JP2003107959A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device by which a printed matter having a small IC chip buried in an image is formed. SOLUTION: An image forming device has a latent image forming part 2 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a latent image holding body 1, a development part 3 for developing the electrostatic latent image to a visible image by supplying a liquid developer to the latent image holding body 1, an intermediate transfer part 4 provided in a state that it can come into contact with the latent image holding body 1 to transfer the visible image from the latent image holding body 1 to hold it temporarily, an IC chip transferring part 15 provided in a state that it can come into contact with the intermediate transfer part 4 for transferring the small IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer part 4, a transfer control part 18 for controlling transfer by the IC chip transfer part 15, and a visible image transfer part 19 provided in a state that it can come into contact with the intermediate transfer part 4 and transferring the visible image having the small IC chip transferred thereto from the intermediate transfer part 4 to a printing medium 29. Since the small IC chip is transferred to the visible image by putting the position of the visible image and that of the small IC chip together, the printed matter having the small IC chip buried in the image is formed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of embedding a small IC chip in an image of a printed matter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are printed materials having various functions. Such printed matter has an IC having a predetermined function.
A circuit including a chip or the like may be incorporated.

For example, as such a circuit, there is one having a function of detecting a moving object by infrared rays and generating a predetermined voice message. When the above-mentioned circuit is incorporated in an advertisement poster, when a person passes by the advertisement poster, a voice message of a predetermined advertisement is heard.

There is also a greeting card as a printed matter having a similar function. For example, when opening a birthday or Christmas greeting card, predetermined music or voice is heard.

Conventionally, the IC chips incorporated in these printed matters have a thickness of about several millimeters. Therefore, if such IC chips are incorporated in ordinary printed matters other than the above-mentioned applications, the thickness becomes thick. However, there is a problem that it is inconvenient to handle.

On the other hand, in recent years, miniaturization of information processing devices represented by mobile phones has progressed, and along with this, miniaturization of IC chips having a predetermined function has also progressed. Currently 0.4 mm
A small IC chip having a predetermined function of about × 0.4 mm × 0.06 mm has also been developed. This small IC
By incorporating an antenna and character information in the chip, predetermined character information can be transmitted by a signal given from the outside. If such a small IC chip is used, the thickness of the printed matter will not increase.

[0007]

However, when such a small IC chip is incorporated into a printed matter, there are the following problems. That is, conventionally, a printed matter in which an IC chip having a predetermined function is incorporated is created by a method in which an IC chip is attached after a printed matter is formed. According to this method, when attaching such a small IC chip to a printed matter, an apparatus having a special mechanism is required. As a result, there is a problem that the cost becomes high.

On the other hand, in the case where such a device is not produced, a worker carries out the production of a printed matter incorporating a small IC chip. When a worker performs it, it requires special skill to incorporate such a small IC chip into a printed matter. As a result, there is a problem in that the production efficiency becomes poor and the cost becomes high.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and efficiently uses a conventional image forming apparatus without using an apparatus having a special mechanism to reduce the size of an image. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a printed matter in which an IC chip is embedded.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems, a first image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a latent image holding member, A developing unit that supplies a developer to the latent image holding member to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image, and a latent image holding member that is provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding member. An IC chip having an intermediate transfer means for copying and temporarily holding the same, a storage means for contacting with the intermediate transfer means, a storage means for holding character information, and a communication means for communicating the character information, The IC chip transfer means for transferring the visible image of the transfer means, the transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means, and the intermediate transfer means are provided so as to be in contact therewith, and the IC chip is transferred. The visible image is transferred from the intermediate transfer means to the printing medium. It is characterized in that it has a, a visible image transfer means for transferring the.

Further, in the second image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer control means according to claim 1 is configured such that the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means is transferred to the intermediate transfer means based on print information. Of the latent image forming means by the latent image forming means, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer means. Calculating means for calculating the time timing of transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means; and IC based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculating means. Control means for controlling transfer by the chip transfer means.

Further, in a third image forming apparatus according to the present invention, at least one surface of the IC chip according to claim 1 or 2 is formed of a material having high adhesiveness to the visible image. The IC chip transfer means is configured such that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image,
It is characterized in that the IC chip is transferred to a visible image of the intermediate transfer means.

In a fourth image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the color of at least one surface of the IC chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is the same as that of a print medium, and the IC
The chip transfer means transfers the IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means such that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image.

A fifth image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a first image forming apparatus for forming a first electrostatic latent image on the surface of a latent image holding member.
The latent image forming means and the first developing means for supplying a developer to the latent image holding member to develop the first electrostatic latent image into a first visible image. In an image forming apparatus that transfers a visible image to a print medium, a second latent image forming unit that forms a second electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member, and a liquid developer on the latent image holding member. Is provided so as to be capable of contacting the latent image holding member, and second developing means for supplying a second electrostatic latent image to develop a second visible image of the same color as the print medium. An intermediate transfer means for copying a visible image from the latent image holder and temporarily holding it, a storage means for contacting with the intermediate transfer means, for holding character information, and a communication means for communicating the character information. And an IC chip transfer means for transferring an IC chip having the following to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means:
Transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the chip transfer means, and the IC transfer means provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer means.
And a visible image transfer means for transferring the second visible image to which the chip has been transferred from the intermediate transfer means to the print medium.

Further, in a sixth image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer control means described in claim 5 is desired print information for transferring the second visible image to a desired position in a print medium. And a position for transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer unit to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer unit based on the desired print information generating unit and the desired print information. Based on the timing of the latent image formation by the second latent image forming means, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer means,
Based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculation means, the calculation means for calculating the time timing for transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means. And a control means for controlling transfer by the IC chip transfer means.

Further, a seventh image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises a latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member, and a developer supplied to the latent image holding member to supply the latent image holding member. An IC chip having a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image into a visible image, a storage means provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body and holding character information, and a communication means for communicating the character information is provided. IC chip transfer means for transferring the visible image on the latent image carrier, transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means, and the IC chip provided so as to be in contact with the latent image carrier. And a visible image transfer means for transferring the transferred visible image from the latent image carrier to a print medium.

According to the present invention, the IC chip transfer means is controlled by the transfer control means, so that the IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means. Then, the transfer control unit can match the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer unit with the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer unit. Further, the timing of contact between the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer means and the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer means is the same. As a result, the IC chip is transferred to a visible image, and a printed matter in which the IC chip is embedded in the image can be formed.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. (1) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a wet image forming apparatus using liquid toner will be described, but the wet method is not particularly limited.

The image forming apparatus comprises a latent image holding member 1 for holding an electrostatic latent image on the surface, a latent image forming portion 2 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member 1, and a latent image holding member. A developing unit 3 that supplies a liquid developer to the body 1 to develop an electrostatic latent image into a visible image and a latent image holding body 1 are provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body 1.
An intermediate transfer section 4 for copying and temporarily holding the
Have.

The latent image carrier 1 may be, for example, a photosensitive drum having a cylindrical conductive substrate surface provided with an organic or amorphous silicon photosensitive layer. Further, the latent image carrier 1 has a built-in latent image carrier driving unit (not shown) that drives the rotational speed of the latent image carrier 1.

The latent image forming section 2 has a charging section 5 and an exposure section 6. The charging unit 5 uniformly charges the surface of the latent image carrier 1. The charging unit 5 includes the charger 50 and the charger 5.
It has a charging driving unit (not shown) for driving the charging operation of 0. As the charger 50, for example, a corona charger 50 or a scorotron charger 50 can be used. The charging drive unit is controlled by the control unit 24, which will be described later, and drives the charger 50 to charge the surface of the latent image carrier 1 to a predetermined potential.

The exposure unit 6 exposes the surface of the latent image carrier 1 uniformly charged with an image-modulated laser beam or the like to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier 1. The exposure unit 6 includes a light emitting unit 7, a light emitting drive unit 8 that drives the light emitting unit 7, and an optical mechanism unit (not shown) that forms an image of the light from the light emitting unit 7 on the surface of the latent image carrier 1. An optical drive unit (not shown) for driving this optical mechanism unit is provided.

The light emitting section 7 is composed of, for example, an LED array, a semiconductor laser, or the like. The light emission drive unit 8 is configured by a driver IC or the like that controls the light emission of each LED or laser based on print information described below.

When a laser is used for the light emitting section 7 as the optical mechanism section, a polygon mirror for changing the traveling direction of the light emitted from the laser to a predetermined direction, or F for forming an image of this light on the surface of the latent image carrier 1 -There is a θ lens. On the other hand, when using LEDs, there is a SELFOC lens array in which SELFOC lenses corresponding to a plurality of LED light emitting units are arranged.
Thereby, the light emitted from each light emitting unit 7 is imaged on the surface of the latent image holder 1.

In the case of a laser, the optical drive section drives the optical mechanism section to apply the light emitted from the laser at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the latent image carrier 1.

The exposure unit 6 may be composed of a light source, a liquid crystal shutter and a SELFOC lens.

The developing section 3 supplies the liquid developer to the surface of the latent image carrier 1 to adhere the liquid developer and the toner particles contained therein to the electrostatic latent image to form on the surface of the latent image carrier 1. The electrostatic latent image is developed into a visible image.

The developing section 3 includes a developing device 11 which is composed of a tank 9 containing a predetermined amount of liquid developer in which toner particles are dispersed and a developing roller 10 arranged in the tank 9.
And a developing drive unit (not shown) that drives the developing roller 10.
And.

The developing roller 10 rotates while holding the liquid developer containing toner particles, and is applied with a constant electric potential. For this reason, a potential difference occurs between the surface of the developing roller 10 and a portion of the surface of the latent image holding member 1 other than the charged portion. That is, the potential of the surface of the developing roller 10 is higher than the potential of the surface of the latent image carrier 1. As a result, the toner particles contained in the liquid developer filled between the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 1 and the developing roller 10 are electrophoresed so that the electrostatic latent image on the latent image carrier 1 side. To the electrostatic latent image. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a visible image.
The visible image is composed of pigment, resin, and the like. Examples of this resin include styrene acrylic type and polyester type.

The developing drive unit is controlled by a control unit 24, which will be described later, and drives the rotation speed of the developing roller 10 and the potential of the developing roller 10. The potential of the developing roller 10 is, for example, about 300 V when the charging by the charger 50 is about 600 V.
It is also possible to set to. Further, the rotational peripheral speed of the developing roller 10 is usually about 2 times the rotational peripheral speed of the latent image holding member 1.
It is also possible to set about double.

The developing section 3 includes a developer tank 12 containing a liquid developer containing toner particles and a developing device 11.
So that a predetermined amount of liquid developer is always stored therein, a developer supply pipe 13 for supplying the liquid developer from the developer tank 12 to the developing device 11, and the liquid developer from the developing device 11 to the developer tank 12. And a developer collecting pipe 14 for collecting.

The developing solution tank is connected to a concentrated developing solution supply section and a developing solution concentration adjusting section which are not shown. Then, if necessary, the concentrated developer is supplied from the concentrated developer supply unit to the developer tank, and by the developer concentration adjusting unit,
It is adjusted to a predetermined density.

The intermediate transfer section 4 has an intermediate transfer body 4a and an intermediate transfer drive section (not shown) for driving the intermediate transfer body.

The intermediate transfer member 4a is brought into elastic contact with the latent image holding member 1 so that a visible image is once transferred from the latent image holding member 1. This intermediate transfer member is, for example, a metal roller 50 to 2
It is possible to use, for example, one having a heater built in, which is coated with an adhesive silicone or the like having a thickness of about 000 μm.

The intermediate transfer drive unit is controlled by the control unit 24, which will be described later, and can drive the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer member and the temperature of the intermediate transfer member.

As the temperature of the intermediate transfer member, the visible image becomes soft, and an IC chip having a storage unit for holding character information and a communication unit for communicating the character information described later is attached to the visible image. It must be at a temperature that allows Such temperature is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature of the visible image. For example, when the glass transition temperature of the visible image is about 40 ° C., the temperature of the intermediate transfer member is 80
The temperature may be about 100 ° C.

The image forming apparatus is provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer section 4, and outputs from an IC chip transfer section 15 for transferring the IC chip to a visible image of the intermediate transfer section 4, a scanner, a personal computer, or the like. Based on the print data, the print information generation unit 16 that generates print information, the storage unit 17 that stores various data such as the print information generated by the print information generation unit 16, and the print information based on the print information. A transfer control unit 18 that controls the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer unit 15.
And a visible image, which is provided so as to be contactable with the intermediate transfer unit 4 and on which the IC chip is transferred, from the intermediate transfer unit 4 to the print medium 2
9, a visible image transfer section 19 for transferring to 9 and a cleaning section 20 for cleaning the latent image holding member 1 after the visible image was transferred to the intermediate transfer section 4, and a visible image with an IC chip were transferred. It has a plurality of transport rollers (not shown) that transport the print medium 29 to a paper tray (not shown), and a housing portion (not shown) that covers each portion.

Here, the IC chip used in this embodiment has a storage unit for holding character information and a communication unit for communicating the character information. The size of the IC chip is about 0.4 mm x 0.4 mm to about 1 mm
It is about 1 mm. Thickness is about 0.06mm
It is a degree. Hereinafter, such an IC chip is referred to as a small IC chip.

The IC chip transfer section 15 has an IC chip transfer body 15a and an IC chip transfer drive section (not shown) incorporated in the IC chip transfer body 15a and driving the IC chip transfer body 15a. IC chip transfer body 15a
For example, a metal roller covered with an adhesive silicon or the like having a thickness of about 50 to 1000 μm can be used. As a result, the small IC chip is transferred to the IC chip transfer body 1.
It can be attached to 5a. The IC chip transfer body 15a is separated from the intermediate transfer body 4a except during pressure contact.

The IC chip transfer drive unit is controlled by the control unit 24, and drives the rotation speed and operation of the IC chip transfer body 15a.

The print information generator 16 generates print information based on the print data. That is, the print information generation unit 16
Is a print medium 2 based on print data sent from a scanner or the like, a designated print size, a character pitch, and the like.
The print information for one page is formed so that an image can be formed at a predetermined position within 9.

The minimum unit of the printable area in the print medium 29 is called a dot. Then, regarding the printable area, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the vertical area of the print medium 29 is divided into Y dots, and the horizontal area is divided into Z dots.
As a result, the printable area can be divided into Y × Z dots.

In order to form a predetermined image on the print medium 29, it is necessary that an image is formed on a certain dot and an image is not formed on a certain dot.

In order to form an image on the print medium 29, it is necessary to cause the latent image carrier 1 to emit light by the light emitting section 7. The reason is as follows. After the surface of the latent image holding member 1 is uniformly charged by the charger 50, the electric charge is removed from the part that emits light, and the electric charge remains from the part that does not emit light. By setting the potential of the developing roller 10 lower than the potential of the charged electric charge, the electric potential of the developing roller 10 is higher between the portion where the electric charge is removed and the developing roller 10. Therefore, the toner particles are attached to the part where the electric charge is removed (the part where the light is emitted) by electrophoresis. As a result, a visible image is formed on the light-emitted portion, and an image is formed on the print medium 29 corresponding to the light-emitted portion by the rotation and transfer operations of the latent image carrier 1 and the intermediate transfer member 4a. It

Here, the operation of the light emitting portion 7 and the optical mechanism portion necessary for forming the image of each dot on the print medium 29 will be described.
It is said that the light emitting unit 7 and the like emit light for each dot. This operation is, for example, an ON operation of the laser light source or a rotation operation of the optical mechanism section when the light emitting section 7 is a laser. If the light emitting unit 7 is an LED print head, it is an operation for causing each light emitting dot of the LED array to emit light. As print information, first,
Whether to emit light for each dot by the light emitting unit 7 or the like,
There is information on where in the latent image carrier 1 the light emission should be performed.

As shown in FIG. 3, when a visible image is formed by causing the light emitting portion 7 to emit light at the position of each dot in the axial direction of the latent image holding member 1, the latent image holding member 1 and the intermediate transfer member are transferred. An image is formed at the position of each dot in the horizontal direction of the print medium 29 by the rotation and transfer operation of the body 4a and the like.

The print information includes the timing of light emission by the light emitting unit 7 or the like. Latent image holder 1, intermediate transfer member 4
Since a and the like rotate at a predetermined rotation speed, an image is formed at the position of each dot in the vertical direction of the print medium 29 by appropriately determining the light emission timing in consideration of the rotation speed and the time timing of light emission. Becomes

When the light emitting portion 7 or the like emits light for each dot according to the print information, a visible image of each dot is formed at a predetermined position on the corresponding latent image holding body 1. The visible image of each dot is printed on the print medium 2 by the rotation and transfer operations of the intermediate transfer body 4a and the visible image transfer body 19a.
It is transferred to each dot position of 9. As a result, an image is formed at each dot position in the print medium 29 based on the print data and the like.

The storage unit 17 also stores, for example, the print information generated by the print information generation unit 16 and a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between each dot and the position in the print medium 29.

The transfer control section 18 has an input section 20 for inputting predetermined information, a display section (not shown) for displaying information necessary for input by the input section 20, and an IC based on print information. The transfer position for transferring the small IC chip of the chip transfer unit 15 to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4 is calculated, and the latent image forming unit 2 performs the timing of latent image formation and the rotation speed of the latent image holder 1. And a rotation speed of the intermediate transfer unit 4, a calculation unit 21 for calculating the time timing of transferring the small IC chip of the IC chip transfer unit 15 to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4, and an IC chip transfer unit. The small IC chip is provided so as to be able to contact the IC chip 15, and the IC chip transfer unit 1
5 based on the IC chip transfer head unit 22 for transferring the image onto the IC chip 5, the counter 23 for counting the time for driving or controlling each unit, and the transfer position and the transfer time timing calculated by the calculation unit 21. And a control unit 24 that controls each unit such as controlling the transfer operation by the.

The predetermined information input to the input unit 20 includes the rotational speed of the latent image carrier 1, the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer member 4a, the rotational speed of the IC chip transfer member 15a, the size of the small IC chip, 1 Image size of dots, total number of dots per horizontal line, printer resolution DPI, print medium 2
There are a position where a small IC chip is to be embedded in the device 9, a speed at which the IC chip transfer body 15a moves in the direction of the intermediate transfer body 4a, and the like.

Note that these values, once input, are stored in the storage unit 17, and the control unit 24 can
It may be read from the storage unit 17.

The calculation unit 21 calculates the transfer position based on the predetermined information input to the input unit 20 and the print information generated by the print information generation unit 16.

Further, the calculation section 21 determines the transfer time based on the timing of the latent image formation by the latent image forming section 2, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member 1 and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer member 4a. Calculate the timing. A detailed description of the calculation operation will be given later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of attaching a small IC chip to the IC chip transfer unit 15 using the IC chip transfer head unit 22. The IC chip transfer head unit 22 is movable in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer body 15a. Then, in the traveling direction shown in FIG.
The small IC chip attached to 2 is the IC chip transfer body 15
The small IC chip is attached to the IC chip transfer body 15a by being pressed against a.

The visible image transfer section 19 transfers the visible image with the small IC chip of the intermediate transfer section 4 onto the print medium 29, and is arranged in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer section 4 via the print medium 29. ing.

The visible image transfer portion 19 is a visible image transfer member 19a.
And a visible image transfer member drive unit (not shown) for driving the visible image transfer member 19a. The visible image transfer member 19a is
For example, a metal roller covered with an adhesive silicone or the like having a thickness of about 50 to 1000 μm can be used. The visible image transfer drive unit is controlled by the control unit 24,
The rotation speed of the visible image transfer member is driven.

Here, it is preferable that at least one surface of the small IC chip is formed of a material having a high adhesion to the visible image. This adhesiveness is required to be higher than the adhesiveness between the small IC chip and the IC chip transfer body 15a. Then, the IC chip transfer body 15a
Transfers the small IC chip to the visible image on the intermediate transfer member 4a such that the one surface of the small IC chip faces the visible image. This makes it possible to reliably transfer the small IC chip to the visible image on the intermediate transfer member 4a.

The color of at least one surface of the small IC chip is preferably the same as that of the print medium 29. Then, the IC chip transfer body 15a transfers the small IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer section 4 such that the one surface of the small IC chip faces the visible image.

The visible image on the print medium 29 is completely small.
When the C chip is not covered, the color of the small IC chip may be conspicuous depending on the color of the visible image, the color of the small IC chip, and the color of the print medium 29. As described above, by matching the color of the small IC chip with the color of the print medium 29, the color of the small IC chip not covered by the visible image becomes inconspicuous. Therefore, the appearance of the printed matter is not affected by embedding the small IC chip.

The intermediate transfer member 4a is usually 80-1.
The latent image holding member 1 which is heated to about 00 ° C. and is in contact with the intermediate transfer member 4a is gradually warmed.
However, except during printing, the latent image holding member 1 and the intermediate transfer member 4a are separated by a mechanism (not shown), and heat is not directly transmitted.

(2) Operation of Image Forming Apparatus The operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 5, 6, and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus.

In step S100, the control section 24 determines whether or not the print data, the character size, etc. are sent to the print information generating section 16 from a scanner, a personal computer or the like. If it is sent, the process proceeds to step S110. If not, the process returns to step S100.

In step S110, the control unit 24 determines whether the print information generation unit 16 has generated print information. When it is generated, the process proceeds to step S120.
If not generated, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S120, the control section 24 determines whether or not predetermined information (excluding the desired position) has been input to the input section 20. If input, step S12
Go to 5. If not input, step S12
At 3, the control unit 24 causes the display unit to display a message instructing the user to input the predetermined information, and causes the input unit 20 to input the predetermined information. Then, step S1
Move to 25.

In step S125, the control unit 24 causes the display unit to display whether or not the position where the small IC chip is embedded in the print medium 29 is desired. If desired, the user is made to input the desired position into the input unit 20 in step S127. Then, it transfers to step S130. If not desired, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the control unit 24 sends the information (desired position, size of one dot image, size of small IC chip, etc.) input by the input unit 20 to the calculation unit 21, After instructing to calculate the transfer position and the transfer time timing, the calculation unit 21 executes the operation. At this time, the control unit 24 reads a correspondence table showing the correspondence between each dot and the position in the print medium 29 from the storage unit 17 and sends it to the calculation unit 21.

The operation of step S130 will be described in detail below.

(A) Transfer Position Calculation Operation by Calculation Unit 21 FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the calculation operation of step S130 by the calculation unit 21.

In step S1000, the calculation section 21
Considering the size of the 1-dot image (hereinafter, dot image) input to the input unit 20 and the size of the small IC chip,
In the printed matter, the visible image dot area, which is the area of the dot image in which the visible image covers the small IC chip, is calculated.

For example, consider a case where the resolution is 300 DPI. At this time, the size of the 1-dot image is about 80 μm
It becomes 120 μm. When the size of the small IC chip is about 500 μm × 500 μm, the horizontal direction 1
When the number of dots per row is Y, the calculation unit 21 may satisfy the condition that at least five dots on which an image is formed are continuous in the vertical and horizontal directions on the print medium 29, as shown in FIG. Calculate the image dot area.

In this case, the calculation unit 21 causes the X + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3, ... α), the X + Y + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3, ... α), the X + 2Y + i dots ( i = 1,2,3, ... α), X + 3Y + i dots (i = 1,2,3, ... α), X + 4Y + i dots (i = 1,2,3, ... α) X and α of 4 or more are calculated from the print information.

Here, the number of Y dots appears in FIG.
2, visible images are formed in units of Y dots in the axial direction of the latent image carrier 1 and the intermediate transfer member 4a, so that the Y dots are printed on the print medium 29 in the horizontal direction shown in FIG. This is because the image is formed in units.

Then, the calculation unit 21 calculates X and α. At this time, if there are a plurality of Xs that satisfy the above condition, all Xs and α are calculated. Thereby, the calculation unit 21 calculates a visible image dot area (hereinafter, a calculation area) that satisfies the conditions.

In step S1010, the calculation unit 21
It is determined whether or not the desired position has been input. If it has been input, the process proceeds to step S1020, and if it has not been input, the process proceeds to step S1040.

In step S1020, the calculation unit 21
By referring to the correspondence table, the desired dot which is the dot corresponding to the desired position is determined.

In step S1025, the calculation section 21
It is determined whether or not the desired dot is at or near the center of the calculation area.

If it is not near the center of the calculation area, the process proceeds to step S1030. If it is near the center of the calculation area, the calculation area is set as the target calculation area, and the process proceeds to step S1045.

In step S1030, the calculation unit 21
A display indicating that an image is not formed is displayed on the display unit at the desired position via the control unit 24. After that, step S
Move to 125.

In step S1040, the calculation unit 21
The calculation area having the largest area is calculated as the target calculation area. Specifically, of all Xs, the X with the largest α is calculated. It can be said that when α is the largest, the calculation area is the largest, the contact area between the small IC chip and the visible image is the largest, and the small IC chip is most attached to the visible image.

In step S1045, the calculation unit 21
A cylinder position and a transfer position, which are positions in the cylinder axis direction of the IC chip transfer portion 15 corresponding to the center position of the target calculation region or the dots located near the center, are calculated.

The cylindrical position is, for example, X + in the example of FIG.
This is a position in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer portion 15 corresponding to 2Y + 2 dots. When there is no dot at the center position, it is the position in the cylinder axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15 that corresponds to any one dot (dot near the center) among the dots closest to the center position.

At this time, the calculation section 21 holds a table showing the correspondence between each dot in the horizontal direction and the position of the IC chip transfer section 15 in the cylindrical axis direction. Specifically, it is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 10, for example, in the correspondence table, the X-axis is set in the cylinder axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15, and the correspondence relationship between the center dot and the position of the IC chip transfer unit 15 in the X-axis direction is set. It is shown. For example, W dot X = XW W + 1 dot X = XW + 1. ． ． It is a correspondence like.

The calculation unit 21 refers to this table and
The cylinder position Xw in the cylinder axis direction of the IC chip transfer portion 15 corresponding to the center dot of the target calculation area is calculated. This cylindrical position considers only the position in the X-axis direction.

Then, the calculating unit 21 rotates the point at the cylindrical position Xw and calculates the point (Ew) at which the intermediate transfer member 4a can be brought into contact by pressing as the transfer position. The transfer position is a position at which the position in the X-axis direction is the same as the cylindrical position and can contact the intermediate transfer body 4a by pressure contact.

When the central dot is, for example, W + nY dots (n is an integer of 0 or more and W is an integer of Y or less), I
The position of the C chip transfer portion 15 in the cylinder axis direction is Xw.
The reason is that the visible image of W dots on the intermediate transfer member 4a and the W image
The visible image of the + nY dot is transferred to the IC chip transfer unit 15 at different timings, but
This is because both the cylindrical position is Xw and the transfer position is Ew. (B) The operation of calculating the transfer time will be described below.

After the charging unit 50 starts charging, the control unit 24 controls the light emission drive unit 8 to cause the light emitting unit 7 to start emitting light. Then, the time timing (for example, formation of an electrostatic latent image by the latent image forming unit 2) emitted by the light emitting unit 7 with respect to the dot at or near the center of the calculation region (for example,
Time) is T1. As a light emitting method, there are cases where dots in the horizontal direction are collectively emitted, but like a laser,
In some cases, dots are emitted in the horizontal direction by the scanning method.
However, since the scanning speed of the laser is considerably higher than the rotation speed of the latent image carrier 1, it is assumed here that dots in the same lateral direction will emit light at substantially the same time.

When the distance from the point A to the point B shown in FIG. 1 is L1 at the rotation speed X of the latent image carrier 1, the rotation causes point A (the electrostatic latent image of the central dot on the latent image carrier 1). Formation point is B
The time required to reach the point (contact point between the intermediate transfer member 4a and the latent image holding member 1) is L1 / X. Further, at the rotation speed X of the intermediate transfer portion 4, from the point B to the point C (intermediate transfer member 4a
To the contact point of the IC chip transfer body 15a) with L
If the value is 2, the time required to reach the point C from the point B is L2 / X due to the rotation. From the above, the time when the visible image of the central dot reaches the point C after the central dot is emitted to the latent image carrier 1 at the time T1, is T1 + L1 / X.
+ L2 / X.

On the other hand, the time required to press the IC chip transfer body 15a into pressure contact with the intermediate transfer body 4a (IC chip transfer body 1
Assuming that point E of 5a (the transfer position of the small IC chip) is in contact with point C) is t,
The time when the transfer position Ew of the IC chip transfer body 15a contacts the point C of the intermediate transfer body 4a is T1 + L1 / X + L2.
/ X + t.

Therefore, the transfer time timing is T1 + L
1 / X + L2 / X + t.

The time t is obtained from the speed at which the IC chip transfer member 15a input by the input unit 20 moves in the direction of the intermediate transfer member 4a.

Transfer control can be performed using the transfer position and transfer time timing calculated in this way. That is, the small IC chip is moved to the IC chip transfer member 15 so that the center of the small IC chip is located at the transfer position E described above.
transfer to a and transfer time T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X +
It is sufficient that the transfer position E of the IC chip transfer body 15a is in contact with the point C of the intermediate transfer body 4a at t. This allows
The small IC chip can be transferred to the visible image by aligning the position of the visible image of the central dot of the calculation area with the position of the center of the small IC chip.

For example, the transfer can be controlled by the following method. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the control method. IC
The chip transfer head portion 22 is brought into pressure contact with the IC chip transfer body 15a so that the center of the small IC chip is located at the cylindrical position Xw (point R).
Then, the time when the small IC chip is transferred to the IC chip transfer body 15a is defined as T2. Then, at the rotation speed X of the IC chip transfer body 15a, the distance from the point R to the point E is L3.
Then, the time required to reach the point E from the point R by rotation is L3 / X. Here, the points C and E are in a positional relationship in which the IC chip transfer body 15a and the intermediate transfer body 4a come into contact with each other by pressure contact. Then, the IC chip transfer body 15a
Let t be the time required to contact the intermediate transfer body 4a with pressure (the time required to bring the point E of the IC chip transfer body 15a into contact with the point C) until the small IC chip reaches the point C. The time is T2 + L3 / X + t.

From the above, T1 + L1 / X + L2 /
Since X + t = T2 + L3 / X + t is established, at time T2 that satisfies this expression, if a small IC chip is transferred from the IC chip transfer head unit 22 to the IC chip transfer body 15a by pressure contact, then time T2 + L3 / X Then I
At the transfer position Ew of the C-chip transfer body 15a, the small I
The center of the C chip comes. Then, the transfer time T2 + L
3 / X + t, the transfer position E of the IC chip transfer member 15a
Is in contact with point C of the intermediate transfer member 4a. As a result, the position of the center dot of the visible image in the calculation area and the position of the center of the small IC chip are matched to each other, and the small IC
The chip can be transferred to a visible image.

Transfer control can also be performed by the following method.

The control section 24 sets the I
At the cylindrical position R point of the C chip transfer body 15a, a small IC chip is transferred to the IC chip transfer body 15a by the head portion 22.
When the small IC chip reaches the point E (transfer position) by rotating the IC chip transfer member 15a, the control unit 24 controls the IC chip transfer member 15a at that position.
Stop the rotation of. And time T1 + L1 / X
The control unit 24 can also press the IC chip transfer body 15a against the intermediate transfer body 4a via the IC chip transfer body drive unit when waiting until + L2 / X.

Also in this case, the transfer time T1 + L1 / X
At + L2 / X + t, the transfer position Ew of the IC chip transfer member 15a comes into contact with the point C of the intermediate transfer member 4a. Therefore, the position of the central dot of the visible image in the calculation region and the small size I
A small IC chip can be transferred to a visible image by aligning the center position of the C chip.

The resolution is 400, 600, 1200.
The same can be applied when the DPI and the like are different.

Further, the latent image carrier 1, the intermediate transfer members 4a, I
The rotation speeds of the C-chip transfer body 15a and the visible image transfer body are the same. By making the rotation speeds the same, stable transfer can be performed without a positioning error. However, the rotation speed may be slightly changed within the range where development and transfer are possible.

In step S140, the controller 24 calculates the calculated transfer position and transfer time timing by the calculator 21.
To get from.

In step S145, the control section 24 causes the latent image holding body 1 to rotate at the rotation speed X via the latent image holding body driving section, and also causes the charging unit to move via the charging driving section. The charging operation is performed on 50. By this operation, the surface of the latent image carrier 1 is uniformly charged. For example, the charged portion is at a potential of 600V and the uncharged portion is at 0V.

In step S150, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the control section 24 instructs the light emission drive section 8 to cause the light emission section 7 to cause the latent image holding body 1 to emit light, and the light emission drive section 8 then.
Causes the light emitting unit 7 to emit light.

The predetermined time is the time until the charged portion on the latent image carrier 1 passes point A in FIG.

At this time, the control unit 24 stores the print information in the storage unit 1.
The data is read from 7 and sent to the light emission drive unit 8. Light emission drive unit 8
Causes the light emitting unit 7 to emit light to the latent image carrier 1 in accordance with the print information. In step S160, the control unit 24 operates the counter 23 and instructs the developing roller driving unit to rotate the developing roller 10. As a result, the control unit 24 can acquire time and time information from the count number of the counter 23.

Similarly, the control section 24 instructs the intermediate transfer body drive section to rotate the intermediate transfer body 4a, and at the same time, the visible image transfer body is instructed to the visible image transfer drive section. Instruct to rotate. Here, the developing roller 10,
The intermediate transfer body 4a and the visible image transfer body rotate at a rotation speed X.

The developing operation by the developing section 3 will be described below. The liquid developer is supplied to the surface of the latent image carrier 1 by the rotation of the developing roller 10. As a result, in the developing unit 3, the liquid developer and the toner particles are attached to the electrostatic latent image,
The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the latent image carrier 1 is visualized.

For example, when the developing roller 10 is set to 300 V, an electric field from the latent image holding member 1 to the developing roller 10 is generated between the latent image holding member 1 and the charged portion of the latent image holding member 1, and the toner particles form a latent image. It does not adhere to the holder 1. On the other hand, between the latent image holding member 1 and the non-charged portion, the developing roller 10
An electric field is generated from the toner to the latent image carrier 1, and the toner particles adhere to the latent image carrier 1 by electrophoresis.

The transfer operation by the intermediate transfer member 4a will be described below. A visible image is once transferred from the latent image holder 1 to the intermediate transfer member 4a. This transfer operation is performed, for example, by pressing the intermediate transfer member 4a against the latent image holding member 1 by the intermediate transfer driving unit. The transfer operation by the visible image transfer member is performed by pressing the intermediate transfer member 4a and the visible image transfer member into contact with the print medium 2
9 is performed by transferring a visible image.

Note that these transfer operations may be performed by an electric field.

In step S170, the control section 24 is informed by the light emission drive section 8 of the dots emitted by the light emission section 7 and the like, and whether the center dot of the target calculation area (hereinafter referred to as the center dot) emits light. Determine whether or not. When light is emitted, the counter 23 is reset (time timing of latent image formation by the latent image forming unit), and step S175
Move to. If no light is emitted, the process returns to step S170.

In step S175, the control unit 24 considers the count number of the counter 23 and calculates the calculated time T.
It is determined whether it is 2 (time to transfer the small IC chip from the IC chip transfer head unit 22 to the IC chip transfer body 15a).

If so, the process moves to step S180. If not, the process proceeds to step S175.

In step S180, the control section 24 controls the IC chip transfer head section 22 to which the small IC chip is attached.
Is controlled to attach the small IC chip to the IC chip transfer body 15a so that the center of the small IC chip is located at the calculated cylindrical position.

In step S190, the control section 24 controls the I
IC chip transfer body 15a via C chip transfer drive unit
Is rotated at the rotation speed X, and whether the time L3 / X has elapsed from the time T2 is determined by the count number of the counter 23.

If not, the process proceeds to step S190. If so, the process proceeds to step S200.

In step S200, the control section 24 controls the I
The IC chip transfer body 15a is attached to the C chip transfer drive unit.
Instruct to stop the rotation of. At this time, the center of the small IC chip is at the transfer position.

In step S205, the control section 24 controls the I
The C-chip transfer body 15a is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 4a for a predetermined time t.
And instruct to press-contact with a predetermined pressure. The IC chip transfer body 15a is executed.

By this operation, the position of the central dot of the visible image of the target calculation area on the intermediate and the IC chip transfer member 15
The timing of contact at the same position as the center position of the small IC chip on a is the same. As a result, the small IC chip is transferred to the visible image in an area larger than the size.

The intermediate transfer member 4a is heated to about 80 to 100 ° C., as described above. For this reason,
The visible image transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 4a is in a soft state. As a result, the small IC chip is transferred onto the visible image that is in a soft state, so that the adhesiveness is increased.

In step S210, the visible image (small IC) on which the small IC chip on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4a is transferred.
Visible image) is the intermediate transfer member 4a and the visible image transfer member 19a.
It is transferred to the print medium 29 by pressure contact with. By this operation, the small IC chip is embedded in the image. As a result, the printed matter in which the small IC chip is embedded in the image of the calculated dot area including the central dot is formed.

In step S220, the print medium 29 onto which the visible image with the small IC chip is transferred is conveyed to a paper tray (not shown) via a plurality of conveying rollers.

The operation of step S190 may be performed as follows. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation.

In step S300, the control section 24 controls the I
IC chip transfer body 15a via C chip transfer drive unit
Is rotated, and when the small IC chip reaches point E, the rotation is stopped.

In step S310, control unit 24 determines whether or not time L1 / X + L2 / X has elapsed from time T1.

When the time has not passed, the process proceeds to step S310. If the time has passed, the process proceeds to step S205.

(3) Functions and Effects In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the IC chip transfer section 15 is controlled by the transfer control section 18, so that the small IC chip becomes a visible image of the intermediate transfer body 4a. Transcribed.
Here, the transfer controller 18 has a calculator 21. The calculation unit 21 calculates the transfer position on the IC chip transfer unit 15 based on the print information, and also determines the timing of latent image formation by the latent image forming member and the rotation speed of the latent image holding member 1. Then, the transfer timing is calculated based on the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer unit 4. In some cases, the rotation speed of the IC chip transfer portion 15 is also taken into consideration when calculating the transfer timing.

Therefore, the center of the small IC chip is set to the above-mentioned position (point R or point E) of the IC chip transfer body 15a, and the transfer time T1 + L1 / X + L is set.
The transfer can be performed at 2 / X + t such that the transfer position E point of the IC chip transfer member 15a is in contact with the C point of the intermediate transfer member 4a. As a result, the position of the central dot of the visible image in the calculation region and the position of the center of the small IC chip can be aligned to transfer the small IC chip to the visible image. This makes it possible to form a printed matter in which a small IC chip is embedded in an image.

By thus improving the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to efficiently produce a printed matter in which a small IC chip is embedded.

Embodiment 2. In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, a small IC chip can be embedded in the print medium 29 in a region where visible images are concentrated. However, some users may want to embed a small IC chip in a specific place on the print medium 29. In such a case, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, when there is little or no visible image at the specific place, the compact I
The C chip cannot be embedded.

In the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment,
When it is desired to embed a small IC chip in a desired area of the print medium 29 and a black visible image does not appear in that area, a visible image of the same color as the print medium 29 is printed in the area. Transfer to. Then, a small IC chip can be transferred to this visible image.

(1) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
The same elements and functions as those shown in FIG.

The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a first latent image forming portion 2a for forming a first electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier 1 and a liquid developer on the latent image carrier 1. To develop the first electrostatic latent image into a first visible image.
A second latent image forming portion 2b for forming a second electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member 1, and a second developer by supplying a liquid developer to the latent image holding member 1. To a second visible image of the same color as the print medium 29.

The color of the toner particles in the tank 9a and the developing tank 12a of the first developing section 3a is black, for example. The color of the toner particles in the tank 9b or the developing tank 12b of the second developing unit 3b is the same as that of the print medium 29, for example, white.

Further, the image forming apparatus is capable of contacting with the intermediate transfer portion 4 which takes the first visible image or the second visible image from the latent image holding member 1 and temporarily holds it, and the intermediate transfer portion 4. An IC chip transfer unit 15 that is provided and transfers a small IC chip to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4, a transfer control unit 30 that controls the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer unit 15, and a contact with the intermediate transfer unit 4 It has a visible image transfer section 19 which is provided so as to transfer the second visible image or the first visible image to which the small IC chip is transferred from the intermediate transfer section 4 to the print medium 29.

The transfer control section 30 includes a desired print information generating section 31 for generating print information for forming the second visible image at a desired position in the print medium 29, and an IC chip based on the desired print information. The transfer unit 15 calculates the position where the small IC chip is transferred to the second visible image on the intermediate transfer unit 4, and the timing of latent image formation by the second latent image forming unit 2 and the latent image holder 1 are calculated. Of the intermediate transfer body 4a and the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer body 4a based on the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer body 4a and the intermediate transfer body 4a. Then, based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculation unit 21,
The control unit 24 controls the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer unit 15.

The print information generating unit 16 generates the first print information regarding whether to attach a visible black image (whether to emit light) to all the dots of one page based on the print data. Then, the first print information is sent to the first light emission drive unit 8a. The first light emission drive section 8a causes the first light emission section 7a to emit light.

The desired print information generating section 31 has a second visible image (for example, a white visible image) for all the dots on one page.
The second print information regarding whether or not to attach is generated. This second print information is sent to the second light emission drive unit 8b. The second light emission drive section 8b causes the second light emission section 8 to emit light.

In the storage unit 17, the first correspondence table showing the correspondence between each position in the print medium 29 and each dot, and the first correspondence table showing the correspondence between the area in the print medium 29 and the dot area. Two correspondence tables are stored.

The material and color of at least one surface of the small IC chip are the same as in the first embodiment.

(2) Operation of Image Forming Apparatus FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. In the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in the figure, the description of the same operation as the operation of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

After the operation of step S100, step S
In 510, the control unit 24 controls the print information generation unit 16 to be the first
It is determined whether or not the print information has been generated. When it is generated, the process proceeds to step S520. If not generated, the process proceeds to step S510.

In step S520, step S120
The same operation is performed. Step S when not input
In 523, the same operation as in step S123 is performed.

In step S525, the control section 24 causes the input section 20 to input the position and area where the small IC chip is to be embedded in the print medium 29. For example, the embedding position is such that the area in the print medium 29 is the X axis,
Expressed in coordinates on the Y-axis, enter (X = ∘, Y = ∘).
For the area to be embedded, enter 0 μm in the vertical direction and Δμm in the horizontal direction. However, when inputting an area to be embedded, it is necessary to input an area larger than the size of the already input small IC chip.

In step S530, the control section 24 causes the storage section 17 to display the first correspondence table indicating the correspondence relationship between each position in the print medium 29 and each dot, and the print medium 29.
The second correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the inner area and the dot area, the embedding position, and the embedding area are sent to the desired print information generating unit 31.

In step S540, the desired print information generation section 31 refers to the first correspondence table to determine the corresponding dot corresponding to the embedding position, and refers to the second correspondence table to determine the dot corresponding to the embedding area. Determine the area. The dot area is represented by the number of vertical dots and the number of horizontal dots.

In step S550, the desired print information generating section 31 generates the desired print information having a dot area having a corresponding dot near the center as an area to which the white visible image is attached.

The desired print information is, for example, information that dots in the dot area are made to emit light and dots not in the dot area are not made to emit light.

In step S560, the control section 24 instructs the calculation section 21 to calculate the transfer position and the transfer time timing, and the calculation section 21 executes the operation.

(A) The transfer position calculation operation is as follows.

The calculator 21 calculates the cylindrical position and the transfer position of the corresponding dot near the center of the dot area. The detailed operation is the same as step S1045.

(B) In the calculation operation of the transfer time timing, the time required to reach the point B from the point A by the rotation is not necessary, and instead, the point F (second point) shown in FIG.
When the distance from the point where the second electrostatic latent image is formed by the latent image forming unit) to the point B is L4, the time L4 / X required for the rotation to reach the point B from the point F is required. Therefore, the transfer time timing is different from that in the first embodiment. The calculation operation is the same as in the first embodiment.

In step S570, the control section 24 rotates the latent image holder 1 via the latent image holder driving section.

In step S580, the control unit 24 causes the first charging device 50a to perform the charging operation via the first charging drive unit, and the second charging device 50b via the second charging drive unit. The charging operation is performed on.

In step S590, the control unit 24 causes the first light emission drive unit to emit light according to the print information for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is the time until the charged portion on the latent image carrier 1 passes over the point A.

In step S600, the control section 24 causes the second light emission drive section to emit light according to the desired print information for the second light emission drive section after a lapse of a predetermined time.

The predetermined time is the time until the charged portion on the latent image carrier 1 passes over the point F. Step S61
At 0, the control unit 24 operates the counter 23 and
To the developing roller driving unit of the first developing roller 10a.
Is rotated, and the second developing roller 10b is rotated with respect to the second developing roller driving unit.

By this operation, the black toner adheres to the portion of the latent image carrier 1 exposed by the first exposing section 6a by the first developing section 3a and is exposed by the second exposing section 6b. White toner is attached to the portion by the second developing unit 3b. By these operations, the first visible image and the second visible image are transferred to the latent image holder 1.

Similarly, the control section 24 instructs the intermediate transfer body drive section to rotate the intermediate transfer body 4a, and also instructs the visible image transfer drive section to rotate the visible image transfer body 1a.
9a is instructed to rotate. The intermediate transfer body 4a and the visible image transfer body 19a rotate at a rotation speed X.

In step S620, the control section 24 is informed by the second light emission drive section 8b of the dot that has been made to emit light, and determines whether or not the corresponding dot has emitted light. When the light is emitted, the counter 23 is reset and the process proceeds to step S175. If no light is emitted, the process returns to step S620.

In the subsequent operations, except that the visible image of the intermediate transfer member 4a is the white second visible image and the transfer time timing is different, steps S175 to S22 in FIGS. 6 and 7 are performed.
0, the same operation as steps S300 and S310 in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the first visible image and the second visible image may overlap depending on the desired area or position. Even in this case, the color of the overlapped portion is slightly changed, and the printed image of the printed matter is not affected.

However, if it is desired to avoid such an overlap, for example, the following may be performed. That is, the control unit 24 causes the print information generation unit 16 or the storage unit 17 to change the first
The print information is taken out, and the position at which the black visible image on the print medium 29 is transferred is displayed on the display unit by referring to the first correspondence table.

This operation may be inserted before step S525 in FIG. As a result, the user can set a place where there is no black visible image as a desired position or area.

In this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, a small IC chip can be embedded at a desired position. Further, since a visible image of the same color as the print medium 29 is attached to this desired position,
It does not affect the printed image of the printed matter.

It should be noted that the present embodiment can be similarly applied even when the color of the print medium 29 is other than white.

In this case, the color of the toner in the second developing section may be the same as that of the print medium 29 (yellow or the like).

In addition, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment,
The case where the two-color visible image is transferred to the print medium 29 has been described, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, when a plurality of exposing portions and developing portions are prepared and a visible image of a plurality of colors is transferred to the print medium 29, it can be similarly applied.

Third Embodiment (1) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the image forming apparatus shown in the drawing, the detailed description of the same elements and the same functions as those of the constituent elements shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the intermediate transfer section 4 is not provided.

The IC chip transfer section 15 is provided so as to be in contact with the latent image carrier 1 and transfers a small IC chip to a visible image on the latent image carrier 1.

The visible image transfer portion 19 is provided so as to be in contact with the latent image carrier 1 and transfers the visible image on which the small IC chip is transferred from the latent image carrier 1 to the printing medium 29. .

Further, the temperature of the latent image holder 1 needs to be such that the visible image becomes soft and the small IC chip can adhere to the visible image. Such temperature is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature of the visible image. For example, the glass transition temperature of a visible image is about 40.
When the temperature is set to ° C, the temperature of the latent image carrier 1 may be set to about 80 to 100 ° C.

The material and color of at least one surface of the small IC chip are the same as in the first embodiment.

(2) Operation of Image Forming Apparatus The description of the same operation as that of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1 is omitted.

(A) Regarding the transfer position calculation operation, the cylindrical position is obtained by the same operation as in the first embodiment. The transfer position is a transfer position at which the latent image holding member 1 can be brought into contact by pressure contact by rotating the cylindrical position.

(B) The operation of calculating the transfer time will be described below.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. The time required to reach the point A from the point B by the rotation is not necessary, and instead, the points A to G shown in FIG. 16 (the latent image holding member 1 and the IC chip transfer member 1 are shown).
When the distance to the contact point 5a) is L5, the time required to reach point G from point A by rotation L5 / X
Is required. Further, the time required to press the IC chip transfer body 15a against the intermediate transfer body 4a (the time required to bring the point E of the IC chip transfer body 15a into contact with the point C) is not necessary, and instead, the IC chip is used. The time required to press the transfer body 15a against the latent image carrier 1 (IC chip transfer body 1
The time required to bring the point E of 5a into contact with the point G) is required. Therefore, the transfer time timing is different from that in the first embodiment. The calculation operation method is the first embodiment.
Is the same as.

Further, the points different from the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 12 showing the operation of the image forming apparatus are as follows.

In step S205, the following points are different. The control unit 24 instructs the IC chip transfer body 15a to come into pressure contact with the latent image holding body 1 at a predetermined moving speed and a predetermined pressure. The IC chip transfer body 15a is executed.

In step S210, the following points are different. A visible image (a visible image with an IC) on which a small IC chip is transferred on the surface of the latent image holding member 1 is pressed onto the print medium 29 by the pressure contact between the latent image holding member 1 and the visible image transferring member 19a. Transcribed. After that, the print medium 29 to which the visible image with the small IC chip is transferred is conveyed to a paper tray (not shown) via a plurality of conveying rollers.

Except for the above points, the operation is the same as that of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, since the intermediate transfer member 4a can be omitted,
It is possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Embodiment 2
The difference is that there is no intermediate transfer unit 4.

Here, the relationship between the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment is the same as the relationship between the third embodiment and the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are the same as the case where the first embodiment is replaced with the second embodiment in the description of the third embodiment.

In the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, the intermediate transfer member 4a can be omitted,
It is possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus.

The material and color of at least one surface of the small IC chip are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Modification) In this embodiment, the case where one small IC chip is embedded in the printed matter has been described, but it is of course possible to embed a plurality of small IC chips in the printed matter. In this case, it is necessary to provide a plurality of IC chip transfer head parts 22 and a plurality of IC chip transfer parts 15. Then, the control unit 24 performs each head unit and I based on the print information as in the above-described embodiment.
The C chip transfer body 15a may be controlled.

Further, in this embodiment, as the small IC chip transfer body 15a, a solenoid may be used instead of the rotating drum. Then, by applying an electromagnetic force from the solenoid to the intermediate transfer member 4a or the latent image holding member 1, the small I
The C chip may be transferred to a visible image.

Application Example 1 An application example of a small IC chip embedded printed matter formed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be shown.

A voting and totaling system using a small IC chip embedded printed matter is shown below.

(1) System Configuration FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a small IC chip embedded printed matter used in this system.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the structure of a voting and tabulation system using a printed material with a small IC chip embedded therein.

This system includes a plurality of small IC chip embedded printed matter 60 and an ID card (not shown) capable of transmitting its own identification number (hereinafter referred to as an ID number).
And a tallying device 70.

A small IC chip 61 having a personal authentication function, a small IC chip 62 having a voting function, and a small IC chip 63 having a firing function are embedded in the printed matter.

The ID card is distributed to each voter and sends its own ID number to each sensor section.

The small IC chip having the personal authentication function has a sensor unit 6 for detecting fingerprints, voices, eyes, ID numbers, etc. of each voter.
1a, an authentication data generation unit 6 that generates authentication data from a fingerprint or the like detected by the sensor unit 61a and an ID number.
1b and a transmitter 61c for transmitting the generated authentication data.
Have.

The sensor section 61a can detect a fingerprint or the like by bringing a fingerprint, voice, or eyes close to the sensor section. Further, the sensor section 61a detects the ID number transmitted from the ID card. Then, the authentication data generation unit 6
1b generates authentication data from a fingerprint or the like or an ID number.

The small IC chip 62 having a voting function is a sensor unit 62 for detecting an ID number transmitted from an ID card.
a, a voting data generation unit 62b that generates voting data including an ID number detected by the sensor unit 62a and information indicating that voting is to be performed, and a transmission unit 62c that transmits the voting data.

The small IC chip 63 having the dismissal function is a sensor unit 63 for detecting the ID number transmitted from the ID card.
a, a dismissal data generation unit 63b that generates disclaimer data that includes the ID number detected by the sensor unit 63a, and information that indicates dismissal, and a transmission unit 63c that transmits the dismissal data.

The aggregating device 70 receives, based on the receiving unit 71 that receives each data transmitted from each transmitting unit, the analysis unit 72 that analyzes the received data, and the authentication data analyzed by the analysis unit 72, An authentication inspecting unit 73 that performs an authentication inspection of an individual, an aggregating unit 74 that performs vote counting based on the analyzed voting data and also performs a disclaimer aggregation based on the analyzed dissatisfaction data, and an output that outputs the aggregated result Part 7
5, a storage unit 76 that stores information necessary for authentication of all voters, and a control unit 77 that controls each unit.

(2) Operation of this system (operation of small IC of printed matter) First, the voter X
Looking at the C-embedded printed matter, for example, attach a fingerprint of oneself to the sensor portion 61a of the small IC chip 61 having a personal authentication function, and bring the ID card closer. As a result, the authentication data generator 61b generates authentication data including the fingerprint and the ID number.

Next, the voter brings the ID card close to the sensor section 62a of the small IC chip 62 having the voting function, in order to trust the XX judge shown in FIG. As a result, the voting data generation unit 62b generates voting data including the fact of voting and the ID number.

On the other hand, when dismissing the XX judge shown in FIG. 18, the voters bring the ID card close to the sensor section 63a of the small IC chip 63 having the dismissal function. Thereby, the dismissal data generation unit 63b generates dismissal data including the dismissal information and the ID number.

Then, the authentication data, the voting data or the dismissal data is transmitted from each of the transmitting units 61c, 62c and 63c to the totaling device 70.

(Operation of Totaling Device) FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the operation of the totaling device.

At step S5000, control unit 77 determines whether or not authentication data has been received by receiving unit 71.

If received, the process moves to step 5010. If not received, the process proceeds to step S5000.

At step S5010, control unit 77 sends the received authentication data to analysis unit 72.

At step S5020, the analysis unit 72
The authentication data is analyzed to determine the ID number of the voter X, and the authentication data corresponding to the ID number of the voter X is read from the authentication data of each voter stored in the storage unit 76.

In step S5030, the analysis unit 72 sends the received authentication data of the voter X and the authentication data of the voter X read from the storage unit 76 to the authentication inspection unit 73.

[0212] In step S5040, the authentication inspection unit 73.
Determines whether the received authentication data of the voter X and the authentication data of the voter X read from the storage unit 76 match. For example, the authentication inspection unit 73 determines whether the fingerprint of the authentication data of the voter X received and the fingerprint of the authentication data of the voter X read from the storage unit 76 match.

If they match, the process moves to step S5050. If they do not match, step S5045
Then, the control unit 77 is notified of that fact, and the control unit 77 determines that the vote or the improper vote is illegal and does not perform the subsequent counting operation.
Then, the process proceeds to step S5000.

At step S5050, the control section 77
The receiving unit 71 determines whether the voting or dismissal data having the ID number of the voter X is received. If received, the process moves to step S5070.

If not received, step S5.
At 060, the control unit 77 confirms whether or not it has been received for a predetermined time. If received, step S5070
Move to. If not received, step S506
In step 5, the control unit 77 determines that the vote is invalid or the dismissal is invalid, and the subsequent counting operation is not performed. Then, in step S5000
Move to.

At step S5070, the control section 77
The analysis unit 72 is caused to determine whether or not the received data (discharging data).

[0217] If it is sent from the analysis unit 72 that it is the case of voting data, the control unit 77 in step S5080.
Causes the counting unit 74 to perform a counting operation of votes. Specifically, the counting operation is performed by increasing the count number of the voting counter in the counting unit 74 by one. Then, it transfers to step S5100.

[0218] On the other hand, when the analysis unit 72 sends the fact that the data is the dismissal data, in step S5090, the totaling unit 74 is caused to perform the dismissal totaling operation. In particular,
The counting operation is performed by increasing the count number of the dismissal counter in the counting unit 74 by one. Then, step S510
Move to 0.

At step S5100, control unit 77 determines whether the voting and exemption period has ended. If not, the process proceeds to step S5000. When the processing is finished, in step S5110, the control unit 77 causes the tallying unit 7
The count number of the voting counter of 4 and the count number of the dismissal counter are read and output to the output unit 75, and the counting operation is completed. The output operation may be performed in the middle of the process.

According to the voting and tabulation system using the printed matter in which such a small IC chip is embedded, the tabulation result can be obtained reliably and quickly without the need for manual tabulation. In addition, if many such printed materials are installed in familiar places such as telephone poles, and voting is possible for a relatively long period, voters can vote at familiar places and at convenient times and times. So you don't have to go to a designated polling place on a designated day. On this occasion,
When the printed matter is installed outdoors, the printed matter may be coated with a weather resistant coating.

(Application Example 2) A second counting system using a small IC chip embedded printed matter is shown below.

(1) Configuration of this system FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a small IC chip embedded printed matter used in this system.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the structure of a second tabulation system using a printed material with a small IC chip embedded therein.

The present system has a plurality of small IC chip embedded printed matter 80, an ID card capable of transmitting his / her own personal ID number, and a totaling device 90. As shown in FIG. 22, a photograph of one scene of a different athletic meet is arranged on each printed matter, and a small personal authentication function I
A C chip 81 and a small IC chip 82 having a desired number of functions are embedded. Further, the small IC chip 81 having the personal authentication function of each printed matter stores the photograph ID number of the arranged photograph in a storage unit or the like (not shown).

The ID card is distributed to each student and sends his / her own personal ID number to each sensor section.

The small IC chip 81 having a personal authentication function is a sensor unit 81 for detecting the fingerprints or the personal ID number of each student.
An authentication data generation unit 81b that generates authentication data from a, a fingerprint or the like detected by the sensor unit 81a, a personal ID number, and a photo ID number that identifies each photo, and transmits the generated authentication data. And a transmitter 81c.

The small IC 82 of the desired number function has a sensor section 82a for detecting the transmitted personal ID number, a switch section 82b for inputting the desired number of pressing operations, a number of times the switch section 82b has been pressed, Sensor section 8
Desired number data generation unit 82 that generates desired number data from the personal ID number detected in 2a and the photo ID number.
c and a transmission unit 82d that transmits the desired number of sheets of data.

The aggregating device 90 receives, based on the receiving section 91 for receiving each data transmitted from each transmitting section, the analyzing section 92 for analyzing the received data, and the authentication data analyzed by the analyzing section 92, An authentication inspection unit 93 that performs an individual authentication inspection, and a photo purchase data generation unit 94 that generates photo purchase data or photo purchase table data that combines the photo purchase data based on the analyzed desired quantity data. , Output section 9 for outputting photo purchase table data
5, a storage unit 96 that stores information necessary for authentication of all students, and a control unit 97 that controls each unit.

(B) Operation of this system (operation of printed matter with a small IC chip embedded) First, the student X
When looking at each printed matter and finding a printed matter having a desired photograph, his / her fingerprint is attached to the sensor portion 81a of the small IC chip 81 having the personal authentication function, and the ID card is brought closer. As a result, the authentication data generation unit 81b generates authentication data including the detected fingerprint, the transmitted personal ID number, and the photo ID number read from the memory.

Next, student X is a small IC with the desired number of sheets function.
While pressing the switch portion 82b of the chip 82 a desired number of times, the ID card is brought closer to the sensor portion 82a. As a result, the desired number data generation unit 82c generates the desired number data including the desired number, the student X's personal ID number, and the photo ID number.

Then, the authentication data and the desired number of sheets of data are transmitted from the transmitting units 81c and 82d to the totaling device 90.

(Operation of Totaling Device) FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the operation of the totaling device 90.

In step S6000, control unit 97 determines whether authentication data has been received by receiving unit 91.

When received, the authentication data is analyzed by the analysis unit 92.
To step S6010. If not received, the process proceeds to step S6000.

In step S6010, the analysis unit 92 determines the personal ID number of the student X from the authentication data, and the storage unit 9
From the authentication data of each student stored in 6, the authentication data corresponding to the personal ID number of student X is read.

In step S6020, the analysis unit 92 sends the received authentication data of the student X and the authentication data of the student X read from the storage unit 96 to the authentication inspection unit 93.

[0237] In step S6025, the authentication inspection unit 93.
Determines whether the received authentication data of student X and the authentication data of student X read from storage unit 96 match. If they match, the process moves to step S6030. If they do not match, in step 6027, the fact is notified to the control unit 97, and the control unit 97 determines that the request is fraudulent and does not perform the subsequent operation. Then, step S6
000.

In step S6030, the control section 97
It is determined whether the desired number data having the personal ID number of the student X is received by the receiving unit 91. If received, the process moves to step S6040.

If not received, step S6.
At 035, the control unit 97 confirms whether or not the data has been received for a predetermined time. If received, step S6040
Move to. If not received, step S603
In step 7, the control unit 97 determines that the request is invalid and does not perform the subsequent counting operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S6000.

In step S6040, the control section 97
The analysis unit 92 is instructed to send the received desired number data and analyze it.

In step S6050, the analysis unit 92 analyzes the desired number of sheets of data and sends the analysis result to the photograph purchase data generation unit 94.

[0242] In step S6060, the photograph purchase data generation unit 94 generates photograph purchase data in which the photograph ID number, the student's individual ID number, and the desired number of sheets are associated with each other. The photo purchase data data is stored in the storage unit 96 via the control unit 97.

In step S6070, the control section 97
It is determined whether a predetermined period (a period for accepting a request) has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6000. If it has elapsed, the process moves to step S6080.

At step S6080, the control section 97
Each photo purchase data is read from the storage unit 96 and sent to the photo purchase data generation unit 94.

[0245] In step S6085, the photo purchase data generation unit 94 generates photo purchase table data by combining the photo purchase data.

In step S6090, the control section 97
The photo purchase table data data is output to the output unit 95.

The predetermined period of step S6070 is
The period may be set shorter than the period for accepting a request, and the photo purchase table data may be output in the middle of the process.

The output data is, for example, the following data.

Photo ID number No1 Student ID number No1 (Taro ○ Ki) 3 sheets Student ID number No 5 (Hanako Ta ○) 4 sheets. ． Photo ID number No2 Student ID number No3 (○ i ○ dai) 3 sheets Student ID number No7 (Outside ○○ ro) 9 sheets According to this system, the troubles of counting, printing, distributing, etc., which were conventionally done manually, are eliminated. It saves labor, reduces labor on the side of schools and photo shops, and reduces costs associated with the labor.

[0250] Also, as the advertising matter at the station, the above-mentioned printed matter with the small IC chip embedded with the photograph of the product can be used. Similar to the second application example, each consumer can purchase a product only by accessing the advertisement, and the labor on the seller side can be reduced.

[0251]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The IC chip transfer means is controlled by the transfer control means, so that the IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means. Then, the transfer control unit can match the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer unit with the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer unit. Further, the timing of contact between the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer means and the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer means is the same. As a result, the IC chip is transferred to the visible image, and the printed matter in which the IC chip is embedded in the image can be formed.
By improving the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to efficiently produce a printed matter in which an IC chip is embedded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the print medium and each dot according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a visible image of each dot is transferred to a latent image holding member and an intermediate transfer member.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of the IC chip transfer head unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a calculation operation by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a visible image dot area calculated by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cylinder position and a transfer position calculated by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining transfer control when transferring the small IC chip according to the first embodiment to a visible image.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a printed matter that is a first application example of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a system as a first application example of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the first application example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the first application example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a printed matter that is a second application example of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a system that is a second application example of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the second application example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the second application example of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Latent Image Holder 2 Latent Image Forming Part 3 Developing Part 4 Intermediate Transfer Part 4a Intermediate Transfer Part 5, 5a Charging Part 6,
6a, 6b exposure unit 7, 7a, 7b light emitting unit 8, 8
a, 8b light emission drive unit 9, 9a, 9b tank 1
0,10a, 10b developing roller 11,11a, 11b
Developing device 12, 12a, 12b developing tank 13,
13a, 13b Developer supply piping 14, 14a, 14
b Developer collecting tube 15 IC chip transfer section 15a
IC chip transfer member 17, 76, 96 Storage unit 18,
30 Transfer Control Section 19 Visible Image Transfer Section 19a Visible Image Transfer Body 20 Input Section 21 Calculation Section 22 IC Chip Transfer Head Section 23 Counter 24, 77, 97
Control unit 29 Print medium 31 Desired print information generation unit 60, 80 Small IC chip embedded printed matter
61, 62, 63, 81, 82 Small IC chip 61
a, 62a, 63a, 81a, 82a sensor section
61b Authentication data generation part, 62b Voting data generation part 63b Disclaimer data generation part 61c, 62c, 63
c, 81c, 82d Transmitter 70, 90 Aggregator 7
1, 91 receiver 72, 92 analyzer 73, 93
Authentication inspection section 74 Aggregation section 75, 95 Output section 82
b Switch section 94 Photo purchase data generation section

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) // G09F 3/00 G03G 21/00 372 15/02 G06K 19/00 K F term (reference) 2C005 XB02 2H027 DA17 DA38 DC04 ED02 ED06 ED08 ED24 EE02 EE03 EE05 EE07 EF09 2H078 BB01 DD03 DD41 DD45 DD51 DD73 DD78 FF01 FF36 FF60 2H200 GA23 GA43 GB41 GB48 HA01 HB12 JA01 JA29 JA30 JC02 JC09 JC19 JC20 PA10 PA11 PA12 PA26 PB11 PB15 PB16 PB35 5B035 AA04 BB09 CA01 CA06 CA07 CA23

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a latent image carrier, and a developing device for supplying a developer to the latent image carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image. Means, an intermediate transfer means which is provided so as to be contactable with the latent image holding member, and which transfers the visible image from the latent image holding member, and which is temporarily held, and is provided so as to be contactable with the intermediate transfer means, IC chip transfer means for transferring an IC chip having storage means for holding character information and communication means for communicating the character information onto the visible image of the intermediate transfer means, and transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means. And a visible image transfer unit that is provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer unit and that transfers the visible image on which the IC chip is transferred from the intermediate transfer unit to a print medium. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above. 2. The transfer control means, based on print information, the I of the IC chip transfer means.
The position of transferring the C chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means is calculated, and the time timing of latent image formation by the latent image forming means,
Based on the rotation speed of the latent image holding member and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer means, the I of the IC chip transfer means is determined.
Calculating means for calculating the time timing of transferring the C chip to the visible image of the intermediate transferring means, and controlling the transfer by the IC chip transferring means on the basis of the calculated position and time timing by the calculating means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit. 3. At least one surface of the IC chip is formed of a material having a high adhesive property to the visible image, and the IC chip transfer means is configured such that the one surface of the IC chip is visible. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the IC chip is transferred to a visible image of the intermediate transfer unit so as to face the image. 4. The color of at least one surface of the IC chip is the same as that of the print medium, and the IC chip transfer means is arranged such that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit. 5. A first latent image forming means for forming a first electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member, and a first electrostatic latent image by supplying a developer to the latent image holding member. Developing means to develop a first visible image,
Forming a second electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member in an image forming apparatus for transferring the visible image of
Latent image forming means, and second developing means for supplying a liquid developer to the latent image holding member to develop the second electrostatic latent image into a second visible image of the same color as the print medium, An intermediate transfer unit that is provided so as to be contactable with the latent image holding member and that transfers the second visible image from the latent image holding member and temporarily holds it, and is provided so as to be contactable with the intermediate transfer unit, IC chip transfer means for transferring an IC chip having storage means for holding character information and communication means for communicating the character information onto the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means, and transfer by the IC chip transfer means A transfer control means for controlling the operation, and a visible image transfer means which is provided so as to be able to contact the intermediate transfer means and transfers the second visible image on which the IC chip is transferred from the intermediate transfer means to a print medium. An image forming apparatus comprising: 6. The desired print information generating means for generating desired print information for transferring the second visible image to a desired position in a print medium, and the transfer control means, based on the desired print information. The position of transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means is calculated, and the time timing of latent image formation by the second latent image forming means and the latent image formation Based on the rotation speed of the image carrier and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer means, the time timing for transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means is set. 6. A calculation means for calculating, and a control means for controlling transfer by the IC chip transfer means based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculation means. Placing the image forming apparatus. 7. A latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a latent image holding member, and a developing for supplying a developer to the latent image holding member to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image. And an IC chip, which is provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holder and has a storage means for holding character information and a communication means for communicating the character information, and transfers the IC chip to the visible image on the latent image holder. IC chip transfer means, transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means, and a visible image transferred to the latent image holding body so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body An image forming apparatus, comprising: a visible image transfer unit that transfers from a body to a print medium.