JP2005053077A - Image formation device and controlling method in the device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device which reduces the use of RFID tags by reducing the number of recording media to which the RFID tags are to be applied, obtains high-reliability personal information with the use of biometrics such as fingerprint comparison or retina pattern comparison, and stores the personal information in the RFID tags of recording media having images formed, and to provide a controlling method in the device. <P>SOLUTION: In accordance with an inputted printing job, the image is printed according to image data to a recording sheet. When printing to recording sheets of the number designated by the printing job is finished, the RFID tag is applied to only the last recorded recording sheet (S8), and data related to the printing job is written into the RFID tag (S9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of reading data in an RFID tag attached to a recording medium on which an image is printed or writing tag data, and a control method in the apparatus.

  In recent years, with the development of information transmission technology, the importance of information security has been recognized, and information security technology that prevents information leakage, unauthorized access, tampering, and the like has attracted attention. In image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, and fax machines, conventionally, techniques for strengthening network security, techniques for protecting electronic data in equipment, input of an ID number for identifying a user operating the equipment, Many techniques have been proposed for restricting whether or not the card can be operated using a card, that is, a technique for protecting the use, falsification, and unauthorized access of data on a recording sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus.

As for a method for preventing illegal copying of an image printed on paper, for example, in Patent Document 1, an RFID tag is provided on a transfer sheet, a user ID number is written on the RFID tag, and the image is printed on the sheet on which the image is printed. Techniques for associating personal information and preventing unauthorized use of image information have been proposed.
JP 2002-337426 A

  In addition, since only predetermined data is stored in the RDIF tag, for example, control information during the image formation, process information, position information, post-processing information for the recording sheet bundle after the image formation, and the like are stored. It wasn't. For this reason, such information is stored and managed in the RAM in the image forming apparatus. For example, the recording sheet after image formation is moved to another post-processing step and the work is continuously performed. However, since it is necessary to manually input sheet information one by one, the work is complicated.

  Further, when the RFID tag data is set for each recording sheet, it is necessary to attach the RFID tag to the corresponding recording sheet. For this reason, even if it is sufficient if an RFID tag is attached to only one recording sheet for one print job, such as when only information related to a print job to a recording sheet is required, it is expensive. Inadequate RFID tags are attached to all printed recording sheets, and printing costs are increased.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that reduces the number of recording media to which an RFID tag is attached and reduces the use of the RFID tag, and a control method for the apparatus. And

  Also, an object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus that obtains highly reliable personal information using biometrics such as fingerprint collation and retinal pattern collation and stores the personal information in an RFID tag of a recording medium on which an image is formed. And providing a control method in the corresponding device.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium according to input image data;
An RFID tag attached to at least one of the recording media;
Writing means for writing data to the RFID tag;
Reading means for reading data recorded on the RFID tag;
Data editing means for editing data based on the input data;
The data edited by the editing means is written by the writing means.
Control means for controlling writing to a predetermined RFID recording medium;
It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
Tag attaching means for attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed by the image forming means;
Writing means for writing data to the RFID tag;
Reading means for reading data stored in the RFID tag;
Control means for controlling the RFID tag to be attached to the RFID tag for each predetermined amount of recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming means, and data to be written to the RFID tag by the writing means. It is characterized by that.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
Tag attaching means for attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed by the image forming means;
Writing means for writing data to the RFID tag;
Biometric information input means for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
Control means for controlling the biometric information input by the biometric information input means to be written by the writing means to the RFID tag of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming means. Features.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
Tag attaching means for attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed by the image forming means;
A reading means for reading the RFID tag attached to the recording medium;
Biometric information input means for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
Storage means for storing the biometric information input by the biometric information input means and the data read by the reading means in association with the RFID tag of the recording medium.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method in the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the following steps. That is,
An image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed in the image forming step;
A writing step of writing data to the RFID tag;
A reading step of reading data stored in the RFID tag;
A control step of giving the RFID tag to each predetermined amount of recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming step, and controlling to write data to the RFID tag;
It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method in the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the following steps. That is,
An image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed in the image forming step;
A writing step of writing data to the RFID tag;
A biometric information input step for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
A control step of controlling the biometric information input in the biometric information input step to be written in the RFID tag of the recording medium on which the image is formed in the image forming step in the writing step. Features.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method in the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the following steps. That is,
An image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed in the image forming step;
A reading step of reading the RFID tag attached to the recording medium;
A biometric information input step for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
A storage step of storing the biological information input in the biological information input step and the data read in the reading step in a memory in association with the RFID tag of the recording medium.

  According to the present invention, the number of recording media to which an RFID tag is attached can be reduced, and the use of the RFID tag can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, highly reliable personal information can be obtained using biometrics such as fingerprint matching and retinal pattern matching, and the personal information can be stored in the RFID tag of the recording medium on which the image is formed. .

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming system (copier) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus (printer unit) and an image data input device (scanner unit) are shown as an example of a physically integrated arrangement, but this is an example. Each may be arranged separately.

  In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a scanner unit which is an image data input device, and 201 denotes a platen of a document stacking table. A scanner unit 200 includes a document illumination lamp (not shown), mirrors 204, 205, and 206, a lens 207, an image sensor unit (CCD) 208, and the like. When the document image reading process is started, the scanner unit 200 forms an image of reflected light from the document on the image sensor unit (CCD sensor) 208 via the scanning mirrors 204 to 206 and the lens 207. An ADF (automatic document feeder) or a pressure plate 201 is placed on the scanner unit 200.

  Next, the image forming apparatus (printer unit) 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 is roughly divided into an image forming unit 10 (four stations (a, b, c, d) are arranged in parallel and the configuration is the same), a paper feeding unit 20, and an intermediate transfer unit 30. And a fixing unit 40 and a control unit (including a CPU 171 (FIG. 2) and the like).

  Further, each unit will be described in detail.

  The image forming unit 10 has a configuration described below. Each of the photosensitive drums 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d as an image carrier is pivotally supported at the center and is driven to rotate in the direction of an arrow. Opposing to the outer peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d, primary chargers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, optical systems 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, and developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Are arranged respectively. Each of the primary chargers 12a to 12d gives a uniform charge amount of charge to the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d. Next, light beams such as laser beams, which are modulated in accordance with image signals corresponding to the respective colors, are exposed on the respective photosensitive drums 11a to 11d by the optical systems 13a to 13d, and image signals of the respective colors are provided there. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to is formed. Further, the electrostatic latent images are visualized in the respective colors by the developing units 14a to 14d containing the respective four color developers (toners) such as yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. Here, the developing unit 14a contains black toner, the developing unit 14b contains magenta toner, the developing unit 14c contains cyan toner, and the developing unit 14d contains yellow toner.

  Cleaning devices 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are provided on the drum surfaces on the downstream side of the image transfer areas Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td for transferring the visualized visible images to the intermediate transfer belt 31, respectively. In addition, the surface of the drum is cleaned by scraping off toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d without being transferred to the transfer material. By the process described above, image formation with each toner is sequentially performed.

  The paper feeding unit 20 includes cassettes 21a and 21b and a manual feed tray 27 for storing the recording material P, pickup rollers 22a, 22b and 26 for feeding the recording material P one by one in the cassette or from the manual feed tray, and each pickup roller. For feeding the recording material P sent out from the paper to the registration roller pair 23 and the paper feeding guide 24, and for feeding the recording material P to the secondary transfer region Te in accordance with the image print timing of the printer unit 100. Registration rollers 25a and 25b are provided.

  Next, the intermediate transfer unit 30 will be described in detail.

  The intermediate transfer belt 31 (for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PVdF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is used as its material) is energized by a drive roller 32 that transmits driving to the intermediate transfer belt 31 and a spring (not shown). Thus, the intermediate transfer belt 31 is wound around a tension roller 33 that gives an appropriate tension, and a driven roller 34 that faces the secondary transfer region Te across the belt 31. Among these, a primary transfer plane A is formed between the drive roller 32 and the tension roller 33. The drive roller 32 is coated with rubber (urethane or chloroprene) having a thickness of several millimeters on the surface of the metal roller to prevent slippage with the belt 31. The drive roller 32 is rotationally driven by a pulse motor (not shown). In the primary transfer regions Ta to Td where the photosensitive drums 11 a to 11 d and the intermediate transfer belt 31 face each other, primary transfer blades 35 a to 35 d are disposed on the back of the intermediate transfer belt 31. A secondary transfer roller 36 is disposed opposite the driven roller 34, and a secondary transfer region Te is formed by a nip with the intermediate transfer belt 31. The secondary transfer roller 36 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 31 with an appropriate pressure. A cleaning device for cleaning the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 is disposed on the intermediate transfer belt 31 and downstream of the secondary transfer region Te. This cleaning device (not shown) includes a cleaner blade (polyurethane rubber or the like is used as a material) and a waste toner box for storing waste toner.

  The control unit includes a control board for controlling the operation of the mechanism in each unit, a motor drive board, and the like.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes a fixing unit. When the recording sheet P onto which the image has been transferred in the secondary transfer region Te is conveyed on the conveyance path 43, the recording sheet P is heated and pressurized to transfer the transferred image to the recording sheet. Fix on top. The recording sheet P on which the image is fixed in this manner is discharged out of the apparatus by the rotation of the discharge roller pair 44 and 45.

  In the present embodiment, an RFID tag adding unit, which will be described later, is provided downstream of the conveying unit from the fixing unit 40. Detailed description thereof will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, a CPU 171 controls the operation of the entire image forming system. In the ROM 174, a control program for the CPU 171 is written. The RAM 175 is used as a work RAM for temporarily storing various data during the control operation by the CPU 170. Reference numeral 173 denotes an input / output port, which is connected by an address bus and a data bus of the CPU 171, and detects various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch that control the image forming system and a position of a recording sheet. An input (not shown) such as a sensor is connected.

  The CPU 171 executes an image forming operation by sequentially controlling input / output via the input / output port 173 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 174. An operation unit 172 is connected to the CPU 171 and controls display on the display unit of the operation unit 172 and input of a key signal from the key input unit. The operator instructs the CPU 171 to switch the image forming (printing) operation mode and display through the key input unit, and the CPU 171 performs operation mode setting and display by the state of the image forming system and key input.

  The CPU 171 is connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes an image signal converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor unit 208 of the reader unit 200 and an image memory unit 3 that stores an image processed by the image processing unit 170. ing. The image memory unit 3 is further connected to a reader unit 200, an external I / F processing unit 4, and a printer unit 100.

  Image information of the original image read by the reader unit 200 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 170 and then sent to the image memory unit 3 and stored therein. Also, the print data from the host computer or the like input to the external I / F processing unit 4 has already been subjected to image processing, and thus is sent to the image memory unit 3 and stored as it is. Thus, the image data sent from the reader unit 200 or the external I / F processing unit 4 to the image memory unit 3 is sent to the printer unit 100 and printed on a recording sheet.

  An RFID tag read / write unit 181 can read the RFID tag 302 attached to the document 110 or write data to the RFID tag 302 as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the RFID tag will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image reading (scanner) unit 100 of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as those in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 105 denotes a transmitter / receiver that reads and transmits data of an RFID tag 302 attached to a document 110. Briefly, an RFID tag 302 is attached on the original 110, and the transceiver 105 reads information stored in the RFID tag 302 and transmits it to the CPU 171.

  The RFID tag 302 is configured by connecting two antennas on both sides of the tag as shown in the figure.

  Reading of the RFID tag 302 is started by receiving a signal indicating that the document 110 is placed on the document table 106 and the pressure plate 107 is closed from a pressure plate open / close detection means (not shown). Alternatively, even if such pressure plate opening / closing detection is not performed, the document placed on the document table 106 is constantly monitored, so that the tag data can be obtained simply by placing the document on the document table 106. May be made available. Even when an automatic document feeder such as an original document feeder is used instead of a document table, it can be realized in the same manner by providing a mechanism for reading an RFID tag where a document is placed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an RFID tag adding unit 500 that adds an RFID tag to the recording sheet conveyed from the fixing device 40 of the printer unit 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The operation will be briefly described. The recording sheet P, on which the transfer image is fixed by the fixing device 40 described above and conveyed, enters between the rotating roller pair 503 and is conveyed to the position of the stamp unit 502. In the stamp unit 502, the roll sheet 506 is stretched by rollers 501a and 501b so as to be conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and the RFID tag-attached seal 507 attached to the roll sheet 506 is attached to the recording sheet that has been conveyed. Affix to P.

  When the sticking of the tag 302 is completed in this way, the roll sheet 506 is conveyed and stopped until the next seal 507 comes to a position where the sticker 507 can be pasted, and is prepared for the sticking of the seal 507 to the next recording sheet P. The recording sheet P to which the RFID tag 302 is thus attached is further conveyed by the rotation of the roller pair 503. At this time, various digital data are written into the RFID tag 302 by the RFID tag write unit 504. When the leading edge of the recording sheet P enters between the discharge roller pair 505, the recording sheet P is conveyed by the rotation of the discharge roller pair 505, and is conveyed until the trailing edge of the recording sheet P passes the roller pair 505. The paper is discharged to the paper tray unit 600. The RFID tag-attached recording sheet P discharged to the paper discharge tray unit 600 can read data written on the RFID tag 392 by the RFID reading unit 601. As described above, the RFID tag read / write unit 181 corresponds to the transceiver 105, the RFID tag write unit 504, and the RFID reading unit 601 described above.

  In addition, here, the description has been given of attaching the sticker with the RFID tag to the recording sheet P conveyed from the fixing device 40. However, when the RFID tag is added to the recording sheet P in advance, or in particular, the attaching is performed. Of course, this step may be omitted if it is not necessary.

  Next, the configuration and operation outline of the RFID tag 302 will be described.

[RFID tag]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the RFID tag 302 according to the present embodiment.

  The RFID tag 302 has a memory 1002 such as an EEPROM that stores data and does not lose data even when the power is turned off. The memory 1002 has an address corresponding to the capacity, and includes a 16-bit data storage unit for each address. The memory control unit 1003 reads / writes data from / to the memory 1002 in accordance with a command from the RFID tag read / write unit 181 sent from the coil 1004 via the modulation / demodulation unit 1005.

  The memory control unit 1003 performs read / write control of the memory 1002 according to the command transmitted from the modem unit 1005. The power supply circuit 1006 supplies power to the circuit of the RFID tag 302 by an induced electromotive force from the coil 1007 due to electromagnetic induction from the outside. The RFID tag 302 according to the present embodiment integrates the circuit shown in FIG. 5 into a one-chip IC.

  Next, transmission data sent from the modem unit 1005 to the memory control unit 1003 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example of read / write control of the memory 1002 that is substantially equivalent to control of a general EEPROM.

  FIG. 6A shows a data format when the RFID tag 302 is read. First, when a power transmission wave is transmitted from the RFID tag read / write unit 181, the coil 1007 receives this power transmission wave, and an induced electromotive force is generated from the coil 1007. When power is supplied to the RFID tag 302 by the power supply circuit 1006 to which the induced electromotive force is input, the memory control unit 1003 monitors the serial data DI received from the coil 1004 via the modem unit 1005, and the bit is “0”. ”To“ 1 ”is detected. The first transition from “0” to “1” after the start of DI monitoring indicates a start bit. The continuous 2-bit data next to the start bit is command data.

  In the example of FIG. 6A, the data transition timing is configured by the RFID tag read / write unit 181 and the RFID tag 302 so as to change according to a predetermined frequency f. A synchronous clock that oscillates separately at a period f may be generated so that it can be taken. In FIG. 6A, the 2-bit command data is “1, 0”. This means a read command as shown in FIG.

  Upon receiving this read command, the memory control unit 1003 controls the memory 1002 in the read mode, and the memory 1002 indicated by 6-bit data (A5, A4,..., A1, A0) following the 2-bit command data. 16-bit data (D15, D14,..., D1, D0) stored at the address is sent from the memory control unit 1003 as serial data DO, and the modulated wave is transmitted from the coil 1004 to the RFID via the modulation / demodulation unit 1005. The data is transmitted to the tag read / write unit 181.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a data format when data is written to the RFID tag.

  When a power transmission wave is transmitted from the RFID tag read / write unit 181, the coil 1007 receives this power transmission wave, and an induced electromotive force is generated from the coil 1007. When power is supplied to the RFID tag 302 by the power supply circuit 1006 to which the induced electromotive force is input in this way, the memory control unit 1003 monitors the serial data DI received from the coil 1004 via the modulation / demodulation unit 1005 and is the same as when reading. A start bit in which the bit changes from “0” to “1” is detected. Since the continuous 2-bit command data next to the start bit is “0, 1”, this means a write command as shown in FIG. Receiving this write command, the memory control unit 1003 controls the memory 1002 in the write mode, and at the address of the memory 1002 indicated by 6-bit data (A5, A4,..., A1, A0) following the command data, Subsequent 16-bit data (D15, D14,..., D1, D0) is written.

  In FIG. 6B, simultaneously with writing to the memory 1002, the written data is sent to the memory control unit 1003 as serial data DO, and the modulation wave is sent from the coil 1004 to the RFID tag read / write unit via the modulation / demodulation unit 1005. 181. As a result, the RFID tag read / write unit 181 can determine whether or not the transmitted data is correctly written in the memory 1002.

  Here, the memory 1002 has a specification of 6 bits for addresses and 16 bits for data, and therefore the memory 1002 as a whole has a capacity of 1 k bits.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an address map of the memory 1002.

  Address 00h (h indicates a hexadecimal number) and address 01h are used as an area for storing the ID of the RFID tag itself. Address 02h is used as a page number storage area. Address 03h stores the paper size, and address 10h stores “post-processing mode setting”. Address 11h stores “post-processing history”, address 12h stores “total number of pages” of job, address 13h stores “representative size of bundle”, and address 14h stores “bundle state”. Is memorized.

  Here, the “post-processing mode” includes setting whether or not the printed sheets are bound for each predetermined bundle. The “total number of pages” indicates the number of pages that form one bundle, and the “bundle state” includes information such as a mixture of sheets of various sizes in the bundle. “Representative size” defines the maximum sheet size included in the bundle.

  As described above, when the data in the memory 1002 is read and written according to a predetermined address map, invisible information other than image information can be held on the recording sheet. The RFID tag 302 embedded in the recording sheet in this way can write invisible data to the RFID tag 302 by non-contact wireless by the RFID tag read / write unit 181, and the data thus written Can be read.

  This is the end of the description of the operation of the RFID tag 302.

  Next, the read / write circuit will be described.

[Read / write circuit]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the RFID tag read / write unit 181 according to the present embodiment. The RFID tag read / write unit 181 is a circuit for writing data into the memory 1002 of the RFID tag 302 or reading data from the memory 1002 of the RFID tag 302 as described above.

  10 between the R / W coil (reader or / and writer coil) 1401 provided in the RFID tag read / write unit 181 and the coil 1004 formed in the RFID tag 302. Both power transmission and communication transmission / reception are performed using electromagnetic waves (wireless) composed of waves, but there is no problem even if the power transmission wave and the signal wave are transmitted by different antennas.

  A 27.02 MHz power transmission wave 1501 shown in FIG. 10 is received by the aforementioned coil 1007 and supplies power for driving the RFID tag 302. A data communication modulated wave 1502 having a center frequency of 27.02 MHz is transmitted / received by the coil 1004 described above, and performs read / write access to the memory 1002 of the RFID tag 302.

  In FIG. 9, a carrier signal generation circuit 1402 generates a 27.02 MHz carrier signal. The encoding circuit 1403 encodes data to be transmitted to the RFID tag 302. The modulator 1404 superimposes the signal encoded by the encoding circuit 1043 on the 27.02 MHz carrier signal by amplitude modulation (Amplitude Shift Keying modulation: ASK modulation). The transmission amplifier 1405 amplifies the signal that has been ASK modulated by the modulator 1404. The signal amplified by the transmission amplifier 1405 is coupled by an inductance coupling 1406 and sent to a matching circuit (feed circuit) 1408 for matching impedance by a capacitor 1407 to prevent reflection. A coil (reader or / and writer coil) 1401 generates electromagnetic waves in order to transmit power and transmit data in accordance with the output of the matching circuit 1408. In addition, data transmitted from the RFID coil 1004 described above by electromagnetic waves is received. The filter circuit 1409 matches the signal received by the coil (reader or / and writer coil) 1401 by the matching circuit 1408 and removes a noise component from the signal generated by the inductance coupling 1406. The reception amplifier 1410 amplifies the signal obtained through the filter circuit 1409. The demodulator 1411 demodulates the signal amplified by the reception amplifier 1410 using the 27.02 MHz carrier signal. The decoding circuit 1412 decodes the signal demodulated by the demodulator 1411 and outputs it as received data.

  The RFID tag read / write unit 181 having the above configuration transmits transmission data transmitted under the control of the CPU 171 by ASK modulation from the coil 1401 or receives ASK modulation data received from the coil 1401. Can be decrypted.

  This is the end of the description of the RFID tag read / write unit 181.

  In the RFID tag 302 attached to the recording sheet as described above, about 4.2 billion recording sheets are independently managed based on at least the information of the addresses 00h to 01h in FIG. 8, that is, the tag ID. Can do. Also, “page number” at address 02h, “paper size code” at address 03h, “post-processing mode setting” at address 10h, “post-processing history” at address 11h, and “total number of jobs at address 12h”. “Number of pages”, “Representative size code” of a bundle at address 13h, and “Bundle status” are written at address 14h.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a write circuit in the RFID tag read / write unit 181. This writing circuit has a configuration in which the reading circuit is simply deleted from the RFID tag read / write unit 181 shown in FIG. 9, and is operationally the same as the write operation of the RFID tag read / write unit 181. To do.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data reading circuit. This reading circuit has a configuration in which the writing circuit is simply deleted from the RFID tag read / write unit 181 described with reference to FIG. Since it is exactly the same as the read operation of the unit 181, the description of the operation is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a conventional example of writing RFID tag data.

  In this example, the contents of an A4 size document with a total number of pages of 4 (4 sheets) are recorded on all 4 pages (4 sheets) of A4 size. The image information read from each original is recorded on each recording sheet, and the digital information (page information and size information) stored in the RFID tag on the original is directly written in the RFID tag on the recording sheet. This is executed for all originals, and RFID tags 302 are attached to all corresponding recording sheets.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of writing RFID tag data according to the first embodiment of the invention.

  In FIG. 14 described above, recording the image information of the document on the recording sheet is the same as in the conventional example shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 14, page information and sheet size information stored in an RFID tag 302 on a document are temporarily stored in a data buffer (provided in the RAM 175) 140 for editing data in the RFID tag 302. To do. That is, here, it is known that four original images including the first original are combined into one bundle based on the information of the RFID tag attached to the first original. RFID tag data related to four document images corresponding to the bundle is stored in the data buffer 140. When recording on the fourth recording sheet, which is the last page of the bundle, an RFID tag is attached only to the recording sheet, and the tag information stored in the data buffer 140 is written to the RFID tag 302. .

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the RFID tag data writing process according to the first embodiment of the invention. A program for executing this processing is stored in the ROM 174 and is executed under the control of the CPU 171. This process will be described in the case of a copy process in which a document image read by the reader unit 200 is printed by the printer unit 100.

  First, in step S1, a document image is read by the reader unit 200. Further, the tag information attached to the tag of the first original image is read here, and the total number of pages (N) is acquired. In step S 2, the tag information is written in the data buffer 140 of the RAM 175. In step S3, the printer unit 100 prints the image. In step S4, it is checked whether the printed recording sheet is conveyed from the fixing device 40. If it is conveyed, the process proceeds to step S5, and it is determined whether the printed original image is the last original. . That is, here, based on the information of the RFID tag attached to the first document, for example, it is determined how many document images a document image bundle is composed of, and the last document constituting the bundle is determined. Determine whether the image has been read. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S6, the next original image is read by the reader unit 200, and then in step S7, the total number of pages (N) is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S2.

  Thus, in step S5, if it is the last document image, the process proceeds to step S8, and the RFID tag 302 is pasted on the printed recording sheet P. In step S9, the RFID tag read / write unit 181 writes the tag data stored in the data buffer 140 into the RFID tag 302 of the final recording sheet. In step S10, the contents of the data buffer 140 are deleted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when an RFID tag is attached to each original image, the RFID tag is attached only to the last sheet in a unit of the original image. become. For this reason, the RFID tag is not attached to all the recording sheets on which the original image is copied, and the cost required for copying the image can be reduced.

  In addition, since the tag is attached only to the fixed recording sheet, it is possible to solve the problem that the recording sheet with the tag attached to the fixing device.

[Example 2]
FIG. 16 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Portions that are the same as those in FIG.

  The document image information read by the reader unit 200 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 170 and then sent to and stored in the image memory unit 3. Also, the print image data input from the host computer or the like input to the external I / F processing unit 4 has already been subjected to image processing, and thus is sent to the image memory unit 3 and stored as it is. Image data sent from the reader unit 200 and the external I / F processing unit 4 to the image memory unit 3 is further sent to the printer unit 100 and printed on a recording sheet.

  A fingerprint reading unit 176 captures and reads the user's fingerprint. The analog image signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint read in this way is amplified by the amplifier 177 and then converted into digital data by the A / D converter 178. This digital data is sent to the fingerprint information processing unit 179, and the feature amount data of the fingerprint is extracted. The CPU 171 expands the fingerprint feature amount data extracted by the fingerprint information processing unit 179 in the RAM 175 and temporarily stores it.

  If the RFID tag 302 does not support data writing, the RFID tag 302 is read from the RFID tag attached to the recording sheet for image output so as to associate the fingerprint feature amount data, which is user data in use, with the output recording sheet. The personal information storage unit 180 stores data obtained by pairing the tag number data, the fingerprint feature amount data, and the user ID previously associated with the fingerprint feature amount data of each individual.

  Through these processes, the recording sheet with the RFID tag can be associated with the information of the user who processed the recording sheet.

  In the second embodiment, fingerprint information is described as an example of personal information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and examples include retinal pattern information, facial photograph information, iris pattern information, vein patterns, and the like. Also good.

  FIG. 17 is an overview illustrating the operation unit 172 in the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 17, reference numeral 150 denotes a power lamp indicating that the power is on. With the power switch 613, the lamp 150 is turned on and off in accordance with the on / off switching of the power source. Reference numeral 622 denotes a numeric keypad, which is used for setting the number of prints and inputting numerical values for mode setting. Reference numeral 623 denotes a clear key, which clears the setting input with the numeric keypad 622. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key for returning the set number of printed sheets, operation mode, selected paper feed stage, and the like to default values. Reference numeral 614 denotes a start key. When the start key 614 is pressed, a printing operation is started. In the center of the start key 614, red and green LEDs 614a indicating whether or not the start is possible are provided. When the start is not possible, the red LED is lit, and when the start is possible, the green LED is lit. A stop key 615 is used to stop the copying operation. Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When this key is pressed and then another key is pressed, a description of functions that can be set by the key is displayed on the display unit 620. The guide display is canceled by pressing the guide key 617 again. Reference numeral 618 denotes a user setting key. When this key is pressed, the user can change the setting of the image forming apparatus. Settings that can be changed by the user include time for automatically clearing settings, timer settings, settings for dedicated trays, settings for printing, copying, and general functions specific to each function. Reference numeral 619 denotes an interrupt key. When this key is pressed during a printing operation, other printing operations can be stopped and copying can be performed.

  Reference numeral 620 denotes a display unit composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and the display content changes according to the setting mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting. The screen surface of the display unit is a touch sensor. The example of FIG. 17 shows an example of a setting screen for the copy operation mode.

  In FIG. 17, keys 624 to 632 are displayed on the display unit 620. By touching the display positions of these keys, it is determined that the key is pressed, and the mode is set. Reference numeral 627 denotes a paper stage selection key. When this key is pressed, a display for setting which of the cassettes 21 a and 21 b and the manual feed tray 27 is used for feeding is displayed on the display unit 620. Reference numerals 628 to 631 denote keys for setting the copy magnification of the copy operation. Reference numeral 626 denotes an application mode setting key. When this key is pressed, a screen for setting application function modes such as a reduced layout mode, a cover page, and a slip sheet mode is displayed on the display panel. Reference numeral 624 denotes a double-sided operation setting key. For example, “single-both mode” for performing double-sided output from a single-sided original, “both-both mode” for performing double-sided output from a double-sided original, Three types of duplex mode, “both-single mode”, are set. A sort key 625 is used to set an operation mode of a post-processing apparatus (not shown) or to set an output paper sorting mode using an image memory by pressing this key.

  When the display key mode cannot be set in addition to the normal display, the display of the key displayed on the display unit 620 indicates that the key cannot be operated by making the display line a dotted line (shaded). It represents. In the example of FIG. 17, the content of the copying operation set and the current operation state are displayed above the display unit 620. When the sort mode 625 is set in the sort key 625, the print operation is temporarily stopped when the output of one copy is completed and the user confirms the finish when OK. If it is NG, the proof print mode is set so that NG can be selected.

  In FIG. 17, reference numerals 601 to 605 denote operations of the operation unit 172 for setting each of normal operation settings such as copying and printing, system administrator setting operations, and service maintenance setting operations using the image forming system. A key and LED display for switching the display are shown. A normal operation setting key 611, a system administrator setting key 604, and a service maintenance setting key 605 are keys for switching each function. These keys are composed of translucent key buttons, and there are display lamps (not shown) such as LEDs inside the keys. When the operation screen is selected by pressing these keys, the lamps inside the keys are lit. This lamp inside each key is controlled so that only the lamp inside the key of the selected operation function screen is turned on, and the lamps inside other keys are turned off. Further, a green LED 603 is arranged on the right of the normal operation setting key 611, and this indicates the operation status of the normal operation function by LED lighting control. For example, as in the example of FIG. 17, blinking control is performed when a copy output operation is in progress. Further, a red LED 602 is arranged on the left of the normal operation setting key 611, and this LED 602 indicates that an abnormal situation has occurred by lighting control of the LED 602. For example, the LED 602 is controlled to blink when an abnormality such as a paper out interruption or a jam occurs.

  Reference numeral 606 denotes a fingerprint information sensor that reads the fingerprint information of the user, and is provided in the above-described fingerprint reading unit 176.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating details of the fingerprint reading unit 176 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The LED 301 irradiates the reading surface 303 on the upper surface of the flat glass 310 with light having a predetermined intensity. A user's finger 304 is placed on the reading surface 303. Of the reflected light that is irradiated and reflected on the reading surface 303, the one with the fingerprint convex part is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 305 at the bottom of the flat glass 310, and the one with the fingerprint concave part is transmitted through the flat glass 310. The reflected light of the fingerprint convex part totally reflected by the reflecting surface 305 is folded by the folding mirror 306 and collected by the lens 307. The reflected light collected by the lens 307 is further folded back by the folding mirror 308 and incident on the reading sensor 309. The reading sensor 309 converts a light (image) signal into an electrical signal by using a semiconductor element (photodiode) whose storage capacity changes according to light input.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of tag information stored in the tag memory 1002 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, the tag ID is written from the address 00h to the address 01h in the memory 1002. That is, about 4.2 billion recording sheets can be managed independently by the information of addresses 00h to 01h. Accordingly, this unique tag ID is stored in the memory 1002 in association with the personal information. Further, after the address 02h, biological information such as a fingerprint feature amount as personal information is written as personal information data. Thereby, it becomes possible to specify the combination of an RFID tag and a user.

  Next, processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, a case where the user's fingerprint information read by the fingerprint reading unit 176 is written on the tag of the printed recording sheet will be described. A program for executing this processing is stored in the ROM 174, and this processing is executed under the control of the CPU 171.

  First, in step S21, it is selected whether or not to write the personal information of the user on the printed recording sheet in the process to be printed. This selection process is performed using a setting screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 620 of the operation unit 172. If it is selected in this step S21 not to write personal information on the printed recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S22 to determine whether or not a print job start instruction has been input. This print job may be started by pressing the start key 614 described above or by an instruction from a host computer or the like. When the start of the print job is instructed, the process proceeds to step S23, and a normal print operation is executed. Here, a print job without writing personal information on the tag is executed without attaching an RFID tag to the printed recording sheet or even when the tag is attached.

  On the other hand, if it is selected in step S21 to write the personal information on the printed recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S24, and the fingerprint reading unit 176 reads the fingerprint of the user prior to the printing process by the printer unit 100. Enter. The fingerprint image thus input is processed by the fingerprint information processing unit 179, extracted as fingerprint information, and temporarily stored in the RAM 175. Then, the process proceeds to step S25, and it is determined whether or not a print job start instruction has been input, as in step S22. Execute. Thus, image formation and fixing processing are performed on one recording sheet. In step S27, an RFID tag is attached to the recording sheet on which the image has been fixed. Then, the RFID tag data stored in the RAM 175 is written into the tag by the RFID tag read / write unit 181. Thereby, fingerprint information, which is personal information of the user, is written to the RFID tag. Although the tag information is written by the RFID tag read / write unit 181 here, a tag writing circuit having only a writing function may be used only for writing information. In step S28, it is determined whether the designated number of print jobs have been completed. In step S28, steps S26 and S27 are executed until the designated number of print jobs are completed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user's personal information (here, fingerprint information) can be written on the printed recording sheet. Thus, for example, when the recording sheet is to be copied, it can be set so that only the user who matches the fingerprint information can copy.

[Example 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a recording sheet printed with an RFID tag is read, and data stored in the tag is read and stored in the RAM 175. Furthermore, the fingerprint information and tag information of the user who has instructed printing of the image are stored in the memory 175 in association with each other.

  First, in step S31, it is selected whether or not to write personal information on a printed recording sheet in the printing process to be processed. This selection process is performed by a setting screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 620. If it is selected not to write personal information, the process proceeds to step S32, and it is determined whether or not a print job start instruction has been input as in step S22 described above. When a print job start instruction is input, the process advances to step S33 to execute a normal print job in which personal information is not written on a printed recording sheet.

  On the other hand, if it is selected in step S31 to write the personal information on the printed recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S34, and prior to the printing process by the printer unit 100, the user's fingerprint, which is the user's personal information, is detected by the fingerprint information sensor 606. The feature amount data is extracted by the fingerprint information processing unit 179 and stored in the personal information storage unit 180 as fingerprint information. Next, in step S35, it is determined whether or not a print job start instruction is input in the same manner as in step S32. When the print job start instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S36 to execute the print job. Image printing and fixing processing are executed on one recording sheet. Here, the RFID tag is attached to the recording sheet printed in this way by the RFID tag attaching section 500 shown in FIG. In step S37, the RFID tag read / write unit 181 reads the tag ID stored in the attached RFID tag 302. Here, the RFID tag read / write unit 181 reads the RFID tag information. However, when only reading the tag information, a tag read circuit having only such a tag reading function may be used. In step S 38, the tag ID of the read RFID tag and the fingerprint characteristic amount data of the user, which is personal information of the current user, are associated with each other and stored in the personal information storage unit 180. The personal information storage unit 180 may be inside the image forming system, or may be an external storage device (such as a server) capable of communication when the image forming system has a communication function. In step S39, it is determined whether the printing process for the designated number of sheets has been completed. When the printing process for the designated number of sheets has been completed, this process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when an image is printed, personal information that identifies the user who performed the printing can be stored together with a tag ID that identifies the recorded recording sheet. As a result, when copying of the recording sheet is designated, if the user who instructed copying of the recording sheet does not match the user who printed the recording sheet, it can also be designated to prohibit the copying. effective.

[Other embodiments]
As described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a system or apparatus with a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the embodiment, and the computer of the system or apparatus (or CPU or MPU) stores it. It is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored on the medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such program code, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM Etc. can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. This includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, control information, process information, position information during image formation, post-processing information for a sheet bundle after printing, and the like can be added to a printed recording sheet. This eliminates the need to store and manage such information in the RAM in the image forming apparatus. Further, there is an effect that it is not necessary to manually input sheet information when the sheet after image printing is moved to the post-processing step and the work is continuously performed.

  Further, even when there is data for each RFID tag, it is not necessary to attach the RFID tag to all the corresponding recording sheets.

  Since an RFID tag can be attached to only one recording sheet for one print job, an unnecessary recording sheet with an RFID tag is not created unnecessarily, and generation of waste can be suppressed.

  In addition, in an apparatus that heat-fixes an image transferred to a recording sheet in a printing process, an RFID tag is attached after the printed recording sheet passes through a fixing device, or data is written to the RFID tag. In contrast, adverse effects caused by application of high heat and high pressure can be prevented.

  Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain highly reliable personal information using biometrics such as fingerprint matching and retinal pattern matching, which are attracting attention as personal authentication methods, and the individual of the user who printed the recording sheet Information can be stored as an RFID tag on the recording sheet.

  Further, by storing the tag ID of the RFID tag and the personal information of the user who printed the recording sheet in association with each other, unauthorized use when the recording sheet is reused can be prevented. In addition, the history of the recording sheet on which the image is printed can be stored.

1 is a structural cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading unit of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the seal | sticker addition part with an RFID tag which concerns on a present Example. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the RFID tag which concerns on a present Example. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating RFID tag read and write operations. It is a figure explaining the control command of a RFID tag. It is a figure explaining the address map of the memory of a RFID tag. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the RFID tag read / write part which concerns on a present Example. It is a wave form diagram explaining the carrier wave which a RFID tag read / write part generate | occur | produces. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a RFID tag light circuit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a RFID tag read circuit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example of copying a document image onto a recording sheet. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of copying a document image according to the present embodiment to a recording sheet. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an RFID tag attaching process according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the functional structure of the image forming system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is an external view of an operation unit of an image forming system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the reading of the fingerprint in the image forming system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an address map of a memory of an RFID tag according to a second embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the write-in process of the data to the RFID tag which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the reading process of the data of the RFID tag which concerns on Example 3 of this invention.

Claims (13)

Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
An RFID tag attached to at least one of the recording media;
Writing means for writing data to the RFID tag;
Reading means for reading data recorded on the RFID tag;
Data editing means for editing data based on the input data;
The data edited by the editing means is written by the writing means.
Control means for controlling writing to a predetermined RFID recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
Tag attaching means for attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed by the image forming means;
Writing means for writing data to the RFID tag;
Reading means for reading data stored in the RFID tag;
Control means for controlling the RFID tag to be attached by the tag attaching means for each predetermined amount of recording medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming means, and to write data to the RFID tag by the writing means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control unit writes the data by attaching the RFID tag to a final recording medium of a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming job instructing the image forming unit to form an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled as follows.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data written by the control unit is tag data common to the image forming job.   The image forming means transfers an image to a recording medium by electrophotography, and then fixes the image on the recording medium by a fixing device to form an image. The tagging means is provided at a subsequent stage of the fixing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
Tag attaching means for attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed by the image forming means;
Writing means for writing data to the RFID tag;
Biometric information input means for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
Control means for controlling the biological information input by the biological information input means to be written by the writing means to the RFID tag of the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
Tag attaching means for attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed by the image forming means;
A reading means for reading the RFID tag attached to the recording medium;
Biometric information input means for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
Storage means for storing the biological information input by the biological information input means and the data read by the reading means in association with the RFID tag of the recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed in the image forming step;
A writing step of writing data to the RFID tag;
A reading step of reading data stored in the RFID tag;
A control step of giving the RFID tag to each predetermined amount of recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming step, and controlling to write data to the RFID tag;
And a control method in the image forming apparatus.   In the control step, the RFID tag is attached to the final recording medium of the recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming job instructing to form an image in the image forming step, and the data is written. The control method according to claim 8, wherein the control is performed.   The control method according to claim 9, wherein the data written in the control step is tag data common to the image forming job.   In the image forming step, an image is transferred to a recording medium by electrophotography, and then the image is formed on a recording medium by fixing the image on a recording medium by a fixing device. The tagging step is provided at a subsequent stage of the fixing device. The control method according to claim 8, wherein the control method is provided. An image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed in the image forming step;
A writing step of writing data to the RFID tag;
A biometric information input step for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
A control step of controlling the biometric information input in the biometric information input step to be written in the writing step on the RFID tag of the recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming step;
And a control method in the image forming apparatus. An image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with input image data;
A tag attaching step of attaching an RFID tag to the recording medium image-formed in the image forming step;
A reading step of reading the RFID tag attached to the recording medium;
A biometric information input step for inputting biometric information for identifying a user;
A storage step of storing the biological information input in the biological information input step and the data read in the reading step in a memory in association with the RFID tag of the recording medium;
A control method characterized by comprising:

Images