reference value display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the paper setting reference value display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the last job reference value display screen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the job history list table which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the profile list table which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, examples of modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same function or configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

[Overview of image forming apparatus]
First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image forming apparatus 1 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus main body 10, a large-capacity sheet feeding unit 40, and a post-processing unit 50 in series. The image forming apparatus main body 10 is an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like.

(Large capacity paper feed unit)
The large-capacity sheet feeding unit 40 is provided with a plurality of sheet feeding trays 41a to 41c according to the size and type of the sheet S. When the paper feed trays 41a to 41c are not distinguished, they are referred to as "paper feed tray 41". In the large-capacity sheet feeding unit 40, one of the sheet feeding trays 41 is selected based on the instruction from the image forming apparatus main body 10. Then, the sheet S is taken out from the selected sheet feeding tray 41 by a sheet feeding unit (not shown) and sent to the image forming apparatus main body 10. Although paper is shown as the recording material on which an image is formed, the recording material may be made of a material other than paper such as resin.

(Image forming apparatus main body)
The image forming apparatus main body 10 employs an electrophotographic method for forming an image by using static electricity, and for example, four color toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). It is a tandem type color image forming apparatus that superimposes images. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes paper feed trays 20 a and 20 b, a document reading unit 12, an image forming unit 30, an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 11, and an operation display panel 14. .. Hereinafter, when the paper feed trays 20a and 20b are not distinguished, they are referred to as the paper feed tray 20.

Further, in the image forming apparatus main body 10, a transport path 22 for transporting the paper S fed from the large-capacity paper feed unit 40 or the paper feed tray 20 is formed. The transport path 22 is provided with a plurality of rollers (transport rollers) for transporting the paper S.

The automatic document feeder 11 feeds one document set on the document feed table to the reading position of the document reading unit 12, that is, the upper surface of the platen glass 13 (document table) by a plurality of rollers and a conveyance drum (not shown). Transport each one. Further, the automatic document feeder 11 discharges the conveyed document to the document discharge tray of the automatic document feeder 11 by the document discharge roller.

The image forming unit 30 includes four image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C and 31K for forming toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black. Each image forming unit has a charging section, an exposing section such as a laser light source, a developing section, and a photoconductor. Further, the image forming unit 30 conveys the sheets of the intermediate transfer belt 32, the secondary transfer unit 33, and the secondary transfer unit 33, to which the images formed on the photoconductors of the image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are transferred. The fixing unit 34 is provided on the downstream side in the direction.

The transport path 22 extends and is connected to the transport path of the post-processing unit 50 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 34 in the paper transport direction. Further, a reverse conveyance path 24 is connected to the conveyance path 22 so as to branch on the downstream side of the fixing section 34 and join the conveyance path 22 on the upstream side of the secondary transfer section 33. The reversing conveyance path 24 is provided with a reversing unit 23 that reverses the sheet S. The reversing unit 23 reverses the sheet S conveyed from the fixing unit 34 and conveys the sheet S to the conveying path 22 through the reversing conveying path 24 on the upstream side of the secondary transfer section 33. The reversing unit 23 can also return the reversed sheet S to the conveyance path 22 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 34 and convey the sheet S as it is to the post-processing unit 50.

An operation display panel 14 is installed above the image forming apparatus main body 10. The operation display panel 14 includes a display unit 14a for displaying information and an operation unit 14b for instructing the start of a job (image forming process) (see FIG. 2). The display unit 14a includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. The operation unit 14b is composed of a touch panel capable of inputting by touch operation, and the touch panel is laminated on the LCD panel of the display unit 14a. It is also possible to configure the operation unit 14b with a mouse, a keyboard, a tablet, etc., and to configure it separately from the display unit 14a.

In the image forming mode, the image forming apparatus main body 10 charges the photoconductors of the image forming units 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K and exposes the surface of the photoconductors in accordance with the original image to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductors. To form. Then, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent images of the photoconductors corresponding to each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black by using a developing unit, and toner images of respective colors are formed. Next, the toner images formed on the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black photoconductors are sequentially primary-transferred onto the surface of the rotationally driven intermediate transfer belt 32.

Next, the secondary transfer portion 33 (secondary transfer roller) secondarily transfers the toner images of the respective colors, which are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 32, onto the paper S supplied from the large-capacity paper feeding unit 40. .. A toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S, so that a color image is formed. The image forming apparatus main body 10 discharges the sheet S on which the color toner image is formed to the fixing unit 34.

The fixing unit 34 is a device that performs a fixing process on the sheet S on which a color toner image is formed, which is supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 10. The fixing unit 34 pressurizes and heats the conveyed sheet S to fix the transferred toner image on the sheet S. The fixing unit 34 includes, for example, an upper fixing roller and a lower fixing roller that are fixing members. The upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller are arranged in pressure contact with each other, and a fixing nip portion is formed as a pressure contact portion between the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller.

A heating unit is provided inside the upper fixing roller. Radiant heat from this heating unit warms the roller portion on the outer peripheral portion of the fixing upper roller. The sheet S is conveyed to the fixing nip portion such that the surface (the surface to be fixed) on which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer unit 33 faces the upper fixing roller. The sheet S passing through the fixing nip portion is pressed by the upper fixing roller and the lower fixing roller and heated by the heat of the roller portion of the upper fixing roller. The sheet S on which the fixing process is performed by the fixing unit 34 is discharged to the post-processing unit 50.

The image forming apparatus main body 10 is connected to the media sensor MS. The media sensor MS can communicate with the image forming apparatus main body 10 via a communication medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The media sensor includes a light irradiator that irradiates the plane of one or a plurality of inserted sheets S with light, and light that radiates the emitted light that passes through the sheets S and leaks between the sheets S at the end surface of the sheets S. And a paper type identification unit for identifying the type of the inserted paper S from the electric signal obtained from the light intensity of the leaked light.

When the paper S is inserted into the insertion opening formed in the media sensor MS, the media sensor MS measures the characteristics of the paper S and sends the measurement result to the image forming apparatus body 10. The measurement result includes at least the characteristic value of the paper S, the type of the paper S (hereinafter also referred to as “paper type”), and the basis weight.

(Post-processing unit)
The post-processing unit 50 includes a post-processing unit 51 that performs a predetermined process based on a job on the conveyed sheet S, and ejects the sheet S that has undergone the post-processing to a sheet ejection tray 53. The post-processing unit 51 includes, for example, a staple unit that staples a plurality of sheets S, a punch unit that punches holes in the sheets S, a folding unit that folds the sheets S, a sorting unit that sorts the sheets S according to a specific rule, or a plurality of units. Is a stacking unit for stacking the sheets S of.

[Control system of image forming apparatus main body]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the image forming apparatus body 10.
The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes a controller 35, an operation display panel 14, a document reading unit 12, an image forming unit 30, a facsimile unit 15, a network I/F 16, an HDD 17, a USB I/F 18, and a serial I/F 19. The respective units in the image forming apparatus main body 10 are connected to each other via a system bus so that data can be transmitted and received between them.

The controller 35 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 35a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 35b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 35c. The CPU 35a, the ROM 35b, and the RAM 35c form a control unit. The controller 35 is used as an example of a computer that controls the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus main body 10, the large-capacity sheet feeding unit 40, and the post-processing unit 50. The CPU 35a reads out the program code of software that realizes each function according to the present embodiment from the ROM 35b and executes the program code to control each unit and perform various calculations. The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are realized by the cooperation of these hardware and software. Note that, instead of the CPU 35a, another arithmetic processing device such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used as the arithmetic unit.

The ROM 35b is used as an example of a non-volatile memory (recording medium), and stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 35a to operate. The RAM 35c is used as an example of a volatile memory, and temporarily stores information (data) necessary for each processing performed by the CPU 35a, variables and parameters generated during the arithmetic processing by the CPU 35a, and the like.

The operation display panel 14 includes a display unit 14a and an operation unit 14b. The display unit 14a is, for example, a liquid crystal display monitor, and displays various information such as a result of processing performed by the CPU 35a. A pointing device such as a touch panel is used for the operation unit 14b, and a user can perform a touch operation and input an instruction.

Under the control of the controller 35, the document reading unit 12 has a function of reading the surface of the document set on the document feeding table of the image forming apparatus main body 10 and storing it in the HDD 17 or the like.

Under the control of the controller 35, the image forming unit 30 has a function of forming an image on the fed paper S and discharging the paper.

Under the control of the controller 35, the facsimile unit 15 has a function of transmitting and receiving an image with a designated external device via the network I/F 16.

The network I/F 16 is composed of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, and establishes a connection with a device of a communication partner via a network such as a LAN and executes transmission/reception of various data.

The HDD 17 is an example of an external storage device, and stores a program for the CPU 35a to control each unit, a program such as an OS (Operating System), a table, and a file. Instead of the HDD, another external storage device such as SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used. The program may be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as LAN, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

The USB I/F 18 is an interface that conforms to the USB connection standard, and is configured so that external devices such as the media sensor MS can be attached and detached. In the present embodiment, the media sensor MS is connected to the USB I/F 18. The USB I/F 18 may be connected with a plurality of media sensors MS having different measurement accuracy.

The serial I/F 19 is an interface that communicates with an external device by serial communication. For example, the image forming apparatus main body 10 performs data communication with the large-capacity sheet feeding unit 40 and the post-processing unit 50 via the serial I/F 19.

[Controller configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the controller 35 of the image forming apparatus main body 10.
The controller 35 includes an image generation unit 351, a communication control unit 352, a paper information instruction unit 353, a paper data storage unit 354, a reference value determination unit 355, a tray information storage unit 356, a job history storage unit 357, a display control unit 358, and A print control unit 359 is provided. The CPU 35a of the controller 35 executes the programs stored in the ROM 35b, whereby the functions of the respective units shown in FIG. 3 are realized.

The image generating unit 351 performs rasterizing processing and image processing on the image (vector image) of the job input to the image forming apparatus main body 10 and prints the image on the paper S fed from the designated paper feed tray ( It is configured to perform a process of generating a raster image).

The communication control unit 352 is configured to control communication with external devices such as the media sensor MS and a terminal device. The communication control unit 352 can communicate with the media sensor MS via the USB I/F 18.

The paper information instruction unit 353 detects whether or not the user has instructed to measure the characteristic value of the paper. Further, the paper information instruction unit 353 is configured to output a command to the communication control unit 352 to communicate with the media sensor MS when the measurement of the characteristic value of the paper S is instructed.

The paper data storage unit 354 stores a data table in which a plurality of characteristic values, paper information, a job ID, and a profile No. are associated with each other. Hereinafter, the data table stored in the paper data storage unit 354 will be referred to as a characteristic value list table. The characteristic value list table will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

The paper data storage unit 354 can be configured by the RAM 35c and a processing unit that reads and writes data from and to the RAM 35c. Further, the paper data storage unit 354 may be configured by a ROM such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) capable of erasing and rewriting contents, or the HDD 17.

The reference value determination unit 355 is configured to perform a process of determining the reference value based on the characteristic value of the paper measured by the media sensor MS (hereinafter, referred to as “measured value”) or an instruction from the user. There is. Instructions from the user are input through the operation display panel 14. The measured value and the reference value are displayed on the operation display panel 14. The reference value is a reference value for confirming the validity of the measured value and improving the convincingness. The process of determining the reference value by the reference value determination unit 355 will be described later.

The tray information storage unit 356 is configured to associate the characteristic information of the paper S with the paper feed tray and store the information as the paper feed tray information. The tray information storage unit 356 can be configured by the RAM 35c and a processing unit that reads and writes data from and to the RAM 35c. Instead of the RAM 35c, the information such as the EEPROM may be stored in a erasable and rewritable ROM such as an EEPROM or the HDD 17.

The job history storage unit 357 stores a data table in which a job ID, a date and time, paper information, and the like are associated with each other. Hereinafter, the data table stored in the job history storage unit 357 will be referred to as a job history list table. The job history list table will be described later with reference to FIG.

The job history storage unit 357 can be configured by the RAM 35c and a processing unit that reads and writes data from and to the RAM 35c. Further, the job history storage unit 357 may be configured by a ROM, such as an EEPROM, whose contents can be erased and rewritten, or the HDD 17.

The display control unit 358 is configured to perform a process of displaying the measured value, the reference value, and the like on the operation display panel 14. The display control unit 358 also performs a process of analyzing the content of the input operation on the operation display panel 14.

The print control unit 359 (an example of the print control unit) controls to print the image generated by the image generation unit 351 on the paper according to the information of the paper feed tray stored in the tray information storage unit 356. It is configured.

<Measurement of characteristic values>
Next, a screen displayed on the operation display panel 14 when the characteristic value is measured by the media sensor MS will be described.

[Basic screen]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 4, the basic screen 60 has a job display area, a paper tray display area, and a supply/disposal member display area.

In the job display area, “No.”, “mode”, “state”, “hour (minute)”, and “user name” of the currently accepted job are displayed. “No.” is a number given when each job is received. The “status” is a printing status corresponding to each job, and “execution” or “standby” is displayed, for example. "Time (minutes)" is the time when each job is accepted. The "user name" is the name of the user who issued the job.

Information about each paper feed tray is displayed in the paper tray display area. The information of each paper feed tray includes “tray number” (denoted as “tray” in FIG. 4), “size”, “paper type”, and “basis weight setting value”.

The “tray number” is a number assigned to each of the paper feed trays included in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the tray number “1” for the sheet feed tray 20a (see FIG. 1), the tray number “2” for the sheet feed tray 20b, the tray number “3” for the sheet feed tray 41a, and the tray number “4” for the sheet feed tray 41b. , And the paper feed tray 41c is assigned the tray number “5”.

The “size”, “paper type”, and “basis weight setting value” are information of the paper S stored in the paper feed tray to which each tray number is assigned. The "size" is the size of the paper S, and the "paper type" is the kind of the paper S, so-called "paper type". The “basis weight set value” is not the actually measured basis weight but information used as a condition for printing (image formation), and is represented in an appropriate range.

In the replenishment/disposal member display area, it is necessary to replenish each color toner (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black)) and to replace the waste toner box. Display whether or not.

Further, on the basic screen 60, icons of a paper setting button 61 and an automatic paper setting button 62 are displayed. When the paper setting button 61 is pressed, a screen (not shown) for manually setting the information of the paper tray specified by the user is displayed. When the automatic paper setting button 62 is pressed, an automatic paper setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, and the paper S can be measured by the media sensor MS.

[Automatic paper setting screen]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic paper setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, the automatic paper setting screen 70 displays the measurement result (detection result) of the paper S by the media sensor MS.

As the measurement result (detection result) of the paper S, “recommendation degree”, “paper type”, and “basis weight set value” are displayed, and candidates for the paper type are displayed. The user determines whether the displayed paper type candidate is valid, and if so, presses the OK button 71. As a result, the sheet type candidate displayed on the automatic sheet setting screen 70 is set as the sheet type of the sheet accommodated in the corresponding sheet feeding tray (in this example, the sheet feeding tray 20a having the tray number "1"). ..

On the other hand, when the user determines that the displayed paper type candidate is not valid, for example, the paper S is measured again by the media sensor MS. When the user knows the paper type of the paper S, the information of the corresponding paper feed tray may be manually set.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, one candidate for the paper type (set value of basis weight) is displayed. However, when there are a plurality of candidates for the paper type, the one having the highest “recommended degree” (“01” is the highest). ) Are displayed in order from the top.

When a plurality of paper type candidates are displayed, the user selects a paper type candidate determined to be valid and presses the OK button 71. As a result, the selected paper type candidate is set as the paper type of the paper stored in the corresponding paper feed tray (in this example, the paper feed tray 20a having the tray number "1"). When the user determines that none of the paper type candidates is valid, the measurement of the paper S is performed again or the information of the corresponding paper feed tray is manually set as described above.

Further, on the automatic paper setting screen 70, an icon of the measurement value result button 72 is displayed. When the measurement value result button 72 is pressed, a characteristic value display screen (see FIG. 6) displaying the measurement value and the reference value is displayed. The user can use the measured value and the reference value as materials for determining the appropriateness of the paper type candidate.

[Characteristic value display screen]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristic value display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, on the characteristic value display screen 80, candidates for the measured paper type of the paper S, measured values, reference values, and measured values and radar charts of the reference values are displayed.

The candidates for the measured paper type of the paper S are displayed in the upper left portion of the characteristic value display screen 80. The measured paper type candidates of the paper S are the same as the paper type candidates displayed on the automatic paper setting screen 70 shown in FIG. Further, the measured characteristic value (measured value) of the paper S is displayed on the characteristic value display screen 80 at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, “basis weight”, “smoothness”, and “paper thickness” are displayed as the types of measured characteristics of the paper S. The “grammage” is a value actually measured by the media sensor MS, and thus is a fixed value and is not information used as a condition when performing printing (image formation). The “smoothness” is a numerical value indicating the degree of smoothness of the front and back surfaces of the paper S, and the smoother (smooth) the larger value. “Paper thickness” is a numerical value indicating the thickness of the paper S.

The reference value displayed on the characteristic value display screen 80 is converted by the reference value determination unit 355 (see FIG. 3) into a measured value by referring to the characteristic value list table (see FIG. 7) stored in the paper data storage unit 354. Make a decision based on The process of determining the reference value will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

The radar chart of the measured value and the reference value is displayed in the upper right portion of the characteristic value display screen 80. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the measured values of “basis weight”, “smoothness”, and “paper thickness” are displayed, a triangular radar chart is displayed. The closer the triangle showing the measured value and the triangle showing the reference value are to each other, the closer the characteristics are to each other.

[Characteristic value list table]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristic value list table according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, the characteristic value list table has a plurality of characteristic values, paper information associated with each characteristic value, a job ID, and a profile number.

"Basis weight", "Smoothness", and "Paper thickness" are specified as the types of characteristics, and "Name", "Paper type", and "Basis weight set value" are specified as the paper information. There is. The job ID is an ID assigned to each job. The image forming apparatus 1 has a function called a profile that can store paper settings. The profile No. is an identifier given to each profile.

For example, the characteristic values of No. 1 in the characteristic value list table are “grammage” of 67 (g/m ² ), “smoothness” of 350 (seconds), and “paper thickness” of 10 (μm). In the paper information associated with this characteristic value, the “name” is OK top, the “paper type” is normal (paper), and the “grammage set value” is 65-75 (g/m ² ).

In this embodiment, when the characteristic value of the paper S is measured by the media sensor MS and a job using the paper S is output, the measured characteristic value and the paper information thereof are added to the characteristic value list table. At this time, if no profile is set for the job, the corresponding profile No. becomes null (NULL).

Further, in the present embodiment, when the characteristic value of the sheet S is measured by the media sensor MS and the measured characteristic value and the sheet information associated with the characteristic value are registered as a profile, the measured characteristic value and the sheet information thereof. Is added to the characteristic value list table.

[Reference value determination process]
Next, the process of determining the reference value displayed on the characteristic value display screen 80 will be described.
Among the plurality of characteristic values stored in the characteristic value list table, the reference value determination unit 355 (see FIG. 3) uses the shortest distance from the measurement value (characteristic value) measured by the media sensor MS as a reference value. decide.

Xa, Xb, Xc... (a, b, c... increase according to the type of characteristics) that is obtained by normalizing the measured values with the maximum value, and the characteristic values of the characteristic value list table that are normalized with the maximum value When Ya, Yb, Yc... (A, b, c... Increase according to the type of characteristic), the distance d between the measured value X and the characteristic value Y is calculated by the following mathematical expression (1).

When the distance d is calculated by the above mathematical formula (1), the one having the shortest distance from the measured value (69, 480, 30) is the characteristic value (70) stored in No. 6 of the characteristic value list table shown in FIG. , 475, 45). Therefore, on the characteristic value display screen 80 shown in FIG. 6, the characteristic value stored in No. 6 of the characteristic value list table shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as a reference value. Further, on the characteristic value display screen 80, sheet information (sheet type, basis weight setting value, sheet name) associated with the characteristic value stored in No. 6 of the characteristic value list table is displayed.

Further, on the characteristic value display screen 80, icons of an individual reference value display button 81, a reference value user designation button 82, a paper setting reference value button 83, and a previous job button 84 are displayed.

When the individual reference value display button 81 is pressed, the individual reference value display screen (see FIGS. 8 to 10) is displayed. When the reference value user designation button 82 is pressed, a reference value selection screen (see FIG. 11) is displayed. When the paper setting reference value button 83 is pressed, the paper setting reference value display screen (see FIG. 13) is displayed. When the previous job button 84 is pressed, the previous job reference value display screen (see FIG. 14) is displayed.

[Individual reference value display screen]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an individual reference value display screen (No. 1) according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an individual reference value display screen (No. 2) according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an individual reference value display screen (No. 3) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

When the individual reference value display button 81 is pressed, the reference value determination unit 355 (see FIG. 3) selects the closest one for each type of characteristic from the characteristic value list table (see FIG. 7), and selects the selected characteristic value. Determine as a reference value. Then, each time the individual reference value display button 81 is pressed, the type of characteristic to be a reference is switched.

The individual reference value display screen 90A shown in FIG. 8 is displayed when the individual reference value display button 81 in the characteristic value display screen 80 (see FIG. 6) is pressed, and the type of the characteristic to be contrasted is “basis weight”. Become. The candidates for the sheet type of the sheet S and the measured values displayed on the individual reference value display screen 90A are the same as those shown in FIG.

The “basis weight” of the measured value is 69 (g/m ² ). Then, in the characteristic value list table, the “basis weight” closest to the measured “basis weight” is the “basis weight” of the characteristic value of No. 6 (70 (g/m ² )). Therefore, the reference value determination unit 355 determines the characteristic value of No. 6 in the characteristic value list table as the reference value. Then, the display control unit 358 displays the reference value determined by the reference value determination unit 355 on the individual reference value display screen 90A.

At this time, in order to emphasize that the type of the characteristic to be contrasted is “basis weight”, the display of other characteristic types (“smoothness” and “paper thickness”) is changed from the display of “basis weight”. Darken too. Further, on the individual reference value display screen 90A, a diagram (indicator) that visually expresses the measured value "basis weight" and the reference value "basis weight" is displayed. This allows the user to visually see how close the “basis weight” of the measured value and the “basis weight” of the reference value are, and the size of the “basis weight” of the reference value to the “basis weight” of the measured value. Can be grasped.

The individual reference value display screen 90B shown in FIG. 9 is displayed when the individual reference value display button 81 in the individual reference value display screen 90A (see FIG. 8) is pressed, and the type of the characteristic to be contrasted is “smoothness”. become. The candidates for the paper type of the paper S and the measured values displayed on the individual reference value display screen 90B are the same as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

The “smoothness” of the measured value is 480 (seconds). Then, in the characteristic value list table, the "smoothness" closest to the "smoothness" of the measured value is the "smoothness" of the characteristic value of No. 6 (475 (seconds)). Therefore, the reference value determination unit 355 determines the characteristic value of No. 6 in the characteristic value list table as the reference value. Then, the display control unit 358 displays the reference value determined by the reference value determination unit 355 on the individual reference value display screen 90B.

At this time, in order to emphasize that the type of the characteristic to be contrasted is “smoothness”, the display of other characteristic types (“basis weight” and “paper thickness”) is changed from the display of “smoothness”. Darken too. Further, on the individual reference value display screen 90B, a diagram (indicator) visually expressing the "smoothness" of the measured value and the "smoothness" of the reference value is displayed. As a result, the user can see how the “smoothness” of the measured value and the “smoothness” of the reference value are close to each other, and which of the “smoothness” of the measured value and the “smoothness” of the reference value is smooth. It is possible to grasp visually.

The individual reference value display screen 90C shown in FIG. 10 is displayed when the individual reference value display button 81 displayed on the individual reference value display screen 90B (see FIG. 9) is pressed, and the type of the characteristic to be contrasted is “paper”. Becomes thick. The candidates of the sheet type of the sheet S and the measured values displayed on the individual reference value display screen 90C are the same as those shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9.

The “paper thickness” of the measured value is 30 (μm). Then, in the characteristic value list table, the “paper thickness” closest to the measured value “paper thickness” is the characteristic value “paper thickness” of No. 3 (22 (μm)). Therefore, the reference value determination unit 355 determines the characteristic value of No. 3 in the characteristic value list table as the reference value. Then, the display control unit 358 displays the reference value determined by the reference value determination unit 355 on the individual reference value display screen 90C.

At this time, in order to emphasize that the type of the characteristic to be contrasted is "paper thickness", the display of other characteristic types ("basis weight" and "smoothness") is changed from the display of "paper thickness". Darken too. Further, on the individual reference value display screen 90C, a diagram (indicator) that visually expresses the measured value "paper thickness" and the reference value "paper thickness" is displayed. This allows the user to see how close the measured value "paper thickness" is to the reference value "paper thickness", and which of the measured value "paper thickness" and the reference value "paper thickness" is thicker ( Or, whether it is thin) can be visually grasped.

In the present embodiment, the reference value determination unit determines, as the reference value, the characteristic value having the closest value of the type of the characteristic to be the control. However, as the reference value determination unit according to the present invention, the value of the type of the characteristic that is the reference is larger than the measured value, and the closest characteristic value and the value of the type of the characteristic that is the reference is smaller than the measured value. , And the closest characteristic value may be determined as a reference value. In this case, two reference values are displayed below the measured value side by side in the vertical direction. In this case, the number of comparisons and comparisons of the measured values is increased, so that the user's decision material is increased, and it is possible to easily determine the validity of the paper type candidate.

[Reference value selection screen]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the reference value selection screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As described above, when the reference value user designation button 82 is pressed, the reference value selection screen 100 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

The reference value selection screen 100 displays the same contents as the characteristic value list table (see FIG. 7) described above, and includes a plurality of characteristic values, paper information associated with each characteristic value, a job ID, and a profile. No. is displayed. The user selects a characteristic value as a reference value from the characteristic values displayed on the reference value selection screen 100. In FIG. 11, No. 1 and No. 5 are selected.

Further, on the reference value selection screen 100, icons of an OK button 101 and a return button 102 are displayed. When the OK button 101 is pressed after selecting the characteristic value as the reference value, a selection reference value display screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. On the other hand, when the return button 102 is pressed, the characteristic value display screen 80 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

[Selection reference value display screen]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the selection reference value display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 12, on the selected reference value display screen 110, candidates of the paper type of the measured paper S, measured values, reference values, and measured values and radar charts of the reference values are displayed.

The candidate of the paper type of the measured paper S is displayed in the upper left portion of the selected reference value display screen 110, and the measured value is displayed in the substantially central portion in the vertical direction on the selected reference value display screen 110. The candidates for the sheet type of the sheet S and the measured values are the same as those shown in FIG. 6 and the like.

As described above, the reference value displayed on the selected reference value display screen 110 is selected by the user on the reference value selection screen 100 (see FIG. 11). In the present embodiment, since the user has selected the characteristic values of No. 1 and No. 5 as reference values, two reference values (reference value 1 and reference value 2) are displayed on the selected reference value display screen 110. .. As a result, the user can compare the reference value selected by himself/herself with the measurement value obtained by the media sensor MS, and determine the validity of the paper type candidate.

The radar charts of the measured values and reference values (reference value 1 and reference value 2) are displayed in the upper right portion of the selected reference value display screen 110. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the measured values of “basis weight”, “smoothness”, and “paper thickness” are displayed, a triangular radar chart is displayed. The closer the triangle showing the measured value and the triangle showing the reference value (reference value 1 and reference value 2) are, the closer the characteristics are.

[Paper setting reference value display screen]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the paper setting reference value display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As described above, when the paper setting reference value button 83 is pressed, the paper setting reference value display screen 120 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 13, on the paper setting reference value display screen 120, candidates for the paper type of the measured paper S, measurement values, reference values, and measurement values and radar charts of reference values are displayed. The candidate of the paper type of the measured paper S is displayed in the upper left portion of the paper setting reference value display screen 120, and the measured value is displayed in the substantially vertical center portion of the paper setting reference value display screen 120. The candidates for the sheet type of the sheet S and the measured values are the same as those shown in FIG. 6 and the like.

The reference value displayed on the paper setting reference value display screen 120 is measured by the reference value determination unit 355 (see FIG. 3) by referring to the characteristic value list table (see FIG. 7) stored in the paper data storage unit 354. Make a decision based on the value. Specifically, the reference value determination unit 355 uses, as a reference value, a plurality of characteristic values stored in the characteristic value list table that have the same paper type and basis weight set value as the measured value measured by the media sensor MS. decide.

In the present embodiment, the paper type and the basis weight set value associated with the characteristic value stored in No. 2 of the characteristic value list table are “fine paper” and “65-75 g/m ² ”, respectively, It is the same as the paper type and basis weight set value of the measured value. Therefore, the characteristic value stored in No. 6 of the characteristic value list table is displayed as the reference value on the paper setting reference value display screen 120. Further, on the paper setting reference value display screen 120, paper information (paper type, grammage set value, paper name) associated with the characteristic value stored in No. 6 of the characteristic value list table is displayed.

If there is no same measured value, paper type, and grammage set value, "-" is displayed in each column of the reference value. Further, as the field image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the measured value and the paper type and the grammage set value are not the same, a sentence such as “There is no reference value” is displayed, and the paper setting reference value is displayed. It may be possible to notify that there is no reference value displayed when the button 83 is pressed.

The radar chart of the measured value and the reference value is displayed in the upper right portion of the paper setting reference value display screen 120. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the measured values of “basis weight”, “smoothness”, and “paper thickness” are displayed, a triangular radar chart is displayed. The closer the triangle showing the measured value and the triangle showing the reference value are to each other, the closer the characteristics are to each other.

[Previous job reference value display screen]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the previous job reference value display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As described above, when the previous job button 84 is pressed, the previous job reference value display screen 130 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 14, on the previous job reference value display screen 130, a candidate of the paper type of the measured paper S, a measurement value, a reference value, and a radar chart of the measurement value and the reference value are displayed. The candidate of the paper type of the measured paper S is displayed in the upper left portion of the paper setting reference value display screen 120, and the measured value is displayed in the substantially vertical center portion of the paper setting reference value display screen 120. The candidates for the sheet type of the sheet S and the measured values are the same as those shown in FIG. 6 and the like.

For the reference value displayed on the previous job reference value display screen 130, the reference value determination unit 355 (see FIG. 3) refers to the job history list table (see FIG. 15) stored in the job history storage unit 357, The characteristic value of the paper S used in the executed job is determined as a reference value. That is, the reference value determination unit 355 determines the reference value based on the instruction from the user.

The radar chart of the measured value and the reference value is displayed in the upper right portion of the previous job reference value display screen 130. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the measured values of “basis weight”, “smoothness”, and “paper thickness” are displayed, a triangular radar chart is displayed. The closer the triangle showing the measured value and the triangle showing the reference value are to each other, the closer the characteristics are to each other.

[Job history list table]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the job history list table according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 15, the job history list table defines correspondence relationships among job IDs, dates and times, paper information, and output settings.

The date and time is the date and time when the job corresponding to the job ID was executed, and the output setting is information on post-processing set in the job corresponding to the job ID. For example, the job ID “122” in the job history list table has the date and time of execution “2018/11/11 19:00”, and the paper information is “OK” for “name” and “paper type” for normal ( Paper), and the “grammage set value” is 65-75 (g/m ² ). Further, the job ID “122” has an output setting of “Perfect Binding”.

In this embodiment, when the characteristic value of the paper S is measured by the media sensor MS and the job using the paper S is output, the job ID, the date and time, the paper information, and the output setting are displayed in the job history list. Added to the table.

When the previous job button 84 (see FIG. 14) is pressed, the reference value determination unit 355 (see FIG. 3) refers to the date and time in the job history list table stored in the job history storage unit 357, and is executed most recently. Specify the job ID that was saved. Then, the characteristic value list table (see FIG. 7) is referred to, and the characteristic value corresponding to the specified job ID is determined as a reference value.

As shown in FIG. 15, the latest (latest) date and time is “2018/11/13 14:00”, and the job ID corresponding to this date and time is the job ID “57”. Therefore, the reference value determination unit 355 determines the characteristic value (110, 500, 40) corresponding to the job ID “57” in the characteristic value list table as the reference value. Then, the display control unit 358 displays the reference value determined by the reference value determination unit 355 on the previous job reference value display screen 130.

When the column (area) in which each job ID is displayed on the reference value selection screen 100 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed, the controller 35 refers to the job history list table, and the date and time corresponding to the pressed job ID. , Paper information, and output settings. Then, the display control unit 358 causes the display unit 14a to display the job ID, the corresponding date and time, the paper information, and the output setting. This allows the user to check the information related to the job.

[Profile list table]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a profile list table according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A profile list table is stored in the paper data storage unit 354 described above.

As shown in FIG. 16, the profile list table defines correspondence relationships among profile numbers, profile names, paper information, and various adjustment values. The various adjustment values are adjustment values of various operation units related to printing (image formation). For example, in profile No. “56”, the pre-file name is “XX company music score”, and the paper information is “OK” for “Name”, “Paper type” is normal (paper), and “Basis weight setting value”. Is 65-75 (g/m ² ).

In the present embodiment, when the characteristic value of the paper S is measured by the media sensor MS and the measured characteristic value and the paper information associated with the characteristic value are registered as a profile, the profile number, the profile name, and Paper information and various adjustment values are added to the profile list table.

When the column (area) in which each profile No. is displayed is pressed on the reference value selection screen 100 shown in FIG. 11, the controller 35 refers to the profile list table and refers to the profile name corresponding to the pressed profile No. , Paper information, and various adjustment values are obtained. Then, the display control unit 358 causes the display unit 14a to display the profile No., the profile name corresponding to it, the paper information, and various adjustment values. This allows the user to check the information related to the profile.

[Summary]
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment measures the image forming unit 30 that forms an image on the sheet S, and the media sensor MS (which measures the characteristic value representing the characteristic of the sheet S and obtains the characteristic value as the measured value). Measuring instrument). Further, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the reference value determination unit 355 that determines the reference value for comparison with the measurement value based on the measurement value or the instruction from the user, and the measurement value and the reference value. And a display unit 14a for displaying. As a result, the user can compare the measured value of the paper S measured by the media sensor MS with the reference value to determine whether the measured value is appropriate (valid), and the sensing function of the media sensor MS can be reassured. Can be used. In addition, it is possible to improve the user's understanding and satisfaction when determining the appropriateness of the measured value.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment includes the sheet data storage unit 354 that stores the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets S and the sheet information associated with the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets. Then, the reference value determination unit 355 determines, as a reference value, an appropriate one from the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354. In this way, by storing the characteristic value that is a candidate for the reference value, the reference value can be selected from a plurality of characteristic values. As a result, it becomes possible to determine a reference value useful for the user's judgment.

Further, the sheet data storage unit 354 according to the above-described embodiment stores the characteristic values of a plurality of sheets in association with the job history and the sheet profile, respectively. As a result, it is possible to improve the user's understanding and satisfaction when determining the appropriateness of the measured value.

Further, the sheet data storage unit 354 according to the above-described embodiment stores the job history in association with the characteristic values of a plurality of sheets, and the reference value determination unit 355 determines that the job history is the latest one. The characteristic value of the associated paper is determined as a reference value (see FIG. 14). The job with the latest job history is likely to remain in the user's memory. Therefore,
It is possible to improve the user's understanding and convincingness when determining the appropriateness of the measured value.

Further, the reference value determination unit 355 according to the above-described embodiment determines, as the reference value, the characteristic value of the sheet selected by the user among the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354 ( (See FIG. 12). Accordingly, by selecting a reference value that the user wants to compare with the measured value, it is possible to enhance the user's understanding and satisfaction when determining the appropriateness of the measured value.

Further, the media sensor MS (paper information determination unit) according to the above-described embodiment determines paper information (“name”, “paper type”, “basis weight set value”) corresponding to the measured value. Then, the reference value determination unit 355 is associated with the same sheet information as the sheet information determined by the media sensor MS (sheet information determination unit) among the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354. The determined characteristic value is determined as a reference value (see FIG. 13). As a result, it is possible to compare characteristic values (measurement value and reference value) having the same paper information, and it is possible to improve the user's understanding and satisfaction when determining the appropriateness of the measurement value.

The paper information determination unit according to the present invention is not limited to the media sensor MS and may be the controller 35. In this case, the controller 35 determines the paper information based on the characteristic value measured by the media sensor MS.

Further, the reference value determination unit 355 according to the above-described embodiment determines, as the reference value, the characteristic value of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354, which is the closest to the measured value (see FIG. 6). ). As a result, it is possible to improve the user's understanding and satisfaction when determining the appropriateness of the measured value.

Further, the reference value determination unit 355 according to the above-described embodiment selects two or more characteristic values from the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354, and determines two or more reference values. As a result, the number of comparisons of measured values is increased, which increases the number of factors for the user to make judgments, and enhances the user's understanding and satisfaction when judging the appropriateness of the measured values.

Further, there are a plurality of types of characteristics of the sheet S according to the above-described embodiment, and the reference value determination unit 355 determines that the characteristic value of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354 is the highest for each type of characteristic. The closest ones are selected and determined as a plurality of reference values (see FIGS. 8 to 10). This increases the number of comparisons and comparisons of the measured values, which increases the number of factors for the user to make a decision, and enhances the user's understanding and comprehension when determining the appropriateness of the measured value.

Further, the reference value determination unit 355 according to the above-described embodiment determines that among the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit 354, the one that is larger than the measured value and is the closest to the measured value. Is also smaller and closest, and is determined as a plurality of reference values. As a result, the number of comparisons of measured values is increased, which increases the number of factors for the user to make judgments, and enhances the user's understanding and satisfaction when judging the appropriateness of the measured values.

Further, the display unit 14a according to the above-described embodiment displays the measured value and the reference value as a diagram (radar chart) that is visually expressed. As a result, the measured value and the reference value can be visually compared, and the user's understanding and conviction when determining the appropriateness of the measured value can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various other application examples and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, the above-described exemplary embodiments are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those including all the configurations described.

For example, the above-described embodiment is a detailed and specific description of the configuration of the image forming apparatus in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to one including all the described components. Further, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the constituent elements of another embodiment. Further, it is possible to add the constituent elements of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace other components with respect to a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

Further, each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, and the like may be realized by hardware by designing a part or all of them with, for example, an integrated circuit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the radar chart of the measured value and the reference value is displayed. However, the diagram visually expressing the measured value and the reference value according to the present invention is not limited to a radar chart, and for example, plots the measured value and the reference value on a multidimensional graph with the type of characteristic as an axis. You may display it.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the indicator and the radar chart are configured to be displayed, but various characteristic values may be inserted and displayed in the indicator and the radar chart. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the table of the measured values and the reference values is displayed. However, the measured value and the reference value according to the present invention may be represented only by visually expressed figures. Further, in that case, the measured value and the reference value do not have to be represented by numerical values.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the paper setting reference value button 83 is pressed, the reference value determination unit 355 causes the reference value determination unit 355 to select the measured value, the paper type, and the basis weight from among the plurality of characteristic values stored in the characteristic value list table. The same set value was determined as a reference value. However, as the reference value determination unit according to the present invention, among the plurality of characteristic values stored in the characteristic value list table, one having the same measured value and paper type, or one having the same measured value and basis weight set value is used. You may decide as a reference value. Further, the reference value determination unit according to the present invention may refer to the job history list table and determine the characteristic value of the paper that is frequently used by the user as the reference value.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the job that uses the paper S whose characteristic value is measured is output, the measured paper S characteristic value and its paper information are added to the characteristic value list table. However, the characteristic value list table according to the present invention may be one in which characteristic values and their paper information are stored in advance.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the offline media sensor, which is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus main body 10 via the communication medium such as USB, is used as the measuring device. However, as the measuring device according to the present invention, an in-line media sensor arranged in a conveyance system that conveys a sheet may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, “basis weight”, “smoothness”, and “paper thickness” are described as examples of the types of characteristics. However, the type of characteristic (characteristic value to be measured) according to the present invention may be other characteristics such as “air permeability”, “whiteness”, “opacity”, and “glossiness”. ..

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Image forming apparatus, 10... Image forming apparatus main body, 11... Automatic document feeder, 12... Document reading unit, 13... Platen glass, 14... Operation display panel, 14a... Display unit, 14b... Operation unit, 17... HDD, 20 (20a, 20b)... Paper feed tray, 30... Image forming unit, 32... Intermediate transfer belt, 33 ... secondary transfer section, 34... fixing section, 35... controller, 35a... CPU, 35b... ROM, 35c... RAM, 40... large-capacity sheet feeding unit, 50 ...Post-processing unit, 60...Basic screen, 61...Paper setting button, 62...Automatic paper setting button, 70...Automatic paper setting screen, 71...OK button, 72... -Measured value result button, 80... Characteristic value display screen, 81... Individual reference value display button, 82... Reference value user specified button, 83... Paper setting reference value button, 84... Previous time Job button, 90A, 90B, 90C... Individual reference value display screen, 100... Reference value selection screen, 101... OK button, 102... Return button, 110... Selection reference value display screen, 120... Paper setting reference value display screen, 130... Previous job reference value display screen, 351... Image generation unit, 352... Communication control unit, 353... Paper information instruction unit, 354... Paper data storage unit, 355... Reference value determination unit, 356... Tray information storage unit, 357... Job history storage unit, 358... Display control unit, 359... Print control unit

Claims (11)

An image forming unit that forms an image on paper,
A measuring instrument that measures characteristic values that represent the characteristics of the paper and obtains the measured values as measured values.
Based on the measured value, or, based on an instruction from the user, a reference value determination unit for determining a reference value for comparison with the measured value,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays the measured value and the reference value. A sheet data storage unit for storing characteristic values of a plurality of sheets and sheet information respectively associated with the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference value determination unit determines an appropriate one of the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit as the reference value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the paper data storage unit stores job history or paper profile in association with the characteristic values of the plurality of paper sheets. The paper data storage unit stores job history in association with the characteristic values of the plurality of paper sheets,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference value determination unit determines, as the reference value, a characteristic value of a sheet with which the latest job history is associated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference value determination unit determines, as the reference value, a characteristic value of a sheet of paper selected by a user from among characteristic values of a plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit. .. A sheet information determining unit for determining sheet information corresponding to the measured value,
The reference value determination unit, among the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit, a characteristic value associated with the same sheet information as the sheet information determined by the sheet information determination unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus determines the reference value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference value determination unit determines, as the reference value, a characteristic value of a plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit that is closest to the measured value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference value determination unit selects two or more characteristic values from the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit and determines the reference values of two or more. There are multiple types of paper characteristics,
The reference value determination unit selects, from among the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit, the closest one for each type of characteristic, and determines the plurality of reference values. Image forming apparatus. The reference value determination unit is one of the characteristic values of the plurality of sheets stored in the sheet data storage unit that is larger than the measured value and is closest to the reference value determination unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is selected and is determined as a plurality of reference values. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the measured value and the reference value as a diagram visually expressed.

Images