JP7102769B2 - Recording medium determination device, image forming device, image forming system, and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a recording medium determination device, an image forming apparatus, and an image capable of determining an alternative recording medium suitable for performing correction of an image forming unit in place of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. Regarding formation systems and control programs.

There are a wide variety of recording media (hereinafter, paper is taken as a specific example) such as paper and film on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus.
When forming an image on these papers with an image forming apparatus, desired image quality such as position, magnification, density, and color is required.

Therefore, before the actual image formation is executed, a correction chart is formed on the paper, and the correction chart is checked to confirm whether the desired image quality described above is obtained, or to check the image processing unit or image formation. Adjustments are made to the unit to obtain the desired image quality. A series of operations of image formation of the correction chart, confirmation of the correction chart, and adjustment of the image processing unit and the image forming unit are called correction processing.

In this case, it is possible to prepare adjustment parameters in advance when forming an image on known paper, but when using unknown paper, it is extremely important to obtain adjustment parameters by correction processing. Further, even if the paper is known, it is important to obtain adjustment parameters by correction processing depending on image formation conditions, environmental conditions, and the like.

Various proposals have also been made in the following patent documents regarding the correction processing of these image forming apparatus.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-142897

The above Patent Document 1 discloses that when an unknown paper is used as a recording medium for output, a correction process to be performed is selected according to the degree of similarity with the standard paper.
Here, when the similarity is high, the color conversion parameter of the standard paper is used, and when the similarity is medium, the color conversion parameter of the standard paper and the gradation parameter for correcting the gradation difference between the unknown paper and the standard paper are used. If it is small, the color conversion parameter for correcting the color difference between the unknown paper and the standard paper is calculated, and the color correction process is performed.

That is, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in principle, a plurality of color conversion parameters of the standard paper to be used are recorded in advance and used in the correction process.
Therefore, there is not always a suitable standard paper, and the color conversion parameters for unknown paper are calculated based on the color conversion parameters of standard paper with a small degree of similarity. If the divergence is large, it is expected that the color difference interpolation accuracy between the base color conversion parameter and the unknown paper will deteriorate.

In addition, since the similarity of paper is determined from the spectral reflection characteristics of the paper surface, it is not possible to determine the state of physical properties (roughness, etc.) on the paper surface. It is also expected that the correction accuracy cannot be maintained because the difference with respect to the change of tone reproduction and color reproduction cannot be followed.

By the way, the requester who requests the printed matter may specify the paper to be used or bring in the paper. Then, the printing company performs a correction process on the requested paper in order to obtain high-quality printing, and then creates a printed matter. Here, when performing the correction process, it is necessary to actually form an image of the correction chart on the requested paper.

However, if the paper specified by the client is special, it may be difficult to secure the required number of papers for performing the adjustment. Further, even if the requested paper can be secured, it may not be possible to use a sufficient number of papers for the correction process due to economic reasons because it is expensive.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is possible to determine an alternative recording medium suitable for performing correction of the image forming portion instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. It is an object of the present invention to realize a recording medium determination device, an image forming device, an image forming system, and a control program.

That is, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a recording medium determination device, an image forming device, an image forming system, and a control program that reflect one aspect of the present invention will be described below.
(1) The recording medium determination device that reflects one aspect of the present invention determines a recording medium that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. A recording medium determination device having a unit, which calculates a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the designated recording medium, and a second feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the candidate of the alternative recording medium. The importance coefficient determination of the feature amount calculation unit for calculating the above and the importance coefficient for a plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process. The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared with each other, and the first feature amount and the second feature amount are based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. It is characterized by having a feature amount determination unit that determines the alternative recording medium according to the degree of similarity .
Further, the recording medium determination device reflecting one aspect of the present invention is a recording medium determination unit that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image formation unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. The recording medium determination unit calculates a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the designated recording medium, and selects a plurality of feature amount elements from the candidates of the alternative recording medium. As a feature amount calculation unit for calculating the included second feature amount, and as importance coefficients for a plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount, depending on the content of the correction process. The importance coefficient determining unit that determines the importance coefficient of each feature element, the first feature amount, and the second feature amount so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature element in the correction process. The feature amount is compared according to the content of the correction process, and based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient, according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. It is characterized by having a feature amount determination unit for determining the alternative recording medium.
Further, the recording medium determination device reflecting one aspect of the present invention is a recording medium determination unit that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image formation unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. The recording medium determination unit calculates a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the designated recording medium, and selects a plurality of feature amount elements from the candidates of the alternative recording medium. The feature amount calculation unit that calculates the included second feature amount and the importance coefficient for a plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount are determined according to the content of the correction process. The importance coefficient determination unit is compared with the first feature amount and the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process, and based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. The alternative recording medium is determined according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, and a plurality of the alternatives having the same degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. When there are candidates for a recording medium, a feature amount determination unit that determines a candidate having a high degree of coincidence with respect to the feature amount element having a higher importance coefficient among a plurality of feature amount elements as the alternative recording medium. It is characterized by having.

Further, the image forming apparatus reflecting one aspect of the present invention includes the recording medium determining apparatus, the image forming unit that executes image formation using the designated recording medium, and the alternative recording medium in the above (1). It is characterized by having a correction processing unit that executes a correction process for adjusting the image forming unit by using the image forming unit. Further, the image forming apparatus reflecting one aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a measuring unit for measuring the characteristics necessary for calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount.

Further, in the image forming system reflecting one aspect of the present invention, in the above (1), the correction process is executed using the recording medium determining device and the alternative recording medium, and the image forming using the designated recording medium. It is characterized by having an image forming apparatus for executing the above . Further , the image forming system reflecting one aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a measuring unit for measuring the characteristics necessary for calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount. ..

Further, the control program reflecting one aspect of the present invention controls a recording medium determination device that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. In the program, a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a plurality of features are selected from candidates for the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. The second feature amount including the quantity element is calculated, and the importance coefficient for each of the plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined according to the content of the correction process. The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared, and the similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. It is characterized in that the computer of the recording medium determination device is controlled so as to determine the alternative recording medium accordingly .
Further, the control program reflecting one aspect of the present invention controls a recording medium determination device that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. In the program, a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a plurality of feature amounts are selected from candidates for the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. The second feature amount including the element is calculated, and the correction process is performed as an importance coefficient for a plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process. The importance coefficient of each feature amount element is determined so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature amount element in the above, and the first feature amount and the second feature amount are corrected. The alternative recording medium is determined according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. In addition, it is characterized in that it controls the computer of the recording medium determination device.
Further, the control program reflecting one aspect of the present invention controls a recording medium determination device that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. In the program, a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a plurality of feature amounts are selected from candidates for the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. The second feature amount including the element is calculated, and the importance coefficient for each of the plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined according to the content of the correction process. The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process, and the first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. The alternative recording medium is determined according to the degree of similarity with the feature amount, and when there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium having the same degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. The computer of the recording medium determination device is controlled so that a candidate having a high degree of agreement for the feature element having a higher importance coefficient among a plurality of feature elements is determined as the alternative recording medium. It is a feature.

( 2 ) In the above ( 1 ), the importance coefficient determining unit determines the importance coefficient of each feature element so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature element in the correction process. It is characterized by doing.
( 3 ) In the above ( 1 ) to ( 2 ), the feature amount determination unit has a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium having the same similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. In this case, a candidate having a high degree of agreement for a feature element having a higher importance coefficient among a plurality of feature elements is determined as the alternative recording medium.

(4) In the above (1) to (3), the feature amount calculation unit uses any one of the physical characteristics, basis weight, color, and size of the surface as a feature amount element, and the first feature amount and the second feature amount. It is characterized in that the amount is calculated.
(5) In the above (1) to (4), the feature amount determination unit is the first, depending on the content of the correction process, which is any of gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, position correction, and color correction. It is characterized in that the alternative recording medium is determined by comparing one feature amount with the second feature amount.

( 6 ) In the above (1) to ( 5 ), the feature is provided with a notification unit for notifying the external or other device of the alternative recording medium determined by the feature amount determination unit.
( 7 ) In the above (1) to ( 6 ), with respect to the alternative recording medium determined by the feature amount determination unit, the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount is transmitted to an external device or another device. It is characterized by having a notification unit for notifying.

( 8 ) In the above (1) to ( 7 ), when there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium as determined by the feature amount determination unit, the first feature amount and the second feature amount are similar. It is characterized by including a notification unit that notifies an external device or another device of a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium in the order in which the media is used.

The recording medium determination device, the image forming device, the image forming system, and the control program reflecting one aspect of the present invention can produce the following effects.
(1) In a recording medium determining device, an image forming device, an image forming system, and a control program reflecting one aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit is used for correction processing instead of the designated recording medium designated for image forming. When determining the alternative recording medium to be used, the first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and from the candidates of the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. The second feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated, and the importance coefficient for each of the plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined according to the content of the correction process. An alternative recording medium is used according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount based on a plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient by comparing the first feature amount and the second feature amount. decide.
Further, in the recording medium determination device, the image forming device, the image forming system, and the control program in which one aspect of the present invention is reflected, the recording medium is used for the correction processing of the image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image forming. When determining an alternative recording medium, a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates as alternatives to the designated recording medium are selected. The second feature amount including the feature amount element is calculated, and each of them in the correction process is used as an importance coefficient for a plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process. The importance coefficient of each feature element is determined so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of the feature element, and the first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process. An alternative recording medium is determined according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount based on a plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient.
Further, in the recording medium determination device, the image forming device, the image forming system, and the control program in which one aspect of the present invention is reflected, the recording medium is used for the correction processing of the image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image forming. When determining an alternative recording medium, a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates as alternatives to the designated recording medium are selected. The second feature amount including the feature amount element is calculated, the importance coefficient for each of the plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined according to the content of the correction processing, and the first feature amount element is determined. The feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process, and based on a plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient, according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. When the alternative recording medium is determined and there are a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates having the same similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, the importance coefficient among the plurality of feature amount elements Candidates with a high degree of agreement for feature elements with higher features are determined as alternative recording media.

That is, the designated recording designated for image formation is performed by comparing the first feature amount calculated from the designated recording medium and the second feature amount calculated from the candidate alternative recording medium according to the content of the correction process. As an alternative to the medium, it becomes possible to determine an alternative recording medium suitable for performing the correction of the image forming unit. As a result, even if the designated recording medium is an unknown recording medium, the alternative recording medium having the highest degree of similarity can be determined from the candidates for the alternative recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

Further , by calculating and comparing the first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient according to the content of the correction process and the second feature amount, a state suitable for the content of the correction process is obtained. Allows the determination of the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, and is an alternative recording medium suitable for performing correction of the image forming portion instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. Can be determined. As a result, even if the designated recording medium is an unknown recording medium, the alternative recording medium having the highest degree of similarity can be determined from the candidates for the alternative recording medium according to the correction process. Therefore, depending on the correction process, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

( 2 ) In ( 1 ) above, the importance coefficient of each feature element is determined so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature element in the correction process. That is, by calculating and comparing the first feature amount and the second feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the content of the correction process and the importance coefficient according to the degree of influence, the details of the correction process are detailed. It becomes possible to judge the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount in a state suitable for the content, and to perform correction of the image forming part instead of the designated recording medium designated for image forming. It becomes possible to determine a suitable alternative recording medium. As a result, even if the designated recording medium is an unknown recording medium, the alternative recording medium having the highest degree of similarity can be determined from the candidates for the alternative recording medium according to the correction process. Therefore, depending on the correction process, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

( 3 ) In the above ( 1 ) to ( 2 ), when there are a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates having the same overall similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, a plurality of features. Among the quantity elements, the candidate with a high degree of agreement for the feature quantity element having a higher importance coefficient is determined as an alternative recording medium. That is, when the candidates for a plurality of alternative recording media have the same overall similarity to the designated recording medium, the degree of agreement for the feature elements having a higher importance coefficient among the plurality of feature elements By determining the alternative recording medium based on the height, it is possible to determine the optimum alternative recording medium for performing the correction of the image forming portion in place of the designated recording medium designated for image formation. Become. As a result, even if the designated recording medium is an unknown recording medium, the alternative recording medium having the highest degree of similarity can be determined from the candidates for the alternative recording medium according to the correction process. Therefore, depending on the correction process, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

(4) In the above (1) to (3), the correction process is performed by calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount using any of the surface physical properties, basis weight, color, and size as the feature amount element. It becomes possible to determine an appropriate alternative recording medium by calculating the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount according to the appropriate characteristics. Therefore, depending on the correction process, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

( 5 ) In the above (1) to ( 4 ), the first feature amount and the second feature amount are set according to the content of the correction process which is any of gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, position correction, and color correction. By calculating and comparing to determine the alternative recording medium, the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount appropriate according to the specific content of the correction process is calculated, and the appropriate alternative recording is performed. It becomes possible to determine the medium. Therefore, depending on the correction process, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

( 6 ) By notifying the external or other device of the determined alternative recording medium in (1) to ( 5 ) above, the user can select an appropriate alternative recording medium and form an image of the appropriate alternative recording medium. Selection by another device such as a device becomes possible, appropriate adjustment parameters can be created in the correction process using an alternative recording medium, and high-quality images can be formed using the designated recording medium.

( 7 ) Appropriate alternative recording by notifying an external device or another device of the similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount for the alternative recording medium determined in (1) to ( 6 ) above. It is possible for the user to select the medium and other devices such as an image forming device for an appropriate alternative recording medium, and it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium. High-quality images can be formed using a medium. By notifying the similarity, even if there is only one candidate for the alternative recording medium, it is possible to judge whether or not it is appropriate as the alternative recording medium from the numerical value of the similarity, and the alternative recording medium is used. Appropriate adjustment parameters can be created in the correction process, and high-quality images can be formed using a designated recording medium.

( 8 ) In the above (1) to ( 7 ), when there are a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates by determination, a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates are selected in the order in which the first feature amount and the second feature amount are similar. By notifying the outside or other devices, it is possible for the user to select an appropriate alternative recording medium and other devices such as an image forming device for an appropriate alternative recording medium, and correction using the alternative recording medium is possible. Appropriate adjustment parameters can be created in the process, and high-quality images can be formed using a designated recording medium.

In this case, depending on the selection of the user or another device, even if the similarity with the designated recording medium is not the first rank as a candidate for the alternative recording medium, the price is low or a sufficient amount can be prepared. It is also possible to select one as an alternative recording medium, it is possible to repeat the correction process using the alternative recording medium as many times as necessary, and to create an appropriate adjustment parameter in the correction process using the alternative recording medium. This makes it possible to form high-quality images using a designated recording medium.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the recording medium determination apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the recording medium determination apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the recording medium determination in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the process in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the process in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the process in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the process in embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a recording medium determination device and an image capable of determining an alternative recording medium suitable for performing correction of the image forming unit as an alternative to the designated recording medium designated for image formation. Embodiments of the forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the control program will be described in detail.

The recording medium means various media such as paper, film, and various sheets on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus. Further, in this embodiment, the recording medium designated for image formation is a "designated recording medium", and instead of the designated recording medium, the recording medium used for the correction processing of the image forming unit is the "alternative recording medium", the alternative recording medium. The recording medium corresponding to the candidate for determining the above is referred to as "candidate for alternative recording medium".

[Configuration of image forming apparatus]
The configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 including the recording medium determining apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of each part of the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the mechanical configuration of each part of the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 101 that controls each unit in the image forming apparatus 100, a communication unit 102 for communicating with other connected devices, and operation input and image forming by a user. The operation display unit 103 that displays the status of the device 100, the storage unit 104 that stores parameters and programs of various settings, and the characteristics required for calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount, which will be described later, are measured. The measuring unit 110, the recording medium determining unit 120 for determining an alternative recording medium used for correction processing instead of the designated recording medium, the recording medium sending unit 130 for transmitting the recording medium contained in the tray, and the recording medium. A transport unit 140 that transports the image in the apparatus, a correction processing unit 150 that executes a correction process for adjusting the image forming unit 180 using an alternative recording medium, and image data for storing image data and various data at the time of image formation. It is configured to include a storage unit 160, an image processing unit 170 that executes various image processing necessary for image formation, and an image forming unit 180 that forms an image on paper based on an image forming command and image data. ing.

Here, the recording medium determination unit 120 includes a feature amount calculation unit 121 that calculates the first feature amount from the designated recording medium and calculates the second feature amount from the candidates of the alternative recording medium, and the first feature amount and the second feature amount. The importance coefficient determination unit 122 that determines the importance coefficients for a plurality of feature elements included in the quantity according to the content of the correction process, and the calculated first feature amount and the second feature amount are temporarily set. A storage unit 123 for storing, and a feature amount determination unit 124 for determining an alternative recording medium according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount based on a plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. , Have.

An example of the configuration of the image forming unit 180 is shown in FIG. Here, in the image forming unit 180, the electrostatic latent image formed on the charged image carrier is developed into a toner image, and the toner images of each color are superimposed on the intermediate transfer body and then transferred to the designated recording medium. Will be done. That is, the image forming unit 180 is a so-called electrophotographic image forming unit. In addition to the color image forming unit, various configurations such as a monochrome image forming unit, an image forming unit using a special color in addition to the basic color, and the like are possible. Further, the image forming unit 180 may form an image in another format such as an inkjet method or a heat sensitive method.

Further, the recording medium determination unit 120 can be provided not only inside the image forming apparatus 100 but also as a recording medium determining apparatus 200 outside the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the image forming system 100 and the recording medium determining device 200 form an image forming system.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the recording medium determination device 200 that determines an alternative recording medium used for the correction process instead of the designated recording medium is a control unit 201 that controls each unit in the recording medium determination device 200. The communication unit 202 for communicating with other connected devices, the operation display unit 203 for performing operation input by the user and the status display of the recording medium determination device 200, and the first feature amount and the second feature. A measuring unit 210 that measures the characteristics required to calculate the amount, and a feature amount calculating unit 221 that calculates the first feature amount from the designated recording medium and calculates the second feature amount from the candidates of the alternative recording medium. The importance coefficient determination unit 222 that determines the importance coefficients for a plurality of feature elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process, and the calculated first feature amount and the first feature amount. A storage unit 223 that temporarily stores the two features, and an alternative recording medium according to the degree of similarity between the first feature and the second feature based on a plurality of feature elements weighted by the importance coefficient. It has a feature amount determination unit 224 for determining. The content of the correction process when determining the importance coefficient is acquired by the control unit 201 from the image forming apparatus via the communication unit 202.

Further, the recording medium determination device 200 can also have the configuration as shown in FIG. Here, a specific example is shown in which the measuring device 300 for measuring the characteristics required for calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount is configured separately from the recording medium determining device 200. Further, in this case, the recording medium determination device 200 may have a built-in measuring unit and may use an external measuring device 300 as needed.

Further, the above operations as the recording medium determination unit 120 and the recording medium determination device 200 are realized by the control program. The operation by this control program will be described later.
〔motion〕
Hereinafter, the operation of the basic embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Here, the operation in the first configuration example of the image forming system 1 of FIG. 1 will be taken as a specific example. The following operations are realized by the control program in the control unit 101.
The image forming apparatus 100 receives an instruction regarding image formation from the user via the operation display unit 103, or receives an instruction from an external device via the communication unit 102 (step S100 in FIG. 5).

The instructions related to this image formation include an instruction to start image formation, a designation of image data for image formation, an instruction of image quality for image formation, a designation of a recording medium (designated recording medium) used for image formation, and a correction of an image forming unit. Designation of processing, type of recording medium used for correction processing (designated recording medium / alternative recording medium), and the like.

Regarding the designation of the correction process, the control unit 101 can automatically select the necessary correction process from the designated image data and image quality. For example, position correction for monochrome binary image formation, gradation correction and position correction for monochrome multi-value (grayscale) image formation, and color correction, gradation correction and in-plane for color image formation. It is also possible to automatically determine unevenness correction and position correction. In the in-plane unevenness correction, the in-plane color unevenness or the density unevenness of the image is corrected.

Then, the control unit 101 that has received the above instructions and designation determines whether or not the correction process is executed, the content of the correction process, the necessity of determining the alternative recording medium, and the like (step S101 in FIG. 5).
Here, although the designated recording medium is unknown (unknown), the control unit 101 has a case where there are more designated recording media than the planned number of images to be formed, or a sufficient number of designated recording media to be used for the correction process. If it exists, or if the designated recording medium used for the correction process is easily available, it is determined that the correction process is executed on the designated recording medium (NO in step S102 in FIG. 5).

In this case, the control unit 101 executes the designated color correction, gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, position correction, and the like using the designated recording medium (step S105 in FIG. 5), and obtains the result. The corrected value is stored in the storage unit 104 or the like as a correction value for the designated recording medium (step S106 in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, in the control unit 101, when the designated recording medium is unknown (unknown) and there is no designated recording medium equal to or more than the planned number of images to be formed, or when there are a sufficient number of designated recording media to be used for the correction process. If the correction process is not performed, or if the designated recording medium used for the correction process is difficult to obtain in terms of acquisition route and price, it is determined that the correction process is executed on the alternative recording medium (YES in step S102 in FIG. 5).

In this case, as described below, the control unit 101 performs correction processing (step S106 in FIG. 5) such as color correction, gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, and position correction. An alternative recording medium to replace the designated recording medium is determined (steps S200 to S210 in FIG. 5).

Therefore, the control unit 101 notifies the recording medium determination unit 120 of information such as an instruction for determining an alternative recording medium and the processing content of the correction process (step S200 in FIG. 5).
The importance coefficient determining unit 122 determines the first feature amount calculated from the designated recording medium as described later and the second feature amount calculated from the alternative recording medium as described later according to the content of the correction process. When comparing, the importance coefficient of each feature element ( Weight) is determined (step S201 in FIG. 5). The value of the importance coefficient is stored in advance in the storage unit 104 or the like in the form of a table or the like in relation to the content of the correction process. Then, the coefficient of the feature having a large influence on the correction is increased, and the coefficient of the feature having a small influence is reduced. That is, the importance coefficient (weight) of each feature element is determined so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature element in the correction process. Then, the importance coefficient determining unit 122 reads out the importance coefficient stored in advance in the form of a table or the like as needed.

Here, the designated recording medium is measured by the measuring unit 110 in order to extract the characteristics necessary for calculating the first feature amount (step S202 in FIG. 5). Further, in order to extract the characteristics necessary for calculating the second feature amount, the measuring unit 210 measures the candidates of the alternative recording medium (step S203 in FIG. 5). Here, as a candidate for the alternative recording medium, one or a plurality of recording media, preferably a plurality of recording media are adopted. In addition, the measurement unit 110 measures the candidates for the designated recording medium and the alternative recording medium in accordance with the calculation of the feature amount element in the feature amount calculation unit 121, which will be described later.

Then, the feature amount calculation unit 121 calculates the first feature amount with reference to the measurement result of the measurement unit 110 of the designated recording medium (step S204 in FIG. 5), and the feature amount calculation unit 121 is a candidate measurement unit 110 of the alternative recording medium. The second feature amount is calculated with reference to the measurement result of (step S205 in FIG. 5).
The feature amount calculation unit 121 calculates the first feature amount and the second feature amount by using any of the physical properties, basis weight, color, and size of the surface as the feature amount element. The physical characteristics of the surface of the recording medium are the physical properties exhibited by the substance of the recording medium, and in the present embodiment, it means the smoothness or roughness of the surface.

The measurement unit 110 measures the candidates for the designated recording medium and the alternative recording medium (steps S202 and S203 in FIG. 5), and the feature amount calculation unit 121 calculates the first feature amount and the second feature amount. Since (steps S204 and S205 in FIG. 5) are sequentially executed, the first feature amount and the second feature amount are temporarily stored in the storage unit 122 for comparison described later (step in FIG. 5). S206, S207).

The feature amount determination unit 124 uses the first feature amount and the second feature amount temporarily stored in the storage unit 123, and the importance coefficient determined by the importance factor determination unit 122, and uses the first feature amount. Multiply the feature element included in each of the first feature and the second feature by the importance coefficient to quantify each of the first feature and the second feature, and use these values to quantify the first feature and the second feature. Is calculated (step S208 in FIG. 5).

That is, based on the content of the correction processing (color correction, gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, position correction, etc.), the importance as weighting for each feature amount element included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount. By changing the coefficient, the numerical value obtained by the sum of the weighted feature elements is used as the first feature amount and the second feature amount, and the quantified first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared and the similarity is obtained. Is calculated.

Hereinafter, the calculation of the degree of similarity based on the content of the correction processing between the first feature amount and the second feature amount will be described with reference to a specific example.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the importance coefficient of the feature amount element (upper horizontal portion in FIG. 6) according to the content of the correction process (left vertical portion in FIG. 6). Here, a case is shown in which the importance coefficient is determined so that the total is 1 for a plurality of feature elements according to the content of the correction process. In the color correction of the correction process, the importance is particularly high in the surface physical characteristics of the recording medium, followed by the importance of the color of the recording medium, the importance of the basis weight of the recording medium is low, and the importance of the size is extremely low. In the gradation correction of the correction process, the importance is particularly high in the surface physical characteristics of the recording medium, followed by the basis weight and color of the recording medium being relatively low, and the size is extremely low in importance. In the in-plane unevenness correction of the correction process, the importance is particularly high in the surface physical properties of the recording medium, followed by the basis weight, color and size of the recording medium being relatively insignificant. In the position correction of the correction process, the importance is particularly high in the size of the recording medium, the importance of the basis weight of the recording medium is relatively low, and the importance of the surface physical properties and the color is considerably low. It should be noted that the importance coefficient of each feature element is similarly positively correlated with the magnitude of the influence of each feature element in the correction process even for other correction contents and other feature elements. Weight) should be determined.

FIG. 7 shows the characteristics of each recording medium (designated recording medium, candidate for alternative recording medium (1), candidate for alternative recording medium (2)), which was calculated by the feature amount calculation unit 121 after being measured by the measurement unit 110. It shows the value of the quantity element (physical properties of the surface, basis weight, color, size). Here, it is shown in a normalized state so that the total number of feature elements is 100 in each recording medium.

For example, when the feature quantity element is surface physical properties, the degree of roughness on the surface of the recording medium is quantified, and when the feature quantity element is basis weight, the magnitude of the basis weight (weight per unit area) of the recording medium is determined. When the feature quantity element is color, the hue on the surface of the recording medium is quantified, and when the feature quantity element is size, the area and aspect ratio of the recording medium are quantified.

FIG. 8 shows a calculation example of the degree of similarity to the designated recording medium as a candidate for the alternative recording medium when the correction process is color correction in the case of the specific examples of FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, the similarity can be calculated by multiplying the difference of each feature element by the importance coefficient between the designated recording medium and the candidate of the alternative recording medium.

Here, the calculation of the similarity S (1) of the alternative recording medium candidate (1) when the correction process is color correction is
S (1) = ((100- ｜ 35-10 ｜) × 0.6) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-20 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.3) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-1 ｜) × 0.0) ＝ 82
become that way.

Similarly, the calculation of the similarity S (2) of the alternative recording medium candidate (2) is
S (2) = ((100- ｜ 35-20 ｜) × 0.6) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-5 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.3) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-3 ｜) × 0.0) = 89.5
become that way.

Here, the calculation of the similarity S (1) of the alternative recording medium candidate (1) when the correction process is gradation correction is performed.
S (1) = ((100- ｜ 35-10 ｜) × 0.6) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-20 ｜) × 0.2) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.2) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-1 ｜) × 0.0) ＝ 81
become that way.

Similarly, the calculation of the similarity S (2) of the alternative recording medium candidate (2) is
S (2) = ((100- ｜ 35-20 ｜) × 0.6) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-5 ｜) × 0.2) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.2) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-3 ｜) × 0.0) = 90
become that way.

Here, the calculation of the similarity S (1) of the alternative recording medium candidate (1) when the correction process is color correction is
S (1) = ((100- ｜ 35-10 ｜) × 0.45) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-20 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-1 ｜) × 0.1) ＝ 61.35
become that way.

Similarly, the calculation of the similarity S (2) of the alternative recording medium candidate (2) is
S (2) = ((100- ｜ 35-20 ｜) × 0.45) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-5 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-3 ｜) × 0.1) ＝ 67.55
become that way.

Here, the calculation of the similarity S (1) of the alternative recording medium candidate (1) when the correction process is position correction is
S (1) = ((100- ｜ 35-10 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-20 ｜) × 0.2) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-1 ｜) × 0.6) ＝ 91.6
become that way.

Similarly, the calculation of the similarity S (2) of the alternative recording medium candidate (2) is
S (2) = ((100- ｜ 35-20 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-5 ｜) × 0.2) ＋ ((100- ｜ 5-10 ｜) × 0.1) ＋ ((100 -｜ 5-3 ｜) × 0.6) ＝ 96.8
become that way.

In this formula, the similarity becomes 100 when the most similar alternative recording medium candidate becomes equal to the designated recording medium, and the similarity value decreases as the alternative recording medium candidate no longer resembles the designated recording medium. I am trying to do it. The above calculation formula is an example, and the similarity may be obtained by another calculation formula.

Then, the feature amount determination unit 124 determines an alternative recording medium to be used when performing correction processing instead of the designated recording medium based on the similarity calculated for the candidate of the alternative recording medium (step S209 in FIG. 5). ), Notify the control unit 101 (step S210 in FIG. 5).
In this case, the feature amount determination unit 124 may notify the control unit 101 of only the candidate of the highest alternative recording medium, but notifies the control unit 101 of the candidate of the alternative recording medium by arranging them in descending order of the calculated similarity. You may. Further, when the control unit 101 is notified of the candidates for the alternative recording medium by arranging them in descending order of the calculated similarity, the similarity may also be notified. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 101 stores the relationship (feature amount and similarity) between the designated recording medium and the candidate of the alternative recording medium in the storage unit 104 as necessary.

When there are a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates having the same overall similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, the importance coefficient is higher among the plurality of feature amount elements. It is desirable to determine the candidate of the alternative recording medium having a high degree of agreement with respect to the high feature quantity element as the highest alternative recording medium. In this way, by determining the alternative recording medium based on the high degree of agreement for the feature elements having a higher importance coefficient among the plurality of feature elements, the designated recording medium designated for image formation can be obtained. Alternatively, it becomes possible to determine the optimal alternative recording medium for performing the correction of the image forming section.

If there are a plurality of candidates for alternative recording media having the same similarity even if the method of emphasizing the feature element having a higher importance coefficient as described above is used, the measurement is first performed by the measuring unit 110. It does not matter if the coefficient is ranked high.
Upon receiving the notification about the alternative recording medium having a high degree of similarity to the designated recording medium as described above, the control unit 101 receives, if necessary, only the candidate of the alternative recording medium having the highest calculated similarity. Alternatively, candidates for alternative recording media are displayed on the operation display unit 103 in descending order of calculated similarity.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 101 displays a message m1 to determine an alternative recording medium for correction processing on the display screen 103G1 of the operation display unit 103, and arranges the messages m1 in descending order of the calculated similarity. A pop-up window 103G1_Pw is displayed to display candidates for alternative recording media. In FIG. 9, candidates for alternative recording media when the correction processing is color correction (similar order) and candidates for alternative recording media when the correction processing is in-plane unevenness correction (similar order) are displayed.

Further, the numerical value of the degree of similarity may be displayed on each alternative recording medium in the pop-up window 103G1_Pw. When the similarity is displayed in this way, even when there is one or a small number of candidates for the alternative recording medium, it is possible to judge whether or not the alternative recording medium is appropriate from the numerical value of the similarity.

Here, the similarity can be visually appealing not only by numbers but also by graphics such as bar display and graph display. Further, the character display such as A / B / C, best / good / bad, and optimum / suitable / unsuitable may be used. Further, a threshold value may be set in advance for the similarity, and only candidates for alternative recording media exceeding the threshold value may be displayed.

The control unit 101 automatically determines the similarity of the alternative recording medium candidates from the recording medium determination unit 120, or the user who sees the display screen 103G1 in the order of similarity of the alternative recording media candidates specifies the alternative recording medium. Therefore, the control unit 101 uses an alternative recording medium to cause the correction processing unit 150 to execute the designated color correction, gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, position correction, and the like on the image forming unit 180. (Step S104 in FIG. 5), and the obtained correction value is stored in the storage unit 104 or the like as a correction value for the designated recording medium (step S106 in FIG. 5).

By doing so, the image is formed by comparing the first feature amount calculated from the designated recording medium and the second feature amount calculated from the candidate of the alternative recording medium according to the content of the correction processing. As an alternative to the designated recording medium specified in, it becomes possible to determine an alternative recording medium suitable for performing the correction of the image forming unit. As a result, even if the designated recording medium is an unknown recording medium, the alternative recording medium having the highest degree of similarity can be determined from the candidates for the alternative recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using the alternative recording medium, and it is possible to form a high-quality image using the designated recording medium.

Further, by notifying the image forming apparatus and other devices of the alternative recording medium determined by the recording medium determining apparatus 200 different from the image forming apparatus 100, the user can select an appropriate alternative recording medium and make an appropriate alternative. It is possible to select the recording medium by another device such as an image forming device, it is possible to create appropriate adjustment parameters in the correction process using an alternative recording medium, and high-quality image formation can be performed using the designated recording medium. It will be possible.

Further, when there are a plurality of alternative recording medium candidates by determination, the candidates of the plurality of alternative recording media are notified to the outside or other devices in the order in which the first feature amount and the second feature amount are similar. It is possible for the user to select an appropriate alternative recording medium and another device such as an image forming device for an appropriate alternative recording medium, and it is possible to create an appropriate adjustment parameter in the correction process using the alternative recording medium. It is possible to form high-quality images using a designated recording medium.

In this case, depending on the selection of the user or another device, even if the similarity with the designated recording medium is not the first rank as a candidate for the alternative recording medium, the price is low or a sufficient amount can be prepared. It is also possible to select one as an alternative recording medium, it is possible to repeat the correction process using the alternative recording medium as many times as necessary, and to create an appropriate adjustment parameter in the correction process using the alternative recording medium. This makes it possible to form high-quality images using a designated recording medium.

100 Image forming device 101 Control unit 102 Communication unit 103 Operation display unit 104 Storage unit 110 Measuring unit 120 Recording medium determination unit 130 Recording medium transmission unit 140 Transport unit 150 Correction processing unit 160 Image data storage unit 170 Image processing unit 180 Image forming unit 200 Recording medium determination device 300 Measuring device

Claims (18)

A recording medium determination device having a recording medium determination unit that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image formation unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation.
The recording medium determination unit
A feature amount calculation unit that calculates a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the designated recording medium and calculates a second feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the candidate of the alternative recording medium.
An importance coefficient determining unit that determines the importance coefficient for each of the first feature amount and the plurality of feature amount elements included in the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process.
The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared, and the similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. A feature amount determination unit that determines the alternative recording medium accordingly,
A recording medium determination device, characterized in that it has. The importance coefficient determining unit determines the importance coefficient of each feature element so as to have a positive correlation with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature element in the correction process.
The recording medium determination device according to claim 1. The feature amount determination unit is important among the plurality of feature amount elements when there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium having the same similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. Candidates with a high degree of agreement for feature elements with a higher degree coefficient are determined as the alternative recording medium.
The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the recording medium determination device is characterized in that. A recording medium determination device having a recording medium determination unit that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image formation unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation.
The recording medium determination unit
A feature amount calculation unit that calculates a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the designated recording medium and calculates a second feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the candidate of the alternative recording medium.
Depending on the content of the correction process, as an importance coefficient for a plurality of feature elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount, respectively, with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature amount element in the correction process. An importance coefficient determination unit that determines the importance coefficient of each feature element so as to have a positive correlation.
The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process, and the first feature amount and the first feature amount are based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. (2) A recording medium determination device comprising: a feature amount determination unit that determines the alternative recording medium according to the degree of similarity with the feature amount. When there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium having the same similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, the feature amount determination unit may use the feature amount determination unit among the plurality of feature amount elements. Candidates with a high degree of agreement for feature elements with a higher importance coefficient are determined as the alternative recording medium.
The recording medium determining apparatus according to claim 4. A recording medium determination device having a recording medium determination unit that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of the image formation unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation.
The recording medium determination unit
A feature amount calculation unit that calculates a first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the designated recording medium and calculates a second feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements from the candidate of the alternative recording medium.
An importance coefficient determining unit that determines the importance coefficient for each of the first feature amount and the plurality of feature amount elements included in the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process.
The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process, and the first feature amount and the first feature amount are based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. 2 When the alternative recording medium is determined according to the degree of similarity with the feature amount and there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium having the same degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. A recording medium characterized by having a feature amount determination unit for determining a candidate having a high degree of agreement for a feature amount element having a higher importance coefficient among a plurality of feature amount elements as the alternative recording medium. Decision device. The feature amount calculation unit calculates the first feature amount and the second feature amount by using any of the physical characteristics, basis weight, color, and size of the surface as a feature amount element.
The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recording medium determination device is characterized in that. The feature amount determination unit compares the first feature amount with the second feature amount according to the content of the correction process which is any of gradation correction, in-plane unevenness correction, position correction, and color correction. The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the alternative recording medium is determined. A notification unit for notifying an external or other device of the alternative recording medium determined by the feature amount determination unit is provided.
The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recording medium determination device is characterized in that. The alternative recording medium determined by the feature amount determination unit is provided with a notification unit that notifies an external device or another device of the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount.
The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recording medium determination device is characterized in that. When there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium as determined by the feature amount determination unit, the candidates for the plurality of alternative recording media are externally selected in the order in which the first feature amount and the second feature amount are similar. Equipped with a notification unit to notify other devices,
The recording medium determining apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
An image forming unit that executes image forming using the designated recording medium, and an image forming unit.
A correction processing unit that executes a correction processing for adjusting the image forming unit using the alternative recording medium, and a correction processing unit.
An image forming apparatus characterized by having. It has a measuring unit for measuring the characteristics necessary for calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. The recording medium determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
An image forming apparatus that executes correction processing using the alternative recording medium and performs image formation using the designated recording medium.
An image forming system characterized by having. It has a measuring unit for measuring the characteristics necessary for calculating the first feature amount and the second feature amount.
The image forming system according to claim 14. A control program of a recording medium determination device that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of an image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation.
A first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a second feature amount element including a plurality of feature amount elements is included from the candidates of the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. The feature amount is calculated, and the importance coefficient for each of the plurality of feature amount elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount is determined according to the content of the correction process, and the feature amount is combined with the first feature amount. The alternative recording medium is compared with the second feature amount, and based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient, according to the degree of similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. Control the computer of the recording medium determination device to determine
A control program characterized by that. A control program of a recording medium determination device that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of an image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation.
A first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a second feature amount element including a plurality of feature amount elements is included from the candidates of the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. Calculate the features and
Depending on the content of the correction process, as an importance coefficient for a plurality of feature elements included in the first feature amount and the second feature amount, respectively, with respect to the magnitude of the influence of each feature amount element in the correction process. Determine the importance factor of each feature element so that it has a positive correlation.
The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process, and the first feature amount and the first feature amount are based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. 2 The computer of the recording medium determination device is controlled so as to determine the alternative recording medium according to the degree of similarity with the feature amount.
A control program characterized by that. A control program of a recording medium determination device that determines an alternative recording medium used for correction processing of an image forming unit instead of the designated recording medium designated for image formation.
A first feature amount including a plurality of feature amount elements is calculated from the designated recording medium designated for image formation, and a second feature amount element including a plurality of feature amount elements is included from the candidates of the alternative recording medium as a substitute for the designated recording medium. Calculate the features and
According to the content of the correction process, the importance coefficient for each of the first feature amount and the plurality of feature amount elements included in the second feature amount is determined.
The first feature amount and the second feature amount are compared according to the content of the correction process, and the first feature amount and the first feature amount are based on the plurality of feature amount elements weighted by the importance coefficient. 2 When the alternative recording medium is determined according to the similarity with the feature amount and there are a plurality of candidates for the alternative recording medium having the same similarity between the first feature amount and the second feature amount. In addition, the computer of the recording medium determination device is controlled so that a candidate having a high degree of agreement for the feature element having a higher importance coefficient among a plurality of feature elements is determined as the alternative recording medium.
A control program characterized by that.

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