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> provides a media type determination device. The media type determination device includes: a light detector that detects light from a target object; a sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave to the target object and performs an ultrasonic measurement for receiving the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the target object; and one or a plurality of processors. The one or plurality of processors are programmed to execute a method including: acquiring light information corresponding to the light from the target object, from the light detector; acquiring ultrasonic wave information corresponding to an ultrasonic wave via the target object from the sensor, and determining a type of target object based on the light information and the ultrasonic wave information.

<CIT> provides an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, an image forming unit, an irradiation unit, a light reception unit, and a controller. The transmission unit transmits ultrasonic waves. The reception unit receives the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmission unit through a recording material. The image forming unit forms an image on the recording material. The irradiation unit emits light. The light reception unit receives the light emitted from the irradiation unit and reflected by the recording material. The controller controls image forming conditions of the image forming unit based on an amplitude value of the ultrasonic waves received by the reception unit and a position in the light reception unit where the light reflected by the recording material is received.

A conceivable measurement device may be provided with a first measurement unit disposed at a position facing a portion of a sheet-like measurement target and configured to measure a first physical property of the measurement target, and a second measurement unit disposed at a position facing another portion of the measurement target in the state where the first measurement unit is facing the portion and configured to measure a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement target.

With this configuration, if noise occurs in the first measurement unit, the noise may propagate through the measurement target or space toward the second measurement unit and hinder the measurement by the second measurement unit in some cases.

It is an object of the present disclosure to minimize the hindrance to the measurement by the second measurement unit caused by noise occurring in the first measurement unit compared to a configuration in which the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are adjacent to each other in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target.

Note that the noise may be anything that hinders measurement by a measurement unit. Examples of noise include electromagnetic waves and vibrations.

The present invention is defined by a measurement device according to claim <NUM>.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a measurement device including: a first measurement unit, disposed at a first opposing position facing a portion of a sheet-like measurement target, that measures a first physical property of the measurement target by causing the measurement target to vibrate with an ultrasonic wave; a second measurement unit, disposed at a second opposing position facing another portion of the measurement target in a state in which the first measurement unit is facing the first portion, that pinches and restrains the other portion in a thickness direction and measures a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement target; and a disposed unit disposed between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the disposed unit contacts the measurement target between the first opposing position and the second opposing position.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the disposed unit contacts a surface on one side of the measurement target in the thickness direction, and does not contact a surface on the other side.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the disposed unit is a third measurement unit that measures a third physical property other than the first physical property and the second physical property of the measurement target.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the third measurement unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates the surface on the other side of the measurement target in the thickness direction with light in a noncontacting way in a state in which the surface on one side of the measurement target in the thickness direction is supported.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a measurement device including: a first measurement unit, disposed at a first opposing position facing a portion of a sheet-like measurement target, that measures a first physical property of the measurement target by causing the measurement target to vibrate with an ultrasonic wave; and a second measurement unit, disposed at a second opposing position facing another portion of the measurement target in a state in which the first measurement unit is facing the first portion, that pinches and restrains the other portion in a thickness direction and measures a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement target, in which a distance between the first opposing position and the second opposing position is set to a distance at which vibrations in the first portion attenuate in the other portion, such that the restrained state in the other portion is maintained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a measurement device including: a measurement unit, disposed at an opposing position facing a portion of a sheet-like measurement target and driven by a first driving circuit, that measures a physical property of the measurement target; and another measurement unit, disposed at an opposing position facing another portion of the measurement target in a state in which the measurement unit is facing the first portion, and driven by a second driving circuit, that measures another physical property other than the physical property, in which the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are provided on different boards.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the first driving circuit is disposed on one side of the measurement target in a thickness direction, and the second driving circuit is disposed on the other side of the measurement target in the thickness direction.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the measurement device additionally includes a disposed unit disposed between the measurement unit and the other measurement unit in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the measurement device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium treated as the measurement target for which physical properties 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 physical properties measured by the measurement device.

According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the second measurement unit caused by vibrations in the form of noise occurring in the first measurement unit is minimized compared to a configuration in which the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are adjacent to each other in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target.

According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the second measurement unit caused by vibrations occurring in the first measurement unit is minimized compared to a configuration in which the disposed unit does not contact the measurement target.

According to the configuration of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the first measurement unit is minimized compared to a configuration in which the disposed unit contacts the surface on one side and the surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the measurement target.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to measure the third physical property of the measurement target while also minimizing the hindrance to the measurement by the second measurement unit compared to a configuration that uses a disposed unit lacking a function of measuring a physical property of the measurement target.

According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the first measurement unit is minimized compared to a configuration in which the irradiation unit contacts the surface on the other side of the measurement target in the thickness direction.

According to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the second measurement unit caused by vibrations occurring in the first measurement unit is minimized compared to a configuration in which vibrations in one portion of the measurement target induce vibrations in another portion.

According to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the other measurement unit caused by noise from the first driving circuit is minimized compared to a configuration in which the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are provided on the same board.

According to the configuration of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the other measurement unit caused by noise from the first driving circuit is minimized compared to a configuration in which both the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are disposed on one side of the measurement target in the thickness direction.

According to the configuration of the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the hindrance to the measurement by the other measurement unit caused by noise from the first driving circuit is minimized compared to a configuration in which the measurement unit and the other measurement unit are adjacent to each other in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target.

According to the configuration of the tenth 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 physical properties of the recording medium.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments 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 "×" 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. The paper P is an example of a "sheet-like measurement target". "Sheet-like" refers to a shape similar to paper, and is a concept that includes shapes referred to as film-like or plate-like.

The basis weight, the electrical resistance, and the presence or absence of a coating layer are each an example of a "physical property". 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>.

Note that the second housing <NUM> is configured to be movable relative to the first housing <NUM> in an approaching or retreating direction (specifically, the vertical direction), and after the paper P is disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> is moved relatively in the direction approaching the first housing <NUM> and positioned at the position illustrated in <FIG>.

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 basis weight is an example of a "first physical property". 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 toward 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 toward 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 (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.

The processing unit <NUM> obtains a measured value by performing a process such as amplification on the reception signal 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.

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 "second measurement unit". The sheet resistance value is an example of a "second physical property other than the first physical property". 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 (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.

The processing unit <NUM> obtains a measured value (specifically, a current value [A]) by performing a process such as amplification on the detection signal 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>.

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>.

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 "disposed unit" and an example of a "third measurement unit". The presence or absence of a coating layer is an example of a "third physical property other than the first physical property and the second 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> is an example of an "irradiation unit".

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 toward 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> 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 (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.

The processing unit <NUM> obtains a measured value by performing a process such as amplification on the light reception signal 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.

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>. The basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is disposed at an opposing position T1 facing a portion (specifically, the left-hand portion) of the paper P.

Specifically, in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>, the emission unit <NUM> faces one surface (specifically, the top surface) of the paper P at the opposing position T1 with a gap in between. Also, the reception unit <NUM> faces the other surface (specifically, the bottom surface) of the paper P at the opposing position T1 with a gap in between. The opposing position T1 is an example of a "first opposing position".

Note that the emission unit <NUM> is disposed at a position receded upward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing <NUM>. Also, the reception unit <NUM> is disposed at a position receded downward from the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>.

In this way, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> faces the paper P at the opposing position T1 with a gap in between, and does not contact either surface of the paper P. Consequently, at the opposing position T1, the paper P is in an unrestrained, free state. For this reason, the paper P vibrates in response to the application of an ultrasonic wave.

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 resistance measurement unit <NUM> is disposed at an opposing position T2 where, in a state in which the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> faces one portion (specifically, the left-hand portion) of the paper P, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> faces another portion (specifically, the right-hand portion) of the paper P. In other words, both the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> are disposed to fit within the sheet size of the paper P.

Specifically, in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> and each of the pair of terminals <NUM> pinches and restrains the other portion (specifically, the right-hand portion) of the paper P at the opposing position T2. The opposing position T2 is an example of a "second opposing position".

Note that each of the pair of terminals <NUM> is disposed at a position projecting farther upward than the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>. Also, each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> is disposed at a position projecting farther downward than the opposing surface 22A of 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. Note that the transverse direction is an example of an "intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target".

Specifically, in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM> are disposed at an intermediate position T3 between the emission unit <NUM> and the reception unit <NUM> of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the pair of opposing members <NUM> and the pair of terminals <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction.

Note that the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM> is disposed at a position receded upward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing <NUM>. Consequently, the light irradiation unit <NUM> irradiates the top surface of the paper P with light without contacting the paper P in a state in which the bottom surface of paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>. Also, the light reception unit <NUM> receives reflected light from the top surface of the paper P without contacting the paper P in a state in which the bottom surface of paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>.

Note that the bottom surface of the paper P is an example of a "surface on one side in the thickness direction of the measurement target". Also, the top surface of the paper P is an example of a "surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the measurement target".

As above, the paper P is in an unrestrained, free state at the opposing position T1. On the other hand, at the opposing position T2, the paper P is pinched and restrained by the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. Furthermore, at the intermediate position T3, the bottom surface of the paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM> while the top surface is free of contact. Consequently, in the exemplary embodiment, the restraining force on the paper P is progressively stronger at the opposing position T1, the intermediate position T3, and the opposing position T2 in that order.

In the exemplary embodiment, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> measures the basis weight of the paper P by causing the paper P to vibrate with an ultrasonic wave at the opposing position T1. The vibrations produced at the opposing position T1 in the paper P propagate as noise through the paper P to the resistance measurement unit <NUM> side (that is, the opposing position T2 side). Hypothetically, if the paper P vibrates at the opposing position T2, a gap may be formed between the pair of terminals <NUM> and the paper P, and the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> may be hindered.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> pinches and restrains the paper P at the opposing position T2. Hypothetically, if the restraining force on the paper P at the opposing position T2 reaches the opposing position T1, the vibration of the paper P at the opposing position T1 may be limited, and the measurement by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> may be hindered.

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> in the transverse direction. Consequently, it is possible to separate the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction compared to a configuration in which the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are adjacent to each other (hereinafter referred to as Configuration A). For this reason, in the exemplary embodiment, vibrations occurring in the paper P at the opposing position T1 do not propagate to the opposing position T2 as easily, thereby keeping the vibrations generated by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to Configuration A. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, measurement error by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to Configuration A.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the restraining force on the paper P at the opposing position T2 does not propagate to the opposing position T1 as easily compared to Configuration A. Consequently, vibrations in the paper P at the opposing position T1 are less restricted and the hindrance to the measurement by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to Configuration A. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, measurement error by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to Configuration A.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, because the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is used as an example of a disposed unit that is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM>, it is possible to measure the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P while also reducing the hindrance to the measurements by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> compared to a configuration using a disposed unit that lacks a measurement function of measuring a physical property of the paper P.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the light irradiation unit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> irradiates the top surface of the paper P with light without contacting the paper P in a state in which the bottom surface of paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>. Consequently, vibrations in the paper P at the opposing position T1 are less restricted and the hindrance to the measurement by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to a configuration in which the light irradiation unit <NUM> contacts the top surface of the paper P.

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.

Next, a measurement device <NUM> according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described. Note that portions having the same functions as the first exemplary embodiment are denoted with the same signs, and a description of such portions is reduced or omitted appropriately.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the measurement device <NUM> is provided with a contact member <NUM> instead of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. The contact member <NUM> is L-shaped as viewed in the longitudinal direction.

The contact member <NUM> is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction. Consequently, the contact member <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 contact member <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.

Specifically, the contact member <NUM> is disposed at an intermediate position T3 between the emission unit <NUM> and the reception unit <NUM> of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the pair of opposing members <NUM> and the pair of terminals <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction.

The contact member <NUM> projects downward past the opposing surface 22A of the second housing <NUM> through an opening <NUM> formed in the second housing <NUM>. With this arrangement, a bottom surface <NUM> of the contact member <NUM> is positioned farther downward than the opposing surface 22A of the second housing <NUM> and contacts the top surface of the paper P. In other words, the contact member <NUM> contacts the paper P between the opposing position T1 and the opposing position T2.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, an opening <NUM> is formed in the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM> at the intermediate position T3. Consequently, the bottom surface of the paper P is free of contact at the intermediate position T3. In this way, in the exemplary embodiment, the contact member <NUM> contacts the top surface of the paper P but does not contact the bottom surface of the paper P. Besides the above points, the measurement device <NUM> is configured similarly to the measurement device <NUM>.

Note that in the exemplary embodiment, the top surface of the paper P is an example of a "surface on one side in the thickness direction of the measurement target". Also, the bottom surface of the paper P is an example of a "surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the measurement target".

In the exemplary embodiment, the contact member <NUM> is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction. Consequently, it is possible to separate the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction compared to a configuration in which the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are adjacent to each other (hereinafter referred to as Configuration A). For this reason, in the exemplary embodiment, vibrations occurring in the paper P at the opposing position T1 do not propagate to the opposing position T2 as easily, thereby keeping the vibrations generated by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to Configuration A. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, measurement error by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to Configuration A.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, because the contact member <NUM> contacts the paper P at the opposing position T1 and the opposing position T2, vibrations occurring in the paper P at the opposing position T1 do not propagate to the opposing position T2 as easily, thereby keeping the vibrations generated by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to a configuration in which the contact member <NUM> does not contact the paper P.

Also, because the contact member <NUM> does not contact the bottom surface of the paper P, vibrations in the paper P at the opposing position T1 are less restricted and the hindrance to the measurement by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to a configuration in which the contact member <NUM> contacts the top and bottom surfaces of the paper P.

Next, a measurement device <NUM> according to a third exemplary embodiment will be described. Note that portions having the same functions as the first exemplary embodiment are denoted with the same signs, and a description of such portions is reduced or omitted appropriately.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the measurement device <NUM> is not provided with the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>. Furthermore, in the measurement device <NUM>, the distance LA between the opposing position T1 and the opposing position T2 is set to a distance at which vibrations in the left-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T1 attenuate in the right-hand portion, such that the restrained state in the right-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T2 is maintained.

In other words, the distance LA is set such that the restrained state in the right-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T2 is the same for both the case of generating vibrations and the case of not generating vibrations at the opposing position T1. The restrained state in the right-hand portion of the paper P is confirmed by the load between each of the pair of opposing members <NUM> and each of the pair of terminals <NUM> with respect to the paper P, for example.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, to set the distance LA to the distance described above, 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>, and 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>.

Also, the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> is disposed by a portion on one end (specifically, the left-hand portion) of the paper P, and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is disposed by a portion on the other end (specifically, the right-hand portion) of the paper P.

Furthermore, the emission unit <NUM> and the reception unit <NUM> are disposed in a left-hand portion of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>. In other words, the emission unit <NUM> and the reception unit <NUM> are disposed to the left of center in the transverse direction in the basis weight measurement unit <NUM>.

Also, the pair of opposing members <NUM> and the pair of terminals <NUM> are disposed in right-hand portion of the resistance measurement unit <NUM>. In other words, the pair of opposing members <NUM> and the pair of terminals <NUM> are disposed to the right of center in the transverse direction in the resistance measurement unit <NUM>.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the distance LA between the opposing position T1 and the opposing position T2 is set to a distance at which vibrations in the left-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T1 attenuate in the right-hand portion, such that the restrained state in the right-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T2 is maintained.

Consequently, vibrations generated by the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> are kept from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> compared to a configuration in which the right-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T2 vibrates due to vibrations in the left-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T1. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, measurement error in the resistance measurement unit <NUM> is reduced compared to a configuration in which the right-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T2 vibrates due to vibrations in the left-hand portion of the paper P at the opposing position T1.

Next, a measurement device <NUM> according to a fourth exemplary embodiment will be described. Note that portions having the same functions as the second exemplary embodiment are denoted with the same signs, and a description of such portions is reduced or omitted appropriately.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the measurement device <NUM> is provided with the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> instead of the basis weight measurement unit <NUM> The coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed at one end (specifically, the left end) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed at an opposing position T1 facing a portion (specifically, the left-hand portion) of the paper P.

Specifically, in the coating layer measurement unit <NUM>, the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM> are disposed at a position receded upward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing <NUM> at the opposing position T1. Consequently, the light irradiation unit <NUM> irradiates the top surface of the paper P with light without contacting the paper P in a state in which the bottom surface of paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>. Also, the light reception unit <NUM> receives reflected light from the top surface of the paper P without contacting the paper P in a state in which the bottom surface of paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is provided on a board <NUM>. On the other hand, the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are provided on a board <NUM>. In other words, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are provided on different boards.

Also, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed above the paper P, while the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed below the paper P. Consequently, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed at positions partitioned by the paper P in addition to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

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

Specifically, the contact member <NUM> is disposed at an intermediate position T3 between the light irradiation unit <NUM> and the light reception unit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the pair of opposing members <NUM> and the pair of terminals <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction.

Note that in the exemplary embodiment, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is an example of "one measurement unit". The presence or absence of a coating layer is an example of "one physical property". The resistance measurement unit <NUM> is an example of an "other measurement unit". The sheet resistance value is an example of an "other physical property". The driving circuit <NUM> is an example of a "first driving circuit". The driving circuit <NUM> is an example of a "second driving circuit".

In the exemplary embodiment, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are provided on different boards. Consequently, the influence of noise between the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> is reduced compared to a configuration in which the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> are provided on the same board (hereinafter referred to as Configuration B). With this arrangement, noise from the driving circuit <NUM> is kept from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and noise from the electric circuit <NUM> is kept from hindering the measurement by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> compared to Configuration B.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed above the paper P, while the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed below the paper P. Consequently, it is possible to separate the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> vertically and also use the paper P as a partition between the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> compared to a configuration in which both the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> are disposed on one side (for example, the top side of the paper P) in the thickness direction with respect to the paper P (hereinafter referred to as Configuration C). With this arrangement, noise from the driving circuit <NUM> is kept from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and noise from the electric circuit <NUM> is kept from hindering the measurement by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> compared to Configuration C.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, the contact member <NUM> is disposed between the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction. Consequently, it is possible to separate the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction and also use the contact member <NUM> as a partition between the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> compared to a configuration in which the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are adjacent to each other (hereinafter referred to as Configuration D). With this arrangement, noise from the driving circuit <NUM> is kept from hindering the measurement by the resistance measurement unit <NUM> and noise from the electric circuit <NUM> is kept from hindering the measurement by the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> compared to Configuration D.

In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the paper P is used as an example of a sheet-like measurement target, but the measurement target is not limited thereto. The measurement target may also be a sheet-like recording medium other than the paper P, such as a metal or plastic film for example, and any sheet-like member may be used.

In the first to third exemplary embodiments, 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], 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], or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used, for example.

In the first to third exemplary embodiments, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> that measures the sheet resistance value 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 volume resistance 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 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 and restrain the paper P in the vertical direction.

In the first 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 third measurement unit, but the third measurement unit is not limited thereto. As an example of the third measurement unit, a measurement unit that measures the moisture content, 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 third physical property, the moisture content, the strength (that is, rigidity), or some other physical property of a measurement target may also be used, for example.

Also, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the contact member <NUM> given as examples of a disposed unit do not contact one of the surfaces of the paper P, but the disposed unit is not limited thereto. The disposed unit may also be configured to contact both surfaces of the measurement target. Additionally, the disposed unit may also be configured to contact neither surface of the measurement target.

In the fourth 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 first measurement unit, but the first measurement unit is not limited thereto. The first measurement unit may be any measurement unit provided with a driving circuit, and may also be a measurement unit that measures a physical property other than the presence or absence of a coating layer. In other words, as an example of a first physical property, a physical property other than the presence or absence of a coating layer may also be used, for example.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the resistance measurement unit <NUM> that measures the sheet resistance value of the paper P is used as an example of another measurement unit, but the other measurement unit is not limited thereto. The other measurement unit may be any measurement unit provided with a driving circuit, and may also be a measurement unit that measures a physical property other than the sheet resistance value. In other words, as an example of another physical property, a physical property other than the sheet resistance value may also be used, for example.

Also, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, the driving circuit <NUM> of the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> is disposed above the paper P, while the electric circuit <NUM> and the power supply <NUM> of the resistance measurement unit <NUM> are disposed below the paper P, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, both the driving circuit <NUM> and the electric circuit <NUM> may also be disposed on one side (for example, the top side of the paper P) in the thickness direction with respect to the paper P.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the contact member <NUM> is disposed between the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> in the transverse direction, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the coating layer measurement unit <NUM> and the resistance measurement unit <NUM> may also be adjacent to each other in the transverse direction.

The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiment above, and various modifications, alterations, and improvements are possible without deviating from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the configurations included in the first to fourth exemplary embodiments and exemplary modifications described above may also be plurally combined where appropriate.

Claim 1:
A measurement device, comprising:
a first measurement unit (<NUM>), disposed at a first end of a plurality of housings (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the measurement device and facing a portion of a sheet-like measurement target (P), that measures a first physical property of the measurement target (P) by causing the measurement target (P) to vibrate with an ultrasonic wave;
a second measurement unit (<NUM>), disposed at a second end of the plurality of housings (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the measurement device and facing another portion of the measurement target (P) in a state in which the first measurement unit (<NUM>) is facing the first portion, that pinches and restrains the other portion in a thickness direction and measures a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement target (P); and
a disposed unit (<NUM>) disposed between the first measurement unit (<NUM>) and the second measurement unit (<NUM>) in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target (P), wherein
the first physical property includes a basis weight and that the second physical property includes an electrical sheet resistance value.