Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a measurement terminal used to measure the resistance of a thin film using four-terminal sensing, in which the positions of the four measurement terminals are fixed such that the value obtained by dividing a measured voltage value by a current value is equal to the sheet resistance value of a thin film. <CIT> discloses a transfer device in which, in the case of supplying paper to a clearance between a photosensitive body and a transfer roller, the paper is interposed between an upper roller and a lower roller to measure the thickness of the paper. Simultaneously, current is applied to paper to measure the electric resistance of the surface of the paper, and the length of the paper in a width direction is measured by a transmission type optical coupling device. By considering with the measured results, the pressure of the roller is adjusted.

A conceivable measurement device may be provided with a resistance measurement unit that measures the electrical resistance of a measurement target, a first measurement unit, and a second measurement unit. The first measurement unit includes a detector that detects information indicating a first physical property other than the electrical resistance of the measurement target, and measures the first physical property from a detection result from the detector. The second measurement unit includes a detector that detects information indicating a second physical property other than the electrical resistance and the first physical property of the measurement target, and measures the second physical property from a detection result from the detector. The length of time from the start of driving the detector until the start of actual measurement is longer in the second measurement unit than in the first measurement unit.

In the measurement device, if the operations for measuring the first physical property and the second physical property are executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit, and the driving of the detector in the second measurement unit is started after starting the driving of the detector in the first measurement unit, the measurement time until the measurements of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are completed may increase in some cases.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a configuration in which the operations for measuring the first physical property and the second physical property are executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit, such that the measurement time until the measurements of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are completed is shortened compared to a configuration in which the driving of the detector in the second measurement unit is started after starting the driving of the detector in the first measurement unit.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a measurement device including: a resistance measurement unit that measures an electrical resistance of a measurement target; a first measurement unit, including a detector that detects information indicating a first physical property other than the electrical resistance of the measurement target, that measures the first physical property from a detection result from the detector; a second measurement unit, including a detector that detects information indicating a second physical property other than the electrical resistance and the first physical property of the measurement target, that measures the second physical property from a detection result from the detector, in which a length of time from a start of driving the detector until a start of actual measurement is longer in the second measurement unit than in the first measurement unit; and a control unit that performs first control causing the first measurement unit to execute a measurement operation of measuring the first physical property in parallel with a measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit, and performs second control causing the second measurement unit to execute a measurement operation of measuring the second physical property in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit and also causing the second measurement unit to start the driving of the detector in the second measurement unit before the start of the driving of the detector in the first measurement unit.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance measurement unit includes a plurality of measurement modes used in actual measurement of the electrical resistance of the measurement target, and the control unit controls at least one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit to execute actual measurement in a stopped period during which the resistance measurement unit stops actual measurement of the electrical resistance between the plurality of measurement modes.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the measurement unit disposed at a position nearer the resistance measurement unit from among the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit to execute actual measurement in the stopped period.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the first measurement unit to start driving the detector in the first measurement unit after the start of the driving of the detector and before the end of actual measurement in the second measurement unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit controls the first measurement unit to start driving the detector in the first measurement unit after the start of the driving of the detector and before the start of actual measurement in the second measurement unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance measurement unit includes a detector that detects information indicating the electrical resistance of the measurement target, the detector of the resistance measurement unit, the detector of the first measurement unit, and the detector of the second measurement unit are disposed in the above order in a movement direction of a moving measurement target, and the control unit includes a first mode that performs the first control on the first measurement unit and also performs the second control on the second measurement unit and a second mode that causes the measurement operations of the resistance measurement unit, the first measurement unit, and the second measurement unit to be executed serially in the order in which the detector of the resistance measurement unit, the detector of the first measurement unit, and the detector of the second measurement unit are disposed in the movement direction.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the first measurement unit emits an ultrasonic wave at the measurement target to measure a basis weight as the first physical property of the measurement target, and the control unit includes one mode that performs the first control on the first measurement unit and also performs the second control on the second measurement unit, and another mode that controls the first measurement unit to execute the measurement operation of measuring the basis weight.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the measurement device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium treated as the measurement target for which the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are measured by the measurement device, and a control device that controls an image forming operation by the image forming unit on a basis of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property measured by the measurement device.

According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present disclosure, in a configuration in which the operations for measuring the first physical property and the second physical property are executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit, the measurement time until the measurements of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are completed is shortened compared to a configuration in which the driving of the detector in the second measurement unit is started after starting the driving of the detector in the first measurement unit.

According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the influence of noise produced in at least one of the first measurement unit or the second measurement unit due to actual measurement by the resistance measurement unit is reduced compared to a configuration in which both the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are controlled to execute actual measurement while the measurement mode by the resistance measurement unit is being executed.

According to the configuration of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the influence of noise in a measurement unit susceptible to the influence of noise from the resistance measurement unit due to the measurement unit being disposed at a position near the resistance measurement unit is reduced compared to a configuration in which only the measurement unit disposed at a position farther away from the resistance measurement unit from among the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is controlled to execute actual measurement in the stopped period.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the measurement time until the measurements of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are completed is shortened compared to a configuration in which the driving of the detector in the first measurement unit is started after the end of actual measurement in the second measurement unit.

According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the measurement time until the measurements of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are completed is shortened compared to a configuration in which the driving of the detector in the first measurement unit is started after the start of actual measurement in the second measurement unit.

According to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the second mode, the measurement time until the measurements of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property are completed is shortened compared to a configuration in which the measurement operations of the resistance measurement unit, the first measurement unit, and the second measurement unit are executed serially in a different order from the order in which the detector of the resistance measurement unit, the detector of the first measurement unit, and the detector of the second measurement unit are disposed in the movement direction of the measurement target.

According to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the measurement time is shortened in the case of wanting to measure the basis weight compared to a configuration in which the control unit includes only the first mode.

According to the configuration of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to form a high-quality image on a recording medium compared to a configuration in which the image forming operations of the image forming unit are executed irrespectively of the electrical resistance, the first physical property, and the second physical property of the recording medium.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail on the basis of the drawings.

A configuration of an image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an apparatus that forms images. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the image forming apparatus <NUM> is provided with an image forming apparatus main body <NUM>, a medium container <NUM>, an image forming unit <NUM>, a conveyance mechanism <NUM>, a control device <NUM>, and a measurement device <NUM>. The image forming apparatus <NUM> is capable of transmitting and receiving information with a user terminal <NUM>. Hereinafter, each component of the image forming apparatus <NUM> will be described.

The image forming apparatus main body <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a portion in which the components of the image forming apparatus <NUM> are provided. Specifically, the image forming apparatus main body <NUM> is a box-shaped housing, for example. In the exemplary embodiment, the medium container <NUM>, the image forming unit <NUM>, and the conveyance mechanism <NUM> are provided inside the image forming apparatus main body <NUM>.

The medium container <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a portion that contains paper P in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The paper P contained in the medium container <NUM> is supplied to the image forming unit <NUM>. Note that the paper P is one example of a "recording medium".

The image forming unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a function of forming an image on the paper P supplied from the medium container <NUM>. Examples of the image forming unit <NUM> include an inkjet image forming unit that forms an image on the paper P using ink, and an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on the paper P using toner.

In an inkjet image forming unit, an image is formed on the paper P by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles onto the paper P. In an inkjet image forming unit, an image may also be formed on the paper P by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles onto a transfer medium, and then transferring the ink droplets from the transfer medium to the paper P.

In an electrophotographic image forming unit, an image is formed on the paper P by performing the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fusing, for example. In an electrophotographic image forming unit, an image may also be formed on the paper P by performing the charging, exposing, developing, and transferring steps to form an image on a transfer medium, transferring the image from the transfer medium to the paper P, and then fusing the image to the paper P.

Note that examples of the image forming unit are not limited to the inkjet image forming unit and the electrophotographic image forming unit described above, and any of various types of image forming units may be used.

The conveyance mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a mechanism that conveys the paper P. As an example, the conveyance mechanism <NUM> conveys the paper P with conveyor members (not illustrated) such as conveyor rollers and conveyor belts. The conveyance mechanism <NUM> conveys the paper P from the medium container <NUM> to the image forming unit <NUM> along a predetermined conveyance path.

The user terminal <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer, for example. The user terminal <NUM> is capable of communicating with the measurement device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> in a wired or wireless manner. As illustrated in <FIG>, the measurement device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> are provided outside the image forming apparatus main body <NUM>, for example. Note that each of the user terminal <NUM> and the control device <NUM> includes a control unit (control board) including a recording unit such as storage storing a program and a processor that operates according to the program.

In the exemplary embodiment, an operator (that is, a user) of the image forming apparatus <NUM> places desired paper P on which to form an image in the measurement device <NUM>, and issues a measurement instruction from the user terminal <NUM>, for example. The measurement device <NUM> acquires the measurement instruction from the user terminal <NUM>, measures physical properties of the paper P, and transmits measured value information indicating measured values of the physical properties to the user terminal <NUM>.

The operator (that is, the user) of the image forming apparatus <NUM> puts the paper P measured by the measurement device <NUM> into the medium container <NUM>, and issues an acquisition instruction and an image formation instruction from the user terminal <NUM>, for example. Note that the image formation instruction may also double as the acquisition instruction.

The control device <NUM> acquires the acquisition instruction from the user terminal <NUM> and acquires the measured value information from the user terminal <NUM>. The control device <NUM> acquires the image formation instruction from the user terminal <NUM> and causes the image forming unit <NUM> and the conveyance mechanism <NUM> to execute image formation operations while also controlling the operations of the image forming unit <NUM> and the conveyance mechanism <NUM> on the basis of the measured value information. Specifically, the control device <NUM> controls settings such as the conveyance speed of the paper P in the conveyance mechanism <NUM> and also the transfer voltage and fusing temperature in the image forming unit <NUM> on the basis of the measured value information.

Note that in the example described above, the control device <NUM> is provided outside the image forming apparatus main body <NUM>, but the control device <NUM> may also be provided inside the image forming apparatus main body <NUM>. Additionally, the control device <NUM> acquires the measured value information from the measurement device <NUM> through the user terminal <NUM>, but the control device <NUM> may also be configured to acquire the measured value information directly from the measurement device <NUM>.

Furthermore, the measurement device <NUM> is provided outside the image forming apparatus main body <NUM>, but the measurement device <NUM> may also be provided inside the image forming apparatus main body <NUM>. Specifically, the measurement device <NUM> may also be configured as a device that measures physical properties in the medium container <NUM> or on the conveyance path of the paper P.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of the measurement device <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. Note that the arrow UP illustrated in the drawing indicates the upward (vertically upward) direction of the device, and the arrow DO indicates the downward (vertically downward) direction of the device. Also, the arrow LH illustrated in the drawing indicates the left-hand direction of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right-hand direction of the device. Also, the arrow FR illustrated in the drawing indicates the forward direction of the direction, and the arrow RR indicates the rearward direction of the device. These directions have been defined for convenience in the following description, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that each direction of the device may be indicated while omitting the word "device" in some cases. In other words, for example, the "upward direction of the device" may simply be referred to as the "upward direction" in some cases.

Also, in the following description, the "vertical direction" is used to mean "both the upward direction and the downward direction" or "either the upward direction or the downward direction" in some cases. The "transverse direction" is used to mean "both the left-hand direction and the right-hand direction" or "either the left-hand direction or the right-hand direction" in some cases. The "transverse direction" may also be referred to as the horizontal or lateral direction. The "longitudinal direction" is used to mean "both the forward direction and the rearward direction" or "either the forward direction or the rearward direction" in some cases. The "longitudinal direction" may also be referred to as the horizontal or lateral direction. Also, the vertical direction, the transverse direction, and the longitudinal direction are mutually intersecting directions (specifically, orthogonal directions).

Also, the symbol of an "x" inside a circle "O" denotes an arrow going into the page. Also, the symbol of a dot "•" inside a circle "O" denotes an arrow coming out of the page.

The measurement device <NUM> is a device that measures physical properties of the paper P used in the image forming apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, the measurement device <NUM> measures the basis weight, the electrical resistance, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P. Note that "measurement" means measuring a value (that is, the degree) of a physical property, and the value of a physical property is a concept that includes <NUM> (zero). In other words, "measurement" includes measuring whether or not the value of a physical property is <NUM> (zero), that is, measuring whether or not a physical property is present.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the measurement device <NUM> is provided with a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, a resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and a coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Hereinafter, each unit of the measurement device <NUM> will be described.

The first housing <NUM> is a portion in which some of the components of the measurement device <NUM> are provided. The first housing <NUM> forms the portion on the downward side of the measurement device <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> has an opposing surface 21A that faces the bottom surface of the paper P. The opposing surface 21A is also a support surface that supports the paper P from underneath. Inside the first housing <NUM>, a portion of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and a portion of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed.

The second housing <NUM> is a portion in which some other components of the measurement device <NUM> are provided. The second housing <NUM> forms the portion on the upward side of the measurement device <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> has an opposing surface 22A that faces the top surface of the paper P. Inside the second housing <NUM>, another portion of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and another portion of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed. In the measurement device <NUM>, the paper P given as one example of a measurement target is disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

The basis weight measurement unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a function of measuring the basis weight [g/m<NUM>] of the paper P by causing the paper P to vibrate using an ultrasonic wave. The basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is an example of a "first measurement unit". The paper P is an example of a "measurement target". The basis weight is an example of a "first physical property other than electrical resistance". Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> includes a driving circuit <NUM>, an emission unit <NUM>, a reception unit <NUM>, and a processing unit <NUM>.

The emission unit <NUM> includes a function of emitting an ultrasonic wave at the paper P. The emission unit <NUM> is disposed in the second housing <NUM>. Namely, the emission unit <NUM> is disposed at a position facing one surface (specifically, the top surface) of the paper P. Note that an opening <NUM> allowing the ultrasonic wave from the emission unit <NUM> to pass through to the paper P is formed underneath the emission unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>.

The driving circuit <NUM> is a circuit that drives the emission unit <NUM>. By causing the driving circuit <NUM> to drive the emission unit <NUM>, the emission unit <NUM> imparts an ultrasonic wave to the top surface of the paper P, causing the paper P to vibrate. The vibrating paper P causes air underneath the paper P to vibrate. In other words, the ultrasonic wave from the emission unit <NUM> is transmitted through the paper P.

The reception unit <NUM> includes a function of receiving the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the paper P. The reception unit <NUM> is disposed in the first housing <NUM>. Namely, the reception unit <NUM> is disposed at a position facing the other surface (specifically, the bottom surface) of the paper P. The reception unit <NUM> generates a reception signal by receiving the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the paper P. Note that an opening <NUM> allowing the ultrasonic wave from the paper P to pass through to the reception unit <NUM> is formed above the reception unit <NUM> in the first housing <NUM>.

In this way, in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the emission unit <NUM> and the reception unit <NUM> form a detector <NUM> (specifically, a detection sensor) that detects information (specifically, the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the paper P) indicating the basis weight of the paper P. The driving circuit <NUM> forms a circuit that drives the detector <NUM>.

The processing unit <NUM> obtains a measured value by performing a process such as amplification on the reception signal (that is, the detection result) acquired from the reception unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the processing unit <NUM> outputs measured value information indicating the obtained measured value to the user terminal <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> is configured by an electric circuit including an amplification circuit or the like, for example.

The measured value obtained by the processing unit <NUM> is a value correlated with the basis weight of the paper P. Consequently, measurement in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> includes not only the case of measuring the basis weight itself of the paper P, but also the case of measuring a measurement value correlated with the basis weight of the paper P.

Note that in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the basis weight of the paper P may also be calculated on the basis of the measured value obtained by the processing unit <NUM>. Specifically, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> calculates the basis weight from correlation data indicating the correlation between the measured value and the basis weight, for example. As above, in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the basis weight of the paper P is measured from the detection result from the detector <NUM>.

The coating layer measurement unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a function of measuring the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P. A coating layer is a layer formed by applying a coating agent to the surface of paper. In other words, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> measures whether or not the paper P is paper with a coating (that is, coated paper).

The coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is an example of a "second measurement unit". The presence or absence of a coating layer is an example of a "second physical property other than electrical resistance and the first physical property". Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> includes a driving circuit <NUM>, a light irradiation unit <NUM>, a light reception unit <NUM>, and a processing unit <NUM>.

The light irradiation unit <NUM> includes a function of irradiating the paper P with light. The light irradiation unit <NUM> is disposed in the second housing <NUM>. Namely, the light irradiation unit <NUM> is disposed at a position facing one surface (specifically, the top surface) of the paper P with a gap in between. Note that an opening <NUM> allowing the light from the light irradiation unit <NUM> to pass through to the paper P is formed underneath the light irradiation unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>.

The driving circuit <NUM> is a circuit that drives the light irradiation unit <NUM>. By causing the driving circuit <NUM> to drive the light irradiation unit <NUM>, the light irradiation unit <NUM> irradiates the paper P with light, and the light reflects off the paper P.

The light reception unit <NUM> includes a function of receiving reflected light that has reflected off the paper P. The light reception unit <NUM> is disposed in the second housing <NUM>. Namely, the light reception unit <NUM> is disposed at a position facing one surface (specifically, the top surface) of the paper P with a gap in between. The light reception unit <NUM> generates a light reception signal by receiving the reflected light that has reflected off the paper P. Note that an opening <NUM> allowing the light from the paper P to pass through to the light reception unit <NUM> is formed underneath the reception unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>.

In this way, in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM> form a detector <NUM> (specifically, a detection sensor) that detects information (specifically, the reflected light reflected off the paper P) indicating the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P. The driving circuit <NUM> forms a circuit that drives the detector <NUM>.

The processing unit <NUM> obtains a measured value by performing a process such as amplification on the light reception signal (that is, the detection result) acquired from the light reception unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the processing unit <NUM> outputs measured value information indicating the obtained measured value to the user terminal <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> is configured by an electric circuit including an amplification circuit or the like, for example.

The measured value obtained by the processing unit <NUM> is a value correlated with the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P. Consequently, measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> includes not only the case of measuring the presence or absence of a coating layer itself of the paper P, but also the case of measuring a measurement value correlated with the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P.

Note that in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P may also be measured on the basis of the measured value obtained by the processing unit <NUM>. Specifically, the presence or absence of a coating layer is measured according to whether or not the measured value exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example. As above, in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P is measured from the detection result from the detector <NUM>.

The resistance measurement unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a function of measuring the sheet resistance value [Ω] of the paper P. The resistance measurement unit <NUM> is an example of a "resistance measurement unit". Sheet resistance is an example of "electrical resistance". Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> includes an electric circuit <NUM>, a pair of terminals <NUM>, a power supply <NUM>, a pair of opposing members <NUM>, a detection circuit <NUM>, and a processing unit <NUM>.

The pair of terminals <NUM> are disposed in the first housing <NUM>, for example. The pair of terminals <NUM> are spaced from each other by an interval in the transverse direction, and contact the bottom surface of the paper P through an opening <NUM> formed in the first housing <NUM>. Each of the pair of terminals <NUM> is electrically connected to the power supply <NUM> through the electric circuit <NUM>.

Each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> opposes a corresponding one of the pair of terminals <NUM>, with the paper P disposed between the pair of opposing members <NUM> and the pair of terminals <NUM>. Each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> contacts the top surface of the paper P through an opening <NUM> formed in the second housing <NUM>. In other words, the paper P is pinched between each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> and each of the pair of terminals <NUM>. As an example, each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> and each of the pair of terminals <NUM> are configured as rollers.

The power supply <NUM> applies a predetermined voltage ([V]) to the pair of terminals <NUM> through the electric circuit <NUM>. With this arrangement, a current corresponding to the sheet resistance of the paper P flows between the pair of terminals <NUM>. The detection circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to the pair of terminals <NUM>. The detection circuit <NUM> generates a detection signal by detecting the current flowing between the pair of terminals <NUM>.

In this way, in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the pair of terminals <NUM> and the detection circuit <NUM> form a detector <NUM> (specifically, a detection sensor) that detects information (specifically, the current flowing through the paper P) indicating the sheet resistance of the paper P. The electric circuit <NUM> forms a circuit that drives the detector <NUM>.

The processing unit <NUM> obtains a measured value (specifically, a current value [A]) by performing a process such as amplification on the detection signal (that is, the detection result) acquired from the detection circuit <NUM>. Furthermore, the processing unit <NUM> outputs measured value information indicating the obtained measured value to the user terminal <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> is configured by an electric circuit including an amplification circuit or the like, for example.

The measured value obtained by the processing unit <NUM> is a value correlated with the sheet resistance value of the paper P. Consequently, measurement in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> includes not only the case of measuring the sheet resistance value itself of the paper P, but also the case of measuring a measurement value correlated with the sheet resistance value of the paper P. Note that in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the sheet resistance value of the paper P may also be calculated on the basis of the measured value obtained by the processing unit <NUM>. As above, in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the sheet resistance value of the paper P is measured from the detection result from the detector <NUM>.

Note that the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is configured to obtain the sheet resistance value by applying a predetermined voltage to the pair of terminals <NUM> and detecting the current flowing between the pair of terminals <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> may also be configured to obtain the sheet resistance value by passing a current with a predetermined current value through the pair of terminals <NUM> and detecting the voltage across the pair of terminals <NUM>.

At this point, the arrangement of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is disposed at one end (specifically, the left end) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. On the other hand, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is disposed at the other end (specifically, the right end) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

The coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction. Consequently, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed together with the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to fit within the sheet size of the paper P. In the exemplary embodiment, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> as viewed from each of the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

In this way, in the exemplary embodiment, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed in the above order proceeding from the left side to the right side of the measurement device <NUM> (specifically, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>). Consequently, in the exemplary embodiment, of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the measurement unit disposed at a position near the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the paper P given as an example of a measurement target is disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and is moved from the left side to the right side of the measurement device <NUM> (specifically, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>). Consequently, the detector <NUM> of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> (specifically, the emission unit <NUM> and the reception unit <NUM>), the detector <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> (specifically, the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM>), and the detector <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> (specifically, the pair of terminals <NUM>) are disposed in the above order proceeding in the movement direction of the paper P.

Note that in the case where the measurement device <NUM> is configured as a device that measures physical properties in the conveyance path of the paper P in an image forming apparatus, the measurement device <NUM> is configured such that the paper P is conveyed from the left side to the right side of the measurement device <NUM> (specifically, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>), for example.

In each of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the driving of each of the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is started to perform actual measurement of the physical properties (see <FIG>). Namely, as illustrated in <FIG>, the measurement operation in each of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> are the operations from starting the driving of each of the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to start actual measurement of the physical properties until ending the actual measurement. Also, the measurement time is the time from starting the driving of each of the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to start actual measurement of the physical properties until ending the actual measurement. Note that actual measurement refers to actually measuring a physical property, that is, the state of obtaining a measured value from a detection result obtained from a detector that detects information indicating a physical property.

In the exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> includes multiple measurement modes for measuring the sheet resistance value of the paper P. Specifically, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> includes first, second, and third measurement modes. Each of the first, second, and third measurement modes is a mode that measures a predetermined range of sheet resistance values.

Specifically, the first measurement mode is configured as a mode that measures sheet resistance values in a measurement range exceeding <NUM> [log Ω] and up to <NUM> [log Ω], for example. The second measurement mode is configured as a mode that measures sheet resistance values in a measurement range exceeding <NUM> [log Ω] and up to <NUM> [log Ω], for example. The third measurement mode is configured as a mode that measures sheet resistance values in a measurement range exceeding <NUM> [log Ω] and up to <NUM> [log Ω], for example. In each measurement mode, values such as the voltage to be applied to the paper P and the amplification in the amplification process are set in correspondence with each measurement range.

The resistance measurement unit <NUM> executes the first measurement mode, the second measurement mode, and the third measurement mode in the above order, for example. Note that the order in which the resistance measurement unit <NUM> executes the modes is not limited to the order described above.

Also, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> includes a stopped period during which actual measurement of the sheet resistance value is stopped, the stopped period occurring between the periods when the multiple measurement modes are executed.

In this way, because the resistance measurement unit <NUM> executes multiple measurement modes and also includes stopped periods between the measurement modes, the measurement time is longer than the measurement time for the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the measurement time for the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Additionally, the measurement time for the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is longer than the measurement time for the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>.

Note that the measurement operation in the case of executing multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is a concept that includes the stopped periods between the measurement modes. Consequently, the stopped periods between the measurement modes are included in the measurement time in the case of executing multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> starts driving the detector <NUM> (specifically, the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM>), and then starts the actual measurement of the presence or absence of a coating layer. In the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, it takes time until the output (namely, the intensity) of the light irradiation unit <NUM> stabilizes, and consequently actual measurement is performed after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since starting the driving of the detector <NUM>.

On the other hand, in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, actual measurement is performed at the same time or immediately after starting the driving of each of the detectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Consequently, the time (hereinafter referred to as the stabilization time) from starting to drive the detector <NUM> until starting actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is set longer than the stabilization time in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Note that it is sufficient for the stabilization times in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to be shorter than the stabilization time in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the stabilization times may also be <NUM> (zero).

The control circuit <NUM> includes a control function that controls operations by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the control circuit <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and storage <NUM>.

The storage <NUM> stores various programs, including a control program 83A (see <FIG>), and various data. The storage <NUM> is achieved specifically by a recording device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), or flash memory.

The memory <NUM> is a work area that the processor <NUM> uses to execute various programs, and temporarily records various programs or various data when the processor <NUM> executes a process. The processor <NUM> reads out various programs including the control program 83A from the storage <NUM> into the memory <NUM>, and executes the programs using the memory <NUM> as a work area.

In the control circuit <NUM>, the processor <NUM> achieves various functions by executing the control program 83A. Hereinafter, a functional configuration achieved through the cooperation between the processor <NUM> acting as a hardware resource and the control program 83A acting as a software resource will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the processor <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the control circuit <NUM>, the processor <NUM> executes the control program 83A to thereby function as an acquisition unit 81A and a control unit 81B.

The acquisition unit 81A acquires either an execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode (see <FIG>) or an execution instruction for executing the serial operation mode (see <FIG>) as a measurement instruction from the user terminal <NUM>. Note that in the exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that only execution instructions for the parallel operation mode and the serial operation mode are available as the measurement instruction. The parallel operation mode is an example of a "first mode", and the serial operation mode is an example of a "second mode".

The control unit 81B is capable of executing the parallel operation mode and the serial operation mode as control modes. Specifically, the control unit 81B executes the parallel operation mode in the case where the acquisition unit 81A acquires the execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode. The control unit 81B executes the serial operation mode in the case where the acquisition unit 81A acquires the execution instruction for executing the serial operation mode. In other words, in the case where the acquisition unit 81A does not acquire the execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode, the control unit 81B executes the serial operation mode, and does not execute the parallel operation mode.

In the parallel operation mode (see <FIG>), the control unit 81B performs first control on the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and also performs second control on the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. The first control is a control causing the measurement operation of measuring the basis weight to be executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

"Executed in parallel" in the first control means that at least a portion of the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and at least a portion of the measurement operation by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> are executed overlapping in time.

Also, in the first control, the control unit 81B controls the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to start driving the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the end of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, in the first control, the control unit 81B controls the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to start driving the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the start of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the first control, the control unit 81B controls the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, for example, the control unit 81B controls the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

The second control is a control causing the measurement operation of measuring the presence or absence of a coating layer to be executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and also causing the driving of the detector <NUM> in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be started before the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>.

"Executed in parallel" in the second control means that at least a portion of the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and at least a portion of the measurement operation by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> are executed overlapping in time.

In the second control, the control unit 81B controls the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, for example, the control unit 81B controls the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the second measurement mode and the third measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Note that the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is an example of a "measurement unit disposed at a position near the resistance measurement unit".

On the other hand, in the serial operation mode (see <FIG>), the control unit 81B causes the measurement operations by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be executed serially in the order in which the detector <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the detector <NUM> of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, and the detector <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> are arranged in the movement direction of the paper P. In other words, in the serial operation mode, the control unit 81B controls the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute measurement operations in the order of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Note that "executed serially" means that each measurement operation is executed from start to end without overlapping in time with another measurement operation.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> is an example of a "control unit". Note that the processor <NUM> or the control unit 81B may also be understood as an example of a "control unit".

Next, an example of the action of the exemplary embodiment will be described. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are flowcharts illustrating the flow of a control process executed by the control circuit <NUM>.

The process is performed by having the processor <NUM> read out and execute the control program 83A from the storage <NUM>. For example, the execution of the process is started when the processor <NUM> acquires a measurement instruction from the user terminal <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not an execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode has been acquired as a measurement instruction from the user terminal <NUM> (step S101). In the case of determining that an execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode has been acquired as the measurement instruction (step S101: YES), the processor <NUM> executes the parallel operation mode (step S102).

On the other hand, in the case of determining that an execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode has not been acquired as the measurement instruction (step S101: NO), the processor <NUM> executes the serial operation mode (step S103).

Note that because only the execution instructions for the parallel operation mode and the serial operation mode are available as the measurement instruction, "the case where an execution instruction for executing the parallel operation mode is not acquired as the measurement instruction" is equivalent to "the case where an execution instruction for executing the serial operation mode is acquired as the measurement instruction".

In the parallel operation mode (step S102), as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the processor <NUM> causes the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to start driving the detector <NUM> and also start actual measurement (step S201). With this arrangement, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> executes a measurement operation including the first, second, and third measurement modes.

Furthermore, the processor <NUM> causes the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to start driving the detector <NUM> (step S202). In other words, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be started before the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>. With this arrangement, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> executes a driving operation on the detector <NUM>. In other words, the processor <NUM> causes the measurement operation by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and the start of actual measurement in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are executed contemporaneously with the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Note that the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> may be executed before or after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and the start of actual measurement in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

Next, while the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is being executed and the measurement operation by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> (specifically, the driving of the detector <NUM>) is being executed, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to start driving the detector <NUM> and also start actual measurement (step S203).

In other words, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the end of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the start of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>.

Specifically, in step S203, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. In other words, the processor <NUM> causes the measurement operation by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be executed in parallel with the measurement operations by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>.

Next, the processor <NUM> causes the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the second measurement mode and the third measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> (step S204). In the parallel operation mode, the process ends when the execution of the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> ends.

On the other hand, in the serial operation mode (step S103), as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the processor <NUM> first causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute the measurement operation (step S301). Next, after the measurement operation by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> ends, the processor <NUM> causes the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute the measurement operation (step S302). Next, after the measurement operation by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> ends, the processor <NUM> causes the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute the measurement operation (step S303), and ends the process.

In this way, in the serial operation mode, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute measurement operations serially in the order in which the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the measurement units are arranged in the movement direction of the paper P.

As above, in the exemplary embodiment, in the configuration that causes the measurement operations by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be started before the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> (step S201).

In this way, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> having a longer stabilization time than the stabilization times in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is driven in advance, thereby making it possible to obtain a measurement result in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> earlier. As a result, in the configuration that causes the measurement operation by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be executed in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the measurement time until the completion of the measurements of the sheet resistance value, the basis weight, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P is shortened compared to a configuration that causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped periods between the multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> (steps S203 and S204).

Consequently, compared to a configuration that causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement during the execution of the measurement modes by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as Configuration A), the influence of noise produced by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> are reduced in the actual measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Specifically, according to the exemplary embodiment, the influence of noise between the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> as well as the influence of noise between the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> are moderated compared to Configuration A.

In this way, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> positioned closer to the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> (step S204).

Consequently, compared to a configuration that causes only the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> positioned farther away from the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the influence of noise produced by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is reduced in the measurement unit that is more susceptible to such influence due to being disposed at a position near the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the end of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> (step S203).

Consequently, it is possible to obtain a measurement result in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> earlier compared to a configuration that causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the end of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as Configuration B). For this reason, according to the exemplary embodiment, the measurement time until the completion of the measurements of the sheet resistance value, the basis weight, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P is shortened compared to Configuration B.

Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the start of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>.

Consequently, it is possible to obtain a measurement result in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> earlier compared to a configuration that causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as Configuration C). For this reason, according to the exemplary embodiment, the measurement time until the completion of the measurements of the sheet resistance value, the basis weight, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P is shortened compared to Configuration C.

Also, in the serial operation mode of the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute measurement operations serially in the order in which the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the measurement units are arranged in the movement direction of the paper P. This configuration makes it possible to take measurements with respect to the paper P while moving the paper P. In other words, it is possible to start the measurements before the paper P is disposed between the right end of the first housing <NUM> and the right end of the second housing <NUM>.

Here, with a configuration that causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute measurement operations serially in an order different from the order in which the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the measurement units are arranged in the movement direction of the paper P (hereinafter referred to as Configuration D), such as in the case of performing the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> first, for example, the processor <NUM> is unable to start measurement until the paper P is disposed between the right end of the first housing <NUM> and the right end of the second housing <NUM>. Consequently, according to the exemplary embodiment, the measurement time until the completion of the measurements of the sheet resistance value, the basis weight, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P is shortened compared to Configuration D.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the control device <NUM> acquires the image formation instruction from the user terminal <NUM> and causes the image forming unit <NUM> and the conveyance mechanism <NUM> to execute image formation operations while also controlling the operations of the image forming unit <NUM> and the conveyance mechanism <NUM> on the basis of the measured value information. Consequently, a high-quality image is formed on the paper P compared to a configuration in which the image forming operations are executed irrespectively of the physical properties of the paper P.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 81B is capable of executing the parallel operation mode and the serial operation mode as control modes, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 81B may also be configured to execute an image quality priority mode and an anti-jam priority mode as the control modes. Specifically, for example, the control unit 81B executes the image quality priority mode in the case where the acquisition unit 81A acquires an execution instruction for executing the image quality priority mode. The control unit 81B executes the anti-jam priority mode in the case where the acquisition unit 81A acquires an execution instruction for executing the anti-jam priority mode. Note that the image quality mode is an example of "one mode", and the anti-jam priority mode is an example of "another mode".

In the image quality priority mode, the control unit 81B performs a control similar to the parallel operation mode. With this arrangement, in the measurement device <NUM>, measurement results (that is, measured values) regarding the sheet resistance value, the basis weight, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P are obtained. Thereafter, the control device <NUM> controls the operations of the image forming unit <NUM> and the conveyance mechanism <NUM> on the basis of the measured value information. Specifically, the control device <NUM> controls settings such as the conveyance speed of the paper P in the conveyance mechanism <NUM> and also the transfer voltage and fusing temperature in the image forming unit <NUM> on the basis of the measured value information. With this arrangement, a high-quality image is formed on the paper P.

On the other hand, in the anti-jam priority mode, the control unit 81B controls the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute the measurement operation of measuring the basis weight of the paper P. Note that controls for executing the measurement operations of measuring the sheet resistance value and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P are not performed. In other words, in the anti-jam priority mode, the measurement device <NUM> obtains only a measurement result (that is, a measured value) regarding the basis weight of the paper P. Thereafter, the control device <NUM> controls the operation (for example, the conveyance speed) of the conveyance mechanism <NUM> on the basis of the measured value information, for example. With this arrangement, jamming (that is, stuck paper) in the conveyance path of the paper P is reduced.

In this exemplary modification, by executing the anti-jam priority mode in cases where the user wants to prioritize minimizing jamming (that is, in cases where the user wants to measure the basis weight only), for example, it is possible to shorten the measurement time compared to a configuration in which the control unit 81B is only configured to execute the image quality priority mode.

In the exemplary embodiment, a recording medium is used as an example of the measurement target, but the measurement target is not limited thereto. As an example of the measurement target, a target used for a purpose other than forming an image may also be used. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the paper P is used as an example of a recording medium, but the recording medium is not limited thereto. As an example of the recording medium, a sheet-like recording medium other than the paper P, such as a metal or plastic film, may also be used.

In the exemplary embodiment, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> that measures the sheet resistance value of the paper P is used as an example of a resistance measurement unit, but the resistance measurement unit is not limited thereto. As an example of the resistance measurement unit, a measurement unit that measures the volume resistance or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used. In other words, as an example of electrical resistance, the volume resistance or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used, for example. Note that in the case of measuring the volume resistance of the paper P, one of the pair of terminals <NUM> is disposed on the top side of the paper P while the other is disposed on the bottom side of the paper P, such that the pair of terminals <NUM> pinch the paper P in the vertical direction.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> that measures the basis weight [g/m<NUM>] of the paper P is used as an example of a first measurement unit, but the first measurement unit is not limited thereto. As an example of the first measurement unit, a measurement unit that measures the thickness [m], the density [g/m<NUM>], the mass [g], the strength (that is, rigidity), or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used. In other words, as an example of a first physical property, the thickness [m], the density [g/m<NUM>], the mass [g], the strength (that is, rigidity), or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used, for example.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> that measures the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P is used as an example of a second measurement unit, but the second measurement unit is not limited thereto. As an example of the second measurement unit, a measurement unit that measures the moisture content or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used. In other words, as an example of a second physical property, the moisture content or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used, for example. Note that a measurement unit that measures a physical property by irradiating a measurement target with light (that is, a measurement unit that includes a light irradiation unit and a light reception unit) is used as the second measurement unit, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 81B is configured to selectively execute either the parallel operation mode or the serial operation mode, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 81B may also be configured to execute only the parallel operation mode.

Also, in the "exemplary modification of control modes" described above, the control unit 81B is configured to selectively execute either the image quality priority mode or the anti-jam priority mode, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 81B may also be configured to execute only the image quality priority mode.

In the exemplary embodiment, the measurement time of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is longer than the measurement time of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the measurement time of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the measurement time of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is longer than the measurement time of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, but the measurement times are not limited to the above. For example, the measurement time of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> may also be longer than the measurement time of the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, and the relationship among the lengths of the measurement time of the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, the measurement time of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, and the measurement time of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> may be set in any way.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor <NUM> may also cause the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the second measurement mode and the third measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the second measurement mode and the third measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor <NUM> may also cause the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the processor <NUM> may also cause the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement during the execution of the first, second, and third measurement modes by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, for example. Also, the processor <NUM> may cause only the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> positioned closer to the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may cause only the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> positioned farther away from the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to execute actual measurement in the stopped period between the multiple measurement modes in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is configured to execute multiple measurement modes, but is not limited thereto. The resistance measurement unit <NUM> may also be configured to execute a single measurement mode.

Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start of the driving of the detector <NUM> and before the start of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor <NUM> may also cause the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the start and before the end of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. As another example, the processor <NUM> may also cause the driving of the detector <NUM> in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> to be started after the end of actual measurement in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>.

Also, in the serial operation mode of the exemplary embodiment, the processor <NUM> causes the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute measurement operations serially in the order in which the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the measurement units are arranged in the movement direction of the paper P, but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor <NUM> may also be configured to cause the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> to execute measurement operations serially in a different order from the order in which the detectors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the measurement units are arranged in the movement direction of the paper P.

The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiment above, and various modifications, alterations, and improvements are possible For example, the configurations included in the exemplary modifications described above may also be plurally combined where appropriate.

Claim 1:
A measurement device (<NUM>), comprising:
a resistance measurement unit (<NUM>) that measures an electrical resistance of a measurement target;
a first measurement unit (<NUM>), including a detector (<NUM>) that detects information indicating a first physical property other than the electrical resistance of the measurement target, that measures the first physical property from a detection result from the detector (<NUM>); the measurement device (<NUM>) further comprising:
a second measurement unit (<NUM>), including a detector (<NUM>) that detects information indicating a second physical property other than the electrical resistance and the first physical property of the measurement target, that measures the second physical property from a detection result from the detector (<NUM>), in which a length of time from a start of driving the detector (<NUM>) until a start of actual measurement is longer in the second measurement unit (<NUM>) than in the first measurement unit (<NUM>); and
a control unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, 81B) that performs first control causing the first measurement unit (<NUM>) to execute a measurement operation of measuring the first physical property in parallel with a measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit (<NUM>), and performs second control causing the second measurement unit (<NUM>) to execute a measurement operation of measuring the second physical property in parallel with the measurement operation by the resistance measurement unit (<NUM>) and also causing the second measurement unit (<NUM>) to start the driving of the detector (<NUM>) in the second measurement unit (<NUM>) before the start of the driving of the detector (<NUM>) in the first measurement unit (<NUM>).