JP7598209B2 - Image processing device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, and in particular to an image processing device that estimates the type of recording medium based on the measurement values of the recording medium being fed, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium.

In an image processing device, the paper type may be specified when the paper is loaded in order to optimize the paper transport amount and ink usage for that paper type. Conventionally, the user was required to manually specify the paper type loaded. However, to reduce the burden on the user of selecting the paper type, the image processing device may automatically determine the paper type. As an example of an image processing device that automatically determines the paper type, a method has been proposed that uses measured values of transmitted light as well as reflected light from the paper to determine the paper type (see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6355066

However, there are cases where multiple paper types have similar values for attributes such as light reflectance and transmittance, and the image processing device is unable to properly identify multiple paper types when set to automatically identify the paper type based on the values of these attributes, resulting in insufficient accuracy. In such cases, the process of automatically identifying the type of recording medium may identify the wrong type of recording medium from among multiple candidate types of recording medium.

In order to solve the above problems, the image processing device according to the present invention comprises:
A feeding means for feeding a recording medium;
an estimation unit that acquires a measurement value for an attribute of the recording medium fed by the feeding unit, and estimates a type of the recording medium fed based on the acquired measurement value;
a requesting means for requesting a user to select a type of the recording medium to be fed when there are a plurality of candidates for the type of the recording medium estimated by the estimating means;
a setting means for, when there is only one candidate type of the recording medium estimated by the estimation means, setting the candidate as the type of the recording medium to be fed without selection by a user, and, when there are multiple candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated by the estimation means, setting the type of the recording medium to be fed based on a selection of the type of the recording medium by a user;
having
The attributes include at least one of a specular reflection light intensity, a diffuse reflection light intensity, and a thickness of the recording medium .

According to the present invention, in the process of automatically identifying the type of recording medium being fed, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of identifying an incorrect type of recording medium from among multiple candidate types of recording medium.

1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the positions of the upper and lower roll paper tubes and the position of the optical sensor of the image processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of displays of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of reference values of an attribute according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for requesting candidate display according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

First Embodiment
[Device configuration]
1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus is shown to have only a printing function, but is not limited to this. For example, the image processing apparatus may be a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that further includes a reading device for reading an image on a document and functions as a copier, or may be a multi-function peripheral that includes other functions.

In FIG. 1, the image processing device 100 includes a printer controller 120, a printer engine 150, a HDD 161, and an input/output device 162. The image processing device 100 is also connected to a network 191 via a host interface (I/F) described below, and can communicate with a host computer 190 via the network 191.

The printer controller 120 has an HDD I/F 121, an input/output device I/F 122, a ROM I/F 125, and a memory controller 126. The printer controller 120 also has a host I/F 127, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 128, a printer engine I/F (PRN I/F) 129, and an image processing unit 130. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a system bus 132. The printer controller 120 also has a Flash ROM 123 and a RAM 124, which are connected to the system bus 132 via the ROM I/F 125 and the memory controller 126, respectively.

The CPU 128 is a central processing unit such as a microprocessor (microcomputer) and operates as a control unit that controls the operation of the entire image processing device 100 by executing programs and starting up hardware. The Flash ROM 123 is a memory for storing programs executed by the CPU 128 and various data required for various operations of the image processing device 100. The RAM 124 is a memory used as a work area for the CPU 128, as a temporary storage area for various received data, and for storing various setting data.

The image processing unit 130 performs various image processing, such as converting (expanding) print data (e.g., data expressed in a page description language) handled by the image processing device 100 into image data (bitmap image data) and other image processing. The image processing unit 130 also converts the color space (e.g., YCbCr) of the image data included in the input print data into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). The image processing unit 130 can also perform various image processing on the image data as necessary, such as resolution conversion to an effective number of pixels (which the image processing device 100 can print), image analysis, image correction, etc. The image data obtained by these image processes is stored in the RAM 124 or the HDD 161.

The printer engine 150 is a printing unit that forms images. The printer engine 150 includes an inkjet head 151, a cutter unit 152, a conveying motor 153, an interface (CNT I/F) 154 with the printer controller 120, and an optical sensor 155. Each component is connected via a system bus 156.

The inkjet head 151 is a printing unit that prints an image, and prints an image on a sheet based on image data. The inkjet head 151 can hold multiple print heads for multiple colors, and form an image on a sheet-like recording medium by ejecting ink from the print heads in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet. The image processing device according to this embodiment will be described using an inkjet printer that uses ink as a recording material, but is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to printing devices of various printing methods, such as thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, laser printers, and other electrophotographic methods. In this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the recording medium on which an image is recorded by the inkjet head 151, but cloth, plastic film, etc. may also be used. In this embodiment, a roll-shaped recording medium (roll paper) in which a sheet of paper is rolled up is assumed, but an unrolled recording medium may also be used.

The cutter unit 152 is a mechanism for cutting the roll paper used as a recording medium for printing in this embodiment. The cutter unit 152 cuts the roll paper to a predetermined length after an image is printed. In the case of a paper type that scatters paper dust when cut by the cutter unit 152, a setting for drawing a cutting dust reduction line at the cutting position to prevent paper dust from scattering during cutting is stored in the FlashROM 123. In addition, the operation setting of the cutter unit 152 can be stored in the FlashROM 123 for each paper type, independent of the cutting dust reduction line setting. In the case of a paper type that cannot be cut using the cutter unit 152, a setting (user cut) for not moving the cutter unit 152 so that the user can cut with scissors is stored in the FlashROM 123. In the case of a paper type that the straight line to be cut is curved unless the user holds the roll paper while cutting, a setting (eject cut) for moving the cutter unit 152 by user operation is stored in the FlashROM 123. For paper types for which user cut or eject cut settings are not available, a setting to automatically cut using the cutter unit 152 (auto cut) is stored in Flash ROM 123.

The transport motor 153 is a motor for driving a transport roller that transports the roll paper, and is controlled by the CPU 128. The optical sensor 155 is a measuring means for measuring the optical characteristics of the recording medium, and is a reflective optical sensor that includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light emitting element, a specular reflection light receiving element, a diffuse light receiving element, etc. The image processing device 100 uses the optical sensor 155 to measure attribute values such as the intensity of the specular reflection light and diffuse reflection light of the paper placed on the platen, and the thickness of the paper.

The input/output device 162 includes hard keys and a panel that allows the user to perform various operations, as well as a notification section that displays (notifies) the user of various information. The input/output device 162 may also display information to the user by outputting a sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator. When feeding a recording medium, the user uses the input/output device 162 to select the paper type and communicates the correct paper type to the image processing device 100, allowing the image processing device 100 to perform transport optimized for each paper type.

The HDD 161 is a non-volatile storage area, and is capable of storing and reading out programs to be executed by the CPU 128, print data, and setting information required for various operations of the image processing device 100. Note that instead of the HDD 161, other large-capacity storage devices such as flash memory may be used.

In this embodiment, the input/output device 162 exists inside the image processing device 100, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be connected as an external configuration via the network 191, for example. Also, the host computer 190 may have the function of the input/output device 162. Also, in addition to the input/output device 162, the image processing device may be capable of connecting other input/output devices via the network 191, etc.

The host computer 190 is, for example, an external device that serves as a source of print data, and has a printer driver installed. Instead of the host computer 190, the image processing device 100 may be provided with a data providing device that serves as a source of print data, such as an image reader, a digital camera, or a smartphone. The connection between each device and the image processing device 100 is not limited to via the network 191, and may be directly connected, for example, via wireless communication.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment. Here, the part related to the transport (feed) of roll paper is shown. The image processing device 100 according to this embodiment has two roll paper tubes 201 and 202, and different types of roll paper can be installed in each. Figure 2 shows the positional relationship of the location where the roll paper 204 fed from the upper roll paper tube 201 is transported by the transport rollers 205a and 205b, and the attribute value of the roll paper 204 is measured around the platen by the optical sensor 155. The inkjet head 151 prints an image by ejecting ink onto the roll paper 204 transported from the upper roll paper tube 201. In addition, after switching from the upper to the lower roll paper, roll paper can also be supplied from the lower roll paper tube 202 into the image processing device 100. In this case, the roll paper is fed from the lower roll paper tube 202 by the transport rollers 205c, 205d, and 205b. In this embodiment, the transport rollers 205a to 205d that function as a feeding section for feeding the recording medium are referred to as transport rollers 205.

When feeding the recording medium, the image processing device 100 uses the optical sensor 155 to measure the specular reflection light intensity and diffuse reflection light intensity of the roll paper 204. After printing, the roll paper is cut by the cutter unit 152 to the length specified by the user in the data.

Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is one example, and the number of compatible roll papers (number of roll paper tubes), the positional relationship between the roll paper tubes and the recording head, the position of the optical sensor 155, etc. may be changed. Also, while the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment is described as being configured to use roll paper, the present invention may also be applied to image processing devices that use cut paper. Also, the number of transport rollers arranged in the image processing device may be changed.

[Display example]
In the image processing device 100 according to this embodiment, when loading roll paper onto the upper roll paper tube 201 or the lower roll paper tube 202, for example, either the image processing device 100 automatically selects the paper type or the user selects the paper type.

Figures 3(a-1) to 3(b-2) are diagrams showing the flow of the panel display of the input/output device 162 during the paper feeding operation.

Figures 3(a-1) to 3(a-3) show the flow when a user selects a paper type from the estimated paper type candidates, and Figures 3(b-1) to 3(b-2) show the flow when the image processing device 100 estimates and automatically selects a paper type.

When feeding the upper roll paper, the user manually carries the leading edge of the roll paper 204 from the upper roll paper tube 201 to the transport roller 205a closest to the upper roll paper tube. When the image processing device 100 detects that the roll paper 204 has been transported to the transport roller 205a, it rotates the transport roller 205a slightly to pull in the roll paper 204 a little. In one example, if the transport roller 205a is equipped with a sensor that detects the nip pressure between the rollers, the image processing device 100 may detect that the roll paper 204 has been transported to the transport roller 205a based on the output of the sensor. In another example, if an optical sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a recording medium is provided near the transport roller 205a, it may detect that the roll paper 204 has been transported to the transport roller 205a based on the output from the optical sensor. Alternatively, if the image processing device 100 is configured to receive input from a user instructing the image processing device 100 to rotate the transport roller 205, it may be possible to detect that the roll paper 204 has been brought to the transport roller 205a based on that input.

Then, the image processing device 100 stops the rotation of the transport roller 205a, displays screen 301 of FIG. 3(a-1) or screen 307 of FIG. 3(b-1) on the panel of the input/output device 162, and waits for the user to press a button to start feeding. When the feed start button 302 or 308 displayed on screen 301 or 307 is pressed, the image processing device 100 rotates the transport rollers 205a and 205b again, and transports the roll paper 204 to the optical sensor 155. The image processing device 100 then uses the optical sensor 155 to measure the specular reflection light intensity and diffuse reflection light intensity of the roll paper 204, i.e., obtains the measured values.

If there is only one candidate paper type as a result of estimation based on the measured values, the estimated paper type is automatically selected, and the screen 303 for selecting the paper type is not displayed, and the standby screen 309 shown in FIG. 3(b-2) is displayed. In other words, if the paper type estimation narrows down the candidate paper types to one, printing is performed using the settings corresponding to the estimated paper type without requesting the user to select a paper type.

On the other hand, if there are multiple paper type candidates as a result of estimation based on the measured values, the paper type selection screen 303 shown in FIG. 3 (a-2) is displayed and awaits the user's selection operation. When the user selects a paper type on the paper type selection screen 303, the paper feeding operation is completed and the standby screen 306 shown in FIG. 3 (a-3) is displayed. In other words, if the paper type estimation fails to narrow down the paper type candidates to one, the paper type selection screen is displayed to request the user to select a paper type, and the system waits until the user selects a paper type. Then, when the user's selection of paper type is accepted, printing is performed using the settings corresponding to the accepted paper type.

The paper type selection screen 303 in FIG. 3(a-2) is an example of the screen configuration that is displayed when selecting a paper type. The paper type selection screen 303 includes an area for displaying candidates 304 and an area for a paper type list 305.

The candidate display 304 is an area that displays candidate paper types based on the roll paper measurement results measured by the optical sensor, with the paper types that are most similar to the results ranked higher. In the example of FIG. 3(a-2), three types of paper are presented as candidates for the number of papers displayed in the candidate display 304, but this number may be increased if there is space in the display area of the input/output device 162. In the example of FIG. 3(a-2), the candidate paper types displayed are "Photo gloss", "Premium gloss", and "No candidates (No candidates)".

The paper type list 305 shows a list of paper types that can be placed on the roll paper tube of the image processing device 100. Here, "plain paper" and "glossy paper" are shown as categories of paper types that can be placed on the roll paper tube, and by specifying these categories, more detailed classifications are displayed and individual paper types can be selected. Note that the "plain paper" and "glossy paper" shown in the example of Figure 3 (a-2) are examples of rough paper type classifications and are not limited to these. Furthermore, if there is space in the display area of the input/output device 162, more classifications may be displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 3(a-2), the word "photo glossy", which is the most similar candidate paper type as a result of estimating the paper type of the fed roll paper 204, is displayed inverted and at the top of the list in the candidate display 304. Note that the display method for displaying the top paper types is not limited to the example in FIG. 3(a-2). For example, the text size of the paper type with the highest similarity may be increased, or it may be displayed in a more conspicuous color. In another example, it may be displayed in a color corresponding to the similarity. For example, if the normalized similarity is 0.9 or more, it may be displayed in red, if it is 0.7 or more and less than 0.9, it may be displayed in orange, and if it is 0.5 or more and less than 0.7, it may be displayed in yellow. Alternatively, information about the paper type may be displayed in a gradation with a shade corresponding to the normalized similarity, for example, the higher the similarity, the darker the color. In another example, the similarity may be displayed in association with the paper type.

The formula for calculating the judgment distance J for candidate selection used in this embodiment is shown below. In this embodiment, the smaller the judgment distance J, the closer the similarity between the paper types of the two roll papers. In other words, the degree of similarity between the representative value of a certain paper type and the paper type to be fed to the image processing device 100 is calculated, and a predetermined number of paper types are preferentially displayed as candidates in order of the highest similarity. Note that this embodiment uses an image processing device with two roll paper tubes as an example, but if more roll paper tubes are provided, the judgment distance J for the roll paper installed on each roll paper tube may be calculated.

In this embodiment, the attribute value of the specular reflection light intensity and the attribute value of the diffuse reflection light intensity measured by the optical sensor 155 are respectively S _A and D _A. The attribute value of the specular reflection light intensity and the attribute value of the diffuse reflection light intensity that are the representative value of the Nth paper type in the list to be compared are respectively S _N and D _N. The value obtained by the following calculation is the judgment distance of the paper type N for the measured value. Note that α and β are coefficients used when calculating the judgment distance, and are set to arbitrary values. The values of the coefficients α and β are, for example, stored in a storage unit such as the Flash ROM 123. V _NS and V _ND are the variances of the sample data (reference values) of each attribute value that is the basis for calculating the representative value of the paper type N. Here, the representative value of the paper type N is described as the average value of the reference values, but the representative value may be determined based on the reference values, for example, the median.

In this embodiment, the formula for calculating the standard Euclidean distance, which is the sum of the squares of the differences between each component, is multiplied by a coefficient, making it possible to change the degree of importance given to either the specular reflected light intensity or the diffuse reflected light intensity. For example, if the specular reflected light intensity has a large effect, increasing the coefficient α will improve the accuracy of the judgment. It is also possible for the user to determine the values of α and β, allowing the user to select the elements to be used in the judgment distance.

4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining when the image processing apparatus 100 automatically selects the paper type when the judgment distance J is equal to the value. In FIG. 4A, a star marker 400 indicates a measurement value (S _A , D _A ), a cross marker indicates sample data (reference value) of each group, and square markers 401 to 404 are representative values calculated by averaging the sample data of each group. For example, a group G 1 of sampling attribute values of specular reflection light intensity and diffuse reflection term intensity having a representative value (S ₁ , D ₁ ) indicated by marker 401 includes a plurality of reference values located within an ellipse including marker 401. The variance of group G ₁ is indicated by the size _of the ellipse. Similarly, the representative value (S ₂ , D ₂ ) of the group G ₂ of the sampling for another paper type is indicated by a marker 402, the representative value (S ₃ , D ₃ ) of the group G ₃ is indicated by a marker 403, and the representative value (S ₄ , D ₄ ) of the group G ₄ is indicated by a marker 404. Note that in the example of FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ), the paper types to be compared are described as being four types, but the paper types are not limited to this. Note that the sample data (attribute information) is actual measurement value data of each paper type prestored in the Flash ROM 123 of the image processing device 100, and is information in which the paper type and its reference value are associated with each other. Measurement values when the user actually feeds paper may also be added to this attribute information, and in this case, the attribute information is information in which the paper type, the reference value, and the order in which the paper was added to the attribute information are associated with each other.

In the case of FIG. 4A, for group G ₁ , (S _A -S ₁ ) and (D _A -D ₁ ) are the smallest, but the variance of group G ₁ itself is also small. On the other hand, for group G ₂ , (S _A -S ₂ ) and (D _A -D ₂ ) are larger than for group G ₁ , but the variance of each attribute value (V _2S , V _2D ) is also large because the spread of the reference value is large. Therefore, when comparing the distance J ₁ between the representative value and the measured value of group G ₁ in formula (1) with the distance J ₂ between the representative value and the measured value of group G ₂ , it cannot be said that group G ₁ is the only candidate with a small standard Euclidean distance. In such a case, the screen 303 is displayed on the input/output device 162, and the screen 303 remains in a waiting state unless the user performs a paper type selection operation.

In the case of FIG. 4B, for group _G2 , (S _A -S ₂ ) and (D _A -D ₂ ) are larger than for group _G1 , and the variance (V _2S , V _2D ) is smaller than for the case of FIG. 4A. Therefore, the standard Euclidean distance J ₁ between the measurement value and the representative value of group G ₁ is sufficiently smaller than the standard Euclidean distances J ₂ -J ₄ between the measurement value and the representative values of groups G ₂ -G ₄ , and it can be determined that only group G ₁ is a candidate. In such a case, the screen 303 is not displayed on the input/output device 162, the paper type with the highest similarity is automatically selected and set as the paper type of the fed roll paper, and the paper feeding operation is completed. The above-mentioned operating conditions are expressed by the following formulas.

Let V be the variance of the i-th group _G , _{V and V be} the variances of the attribute values of the specular reflection light intensity and diffuse reflection light intensity of the respective reference values, _respectively , and _V be the limit value (threshold value) of the group variance for automatically selecting the paper type. Then,

Here, if the group of paper types having the representative values closest to the measured values (S _A , D _A ) is called group G ₁ , then

Furthermore, if the standard Euclidean distance of the representative value of the paper type closest to the measurement value (S _A , D _A ) is J _M1 , the standard Euclidean distance of the representative value of the second closest paper type is J _M2 , and the limit value (threshold value) of the difference between J _M1 and J _M2 is J _L , then

When both the conditions of formula (3) and formula (4) are satisfied, paper type selection is performed automatically. Here, the variance threshold VL and the threshold _JL for the difference between the distance _JM1 between the representative value of the paper type closest to the measured value and the measured value and the distance _JM2 between the representative value of the paper type second closest to the measured value and the measured _value may be, for example, fixed values set in advance. However, in one example, _VL and _JL may be values calculated based on sample data stored in the flash ROM 123, such as _VL = _JM2 - _V2 .

In this embodiment, the standard Euclidean distance, in which each element component is divided by its variance as in equation (1), is used for the judgment, but it is also possible to use the ordinary Euclidean distance, which simply uses the sum of the squares of each element component without standardizing it by its variance.

[Processing flow]
Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure for deciding whether or not to treat the estimated paper type result as one paper type. This processing flow is realized, for example, by the CPU 128 of the image processing device 100 reading out a program stored in the HDD 161 or the like, expanding it into the RAM 124, and executing it. The processing shown in Fig. 5 is started when it is detected that roll paper has been set on the upper roll paper tube 201 or the lower roll paper tube 202, and the paper feed start button 302 or 308 in Fig. 3(a-1) or Fig. 3(b-1) is pressed.

In S501, the image processing apparatus 100 feeds the roll paper 204 onto the platen, and measures the specular reflection light intensity S _A and the diffuse reflection light intensity D _A of the roll paper 204 with the optical sensor 155 to obtain measurement values.

Next, in S502, the image processing device 100 initializes a paper type counter N to "1". The paper type counter N is assumed to be provided in the RAM 124. The maximum value of the paper type counter corresponds to the number of paper types that the image processing device 100 holds internally and that can be set, and here the value of the paper type counter corresponds to the identifier of each paper type.

Next, in S503, the image processing apparatus 100 initializes the values of variables _JM1 , _JM2 , and _JM3 that store the standard Euclidean distances of the three paper types that are candidates for display. A large value that does not actually occur may be substituted as the value used in the initialization. In this embodiment, three variables are used to show three candidates in the candidate display 303 of FIG. 3. Therefore, the number of _JM here varies depending on the number displayed in the candidate display 303. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that these have a relationship of _JM1 ≦ _JM2 ≦ _JM3 .

Next, in S504, the image processing apparatus 100 clears (initializes) variables H _M1 , H _M2 , and H _M3 that store identifiers of candidate paper types to be displayed on the input/output device 162. The variables H _M1 , H _M2 , and H _M3 are each stored in the RAM 124. For example, the initialization here may involve substituting "0" for each variable, or may involve initializing the variables to be empty.

Next, in S505, the image processing device 100 determines whether the value of the paper type counter N is greater than the number of paper types Max. The number of paper types Max indicates the upper limit of the number of paper types that the image processing device 100 can handle. For example, if the image processing device 100 can handle 10 types of paper types, the number of paper types Max is "10". If it is determined that the value of the paper type counter N is greater than the number of paper types Max (YES in S505), the image processing device 100 proceeds to S514. This means that calculation of the judgment distance J for all paper types has been completed. If it is determined that the value of the paper type counter N is less than or equal to the number of paper types Max (NO in S505), the image processing device 100 proceeds to S506.

In S506, the image processing apparatus 100 determines a determination distance JN from the specular reflection light intensity S _A and the diffuse reflection light intensity D _A measured by the optical sensor 155, and the specular reflection light intensity S _N and the diffuse reflection light intensity D _N as representative values of the Nth paper type, as well as their variances V _NS and V _ND . _{The determination distance JN is} calculated based on the above formula (1).

In S507, the image processing apparatus 100 compares _JN calculated in S506 with _JM3 . If the comparison result shows that _JN is equal to or greater than _JM3 (NO in S507), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S513, and if _JN is less than _JM3 (YES in S507), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S508.

In S508, the image processing apparatus 100 compares _JN calculated in S506 with _JM2 . If the comparison result shows that _JN is equal to or greater than _JM2 (NO in S508), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S512, and if _JN is less than _JM2 (YES in S508), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S509.

In S509, the image processing apparatus 100 compares _JN found in S506 with _JM1 . If the comparison result shows that _JN is equal to or greater than _JM1 (NO in S509), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S511, and if _JN is less than _JM1 (YES in S509), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S510.

In S510, the image processing apparatus 100 stores the Nth paper type _HN and the distance _JN calculated by formula (1) as information _JM1 , _HM1 of the paper type with the shortest distance from the measured value as a result of comparison of N types of paper types. To do this, the image processing apparatus 100 substitutes N for _NM , which stores the paper type number with the shortest distance, substitutes the value of _JM2 for _JM3 , substitutes the value of _JM1 for _JM2 , and then substitutes the value of _JN for _JM1 . In addition, in order to use the results of the paper type estimation in S514 to determine whether to treat the paper type as one paper type, the image processing apparatus ₁₀₀ substitutes the variance _VN for _VM , which stores the variance value of the paper type with the shortest distance, substitutes the value of paper type H2 for _H3 , and the value of paper type _H3 for _H2 . Then, the process proceeds to S513.

In S511, the image processing device 100 stores the distance _JN and paper type _HN calculated by formula (1) for the Nth paper type as information _JM2 and _HM2 of the second shortest paper type as a result of comparison of the paper types up to the Nth. To do this, the image processing device 100 substitutes the value of _JM2 for _JM3 , and then substitutes the value of _JN for _JM2 . The image processing device 100 also substitutes the value of _H2 for _H3 , and stores information _HN indicating the Nth paper type in _H2 . The image processing device 100 then proceeds to S513.

In S512, the image processing apparatus 100 stores the distance _JN and paper type _HN calculated by formula (1) as the third shortest paper type information _JM3 and _HM3 as the result of comparison of the paper types up to the Nth paper type. To this end, the value of _JN is substituted for _JM3 . Information indicating the Nth paper type is stored in _H3 . After that, the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S513.

At S513, the image processing device 100 assigns N+1 to the paper type counter N (i.e., increments the value of N by 1) and returns the process to S505.

In S514, the image processing device 100 determines whether both equations (3) and (4) are satisfied. If the result of the determination is that both are satisfied (YES in S514), the image processing device 100 proceeds to S515, and if at least one of them is not satisfied (NO in S514), the image processing device 100 proceeds to S517.

In S515, the image processing apparatus 100 determines that the similarity of the paper type stored in _H1 is high, sets the estimated result to only the paper type in _H1 , and automatically selects that paper type. After that, the image processing apparatus 100 advances the process to S516.

In S516, the image processing apparatus 100 registers the measured values S _A and D _A as sample data (reference values) for the paper type H ₁ , and recalculates the representative values S ₁ and D ₁ and their variances V _1S and V _1D . After that, the image processing apparatus 100 advances the process to S520.

In S517, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the paper types H _M1 , H _M2 , and H _M3 on the input/output device 162. After that, the image processing apparatus 100 advances the process to S518.

At S518, the image processing device 100 acquires the paper type U selected by the user from the options displayed on the input/output device 162, and proceeds to S519.

In S519, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the measured values S _A and D _A as the reference values for the paper type U, and recalculates the representative values S _U and D _U and their variances V _US and V _UD . After that, the image processing apparatus 100 advances the process to S520.

At S520, the image processing device 100 checks whether there is free space in the storage area for sample data for calculating the variance of the paper type set in S515 or S518 as the type of paper to be fed. If there is no free space, the image processing device 100 proceeds to S521, and if there is free space, the image processing device 100 proceeds to S522. At S521, the image processing device 100 erases the oldest data among the sample data for variance calculation of the determined paper type, and proceeds to S522. Note that, in one example, the number of reference values of the paper type to be stored for each paper type may be predetermined. In this case, if the number of reference values for the set paper type exceeds the upper limit, the oldest data among the reference values in the same group as the set paper type may be erased.

In S522, the image processing device 100 adds the measurement data to the sample data for variance calculation of the determined paper type, updates the attribute information, terminates the process shown in FIG. 5, and displays the screen in FIG. 3 (a-3) or FIG. 3 (b-2).

It is also possible to add the dimension of the thickness of the roll paper to the distance J element described above and calculate the distance from a three-dimensional value.

As described above, in this embodiment, when there are two or more candidate paper types, the user is prompted to select a paper type. This can reduce the occurrence of incorrect paper types being identified in the process of automatically identifying paper types. Also, when the paper type is clear and there is only one estimated paper type, the user is not requested to select a paper type. This can reduce the burden of the paper type selection operation.

<Other embodiments>
In the example of FIG. 4, the measurement values of the specular reflection light intensity and the diffuse reflection light intensity are described as being one. However, there may be a plurality of measurement values of the specular reflection light intensity and the diffuse reflection light intensity. For example, the optical sensor 155 may measure a plurality of points on the roll paper 204 while the roll paper 204 is being transported, thereby obtaining a plurality of measurement values of the specular reflection light intensity and the diffuse reflection light intensity. In this case, in S501 of FIG. 5, the attributes of the recording medium being fed may be measured a plurality of times, a representative value may be calculated from the plurality of measured values, and the representative value may be the measurement value (S _A , D _A ). This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the estimation accuracy even if an abnormal value is included in one measurement value obtained by the optical sensor due to foreign matter such as paper dust or wrinkles in the recording medium.

The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

100: Image processing device, 120: Printer controller, 128: CPU, 150: Printer engine, 152: Cutter, 155: Optical sensor, 201: Upper roll paper tube, 202: Lower roll paper tube, 301: Paper type selection screen, 302: Candidate display, 303: Paper type list

Claims (14)

A feeding means for feeding a recording medium;
an estimation unit that acquires a measurement value for an attribute of the recording medium fed by the feeding unit, and estimates a type of the recording medium fed based on the acquired measurement value;
a requesting means for requesting a user to select a type of the recording medium to be fed when there are a plurality of candidates for the type of the recording medium estimated by the estimating means;
a setting means for setting the candidate as the type of the recording medium to be fed without a selection by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated by the estimation means is one, and setting the type of the recording medium to be fed based on a selection of the type of the recording medium by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated by the estimation means is multiple;
having
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute includes at least one of a specular reflection light intensity, a diffuse reflection light intensity, and a thickness of the recording medium . The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the type of the recording medium being fed based on attribute information in which the type of recording medium and a reference value for the attribute are associated with each other. the attribute information is information in which a type of recording medium is associated with reference values for a plurality of attributes;
the estimation means acquires measured values for the plurality of attributes of the recording medium fed by the feeding means;
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: estimating candidates for the type of the recording medium to be fed based on the measured values for the plurality of attributes and the reference values for the plurality of attributes. the attribute information is information in which a type of recording medium is associated with a plurality of reference values;
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the estimation means estimates a candidate type of the recording medium to be fed based on the measured value and an average value of the plurality of reference values for each type of recording medium. the attribute information is information in which a type of recording medium is associated with a plurality of reference values;
The estimation means includes:
Obtaining measurements of the recording medium being fed;
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the candidate types of the recording medium to be fed are estimated in ascending order of distance between the measured value and the average value of the plurality of reference values. The estimation means includes:
A variance of the plurality of reference values having a first average value having a shortest distance from the measurement value is smaller than a first threshold value,
When a difference between a first distance between the measurement value and the first average value and a second distance between the measurement value and a second average value that is the next shortest distance between the measurement value and the second average value after the first average value is smaller than a second threshold value,
6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the type of recording medium corresponding to the plurality of reference values having the first average value is set as a candidate, and it is estimated that there is one candidate for the type of the recording medium being fed. The image processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first distance and the second distance are standard Euclidean distances. The image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising an update means for updating the attribute information by adding the measurement value as the reference value to the attribute information when the estimation means estimates that there is one candidate type of the recording medium to be fed, or when a selection of the type of the recording medium to be fed is received from a user. the attribute information is information in which a type of recording medium, a plurality of reference values for the attributes, and an order in which the plurality of reference values are added to the attribute information are associated with each other;
9. The image processing device according to claim 8, wherein the updating means, when adding the measurement value as the reference value to the attribute information, deletes one of the plurality of reference values that was added most recently to the attribute information if the number of the plurality of reference values corresponding to the type of recording medium set by the setting means exceeds a predetermined number. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request unit causes a notification unit that notifies a user of information to notify the user of the candidates in a selectable manner. The image processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, when there is only one candidate type of the recording medium estimated by the estimation means, the request means causes the notification unit to notify the user of information indicating the recording medium set by the setting means as the type of the recording medium to be fed, without causing the notification unit to notify the user to select the type of recording medium, and when there are multiple candidate types of the recording medium estimated by the estimation means, the request means causes the notification unit to notify the user of the candidates so that they can be selected, and then causes the notification unit to notify the user of the information indicating the recording medium set by the setting means as the type of the recording medium to be fed. A control method for an image processing device having a feeding unit that feeds a recording medium, comprising:
an estimation step of acquiring a measurement value for an attribute of the recording medium fed by the feeding unit, and estimating a type of the recording medium fed based on the acquired measurement value;
a request step of requesting a user to select a type of the recording medium to be fed when there are a plurality of candidates for the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step;
a setting step of setting the candidate as the type of the recording medium to be fed without a selection by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step is one, and setting the type of the recording medium to be fed based on a selection of the type of the recording medium by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step is multiple;
Including,
The control method according to claim 1, wherein the attribute includes at least one of a specular reflection light intensity, a diffuse reflection light intensity, and a thickness of the recording medium . A computer that controls an image processing apparatus having a feeding unit that feeds a recording medium,
an estimation step of acquiring a measurement value for an attribute of the recording medium fed by the feeding unit, and estimating a type of the recording medium fed based on the acquired measurement value;
a request step of requesting a user to select a type of the recording medium to be fed when there are a plurality of candidates for the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step;
a setting step of setting the candidate as the type of the recording medium to be fed without a selection by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step is one, and setting the type of the recording medium to be fed based on a selection of the type of the recording medium by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step is multiple;
Run the command ,
The program , wherein the attribute includes at least one of a specular reflection light intensity, a diffuse reflection light intensity, and a thickness of the recording medium . A computer that controls an image processing apparatus having a feeding unit that feeds a recording medium,
an estimation step of acquiring a measurement value for an attribute of the recording medium fed by the feeding unit, and estimating a type of the recording medium fed based on the acquired measurement value;
a request step of requesting a user to select a type of the recording medium to be fed when there are a plurality of candidates for the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step;
a setting step of setting the candidate as the type of the recording medium to be fed without a selection by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step is one, and setting the type of the recording medium to be fed based on a selection of the type of the recording medium by a user when the number of candidates of the type of the recording medium estimated in the estimation step is multiple;
Run the command ,
A storage medium for storing a program , wherein the attributes include at least one of a specular reflection light intensity, a diffuse reflection light intensity, and a thickness of the recording medium .

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