JP2005075384A - Packing system and image forming apparatus using this packed article - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a packing system capable of obtaining information on an article to be packed, reducing a cost per one article to be packed, and reducing time and effort for classification when the used article to be packed is discarded, and to provide an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The packing system packs a plurality of printing media A with a packing material B added with an IC chip C, and characteristics data related to the printing media A are stored in the IC chip C. The packing material B is composed of a member B-1 for directly packing the printing media A, a separable seal-like member B-2, and an IC memory C for storing the characteristic data. The IC chip C is added to the member B-2. When the printing media A are set on a printing apparatus, the part of the member B-2 is separated from the removed packing material B, and is mounted on the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus reads the characteristic data related to the printing media A from the IC chip C added to the member B-2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a packing method for packing an object to be packed with a packing material to which a non-contact type storage means is added, and an image forming apparatus using the packing material packed by this packing method.

  As a conventional technique, there is a technique of adding an IC memory for each recording medium (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this prior art, the characteristic data of the recording medium is stored in the added IC memory. By reading this characteristic data, it is possible to automatically determine whether the recording medium is suitable for the data to be recorded. In addition, there is a technique for adding an IC memory to a packaging container for each product (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this prior art, product information and other information can be stored in the IC memory and provided to the customer.

JP 2000-296653 A JP 2002-2111645 A

  However, in the above conventional technique, when a plurality of recording media having the same specifications are used at a time, it is not necessary to acquire and determine the characteristic data every time. That is, in such a case, it is not necessary to add an IC chip for each recording medium. Therefore, there is a problem that extra cost is required for adding the IC chip to all the recording media. In the case where the recording medium is a general print medium used in business processing, an IC chip is used only for print medium discrimination. In addition, when the print medium is discarded, it is necessary to separate the IC chip and the print medium, and there is a problem that extra time is required.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a conventional problem, can obtain information about a packaged object, can reduce the cost per packaged object, and has been used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a packing method and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the time and labor of sorting when discarding an object.

The packing method of the present invention is a packing method for packing a plurality of items to be packed with a packing material to which a non-contact type storage means is added, and information related to the items to be packed is stored in the non-contact type storage unit. It is characterized by.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by adding a non-contact type storage unit storing information to a packing material for packing a plurality of items to be packed, information about the item to be packed can be obtained from the non-contact type storage unit. Since it can be obtained and no non-contact type storage means is added to each packaged item, the cost per packaged item can be reduced, and the time and labor required for discarding the used packaged item can be reduced. There is an effect.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package of a print medium A in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the print medium A is packed with a packing material B. The packing material B includes a member B-1 for directly packing the print medium A, a separable seal-like member B-2, and an IC memory C that stores information about the print medium A. The member B-2 is a member for adding the IC memory C. In this member B-2, an IC memory C is added, information that can be determined that the IC memory C is added, and information on the size and type of the print medium A are described.

  The IC chip C includes, for example, product information of the print medium A such as product name, model number, rod number, date of manufacture, manufacturer name, seller name, price, and raw material name as information on the characteristics of the print medium A. Information on the shape of the printing medium A such as size, thickness, information on the type of the printing medium A such as OHP paper, glossy paper, pre-printed paper, special paper, weight, stiffness, Beck smoothness, electrical Information on the material of the printing medium A such as characteristics, information on the color of the printing medium A such as color, whiteness, color temperature, xy chromaticity coordinates, reflectance, preprint plate number, type of preprinting, etc. 1 or more of information regarding identification of pre-print contents, information regarding recycling such as disposal method, number of times of recycling, information regarding processing state of print medium A such as perforation, envelope shape, seal shape, etc. Remembered That.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of medium characteristic data D stored in the IC chip C as characteristic information of the print medium A. The IC chip C includes product data D1 (product ID D1-1, price D1-2, etc.), shape data D2 (size, etc.), type data D3 (OHP paper / glossy paper / special paper / plain paper, etc.) Material data D4 (weight D4-1, stiffness D4-2, etc.), color data D5 (xy color coordinates, etc.), preprint data D6 (preprint plate number, etc.), recycle data D7 (recycle count, etc.) One or more pieces of information are stored.

  In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the medium characteristic data D stored in the IC chip C includes shape data D2 such as the size of the print medium A.

  3 and 4 are configuration diagrams of the printing apparatus P according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view, and FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram. 3 and 4, the printing apparatus P includes an operation unit 1, a display unit 2, a paper feed unit 3, a paper discharge unit 4, an IC chip mounting unit 5, an IC reader 6, and various sensors 7. , Print control unit 100, I / F control unit 110, reception memory 120, image data editing memory 130, data processing unit 210, set value storage memory 211, band voltage control unit 140, and K (black ) Charger 141, Y (yellow) charger 142, M (magenta) charger 143, C (cyan) charger 144, head controller 150, K head 151, Y head 152, M Head 153, C head 154, development voltage controller 160, K developer 161, Y developer 162, M developer 163, C developer 164, transfer voltage controller 170, and K transfer 171 Y transfer unit 172 and M Copier 173, C transfer unit 174, motor control unit 180, K motor 181, Y motor 182, M motor 183, C motor 184, fixing control unit 190, fixing unit 191, and thermistor 192 A fixing motor 193, a conveyance motor control unit 200, and a conveyance motor 205.

  The operation unit 1 enables a command input by an operator of the printing apparatus P and includes an operation switch for command input or the like. The display unit 2 displays the status of the printing apparatus P and notifies the operator, and includes a display LCD and LED.

  The paper feed unit 3 is composed of m (m is an arbitrary positive integer) paper feed trays T1, T2,. These paper feeding units 3 supply the set printing medium A to the printing apparatus P.

  The paper discharge unit 4 includes n (n is an arbitrary positive integer) number of paper discharge trays U1, U2,. These paper discharge units 4 discharge the print medium printed by the printing apparatus P.

The IC chip mounting portion 5 includes s (s is any integer satisfying 1 ≦ s ≦ m) mounting portions I1, I2,. These IC chip mounting portions 5 are mounted with IC chips C separated from the member B.
In the first embodiment, s = m.

  The IC reader 6 includes t (t is any integer satisfying 1 ≦ t ≦ s) IC readers R1, R2,. These IC readers 6 read data from the IC chip C set in the IC chip mounting portion 5. In the first embodiment, t = m (= s).

  The IC reader Rx (x is any integer satisfying 1 ≦ x ≦ m) and the IC chip mounting portion Ix will be described with reference to FIG. The IC reader Rx is installed in front of the paper feed tray Tx. The IC reader Rx is electrically connected to the print controller 100 built in the main body of the printing apparatus P when the paper feed tray Tx is closed, and reads data from the IC chip C. The IC chip mounting portion Ix has a pocket shape so that the member B to which the IC chip C is added can be inserted. The pocket is made of a transparent material so that the contents can be seen.

  The various sensors 7 are a plurality of sensors that detect the conveyance position of the print medium, a sensor that detects the temperature and humidity in the printing apparatus P, a sensor for concentration measurement, and that the IC chip C is mounted on the IC chip mounting unit 5. It is comprised by the sensor etc. to detect. Outputs of these various sensors 7 are input to the print control unit 100.

  The print control unit 100 includes a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port, a timer, and the like, and print data (image data to be printed) from a host device (hereinafter referred to as a host device H or an external device H). And the control command is received, the entire printer unit is sequence-controlled, and a printing operation is performed.

  The I / F control unit 110 transmits information about the printing apparatus P to the upper apparatus H, analyzes a command input from the upper apparatus H, and processes data received from the upper apparatus H.

  The reception memory 120 stores received data such as print data received from the higher-level apparatus H by the I / F control unit 110. The setting value storage memory 211 stores setting values for controlling the printing operation.

  Data read from the IC reader 6 is input to the print control unit 100 and sent from the print control unit 100 to the data processing unit 210. The data processing unit 210 analyzes the data read from the IC reader 6 and the data input from the operation unit 1, edits the data into the setting value format of the printing apparatus P, and saves it in the setting value storage memory 211.

  The image data editing memory 130 receives print data input from the host apparatus H via the I / F control unit 110 and temporarily stored in the reception memory 120, and prints for transmitting the print data to the print head. This is a memory for editing as data (image data). The image data editing memory 130 stores the edited image data.

  The charging voltage control unit 140 performs control for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum by applying a voltage to the charger according to an instruction from the print control unit 100. The charging voltage control unit 140 has a control unit for each color, and includes a K charging voltage control unit, a Y charging voltage control unit, an M charging voltage control unit, and a C charging voltage control unit. , Y charger 142, M charger 143, and C charger 144.

  The head control unit 150 performs control for irradiating the photosensitive drum surface charged by the print head with light according to the image data stored in the image data editing memory 130. The head control unit 150 has a control unit for each color, and includes a K head control unit, a Y head control unit, an M head control unit, and a C head control unit. Control is performed to transmit image data to the head 153 and the C head 154 at a predetermined timing.

  The development voltage control unit 160 is a control unit for attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image generated by the print head on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and performs control for applying a voltage to the developing device. The development voltage control unit 160 includes a K development voltage control unit, a Y development voltage control unit, an M development voltage control unit, and a C development voltage control unit. The K development unit 161, the Y development unit 162, and the M development unit, respectively. The voltage applied to the developing device 163 and the C developing device 164 is controlled, and a toner image is formed on the portion exposed by each print head.

  The transfer voltage control unit 170 is a control unit for transferring the toner image generated on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the print medium, and applies a voltage to the transfer unit in response to an instruction from the print control unit 100. Take control. The transfer voltage control unit 170 includes a K transfer voltage control unit, a Y transfer voltage control unit, an M transfer voltage control unit, and a C transfer voltage control unit. The K transfer unit 171, the M transfer unit 172, and the M transfer unit, respectively. The voltage applied to the device 173 and the C transfer device 174 is controlled, and the toner images formed by the respective developing devices are sequentially transferred to the printing medium.

  The motor control unit 180 drives and controls the motors of the photosensitive drums, the charger, and the developing unit. The motor control unit 180 includes a K motor control unit, a Y motor control unit, an M motor control unit, and a C motor control unit that control driving of the K motor 181, Y motor 182, M motor 183, and C motor 184, respectively. Yes.

  The fixing control unit 190 is a control unit for fixing the toner image transferred to the printing medium, and controls to apply a voltage to the heater built in the fixing device 191 in accordance with an instruction from the printing control unit 100. . Further, the fixing control unit 190 receives the detected temperature from the thermistor 192 for measuring the temperature of the fixing device 191 and controls the heater on / off. Further, the fixing control unit 190 controls a fixing device motor 193 for rotationally driving when the fixing device 191 rises to a predetermined temperature.

  A conveyance motor control unit 200 drives and controls a conveyance motor 205 of a conveyance belt for conveying a print medium.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the conveyance path of the print medium A in the printing apparatus P will be described. The print medium set in one of the paper feed trays T of the paper feed unit 3 is conveyed into the printing mechanism V, printed by the printing mechanism V, and discharged to one of the paper discharge trays U of the paper discharge unit 4. Is done.

  The configuration of the printing mechanism V of the printing apparatus P will be described with reference to FIG. The printing mechanism V includes a K unit that prints K (black), a Y unit that prints Y (yellow), an M unit that prints M (magenta), and a C unit that prints C (cyan). ing. As the print medium conveyed into the printing mechanism V passes through these units in order, a color image is printed on the print medium.

  A procedure (paper feeding procedure) for setting the print medium A in the printing apparatus P will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operator of the printing apparatus P removes the member B packing the printing medium A (step S0), and prints the printing medium on the x-th (x is an integer of 1 ≦ x ≦ m) paper feeding unit 3 in the paper feeding unit Tx. A is set (step S1). Next, the part to which the IC chip C is added is separated from the member B that has packed the printing medium A (step S2), and is set in the IC chip mounting portion Ix for the paper feed tray Tx (step S3).

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, processing up to the transition to the IC data reading mode M1 will be described. When the printing device P detects that the member B is set in the IC mounting portion Ix by the various sensors 7 (step S4), the printing device P transitions from the standby mode M0 which is a normal state to the IC data reading mode M1 (step S5). ). When the IC data reading mode M1 ends, the process returns to the standby mode M0 (step S6). If it is not detected in step S4 that the member B is set, the standby mode M0 is held (step S6).

  The processing in the data reading mode M1 (see step S5 in FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. The printing apparatus P reads data stored in the IC chip C mounted on the IC mounting unit Ix by the IC reader Rx for the paper feed tray Tx (step S7), and determines whether the data reading is successful. Determination is made (step S8).

  If the data reading fails, the data reading mode M1 is terminated and the process proceeds to the standby mode M0 in step S6 (see FIG. 9). If the data has been successfully read, the contents of the read data are analyzed to determine whether the read data is the medium characteristic data D (step S9).

  If the read data is not the medium characteristic data D as a result of step S9, the process proceeds to the standby mode M0 of step S6 (see FIG. 9). If the read data is the medium characteristic data D as a result of step S9, the medium transitions to the set value conversion mode M2 for converting the read medium characteristic data D into the set value of the operating condition of the printing apparatus P ( Step S10).

  In the set value conversion mode M2, the data processing unit 210 detects the shape data D2 (see FIG. 2) included in the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S11 in FIG. 11), and the data D2 A minimum rectangle including the printing medium A is calculated from the included size, and the long side length αx and the short side length βx are calculated as the size of the printing medium in the paper feed tray Tx (step S12). Then, the set value conversion mode M2 is terminated.

  Then, the print medium size (αx, βx) calculated in step S12 is stored in the set value storage memory 211 as print medium size data for the paper feed tray Tx (step S13 in FIG. 10). Then, the data reading mode M1 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the standby mode M0 in step S6 (see FIG. 9).

  Note that the printing apparatus P can perform the processes of steps S0 to S13 for all of the paper feed trays T1 to Tm.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, an automatic determination process for a suitable paper feed tray (print medium) will be described. When the print data is received from the external device H by the I / F control unit 110 (step S14), the data processing unit 210 analyzes the print data and calculates the print size (a, b) (step S15). Here, a is the length of the long side of the rectangle, b is the length of the short side, and a ≧ b. The print size (a, b) is, for example, the optimum print medium size for printing the print data.

  Further, the data processing unit 210 compares the print size (a, b) calculated in step S15 with the size (αx, βx) of the print medium stored in step S13 (see FIG. 10). A paper feed tray Tx in which a print medium of a size suitable for printing is set is searched (step S16).

  In step S16, 1 is substituted into the paper feed tray number x (step S16a), and it is determined whether α1 ≧ a and β1 ≧ b are satisfied (step S16b). If α1 ≧ a and β1 ≧ b, the paper feed tray T1 is set as a suitable paper feed tray. If α1 <a or β1<b, 1 is added to the paper feed tray number x to set x=2 (step S16c), and it is determined whether x> m (that is, 2> m). (Step S16d).

  If x> m as a result of step S16d, it is assumed that there is no suitable paper feed tray. If x ≦ m, the process returns to step S16b to determine whether α2 ≧ a and β2 ≧ b. Thereafter, until a suitable paper feed tray is found, the determination in step S16b is similarly performed for 3 ≦ x ≦ m.

  In step S16, if there is a suitable paper feed tray, x at the end of step S16 is any value from 1 to m, and the paper feed tray Tx is suitable for the paper feed tray (αx ≧ a and βx ≧ a paper feed tray in which a print medium satisfying b is set. If there is no suitable paper feed tray (if αx <a or βx <b for all paper feed trays T1 to Tm), x at the end of step S16 is m + 1.

  Accordingly, it is determined whether or not x> m at the end of step S16 (step S160). If x ≦ m and the suitable paper feed tray is the paper feed tray Tx, the paper feed tray is determined. The transport motor 205 of the Tx paper feed path is driven to feed paper from the paper feed tray Tx (step S17), and printing is executed (step S18).

  If x> m at the end of step S16 and all the paper feed trays T1 to Tm are not suitable, printing is stopped (step S19), and “currently set paper is printed” is displayed on the display unit 2. A warning message with a content notifying that “it is not suitable for the image data to be tried” is displayed (step S20). Further, the I / F control unit 110 transmits and notifies a warning message having the same contents as in step S20 to the external device H that is a print client (step S21).

  The printing execution operation in step S18 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The print control unit 100 of the printing apparatus P receives a control command and print data transmitted from the upper apparatus H via the I / F control unit 110. When the printing control unit 100 receives a printing instruction from the host apparatus H, the printing control unit 100 issues an instruction to the fixing control unit 190, and the thermistor 192 detects whether or not the fixing device 191 incorporating the heater is within a usable temperature range.

  If the temperature is not within the usable temperature range, the heater is turned on and the fixing device 191 is heated until the usable temperature range is reached. When the fixing device 191 rises to a predetermined temperature, the fixing control unit 190 instructs the fixing device motor 193 to drive the fixing device motor 193 to rotate the fixing device 191.

  Next, the print control unit 100 drives each photosensitive drum, charger, and developer motor via the motor control unit 180, and simultaneously instructs the charging voltage control unit 140, the development voltage control unit 160, and the transfer voltage control unit 170. The voltage is applied to the charging device, developing device and transfer device of each color.

  Further, the print control unit 100 detects a print medium set in a paper cassette (not shown) by a paper remaining amount sensor and a paper size sensor, and starts a paper feed suitable for the type of the print medium. An instruction is issued to the control unit 200, and the conveyance motor 205 starts conveying the print medium.

  Here, the conveyance motor 205 can be driven in both directions, and by first driving in the opposite direction, the print medium is set from the paper cassette until it is detected by the paper inlet sensor. Only quantity will be sent. Subsequently, the printing medium is fed into the printing mechanism of the printing apparatus P by driving the transport motor 205 in the forward direction.

  When the print medium reaches a printable position, the print control unit 100 sends a timing signal, reads the image data from the image data editing memory 130, and sends it to the head drive control unit 150. When the head drive control unit 150 receives image data for one line, the head drive control unit 150 sends a latch signal to the LED head as an exposure unit to hold the image data in the LED head. Further, the head drive control unit 150 sends a print drive signal to the LED head before receiving the next timing signal. As a result, the LED head performs printing according to the stored image data, and printing is performed for each line.

  The LED head irradiates a photosensitive drum charged to a negative potential, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum by dots having an increased potential. Then, the toner charged to a negative potential is attracted to each dot by an electrical attraction force to form a toner image. Thereafter, the toner image is sent to a transfer portion formed in the gap between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device.

  On the other hand, the print control unit 100 instructs the transfer voltage control unit 170 to apply a transfer high voltage with a positive potential to the transfer unit. As a result, the transfer device transfers the toner image to the print medium that passes through the transfer portion. Then, the printing medium having the transferred toner image is sent in contact with the fixing device 191, and the toner image is fixed on the printing medium by the heat of the fixing device 191.

  The print medium having the fixed toner is further sent and discharged from the printing mechanism of the printing apparatus P to the paper discharge unit 4 through the paper discharge port sensor. When printing is finished and the print medium passes through the paper discharge port sensor, the application of voltage to the charger, developing device, and transfer device is finished, and the operation of each motor is stopped at the same time. Thereafter, the above operation is repeated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the characteristic data D of the print medium A can be read from the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A. It is possible to reduce the labor of manual data input. In addition, automatic selection of the paper feed tray is possible, and the time and labor for designating the paper feed tray can be reduced. Further, since the IC chip C is not provided for each print medium, the cost per print medium can be reduced, and the time and labor required for discarding the used print medium can be reduced.

  In the member B of the first embodiment, the IC chip C is added to the member B-1 by the seal-like member B-2 as shown in FIG. 1, but as shown in FIG. A packing method in which the member B-2 is large and can be cut along the perforation together with the member B-1, or an IC chip is directly attached to the surface or the inner surface of the member B-1, as shown in FIG. A packing method that can be cut along the perforation, a packing method in which a card-like member B-2 is placed in a pocket provided in the member B-1 as shown in FIG. As shown in (d), a packing method in which the card-like member B-2 with the IC chip C attached is packed together with the print medium A by the member B-1 is also possible. Furthermore, the member B-2 to which the IC chip C is attached can be added to the inside of the member B-1 or can be formed into a strip shape.

  In the printing apparatus P of the first embodiment, the IC chip mounting portion Ix and the IC reader Rx are provided on the front surface of the paper feed tray Tx. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the center of the side surface of the paper feed tray Tx, the side edge of the paper feed tray Tx as shown in FIG. 14C, and the front surface of the paper feed tray Tx as shown in FIG. It is also possible to install inside.

  In the printing apparatus P of the first embodiment, the IC chip mounting portions I1 to Im and the IC readers R1 to Rm are provided on the front surfaces of the paper feed trays T1 to Tm, respectively. However, as shown in FIG. When the printing medium A of ~ Tm is bare and there is no space for providing the IC reader and IC chip mounting part in the paper feed tray, the IC chip mounting parts I1 to Im and the IC readers R1 to Rm are shown in FIG. ) Directly on the front surface of the printing apparatus P main body as shown in FIG. 15B, directly on the upper surface of the printing apparatus P main body as shown in FIG. 15B, or on the side surface of the printing apparatus P main body as shown in FIG. It is also possible to provide it directly.

  In the first embodiment, when there is no suitable print medium, a warning message is displayed on the display unit 2 of the printing apparatus P or the external apparatus H of the print client. It is also possible to send a message with a content prompting the user.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a package of the print medium A in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 16, the packing material B has a band shape, and the printing medium A is packed in a band-sealed form by the packing material B. The IC chip C is directly attached to the packaging material B.

  In the printing apparatus P according to the second embodiment, the IC reader Rx is installed almost at the center of the inner surface of the side surface of the paper feed tray Tx as shown in FIG. 14B so that the position can be visually confirmed. It has become. Further, the IC chip mounting portions I1 to Im are not provided.

  A procedure (paper feeding procedure) for setting the print medium A in the printing apparatus P in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operator of the printing apparatus P orients the print medium A so that the position of the IC chip C added to the packaging material B and the position of the IC reader Rx installed on the inner surface of the paper feed tray Tx overlap (step S70). Then, the print medium A that is band-wrapped with the packing material B is set in the xth paper feed tray Tx of the paper feed unit 3 with the packing material B attached (step S71).

  Processing until transition to the IC data reading mode M1 in the second embodiment, processing in the data reading mode M1 (including processing in the set value conversion mode M2), and automatic determination of a suitable paper feed tray (printing medium) The processing is the same as steps S4 to S21 (see FIGS. 9 to 12) in the first embodiment.

  However, in the second embodiment, in steps S4 and S5 (see FIG. 9), when various sensors 7 detect that the print medium A is set on the paper feed tray Tx, the IC data is read from the normal standby mode M0. Transition to the reading mode M1.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the trouble of separating the portion where the IC chip C is added from the packaging material B of the printing medium A. Further, since the packaging material B to which the IC chip C is added can be set together with the print medium A, it is possible to prevent a mistake in replacement of the IC chip C addition part when the print medium is replaced.

Embodiment 3
In the following third embodiment, the medium characteristic data D (see FIG. 2) stored in the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A is added to the shape data D2 in the first embodiment. , Type data D3 representing the type of the print medium A, and material data D4 representing the material of the print medium A. The material data D4 includes a weight D4-1 that is information indicating the thickness of the print medium A.

  In the third embodiment, the procedure for setting the printing medium A in the printing apparatus P (paper feeding procedure), the processing until the transition to the IC data reading mode M1, and the processing in the data reading mode M1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Are the same as steps S0 to S13 (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

  However, the processing of the set value conversion mode M2 in the third embodiment includes steps S22 to S26 of FIG. 18 after step S12 (see FIG. 11) of the set value conversion mode M2 of the first embodiment. It is a thing. In FIG. 18, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  The processing in the set value conversion mode M2 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the processes in steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 11), the data processing unit 210 detects the type data D3 and the weight D4-1 included in the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S22). ), The thickness (paper thickness) γx of the printing medium A is determined from the type data D3 and the weight D4-1 (step S23).

この相関式（１）によれば、γｘ＜ｄ１であればθｘ＝ｃ１であり、ｄ１≦γｘ＜ｄ２であればθｘ＝ｃ２であり、ｄ２≦γｘ＜ｄ３であればθｘ＝ｃ３であり、ｄ３≦γｘであればθｘ＝ｃ４である。 Then, the fixing temperature θx is calculated from the thickness γx by the correlation equation (1) between the sheet thickness and the fixing temperature held in the set value storage memory 211 (step S24).

According to this correlation equation (1), θx = c1 if γx <d1, θx = c2 if d1 ≦ γx <d2, and θx = c3 if d2 ≦ γx <d3. If d3 ≦ γx, θx = c4.

  Further, the speed ηx of the transport motor 205 is determined from the thickness γx and the fixing temperature θx (step S25). Further, the transfer voltage μx is determined from the thickness γx (step S26).

  When the transfer voltage μx is determined in step S26, the set value conversion mode M2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 (see FIG. 10). However, in the third embodiment, in step S13, as setting data for the paper feed tray Tx, together with the size (αx, βx) of the printing medium A, the fixing temperature θx, the speed ηx, and the transfer voltage μx are set value storage memory. 211 is stored.

  In the third embodiment, in addition to the automatic paper feed tray (print medium) discrimination process (see FIG. 12) in the first embodiment, an automatic optimization process of the fixing temperature, the conveyance speed, and the transfer voltage is performed. The This automatic optimization process is steps S27 to S29 in FIG. 19, and is provided between steps S160 and S17 of the automatic determination process in FIG. In FIG. 19, the same steps as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The automatic optimization process of the fixing temperature, the conveyance speed, and the transfer voltage will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the paper feed tray Tx is suitable in steps S16 and S160, the temperature of the thermistor 192 is set to the fixing temperature θx for the paper feed tray Tx (step S27), and the speeds of the transport motor 205 and the fixing device motor 193 are set to the paper feed tray. The speed ηx for Tx is set (step S28), the transfer voltage that is the voltage of the transfer device for each color is set to the transfer voltage μx for the paper feed tray Tx (step S29), and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. To do. If there is no suitable paper feed tray in steps S16 and S160, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the fixing temperature, the conveyance speed, and the transfer voltage suitable for the type and thickness of the printing medium A are automatically determined and set. Therefore, it is possible to save the operator from setting the print medium thickness. Further, it is possible to prevent erroneous printing due to human setting mistakes and deterioration of print quality due to fixing failure.

Embodiment 4
In the following fourth embodiment, medium characteristic data D (see FIG. 2) stored in the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A is added to the shape data D2 in the first embodiment. , Including product data D1 which is product information of the print medium A. The product data D1 includes a price D1-2 that is information representing a price (unit price) per sheet of the print medium A.

  In the fourth embodiment, the procedure for setting the printing medium A in the printing apparatus P (paper feeding procedure), the processing until the transition to the IC data reading mode M1, and the processing in the data reading mode M1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Are the same as steps S0 to S13 (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

  However, the processing in the set value conversion mode M2 in the fourth embodiment includes steps S30 and S31 in FIG. 20 after step S12 (see FIG. 11) in the set value conversion mode M2 in the first embodiment. It is a thing. In FIG. 20, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  The process of the set value conversion mode M2 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the processing in steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 11), the data processing unit 210 detects the price D1-2 included in the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S30), and this price D1. -2 is set as the unit price data yx of the printing medium A in the paper feed tray Tx (step S31).

  When the unit price data yx is set in step S31, the set value conversion mode M2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 (see FIG. 10). However, in the fourth embodiment, the unit price data yx of the print medium A is stored in the set value storage memory 211 together with the size (αx, βx) of the print medium A as the setting data for the paper feed tray Tx in step S13. Is done.

  In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the automatic paper feed tray (print medium) discrimination process (see FIG. 12) in the first embodiment, a billing process for the unit price of the print medium is performed. This billing process is steps S32 to S29 in FIG. 21, and is provided between steps S160 and S17 of the automatic discrimination process in FIG. In FIG. 21, the same steps as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The charging process for the unit price of the print medium will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If the paper feed tray Tx is suitable in steps S16 and S160, the number N of print media necessary for printing the received image data is calculated (step S32), and the number N and the number stored in step S31 are saved. The product of the unit price data yx is calculated as a single charge Yi (i is the number of times of printing execution) (step S33), and this single charge Yi is stored in the set value storage memory 211 (step S34).

  Further, the single charge Yi for the current print execution is cumulatively added to the sum of the single charges Y1 to Yi-1 for the previous print executions to calculate the total charge ΣYi (step S35), and the total charge ΣYi is calculated. The setting value is saved in the setting value saving memory 211 (step S36), and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. If there is no suitable paper feed tray in steps S16 and S160, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  The procedure for the operator of the printing apparatus P to confirm the billing information (single charge Yi and total charge ΣYi) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the operator inputs a command from the operation unit 1 (step S37), the data processing unit 210 reads the single charge Yi and the total charge ΣYi from the set value storage memory 211 according to the command and displays them on the display unit 2 ( Step S38).

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically manage the cost information (billing information) of the print medium, so that the labor of the administrator can be reduced. .

  In the fourth embodiment, an example is described in which the printing device charges the cost of the printing medium itself, but the present invention can also be applied to a printing device that already has a charging processing system for consumables such as toner and ink.

Embodiment 5
In the following fifth embodiment, the medium characteristic data D (see FIG. 2) stored in the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A is added to the shape data D2 in the first embodiment. , Material data D4 of the printing medium A is included. Further, the material data D4 includes a stiffness D4-2 that is information indicating the difficulty of bending of the print medium A. Further, in the printing apparatus P, it is assumed that the paper discharge unit 4 (see FIGS. 3, 6, and 7) is configured by two paper discharge trays U1 and U2.

  A print medium discharge path in the printing apparatus P according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The print medium fed from one of the paper feed trays Tx of the paper feed unit 3 is printed while being transported by the transport motor 205, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray U1 or U2. In the paper discharge tray U1, after the printing path is conveyed, the print medium is rotated 180 degrees and discharged in the upper direction of the printing apparatus P. In the paper discharge tray U2, after the printing path is conveyed, the printing medium is discharged horizontally with the printing path without rotating.

  In the fifth embodiment, the procedure for setting the printing medium A in the printing apparatus P (paper feeding procedure), the processing until the transition to the IC data reading mode M1, and the processing in the data reading mode M1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Are the same as steps S0 to S13 (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

  However, the processing in the set value conversion mode M2 in the fifth embodiment includes steps S40 to S44 in FIG. 23 after step S12 (see FIG. 11) in the set value conversion mode M2 in the first embodiment. It is a thing. In FIG. 23, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  The processing of the set value conversion mode M2 in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the processes in steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 11), the data processing unit 210 detects the stiffness D4-2 included in the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S40), and this stiffness D4. -2 is set as the stiffness data δx of the printing medium A of the paper feed tray Tx (step S41).

  Further, the stiffness data δx is compared with a predetermined reference value Γ (step S42). If δx ≦ Γ, the paper discharge tray U1 is set as the paper discharge destination, and if δx> Γ, the rigidity data δx is discharged. The paper tray U2 is set as a paper discharge destination (step S44).

  When the paper discharge destination is set, the set value conversion mode M2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 (see FIG. 10). However, in the fifth embodiment, in step S13, the setting data for the paper feed tray Tx includes the print medium A size (αx, βx), the stiffness data δx of the print medium A, and the set discharge destination. It is stored in the set value storage memory 211.

  In the fifth embodiment, in addition to the automatic paper feed tray (print medium) discrimination process (see FIG. 12) in the first embodiment, the automatic selection process of the paper discharge tray (print medium discharge path) is performed. Made. This automatic selection process is step S45 of FIG. 24, and is provided between steps S160 and S17 of the automatic discrimination process of FIG.

  The automatic discharge tray setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the paper feed tray Tx is matched in steps S16 and S160, the paper discharge tray U1 or S44 set in step S43 is set as a suitable paper discharge destination according to the stiffness data δx of the printing medium A of the paper feed tray Tx. The discharged paper discharge tray U2 is selected as a paper discharge destination (step S45), and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. If there is no suitable paper feed tray in steps S16 and S160, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, since it is possible to automatically select the discharge path of the printed print medium, it is possible to reduce the labor of the operator and artificially. It is possible to prevent paper jams caused by incorrect setting of the discharge path, printer failure, and distortion of the print medium.

Embodiment 6
In the following sixth embodiment, the medium characteristic data D (see FIG. 2) stored in the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A is added to the shape data D2 in the first embodiment. , Including color data D5. The color data D5 includes the xy color coordinates of the print medium A.

  In the sixth embodiment, the procedure for setting the printing medium A in the printing apparatus P (paper feeding procedure), the processing until the transition to the IC data reading mode M1, and the processing in the data reading mode M1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Are the same as steps S0 to S13 (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

  However, the processing in the set value conversion mode M2 in the sixth embodiment includes steps S80 and S81 in FIG. 25 after step S12 (see FIG. 11) in the set value conversion mode M2 in the first embodiment. It is a thing. In FIG. 25, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  The processing of the set value conversion mode M2 in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the processes in steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 11), the data processing unit 210 detects that the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx is contained (see FIG. 2) (step S80), and this color. The xy color coordinates of the print medium A are determined from the data D5, and the parameters φx (= φkx, φyx, φmx, φcx) for changing to the optimum color balance for the print medium of the paper feed tray Tx are determined from the xy color coordinates. (Step S82). Here, φkx, φyx, φmx, and φcx are parameters for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively.

  When the parameter φx for color touching of the printing medium on the paper feed tray Tx is determined in step S82, the setting value conversion mode M2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 (see FIG. 10). However, in the sixth embodiment, in step S13, as the setting data for the paper feed tray Tx, the print medium A size (αx, βx) and the color touching parameters φx (= φkx, φyx, (φmx, φcx) is stored in the set value storage memory 211.

  In the sixth embodiment, in addition to the automatic paper feed tray (print medium) discrimination process (see FIG. 12) in the first embodiment, a print medium automatic color matching process is performed. This automatic color matching process is steps S83 to S86 in FIG. 26, and is provided between steps S160 and S17 of the automatic discrimination process in FIG.

  The automatic color matching processing for the print medium will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the paper feed tray Tx is matched in steps S16 and S160, the head controller 150 adjusts the exposure time of the K head 151 according to the parameter φkx (step S83), and adjusts the exposure time of the Y head 152 according to the parameter φyx ( In step S84), the exposure time of the M head 153 is adjusted according to the parameter φmx, and the exposure time of the C head 154 is adjusted according to the parameter φcx (step S85), thereby correcting the densities of the K, Y, M, and C colors. The print medium is changed to an optimal color balance, and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. If there is no suitable paper feed tray in steps S16 and S160, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically change to a color balance suitable for a print medium and perform printing, so that manual color matching setting is possible. The print quality can be improved without performing the process.

  In the sixth embodiment, the color matching process is performed by correcting the density of each color of K, Y, M, and C for the color printing apparatus. However, the density correction is similarly performed only for the K color for the monochrome printing apparatus. It is also possible to do.

Embodiment 7
In the following seventh embodiment, in addition to the shape data D2 in the first embodiment, the medium characteristic data D (see FIG. 2) stored in the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A is added. , Pre-print data D6. The preprint data D6 includes a preprint plate number that is information indicating the preprint plate number (version). Further, the image data received by the printing apparatus P includes plate number (version) data of a dedicated pre-printing sheet for printing the image data.

  In the sixth embodiment, a procedure (paper feeding procedure) for setting the printing medium A (preprinted dedicated printing medium) in the printing apparatus P, a process until the transition to the IC data reading mode M1, and a data reading mode M1 This process is the same as steps S0 to S13 (see FIGS. 8 to 11) in the first embodiment.

  However, the processing in the setting value conversion mode M2 in the seventh embodiment includes steps S50 to S52 in FIG. 27 after step S12 (see FIG. 11) in the setting value conversion mode M2 in the first embodiment. It is a thing. In FIG. 27, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  The processing of the set value conversion mode M2 in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the processes of steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 11), the data processing unit 210 detects pre-print data D6 (see FIG. 2) included in the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S50). ), The pre-print plate number qx of the print medium A (pre-printed dedicated print medium) is determined from the pre-print data D6 (step S51), and the determined pre-print plate number qx is used as the print medium of the paper feed tray Tx. Is set as the pre-printed plate number (step S52).

  When the pre-printed plate number qx of the paper feed tray Tx is set in step S52, the setting value conversion mode M2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 (see FIG. 10). However, in the seventh embodiment, in step S13, as the setting data for the paper feed tray Tx, the printing medium A size (αx, βx) and the printing medium A version number qx are stored in the setting value storage memory 211. Is done.

  In the seventh embodiment, in addition to the automatic determination processing (see FIG. 12) of the suitable paper feed tray (print medium) in the first embodiment, the automatic determination processing of the suitable pre-printed plate number is performed. This automatic version number discrimination processing is steps S53 to S57 in FIG. 28, and is provided between steps S160 and S17 of the print medium automatic discrimination processing in FIG.

  The automatic discrimination process for the preprinted plate number will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the paper feed tray Tx is suitable in steps S16 and S160, the plate number Q of the preprinted paper suitable for printing the image data is detected from the received image data (step S53).

  Then, the version number qx of the printing medium set in step S52 is compared with the version number Q of the image data detected in step S53 (step S54). If Q = qx (if the versions match), The process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. If there is no suitable paper feed tray in steps S16 and S160, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  If Q ≠ qx in step S54 (if the versions do not match), printing is stopped (step S55), and the image data printed on the display unit 2 and the version number of the preprinted paper do not match. A message is displayed (step S56). Further, the I / F control unit 110 transmits and notifies a warning message having the same contents as in step S56 to the external apparatus H that is a print client (step S57).

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, automatic version management can be performed on a dedicated print medium such as pre-printed by the printing apparatus. Printing on a dedicated print medium can be prevented.

Embodiment 8
In the following eighth embodiment, medium characteristic data D (see FIG. 2) stored in the IC chip C added to the packaging material B of the print medium A is added to the shape data D2 in the first embodiment. , Including recycling data D7. The recycle data D7 includes the number of recycles that is information indicating the number of times the print medium has been recycled.

  In the eighth embodiment, the procedure for setting the printing medium A in the printing apparatus P (paper feeding procedure), the processing until the transition to the IC data reading mode M1, and the processing in the data reading mode M1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Are the same as steps S0 to S13 (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

  However, the processing of the set value conversion mode M2 in the eighth embodiment includes steps S60 to S62 of FIG. 29 after step S12 (see FIG. 11) of the set value conversion mode M2 of the first embodiment. It is a thing. In FIG. 29, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  The processing of the set value conversion mode M2 in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the processes in steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 11), the data processing unit 210 detects the recycle data D7 (see FIG. 2) included in the medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S60). The recycle number rx is determined from the recycle data D7 (step S61), and the determined recycle number rx is set as the recycle number of the print medium set in the paper feed tray Tx (step S62).

  When the recycle count rx of the paper feed tray Tx is set in step S62, the set value conversion mode M2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S13 (see FIG. 10). However, in the eighth embodiment, in step S13, as the setting data for the paper feed tray Tx, the print medium A recycle count rx is stored in the set value storage memory 211 together with the size (αx, βx) of the print medium A. Is done.

  In the eighth embodiment, in addition to the automatic discrimination processing (see FIG. 12) of the appropriate paper feed tray (print medium) in the first embodiment, automatic display processing of recycling information is performed. This automatic display process is steps S63 to S66 in FIG. 30, and is provided between steps S160 and S17 of the print medium automatic discrimination process in FIG.

  The recycle information automatic display process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If the paper feed tray Tx is matched in Steps S16 and S160, it is determined whether or not the number of print media recycles rx in the paper feed tray Tx is 1 or more (Step S63). If the number of times of recycling rx is 0, it is determined that the paper is not recycled paper, and the process directly proceeds to step S17 in FIG. If there is no suitable paper feed tray in steps S16 and S160, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG.

  If the number of times of recycling rx is 1 or more in step S63, it is determined that the paper has been recycled once or more, and the margin position when the image data is printed is calculated from the image data (step S64). It is determined whether there is a printable margin (step S65).

  If there is a blank portion that can be printed in step S65, data that prints the character string “This is recycled paper” as the recycling information is added to the blank image in the blank portion (step S66). The process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. If there is no printable margin in step S65, the character string (recycle information) is not inserted and the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically output the print medium recycling information. You can reduce the time and effort to enter. In addition, it is possible to prevent errors in recycling information due to human error.

  In the eighth embodiment, a character string is printed as the recycling information. However, a mark or a logo can be printed as the recycling information.

Embodiment 9
In the following ninth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the paper feed unit 3 of the printing apparatus P includes a plurality of paper feed trays (the number m of paper feed trays satisfies m> 1), and each paper tray T1. ~ Tm is provided with an LED for alarm notification as an accessory of the display unit 2.

  In the ninth embodiment, the procedure (paper feeding procedure) for setting the printing medium A in the printing apparatus P is performed after step S3 (see FIG. 8) of the paper feeding procedure in the first embodiment, and then step S90 in FIG. To S93. In FIG. 31, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  A procedure (paper feeding procedure) for setting the print medium A in the printing apparatus P in the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the process of step S3 (see FIG. 8), the IC reader Rx reads the medium characteristic data Dx from the IC chip C set in the IC chip mounting portion Ix for the paper feed tray Tx and stores it in the setting value storage memory 211. It is stored as medium characteristic data Dx of the paper feed tray Tx (step S90). Note that the procedure of step S90 is the same as the processing of FIGS. 9 and 10 of the first embodiment, for example.

  Next, the data processing unit 210 reads all the medium characteristic data Dz (z ≠ x and 1 ≦ z ≦ m) of the other paper feed trays Tz stored in the set value storage memory 211 (step S91). Then, the read medium characteristic data Dx is sequentially compared with all of the read medium characteristic data Dz (step S92).

  A print medium having the same specifications as the print medium set in the paper feed tray Tx has already been set in any of the other paper feed trays Tz, and Dx = Dz for any of the medium characteristic data Dz in step S92. In this case, the LED of the paper feed tray Tz is turned on to notify the operator that a print medium having the same specification is already set in the paper feed tray Tz (step S93).

  Further, the print medium having the same specification as the print medium set in the paper feed tray Tx is not set in any of the other paper feed trays Tz, and Dx ≠ Dz for all the medium characteristic data Dz in step S92. If there is, the paper feed procedure is terminated without turning on any LEDs of the other paper feed trays Tz.

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is automatically determined whether or not the characteristics of the print medium to be set are the same as the characteristics of the set print medium, and the user is notified. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a print medium having the same specification from being erroneously installed in a plurality of trays.

  In the ninth embodiment, the duplication of characteristics of the print medium is notified by turning on the LED. However, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 2 or a message to that effect is notified to the external device H. Is also possible.

  In each of the above embodiments, the electrophotographic printing apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet printing apparatus or a dot impact printing apparatus. In each of the above embodiments, a page printer has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a roll paper printer by limiting the recognition of the print medium size to the size in the sub-scanning direction.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus (printing apparatus), which is an apparatus for packaging print media and handling print media, has been described as an example. However, the packaged object is not limited to a print medium. The apparatus that handles the package is not limited to the image forming apparatus. In other words, the article to be packed and the device for handling the article to be packed use a consumable member and the consumable member to perform the function, or the exchange member is exchanged for this exchange member. However, any device can be applied as long as it is a device that performs this function integrally with the replacement member. For example, an ink cartridge and a printing device can be used.

It is a perspective view of the packing material of the printing medium in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a data structure figure of IC chip in an embodiment of the invention. 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block block diagram of the printing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an IC reader and an IC chip mounting unit in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the printing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the printing mechanism in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is another block diagram in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is another block diagram in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is another block diagram in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view of the packing material of the printing medium in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process in Embodiment 9 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

A print medium B member C IC chip P printing apparatus 1 operation unit 2 display unit 3 paper feed unit 4 paper discharge unit 5 IC chip mounting unit 6 IC reader 7 various sensors 100 print control unit 110 I / F control unit 120 reception memory 130 Image data editing memory 140 Voltage control unit 141 K (black) charger 142 Y (yellow) charger 143 M (magenta) charger 144 C (cyan) charger 150 Head control unit 151 K head 152 Y head 153 M head 154 C head 160 development voltage control unit 161 K development unit 162 Y development unit 163 M development unit 164 C development unit 170 transfer voltage control unit 171 K transfer unit 172 Y transfer unit 173 M transfer unit 174 C transfer unit 180 motor control unit 181 K motor 182 Y motor 183 M motor 184 C motor 190 Wearing controller 191 fuser 192 thermistor 193 fuser motor 200 transport motor controller 205 conveying motor 210 data processing unit 211 set value storage memory

Claims (27)

A packing method for packing a plurality of items to be packed with a packing material to which a non-contact type storage means is added,
A packing system characterized in that information on the packed object is stored in the non-contact type storage means. In the packing system according to claim 1,
The non-contact type storage means can be separated from the packing material into a predetermined shape. In the packing system according to claim 1,
A seal-like member, a card-like member, or a strip-like member attached with the non-contact type storage means is added to the inside or outside of the packing material,
Alternatively, the perforation for separation is contained in the member and the packing material around the non-contact type storage means,
Or, the non-contact type storage means is directly added to the inside or outside of the packing material,
Alternatively, the packing material around the non-contact storage means has a perforation for separation.
Or the card-like member or strip | belt-shaped member which attached the said non-contact-type memory | storage means is packed with the said printing medium with the said packing material. The packing system characterized by the above-mentioned. In the packing system according to claim 1,
A packing method wherein the packaged object is a print medium. In the packing system according to claim 4,
Information about the packaged items is:
Product information of the print medium, such as product name, model number, rod number, date of manufacture, manufacturer name, seller name, price, raw material name,
Information about the shape of the print medium, such as size, thickness,
Information on the type of print medium, such as OHP paper, glossy paper, pre-printed paper, special paper,
Information about the material of the print media, such as weight, stiffness, Beck smoothness, electrical properties,
Information about the color of the print medium, such as color, whiteness, color temperature, xy chromaticity coordinates, reflectance,
Information regarding the identification of pre-print content, such as the number of pre-prints and the type of pre-print
Information on recycling, such as disposal methods, number of recyclings,
One or more pieces of information regarding the processing state of the print medium, such as perforations, envelopes, and seals, are included. In the packing system according to claim 1,
The packing material is a packing method in which the packing object is packed in a banded shape. An image forming apparatus using a package packed by the packing method according to claim 1,
The packaged item is a consumable member used for image formation,
Reading means for reading information stored in the non-contact type storage means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to set the consumable member based on the read information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
The non-contact storage means can be separated from the packing material into a predetermined shape,
A mounting portion for mounting the non-contact storage means;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the reading unit reads information stored in the non-contact storage unit mounted on the mounting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.
The consumable member is a print medium;
An image forming unit for forming an image on the print medium;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit performs setting related to image formation based on the read information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
The packing material is for packing the print medium in a banded shape,
It further has a supply unit that can store the package as it is and supply the print medium,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the reading unit reads the information from the non-contact type storage unit that is stored in the supply unit and remains attached to the packing material. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
An information notifying unit for notifying the print client of information, and / or a display unit for displaying information;
Information relating to a print medium is notified to the print client by the information notification means, and / or displayed by the display means, or / and printed on the print medium by the image forming means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A control means for controlling execution and cancellation of printing;
The setting means sets the size of the print medium based on information on the shape of the print medium,
The control unit determines a print size from the image data, determines whether the size of the print medium is suitable for the print size, performs printing if the size matches, and stops printing if the size does not match An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A plurality of supply units for supplying print media;
Control means for controlling execution and cancellation of printing, and
The setting means sets the size of the print medium based on the information on the shape of the print medium, sets the supply unit in which the print medium is set,
The control means determines the print size from the image data, determines whether there is a supply unit in which a print medium having a size suitable for the print size is set, and if there is a suitable supply unit, supplies the supply unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that printing is performed on the printing medium of the printing unit and printing is stopped if there is no suitable supply unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 or 13,
It further has information notifying means for notifying a print client of a necessary message such as a warning message, an operation instruction message or a confirmation message, and / or a display means for displaying the necessary message when there is no suitable print medium. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
The image forming apparatus further includes fixing means for thermally fixing the image formed on the print medium,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit sets a fixing temperature in the fixing unit based on information on a type and a material of a print medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
It further has a conveying means for conveying the print medium at a predetermined speed,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit sets a conveyance speed in the conveyance unit based on information on a type and a material of a print medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
Further comprising transfer means for transferring an image onto the print medium;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit sets a transfer condition in the transfer unit based on information on a type and a material of a print medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
Charging processing means for charging the print medium;
The setting means sets a unit price of the print medium based on information on the cost of the print medium,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the charge processing unit performs charge processing based on the number of printed sheets and the unit price. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18.
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: a display unit for displaying the amount data for which the billing process is performed by the billing unit, and / or an information notifying unit for notifying the print client. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A discharge unit for discharging the print medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit selects and sets any one of the discharge units suitable for discharge of the print medium based on information on a material of the print medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A density correction unit for correcting the density of the image data;
The setting means sets exposure conditions for density correction based on information on the color of the print medium,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the density correction unit corrects the density of the image data according to the exposure condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A color matching means for correcting the color balance of the image data;
The image forming means is capable of image formation of color image data,
The setting means sets exposure conditions for color balance correction based on information on the color of the print medium,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the color matching unit corrects a color balance of the color image data according to the exposure condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A control means for controlling execution and cancellation of printing;
The setting means sets the version number of the print medium based on information relating to the specification of pre-print contents,
The control means discriminates the compatible version number from the image data, and if the compatible version number and the preprinted version number of the printing medium match, execute printing on the printing medium, An image forming apparatus, wherein printing is stopped if the number of preprinted plates of the printing medium does not match. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23.
The information processing means for notifying the print client of a necessary message such as a warning message, an operation instruction message, or a confirmation message when the version numbers do not match, and / or a display means for displaying the necessary message. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A recycle display adding means for adding a recycle display indicating that the print medium is recycled to the image data;
The setting unit sets the number of times of recycling based on information on recycling of the print medium,
The recycle data adding means adds the recycle display to image data when the recycle number is 1 or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:
A plurality of print medium stacking units configured to include a supply unit in which a print medium is set and the reading unit that reads information about the print medium;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit associates and sets a print medium stacking unit on which a print medium is set and information on the print medium read by the print medium stacking unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26.
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the set print medium is the same type as any of the already set print media, and notifies the fact if it is the same type.

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