JP2005115688A - Image forming device, image forming program, and information managing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve double-sided printing. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device includes a storage part 515 for receiving and storing printing jobs; a printer part 530 for forming images on paper according to the print job stored; an identification information acquiring part 513 for acquiring identification information to identify paper; an additional information generating part 514 for generating additional information by detecting double-side printing instructions included in the print job, and determining first print data for forming images on the front of the paper and second print data for forming images on the back of the paper; and a storage part 515 for storing the paper's identification information and additional information in association, after the first print data has been used to form images on the front of the paper. When the additional information, related to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition part 513 has been extracted from the storage part 515, the second print data, corresponding to the first print data specified by the additional information, is used to form the images on the back of the paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming program, and an information management apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program with improved operability when performing double-sided printing. The present invention also relates to an information management apparatus that uses a backing paper to execute an operation corresponding to a change in circumstances.

  A printer having a function of printing print data composed of a plurality of pages having a predetermined order on both sides of a sheet has a mechanism for inverting the sheet on which the surface is printed. When performing double-sided printing with a printer that does not have such a reversing mechanism, first print one side (front side) of the paper, and then reverse the front and back of the paper to print the paper printed on the front side on the back side. Then, it is set again in the paper feed slot and printed on the other side (back side).

  However, when printing on both sides, if the print instruction for other print data is given before inputting the print instruction on the reverse side after setting the paper upside down, the paper that the user has set with difficulty In addition, there is a problem that an image unrelated to the image printed on the surface is printed.

  This is because the information printed on the paper indicates the content of the information itself and can be transmitted to the viewer of the paper. However, after the electronic data has been printed on the paper, This is because the printed information is no longer related to the electronic data that is the source of the information.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-91391 (Patent Document 1) discloses a file means that stores information relating to a specific word, sentence, symbol, or graphic in advance as a related information file, and a word, sentence, symbol, or graphic. Medium on which is recorded at least one piece of description information, connection information for connecting the description information and the related information file of the file means, and selection information for selecting specific description information from the description information A paper, a reading means for reading the selection information and the connection information from the medium paper, a search means for searching for a relevant information file from the file means based on the selection information and the connection information read by the reading means, An output means for outputting a related information file searched by the search means; Information management system is described.
JP-A-9-91301

  In the document information management system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-91301, the connection information recorded on the medium sheet can be associated with the related information file stored in the file means by the connection information recorded on the medium sheet. . However, since the connection information is formed as an image on the medium paper, the image may be formed on either the front surface or the back surface of the medium paper. The connection information formed on the front surface and the connection information formed on the back surface Is not relevant. For this reason, the above-mentioned problem cannot be solved.

  In the document information management system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-91391, the connection information and the related information file recorded on the medium sheet can be changed after the connection information is recorded on the medium sheet. Absent. For this reason, it is not possible to cope with a change in circumstances that occurs after the connection information is recorded on the medium sheet. In particular, when a user reuses paper with an image printed on the front side and prints a new image on the back side, the user determines that the image formed on the front side is unnecessary. In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-91391, when connection information is included in an image on the surface that is not required, the connection information is kept in a state of being related to a related file indefinitely. For this reason, it is not possible to cope with a change in circumstances that occurs after the connection information is recorded, in which the user reuses the medium paper to save paper resources.

  The present invention has been made to achieve the above-described object, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming program capable of reliably executing double-sided printing. .

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information management apparatus capable of executing a desired operation using a recording medium recording medium once formed with an image as a trigger.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus receives a print job and stores the print job, and an image is recorded on a recording medium in accordance with the stored print job. An image forming unit for forming, an identification information acquiring unit for acquiring identification information for identifying a recording medium, and a double-sided print instruction included in a print job are detected and an image is formed on one side of the recording medium Additional information generating means for determining the first print data and second print data for forming an image on the other side and generating additional information; and forming the first print data on one side of the recording medium. An additional information storage unit that stores the identification information of the recording medium and the additional information in association with each other, and the image forming unit stores the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit. The additional information to be communicated when extracted from the relevant data storage unit, imaging a second print data corresponding to the first print data specified by the additional information on the other surface of the recording medium.

According to the present invention, a print job is received and stored, and an image is formed on a recording medium according to the print job. At this time, a double-sided print instruction included in the print job is detected, first print data to be printed on one side of the recording medium and second print data to be printed on the other side are determined, and additional information is generated, The first print data is printed on one surface of the recording medium, and the recording medium identification information and the additional information are stored in association with each other. When additional information related to the identification information of the recording medium is extracted from the related data storage means when the recording medium is supplied next time, the first print data corresponding to the first print data specified by the additional information is stored. 2 Print data is printed on the other side of the recording medium. For this reason, when performing duplex printing, an image on the other side corresponding to one side is formed simply by supplying a recording medium having an image formed on one side. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing double-sided printing.
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  Preferably, the image forming unit further includes a supply direction detecting unit configured to detect a supply direction of the recording medium supplied to the image forming unit, and the additional information includes a print direction of the recording medium on which the first print data is formed. Determines the print direction of the second print data based on the detected supply direction and the print direction included in the extracted additional information.

  According to the present invention, the supply direction of the supplied recording medium is detected, and the print direction of the second print data is determined based on the detected supply direction and the print direction of the recording medium on which the first print data is formed. Is determined. Therefore, the second print data is image-formed in accordance with the recording medium supply direction. The user can supply the recording medium without being aware of the supply direction of the recording medium.

  Preferably, surface information detecting means for detecting whether the surface on which the image is formed on the recording medium supplied to the image forming means is the first surface or the second surface is further provided, and the additional information is the first print data. Includes a surface direction on which an image is formed on the recording medium, and the image forming unit includes a warning unit that warns when the detected surface direction is the surface direction on which the image of the first print data is formed.

  According to the present invention, it is detected whether the surface on which the image is formed on the supplied recording medium is the first surface or the second surface, and the detected surface direction is the surface on which the image of the first print data is formed. Warn if direction is reached. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the image from being formed on the surface on which the image is already formed on the recording medium.

  Preferably, when the image forming unit extracts the additional information related to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring unit from the related data storage unit, the first print data and the second print data are extracted from the extracted additional information. If it cannot be specified, a warning generating means for generating a warning is included.

  According to this invention, when additional information related to the acquired identification information is already stored and the first print data and the second print data cannot be specified from the additional information, a warning is generated. . For this reason, another print data unrelated to the first print data is not formed on the back surface of the recording medium on which the first print data is formed.

  Preferably, the identification information is stored in a semiconductor device attached to the recording medium.

  According to this invention, since the identification information is stored in the semiconductor device attached to the recording medium, the identification information can be obtained with certainty.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming program receives and stores a print job, outputs an instruction to form an image on a recording medium according to the stored print job, and a recording A step of acquiring identification information for identifying the medium, a first print data for forming an image on one side of the recording medium, and a second for forming an image on the other side by detecting a double-sided print instruction included in the print job. A step of determining print data and generating additional information and an instruction to form an image of the first print data on one side of the recording medium are output and the identification information of the recording medium and the additional information are stored in association with each other. And when the additional information related to the acquired identification information is already stored, the second corresponding to the first print data specified by the additional information To perform the steps on a computer that outputs an instruction to the image forming lint data on the other surface of the recording medium.

  According to this invention, it is possible to provide an image forming program capable of reliably executing double-sided printing.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the information management device acquires image formation instruction means for outputting an instruction to form an image on a recording medium and identification information for identifying the recording medium in accordance with given electronic data. And storing additional information describing the operation corresponding to the event in association with the electronic data and the identification information in response to the acquisition of the identification information of the recording medium on which the image is formed according to the electronic data. Additional information storage means, detection means for detecting whether the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means is stored in the additional information storage means in association with the first electronic data and the first additional information, When it is detected by the detection means that the second electronic data and the identification information are based on the output of the image formation instruction according to the second electronic data Put communication, and control means for controlling the additional information storage means to store a second additional information.

  According to the present invention, when an instruction to form an image on a recording medium is output, the identification information of the recording medium on which the image is formed according to the electronic data is acquired and associated with the electronic data and the identification information. Additional information describing the operation corresponding to the event is stored. For this reason, even in a recording medium on which the same electronic data is formed as an image, a different operation for each recording medium can be associated with an event. Further, when it is detected that the acquired identification information is stored in association with the first electronic data and the first additional information, based on an input of an image formation instruction according to the second electronic data, The second additional information is stored in association with the second electronic data and the identification information. For this reason, even when a recording medium on which an image is once formed is reused, additional information can be newly associated. As a result, it is possible to provide an information management apparatus capable of executing a desired operation using a recording medium recording medium once formed with an image as a trigger.

  Preferably, the additional information storage unit is controlled to delete the first electronic data and the first additional information.

  According to the present invention, the first electronic data and the first additional information are deleted. For this reason, only the second additional information is associated with the recording medium.

  Preferably, event detection means for detecting the occurrence of an event, and reading of the second additional information stored in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means in response to the detection of the event by the event detection means. Readout means for outputting, and execution means for executing an operation corresponding to the detected event among the events described in the read second additional information.

  According to the present invention, the second additional information stored in association with the identification information of the recording medium is read in response to the detection of the event, and among the events described in the second additional information, the event The operation corresponding to is performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a print system 500 includes a multi-function device 501 (hereinafter referred to as “MFP 501”) connected to a network 503, and user computers 504A and 504B. The user computers 504A and 504B are general personal computers. In the figure, an example in which one MFP 501 and two user computers 504A and 504B are connected will be described. However, a plurality of MFPs and a plurality of user computers may be connected to the network 503.

  In the present embodiment, the paper is a recording medium on which an image is formed by the MFP 501. The paper includes two IC (Integrated Circuit) tags. The IC tag includes a storage device that stores unique identification information for identifying a sheet on which the IC tag is attached and another sheet, and a communication device that can wirelessly communicate with IC tag readers 550A and 550B described later. Yes. For example, a semiconductor device such as a muchip can be used. The same identification information is stored in the two IC tags attached to one sheet. The positions attached to the paper are stored in the two IC tags. Here, when the longitudinal direction of the paper is the horizontal direction, IC tags are attached near the upper right corner and near the lower left corner of the surface of the paper, respectively, and the upper right IC tag is the first IC tag and the lower left IC tag is This is called a second IC tag. Since the IC tag is attached to the paper, the identification information is not copied at the same time when information formed on the paper is optically copied by an apparatus having a copying function such as the MFP 501. Therefore, the sheet can be specified from the identification information.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 501 includes a scanner for reading a document, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data, and a facsimile, and includes an image reading function, a copying function, and facsimile transmission / reception. Function and print function to print data are provided. The MFP 501 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on print data described in the page description language received from the user computers 504A and 504B or image data output by the scanner.

  Further, a memory card 506, which is a portable and removable storage device, is attached to the MFP 501. The image forming program stored in the memory card 506 is executed by a central processing unit (CPU) provided in the MFP 501. In addition, the memory card 506 can rewrite or additionally write the stored contents, so that another computer connected to the network 503 can rewrite the image forming program stored in the memory card 506 or create a new image. You may make it write by adding a formation program. Further, the MFP 501 may download an image forming program from another computer connected to the network 503 and store the image forming program in the memory card 506.

  The user computers 504A and 504B read application programs such as a document creation program, a spreadsheet program, and a drawing program recorded on a hard disk or the like to a RAM as necessary, and execute them on the CPU. The user computers 504A and 504B execute the application programs to generate print data, which is transmitted to the MFP 501 via the network 503. This print data is transmitted as a print job in which a job mode such as a double-sided print instruction is added to the print data.

  The network 503 is a local area network (LAN), the Internet, or a general public line, and may be wired or wireless. Although an example in which the MFP 501 and the user computers 504A and 504B are connected via the network 503 is shown here, the MFP 501 and the user computers 504A and 504B may be connected using a serial line or a parallel line. .

  Although the image forming program executed by the MFP 501 is stored in the memory card 506 and distributed, other recording media such as a flexible disk, a cassette tape, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), including IC card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (erasable, programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable / programable read-only memory) The medium may be fixedly carrying a program such as a semiconductor memory.

  The program here is a concept including not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 501 includes an image reader unit 520 that reads image data from a document, a control unit 510 that controls the entire MFP 501, a printer unit 530 that prints an image on paper, and MFP 501 on network 3. And a communication unit 560 for connection.

  The MFP 501 receives print data from the user computers 504A and 504B. Therefore, the control unit 510 communicates with the user computers 504A and 504B via the network 503 by the communication unit 560. The control unit 510 receives print data described in a page description language from the user computers 504A and 504B. The control unit 510 converts the received print data into bitmap image data.

  In addition, the MFP 501 reads an original with the image reader unit 520 and inputs image data to the control unit 510. A document placed on the document table 525 of the image reader unit 520 is irradiated by an exposure lamp 523 provided in the scanner 524. The scanner 524 is moved in the direction of the arrow by the scanner motor 528 to scan the entire document. The reflected light from the document surface forms an image on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 521 via mirrors 526, 527, 522 and a condenser lens. The CCD 521 converts the reflected light from the document surface into RGB color data (analog signal) and outputs it to the control unit 510. The color data output from the CCD 521 to the control unit 510 is image data.

  The control unit 510 performs predetermined image processing on the image data obtained from the print data received from the user computers 504A and 504B or the image data input from the image reader unit 520, and outputs a digital signal to the laser device 531 of the printer unit 530. Is output.

  Here, the digital signal output from the control unit 510 to the laser device 531 includes cyan image color data C, magenta image color data M, yellow image color data Y, and black image color data. K. The laser device 531 outputs laser beams to the photosensitive drums 534C, 534M, 534Y, and 534K for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, respectively, based on the input image color data C, M, Y, and K.

  In the printer unit 530, the laser beam output from the laser device 531 exposes the photosensitive drums 534C, 534M, 534Y, and 534K charged by the chargers 532C, 532M, 532Y, and 532K, and forms an electrostatic latent image. . The electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 534C, 534M, 534Y, and 534K are developed by the four color developing devices 533C, 533M, 533Y, and 533K of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

  On the other hand, endless belt 539 is suspended by drive roller 537A and fixed rollers 537B, 537C, and 537D so as not to be loosened. When the driving roller 537A rotates counterclockwise in the figure, the endless belt 539 rotates counterclockwise in the figure at a predetermined speed.

  An appropriate sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding cassettes 540A, 540B, and 540C, and the sheet is supplied from the timing roller 538 to the endless belt 539. Two first IC tag readers 550A and a second IC tag reader 550B are provided at a position before the timing roller 538 in the path along which the sheet is conveyed. The IC tag readers 550A and 550B are provided side by side in a direction perpendicular to the paper traveling direction (a direction perpendicular to the drawing). The IC tag readers 550A and 550B communicate with the IC tag attached to the paper, as will be described later, receive the identification information attached to the paper and the positional information of the IC tag on the paper, and transmit it to the control unit 510. To do. The control unit 510 detects the paper feeding direction and the surface direction from the received information and its reception timing.

  The first IC tag reader 550A and the second IC tag reader 550B may be provided in the paper feed cassettes 540A, 540B, and 540C, and the first IC tag reader 550A and the second IC tag reader 550B may scan the paper in one direction at a constant speed. By doing so, it is possible to detect the paper supply direction, the surface direction, and the vertical direction when the paper is in the paper feed cassettes 540A, 540B, and 540C before the paper is conveyed.

  The paper supplied to the endless belt 539 is carried on the endless belt 539 and conveyed leftward in the drawing. As a result, the sheet comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 534C, 534M, 534Y, and 534K in the order of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. When the paper comes into contact with the respective photosensitive drums 534C, 534M, 534Y, and 534K, the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum by the transfer chargers 535C, 535M, 535Y, and 535K paired with the photosensitive drum is applied to the paper. Transcribed.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is heated by the fixing roller pair 536. As a result, the toner is melted and fixed on the paper. Thereafter, the sheet is discharged from the printer unit 530.

  The MFP 501 includes an operation panel 570 on its upper surface. 3 is a plan view of operation panel 570 provided in MFP 501 in FIG. Referring to the figure, operation panel 570 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 571, a numeric keypad 572, a clear key 573 for returning a set numerical value to an initial value, an interrupt key 574 for executing an interrupt copy, A copy start key 575 is provided.

  The liquid crystal touch panel 571 includes a liquid crystal display device and a touch panel made of a transparent member placed thereon. The touch panel is an input device. The operation panel 570 displays a button on, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and detects an operation of the user pressing the displayed button with a touch panel. Thereby, it is not necessary to use a switch button fixed to the input device, and various operations can be input.

  In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus using toner as a color material will be described as an example. However, an ink jet printer using ink as a color material may be used.

  In the present embodiment, an MFP will be described as an example. However, any printer having only an image forming function without a facsimile function and a copying function may be used.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the control unit of the MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to the figure, control unit 510 is connected to operation panel 570 and inputs a predetermined instruction from the user or outputs predetermined information to the user. The control unit 510 includes a print job reception unit 517 connected to the communication unit 560 and the image reader unit 520, a supply direction detection unit 511 and a surface direction detection unit 512 connected to the first IC tag reader 550A and the second doug reader 550B, respectively. , An identification information acquisition unit 513 connected to the first IC tag reader 550A, an additional information generation unit 514, a print data generation unit 516 connected to the printer unit 530, and a storage unit 515.

  The additional information generation unit 514 and the print data generation unit 516 are connected to a supply direction detection unit 511, a surface direction detection unit 512, an identification information acquisition unit, and a storage unit 515, respectively.

  The supply direction detection unit 511 receives the paper identification information and the position information on the paper with the IC tag from the first IC tag reader 550A and the second IC tag reader 550B. The sheet supply direction is detected from the identification information, the position information, and the timing difference at which they are input. The supply direction is a direction in which the longitudinal direction of the paper is supplied in parallel to the transport direction (vertical direction) or a direction in which the longitudinal direction is supplied perpendicular to the transport direction (lateral direction). is there. The timing difference is a difference between the timing input from the first IC tag reader 550A and the timing input from the second IC tag reader 550B. The supply direction detection unit 511 outputs the detected supply direction to the additional information generation unit 514 and the print data generation unit 516.

  Sheet identification information and position information on an IC tag-attached sheet are input to the surface direction detection unit 512 from the first IC tag reader 550A and the second IC tag reader 550B. The sheet surface direction is detected from the identification information, the position information, and the timing difference between them. The surface direction refers to the surface of the paper with respect to the surface on which an image is formed, and includes a front surface and a back surface. The surface direction detection unit 512 outputs the detected surface direction to the additional information generation unit 514 and the print data generation unit 516.

  The identification information acquisition unit 513 receives the identification information from the first IC tag reader 550A. The identification information may be received from the second IC tag reader 550B or may be received from both. The identification information acquisition unit 513 outputs the received identification information to the additional information generation unit 514 and the print data generation unit 516.

  The additional information generation unit 514 generates additional information after forming the print data on the paper according to the print job stored in the storage unit 515. This additional information is generated for each sheet. For this reason, the additional information generation unit 514 is information that associates the identification information input from the identification information acquisition unit 513 with the print job from which the image is formed on the sheet specified by the identification information. The additional information will be described later in detail. The additional information generation unit 514 stores the generated additional information in the storage unit 515. The additional information generation unit 514 also changes the additional information stored in the storage unit.

  The print data generation unit 516 generates print data according to the print job stored in the storage unit 515. The generated print data is output to the printer unit 530. As a result, the above-described image forming operation is executed by the printer unit 530, and an image is formed on the paper. The print data generation unit 516 generates a correspondence relationship between a plurality of pages when the print job includes a double-sided print instruction. The correspondence relationship is a relationship with a page printed on the back surface corresponding to a page printed on the front surface. The number of pages to be printed on the front side is not limited to a single page, and may be plural. Then, the generated correspondence relationship is temporarily stored in the storage unit 515 in order to pass it to the additional information generation unit 514.

  Note that image processing executed on the print data is not described here, but image forming processing is executed on the print data as necessary.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of additional information generated by the MFP according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a case will be described as an example in which a print job includes a double-sided print instruction for printing print data for all four pages on the front and back surfaces of two sheets. When this double-sided printing instruction is followed, the first page print data is printed on the front side of the first sheet, the second page print data is printed on the back side, and the third page is printed on the front side of the second sheet. This print data is printed, and the print data of the fourth page is printed on the reverse side.

  In FIG. 5A, the first page is printed on the surface of the first sheet of identification information “10101”, and the third page is printed on the surface of the second sheet of identification information “10102”. Later, the generated additional information is shown. Referring to FIG. 5A, the additional information includes identification information, a print data file name, information on the front surface, and information on the back surface. The information on the front surface and the information on the back surface include a page number printed on each surface, a print direction, and a print state indicating whether or not the page is printed. The print direction is classified into a horizontal direction in which the longitudinal direction of the paper is horizontal, a vertical direction in which the longitudinal direction of the paper is vertical, and a vertical direction of the paper. With respect to the vertical direction of the paper, the direction in which the first IC tag 581A disposed near the upper right apex of the paper, which will be described later, is the upper side of the paper is the upward direction, and vice versa. The print direction when printing vertically and upward with respect to the paper is `` vertically upward '', and the print direction when printing vertically and downward with respect to the paper is `` down and down '' On the other hand, the print direction when printing in the horizontal direction and upward is “horizontal top”, and the print direction when printing in the horizontal direction and downward with respect to the paper is “horizontal down”. The print status is indicated as “completed” when it is printed, and indicated as “not yet” when it is not yet printed.

  If the additional information shown in FIG. 5A is seen, the first page is printed on the front surface of the sheet whose identification information is “10101” in the “vertical” print direction, and on the back surface. Although not yet printed, it can be seen that the second page should be printed. Similarly, on the sheet having the identification information “10102”, the third page is printed on the front side in the “vertical” print direction, and the fourth page is not printed yet on the back side. You can see that it should be printed.

  FIG. 5B shows additional information in a state where double-sided printing has been completed. All the print states are indicated as “complete”. From the additional information shown in FIG. 5B, on the sheet whose identification information is “10101”, the first page is printed on the front side in the “vertically upward” printing direction, and the first page is on the back side. It can be seen that two pages are printed in the “vertical” direction. Similarly, on the sheet whose identification information is “10102”, the third page is printed in the “vertical” print direction on the front surface, and the fourth page is “vertically” printed on the back surface. You can see that it is printed.

  As described above, the additional information is generated after the first image is formed on the sheet, and is stored in the storage unit 515. Then, after the sheet is supplied again to the MFP to form an image, the sheet is changed.

  Next, another example of double-sided printing will be described. Here, a case will be described in which the double-sided printing instruction is “page adjustment for saddle stitch book”. The double-sided printing of saddle-stitched book pages means that when a plurality of pages are folded in half, the pages are rearranged so as to be in the reading order of the saddle-stitched book. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining double-sided printing of a saddle stitch book page. Referring to FIG. 6, on the surface of paper 580A, the second page is printed on the left side and the seventh page is printed on the right side. On the back side of the sheet 580A, the eighth page is printed on the left side and the first page is printed on the right side. On the front surface of the sheet 580B, the fourth page is printed on the left side, and the fifth page is printed on the right side. On the back side of the sheet 580B, the sixth page is printed on the left side and the third page is printed on the right side.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of additional information generated by the MFP according to the present embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 7 shows the additional information generated when the job data includes a double-sided print instruction for the saddle-stitched book with the print data for all eight pages described with reference to FIG. ing.

  FIG. 7A shows additional information generated after print data is printed on the surfaces of two sheets 580A and 580B with identification information “10111” and “10112”. Here, print data for two pages is printed on the surface of each sheet, and the array of page numbers indicates the print position in the page. For example, “8, 1” indicates that the eighth page is printed on the left side and the first page is printed on the right side.

  Referring to the additional information shown in FIG. 7A, on the front side of the sheet 580A having the identification information “10111”, the second page is on the left side and the seventh page is “horizontal top” on the right side. It can be seen that it is printed and that the back page is not yet printed, but the eighth page should be printed on the left side and the first page should be printed on the right side. Similarly, on the front side of the sheet whose identification information is “10112”, the fourth page is printed on the left side and the fifth page is printed on the right side in the “horizontal top” print direction on the front side, and on the back side. Although not printed yet, it can be seen that the third page should be printed on the left side and the sixth page should be printed on the right side.

  FIG. 7B shows additional information in a state where double-sided printing has been completed. All the print states are indicated as “complete”.

  As described above, the additional information is generated after the first image is formed on the sheet, and is stored in the storage unit 515. Then, after the sheet is supplied again to the MFP to form an image, the sheet is changed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the IC tag reader, the paper supply direction, and the surface direction. Referring to FIG. 8, two IC tag readers 550A and 550B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction of paper 580. The IC tag readers 550A and 550B and the IC tags 581A and 581B perform wireless communication, but the communicable distance is limited. Here, the communicable ranges of the IC tag readers 550A and 550B are indicated by ranges 551A and 551B, respectively.

  A first IC tag 581A is attached near the upper right corner of the paper 580, and an IC tag 581B is attached near the lower left corner. The paper 580 is conveyed in the paper feeding direction shown in FIG. In this case, as the paper 580 is conveyed, first, the IC tag 581A enters the communicable range 551A of the IC tag reader 550A. At this time, the IC tag reader 550A can communicate with the IC tag 581A, but since the IC tag 581B has not yet entered the range 551B, the IC tag reader 550B cannot communicate with the IC tag 581B.

  Thereafter, when the paper 580 is conveyed, the IC tag 581A exits from the range 551A, and then enters the range 551B in which the IC tag 581B can communicate with the IC tag reader. At this time, the IC tag reader 550B can communicate with the IC tag 581B. However, since the IC tag 581A has already left the range 551A, the IC tag reader 550A cannot communicate with the IC tag 581A.

  The IC tag 581A stores position information (upper right) arranged on the paper 580 in addition to the identification information of the paper 580. Further, the IC tag 581B stores positional information (lower left) arranged on the paper 580 in addition to the identification information of the paper 580. Further, since the IC tag 581A and the IC tag 581B are arranged to face each other on the paper 580, the timing when the IC tag 581A and the IC tag 581B can communicate with each other and the other can communicate with the other. It is possible to detect a difference from the timing.

  The supply direction detection unit 511 and the surface direction detection unit 512 described above are received from the first IC tag reader 550A and the second IC tag reader 550B, and the position information of the IC tags communicated with them, and they communicated with the IC tags. The supply direction and the surface direction are detected from the difference in timing.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing detected supply directions and surface directions. Referring to FIG. 9A, for example, after the first IC tag reader 550A communicates with the first IC tag 581A arranged on the upper right, and after a time longer than a predetermined time (the timing difference is long), When the 2IC tag reader 550B communicates with the second IC tag 581B arranged at the lower left, the supply direction is detected as “vertical” and the surface direction as “front”. On the other hand, in FIG. 9B, the supply direction may be detected as “vertical” and the surface direction may be detected as “front”. The difference is that the first IC tag reader 550A and the second IC tag reader 550B communicate with each other. Different IC tags are used. For this reason, the supply direction and the surface direction are the same, but the vertical direction of the paper is different. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the vertical direction of the paper can also be detected.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by MFP 501 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, a print job is received (step S101). Then, it is determined whether or not the received print job includes a double-sided print instruction (step S102). If the instruction is duplex printing, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S103, print data to be printed on the front surface and print data to be printed on the back surface are determined from the print data included in the print job. That is, the correspondence relationship with the print data of the page printed on the back surface corresponding to the print data of the page printed on the front surface is determined. Then, the determined correspondence relationship is stored in the storage unit 515.

  In step S104, the identification information of the supplied paper is acquired. Then, using the acquired identification information, the additional information stored in the storage unit 515 is searched to determine whether additional information associated with the identification information is stored (step S105). If it is stored, the process proceeds to step S108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S106. If it is stored, it indicates that an image has been formed on at least one of the front and back sides of the paper with the identification information already attached. If not, the front and back sides of the paper are indicated. It is shown that no image has been formed on any of the above.

  In step S106, an image is formed on a sheet based on print data that is supposed to be printed on the front side. Then, based on the correspondence determined in step S103, additional information is generated and stored (step S107). The additional information generated here is, for example, the additional information shown in FIG. 5 (A) or FIG. 7 (A). The additional information includes the identification information acquired in step S104, the file name of the print data included in the print job received in step S101, information on the front surface, and information on the back surface. In the information on the front surface, the page number is the page number of the print data on which the image is formed in step S106, the print direction is the direction in which the image is printed on the paper, and the print state is “complete”. The information on the back side is the page number of the print data associated with the print data on the front side in step S103. Nothing is set for the print direction, and “not yet” is set for the print state.

  On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S108 when an image has already been formed on the surface of the paper. For this reason, first, it is determined by detecting the surface direction whether an image is formed on the surface on which image formation is to be performed (step S108). If the surface direction is a surface on which an image has already been formed, the process proceeds to step S114. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S114, an error message such as “Image cannot be formed. Please change the surface direction.” Is output to operation panel 570.

  In step S109, the additional information stored in the storage unit 515 is searched using the identification information acquired in step S104, and it is determined whether there is data to be printed on the back surface. If the additional information related to the identification information can be extracted, it is determined that there is print data to be printed on the back side, and if it cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step S114. This is because if the data cannot be extracted, an image is formed on the surface of the supplied paper, and print data not intended for double-sided printing is formed.

  In step S110, the paper feeding direction is detected. In accordance with the detected paper feed direction, a print direction for forming an image of print data to be printed on the back surface is determined based on the additional information extracted in step S109 (step S111). Specifically, the print direction is the same as the print direction of the front surface. Note that the vertical direction may be reversed depending on the designation of the user.

  Then, an image is formed of print data to be printed on the back surface in the determined print direction (step S112). As a result, the image printed on the front surface of the paper and the image printed on the back surface can be aligned vertically. When the image formation is completed, the additional information is changed (step S113). The change here means changing the print state of the information on the back side to “complete”. Thereby, the additional information shown in FIG. 5B or FIG. 7B is changed.

  On the other hand, if the double-sided print instruction is not included in the print job in step S102, paper identification information is acquired in step S115. Then, using the acquired identification information, the additional information stored in the storage unit 515 is searched to determine whether additional information associated with the identification information is stored (step S116). If stored, the process proceeds to step S119, and if not, the process proceeds to step S117. If it is stored, it indicates that an image has been formed on at least one of the front and back sides of the paper with the identification information already attached. If not, the front and back sides of the paper are indicated. It is shown that no image has been formed on any of the above.

  In step S119, an error message such as “Image cannot be formed. An image has already been formed on the paper” is output to operation panel 570. This is to prevent an image from being formed on an image that has already been formed. For example, if a user gives another print job after the user sets the paper printed on the front side based on a double-sided print instruction, it is related to the paper set by the user based on the print job. It is possible to prevent the formation of no image. Note that without supplying an error message, the paper to be supplied may be changed to another paper, and a print job designated by another user may be preferentially output.

  In step S117, since no image is formed on the front side or the back side of the paper, print data is formed as an image. This print data is data included in a print job that has not been instructed to be printed on both sides. Then, new additional information is generated, and the generated additional information is stored in the storage unit 515 (step S118).

  As described above, the MFP according to the first embodiment detects a double-sided print instruction included in a print job, and determines the correspondence between print data to be printed on the front side of the recording medium and print data to be printed on the back side. As a result, additional information is generated. When the paper printed on the front side is supplied, additional information related to the paper identification information is extracted, and print data to be printed on the back side is printed on the back side of the paper. For this reason, when double-sided printing is performed, an image is automatically formed on the back side simply by supplying paper having an image formed on the front side, so that double-sided printing can be reliably performed.

Further, the supply direction of the supplied paper is detected, and the print direction for printing on the back surface is determined based on the supply direction and the print direction printed on the front surface. For this reason, since the image is formed on the back surface in accordance with the supply direction of the recording medium, the user can accurately perform double-sided printing only by supplying paper without being aware of the supply direction of the recording medium. The surface direction of the surface on which an image is formed on the supplied paper is detected, and a warning is given when the detected surface direction is a surface on which an image has already been formed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent further images from being formed on the surface on which the image has already been formed.

  Further, when additional information is already stored in association with the identification information of the sheet and the additional information cannot include information on the front side and information on the back side, a warning is generated. For this reason, no unrelated print data is formed on the paper on which the front side print data is formed.

  Further, since the identification information is stored in the IC tag attached to the paper, the identification information can be acquired with certainty.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a document management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, in document management system 1, an image is formed by computer 400 connected to network 30, printer 100 that prints print data output from computer 400 on paper 10, and printer 100. The tablet 300 for instructing the occurrence of an event from the sheet 10A.

  Although the figure shows a case where there is one computer 400, one printer 101, and one tablet 300, these may be singular or plural.

  The computer 400 is a general personal computer. Since the hardware configuration is well known, description thereof will not be repeated here. A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 401 is mounted on the computer 400. The document management program recorded on the CD-ROM 401 is read by a CD-ROM drive or the like and temporarily stored in the hard disk. Further, it is read from the hard disk to a random access memory (RAM) and executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the computer 400, various application programs for generating print data such as a document creation program, a drawing program, a spreadsheet program, an image editing program, and a drawing program are executed. The user operates the computer 400 to cause the computer 400 to execute these application programs and generate print data that is electronic data. When an instruction to output the print data generated by the computer 400 is given, an information management program described later is executed.

  The paper 10 is a recording medium on which an image is formed by the printer 100. The paver 10 includes an integrated circuit (IC) tag 11. The IC tag 11 includes a storage device that stores unique identification information for identifying a sheet on which the IC tag is attached and another sheet, and a communication device that can wirelessly communicate with an IC tag reader described later. For example, a semiconductor device such as a muchip can be used. Since the paper 10 is attached with an IC tag, the identification information is not copied at the same time when the image formed on the paper 10 is optically read and copied by a copying machine or the like. Therefore, the paper 10 can be specified from the identification information.

  The printer 100 is an image forming apparatus, and forms an image on the paper 10 in accordance with print data output from the computer 400. The sheet 10 </ b> A shows a state where the image 20 is formed on the sheet 10. The printer 100 includes an IC tag reader 101. The IC tag reader 101 communicates wirelessly with the IC tag 11 attached to the fed paper 10 and acquires identification information stored in the storage device of the IC tag 11. Therefore, it is possible to associate the identification information of the sheet 10 with the print data used to form an image on the sheet 10. This association is performed by the computer 400. Specifically, after the computer 400 transmits the print data, the identification number of the paper 10 on which the image is formed is received from the printer 100 according to the print data, and the received identification number is associated with the electronic data corresponding to the print data. This will be described in detail later.

  The tablet 300 is a user interface for generating an event using the paper 10. The tablet 300 includes a coordinate input device 303 and an IC tag reader 310. When the user places the paper 10 on the coordinate input device 303 and designates an arbitrary position on the paper 10 with the pen 304, the position information on the designated paper 10 is input. Similar to the IC tag reader 101 provided in the printer 100, the IC tag reader 310 communicates wirelessly with the IC tag 11 attached to the paper 10 mounted on the coordinate input device 303 and stores it in the storage device of the IC tag 11. Obtained identification information. The tablet 300 has a common event generation button. The tablet 300 transmits the acquired identification information, common event, or position information on the paper 10 to the computer 400. As a result, an event occurs, and the computer 400 executes processing corresponding to the generated event. This will be described in detail later.

  The network 30 is a local area network (LAN), the Internet, or a general public line, and may be wired or wireless. Further, here, an example is shown in which the computer 400, the printer 100, and the tablet 300 are connected via the network 30, but these may be connected using a serial line or a parallel line.

  The document management program executed by the computer 400 has been shown as an example of being stored in the CD-ROM 401 and distributed, but other recording media such as a flexible disk, a cassette tape, a hard disk, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) ) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) and other semiconductors It may be a medium that carries a fixed program such as a memory.

  Further, the document management program may be provided from another computer via the network 30 instead of via the recording medium.

  The program here is a concept including not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  In the document management system 1 in the present embodiment, the computer 400 functions as an information management apparatus. The computer 400 stores the electronic data in association with the identification information attached to the paper 10 on which the electronic data is printed. The computer stores additional information in association with the identification information and the electronic data. This additional information defines an operation corresponding to the event. The operation corresponding to the event is a process related to the electronic data printed on the paper 10, such as a copying process for printing the electronic data on another paper, a transfer process for transmitting the electronic data to another computer, and an electronic data update. Update processing for printing the updated electronic data on another sheet in the case of being performed. These duplication, transfer, and update processes are associated with common events that are not related to the position of the sheet 10. The occurrence of the event is input from the above-described tablet.

  In addition, the process corresponding to the event can include a process different from copying, transferring, and updating of electronic data. For example, it includes processing executable on the computer 400, such as displaying or printing other electronic data. These processes are associated with position events related to the position of the paper 10.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a tablet and a position event instruction by the tablet. FIG. 12A shows a plan view of a tablet. As described above, the tablet 300 is a user interface for generating an event. Referring to FIG. 12A, tablet 300 includes a coordinate input device 303, common event generation buttons 302A, 302B, and 302C, a display unit 301, and an IC tag reader 310 on the upper surface thereof.

  In order to generate an event using the tablet 300, first, the paper 10A on which the electronic data is printed and the image 20 is formed is mounted on the coordinate input device 303. Thereby, the IC tag reader 310 provided on the back surface of the coordinate input device 303 communicates with the IC tag reader 11 attached to the paper 10A, and the identification number given to the paper 10A by the IC tag reader 310 is acquired.

  Next, the user presses the common event generation buttons 302A, 302B, and 302C, or designates an arbitrary position on the paper 10A with the pen 304. The common event generation button 302A is a button for generating a duplicate event. The common event generation button 302B is a button for generating a transfer event. The common event generation button 302C is a button for generating an update event. Depending on the occurrence of the common event, one of the three predetermined operations of duplication, transfer, or update is executed by the computer 400. This operation is defined in advance by additional information stored in the computer 400.

  An instruction of an arbitrary position on the paper 10A using the pen 304 generates a position event. This position event is a predetermined operation of the computer 400 corresponding to a predetermined position of the sheet 10A. The position of the sheet 10 </ b> A and the operation corresponding to the position are defined in advance by additional information stored in the computer 400.

  The display unit 301 is a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays an event execution result.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of the position of the sheet 10 </ b> A defined in advance with additional information. With reference to FIG. 12B, an example is shown in which five regions 21A to 21E are defined on the sheet 10A. Different position events can be defined in each of the five regions 21A to 21E. For example, when an arbitrary position in the area 21A is designated by the pen 304, the operation associated with the area 21A is executed by the computer 400. Therefore, it is desirable that the areas 21A to 21E and the electronic data have a predetermined association. The designation of the position on the paper 10A on the tablet 300 is performed by the user looking at the image 20 printed on the paper 10A. For this reason, it is preferable that the user can know the event from the image 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the image 20 is an image different in each of the five regions 21A to 21E. Thereby, since the user can select any one of the five images in the image 20, the user can recognize a position event generated from the image 20.

  The tablet 300 gives the computer 400 the identification information acquired by the IC tag reader 310 and the pressed position of the common event generation buttons 302A, 302B, 302C or the indicated position (coordinates) of the pen 304 detected by the coordinate input device 303. Send.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between electronic data and additional information. In FIG. 13, only common events are shown for explanation. Since the position event is similar to the common event, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In FIG. 13 (A), in order to distribute the specification A version to the person in charge in the department in charge and the person in charge in the related department, the electronic file with the file name “file A.aaa” storing the contents of the specification A version is stored. An example is shown in which data is printed and two sheets 10A are output. The specification version A is officially issued from the department in charge to the related department, but is a version that is scheduled to be updated several times before the final version is issued. Therefore, for the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge, the additional information is associated with the identification information of the paper 10A and the electronic data, and execution of all common events of copying, transfer and update is permitted. It is assumed that the operation to be performed is described. For the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the related department, the additional information is associated with the identification information of the paper 10A and the electronic data, and the copy and transfer operation is prohibited and the update is permitted only once. The operation to be performed is described.

  Thereby, the person in charge in the department in charge can cause the computer 400 to perform operations corresponding to all the events of duplication, transfer, and update from the tablet 300 using the paper 10A. On the other hand, the person in charge in the related department cannot cause the computer 400 to execute an operation corresponding to the duplication and transfer event from the tablet 300 using the paper 10A, and performs an operation corresponding to the update event. The computer 400 can be executed only once. Further, when the person in charge in the related department causes the computer 400 to execute an operation corresponding to the update event using the paper 10A, the additional information is changed so that the update is not permitted. For this reason, even if the second update event is generated, since the update event is not permitted, the operation corresponding to the update event is not executed in the computer 400.

  In this way, by associating additional information for each piece of identification information of the sheet 10A, even if two sheets 10A on which the same image is formed based on the same electronic data are printed, depending on the person who distributes the sheet 10A, The content (operation) of the process corresponding to the event can be varied. As the event occurs, the additional information is changed after the operation corresponding to the event is executed. For this reason, additional information can be changed according to the change of the situation that the operation | movement corresponding to an event is performed.

  In FIG. 13B, in order to distribute the specification A ′ version to the person in charge in the department in charge, the electronic data with the file name “File B.aaa” storing the contents of the specification A ′ version is printed. An example of outputting paper 10A is shown. The specification A 'version is issued to the person in charge in the department in charge, and is a version that is scheduled to be updated several times before the final version is issued. For this reason, for the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge, the additional information is associated with the identification information of the paper 10A and the electronic data. Is defined as a description of the action to be performed. The additional information includes the updated file name as an operation corresponding to the update event. The updated file name defined by this additional information is changed every time the electronic data with the file name “File B.aaa” is updated. For this reason, additional information can be changed according to the change of the situation of file update.

  FIG. 13C shows the name of the file in which the contents of the specification B version are stored in order to distribute the specification B version to the person in charge in the department in charge, the person in charge in the related department, and the person in charge of the sales company. In the example, three sheets of paper 10A printed with electronic data of “file C.aaa” are output. The specification B version is issued as the final version from the department in charge. For this reason, it is not updated after it is issued. Issuing corresponds to printing and distributing electronic data of “file C.aaa” first. For this reason, for the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge, the additional information is associated with the identification information of the paper 10A and the electronic data, and the operation of permitting the execution of a common event for copying and forwarding; It is assumed that the operation in which the update common event is not permitted is described. Further, for the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge of the related department, the additional information is associated with the identification information of the paper 10A and the electronic data, and the operation for permitting the execution of the common event of copying, transfer and update It is assumed that the operation in which the common event is not permitted is described. Further, for the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge of the sales company, the additional information is associated with the identification information of the paper 10A and the electronic data, and the execution of all common events of duplication, transfer and update is prohibited. It is assumed that the operation is described.

  As a result, the person in charge in the department in charge can cause the computer 400 to execute an operation corresponding to the duplication / transfer event from the tablet 300 using the paper 10A. Cannot be executed. The person in charge of the related department can cause the computer 400 to execute an operation corresponding to the duplication event from the tablet 300 using the paper 10A, but the computer 400 can perform an operation corresponding to the transfer and update event. It cannot be executed. Furthermore, the person in charge of the sales company cannot cause the computer 400 to perform operations corresponding to all the events of copying, transferring, and updating from the tablet 300 using the paper 10A.

  In this way, by associating additional information for each piece of identification information of the sheet 10A, even if three sheets 10A on which the same image is formed based on the same electronic data are printed, depending on the person who distributes the sheet 10A, The content (operation) of the process corresponding to the event can be varied.

  FIG. 14 shows additional information generated in the example shown in FIG. FIG. 14A shows the additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge is printed and the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the related department. Additional information. Referring to FIG. 14A, the additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge is printed includes the identification information “1001” of the paper 10A and the contents of the specification A version. The file name “File A.aaa” indicating the stored electronic data is associated with the “department in charge” indicating the distribution destination, and is information describing the operation of the common event and the operation of the position event.

  For details on the operation of the common event, “permission” is defined for the replication event, “destination address” is defined for the transfer event, and “update file name” is defined for the update event. Has been. Since “permission” is defined in the duplication event, when the duplication event occurs, the electronic data of “file A.aaa” is printed out from the printer 100. Since the “destination address” is defined in the transfer event, when the transfer event occurs, the electronic data of “file A.aaa” is transmitted to the “destination address” by communication means such as e-mail. The Since an “update file name” is defined in the update event, electronic data of “update file name” is printed out from the printer 100 when the update event occurs. The updated file name is not stored at the beginning when this additional information is stored, and the updated file name is stored as the updated file name when the electronic data of “file A.aaa” is updated. Therefore, the additional information is changed when the update file is generated. If the electronic data of “File A.aaa” has not yet been updated and the update file name is not stored, even if an update event occurs, the file to be printed does not exist, so it corresponds to the update event. No action is performed.

  For the details of the operation of the position event, a plurality of positions and operations are defined. The position defines a rectangular area in the paper 10A by the coordinates of the upper left vertex and the lower right vertex of the area. The operation corresponding to the positions of the upper left vertex coordinates (100, 300) and the lower right vertex coordinates (300, 500) is “output file X”, and outputs electronic data with the file name “file X”. The action to be defined is defined. The other position event is “count value addition of item A” corresponding to the positions of the upper left vertex coordinates (600, 200) and the lower right vertex coordinates (900, 500). If the count value indicating the number of times is item A, an operation for incrementing the count value is defined.

  Although the additional information defining two position events is shown here, the number of position events is not limited to this, and one or a plurality of position events can be defined.

  The additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge of the related department is printed includes the identification information “1002” of the paper 10A and the file name “electronic data storing the contents of the specification A version”. The file A.aaa ”is associated with the“ related department ”indicating the distribution destination, and is information describing the operation of the common event and the operation of the position event. For details on the operation of the common event, “non-permission” is defined for the replication event, “non-permission” is defined for the transfer event, and “update file name (once Only) ”is defined. Since “non-permitted” is defined for the duplication event, the electronic data of “file A.aaa” is not printed out from the printer 100 even if the duplication event occurs. Since “not permitted” is defined in the transfer event, the electronic data of “file A.aaa” is not transmitted even if the transfer event occurs. Since “update file name (only once)” is defined in the update event, the electronic data of “update file name” is printed out from the printer 100 only once when the update event occurs. When an update event occurs and an operation corresponding to the update event, that is, electronic data of “update file name” is printed out from the printer 100, “not permitted” is defined for the update event. The additional information is changed. FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the additional information after the additional information is changed. As described above, the additional information is changed in response to the execution of the operation corresponding to the event due to the occurrence of the event. Here, the case has been described where the additional information is changed after the update event occurs and the operation is executed, but the additional information is changed after the operation associated with the occurrence of another event is executed. You may do it. Further, after an operation associated with the occurrence of a certain event, for example, a replication event, is executed, the additional information may be changed so as to change the operation corresponding to another event, for example, an update event.

  If the update file name is not stored, as described above, even if an update event occurs, the file corresponding to the update event is not executed because there is no file to be printed out.

  The additional information position event stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the related department is printed is the additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge is printed. Same as location event. The image formed on the sheet 10A is the same for the image distributed to the department in charge and the image distributed to the related department. Therefore, the position of the position event is the same for both sheets 10A. Here, the operations corresponding to the position event are the same as those distributed to the department in charge and those distributed to the related department, but different operations may be defined.

  FIG. 15 shows additional information generated in the example shown in FIG. This is additional information stored when the sheet 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge is printed. This additional information is associated with the identification information “1011” of the sheet 10A, the file name indicating the electronic data storing the contents of the specification A ′ version, “File B.aaa”, and the “department in charge” indicating the distribution destination. The information describes the operation of the common event and the operation of the position event.

  For details on the operation of the common event, “not permitted” is defined for the replication event, “not permitted” is defined for the transfer event, and “latest update file name” is defined for the update event. Is defined. Since “not permitted” is defined in the duplication event, the electronic data of “file B.aaa” is not printed out from the printer 100 when the duplication event occurs. Since “not permitted” is defined in the transfer event, the electronic data of “file B.aaa” is not transmitted when the transfer event occurs. Since “latest update file name” is defined in the update event, electronic data of “latest update file name” is printed out from the printer 100 when the update event occurs. The updated file name is not stored at the beginning when this additional information is stored, and the updated file name is stored as the updated file name when the electronic data of “file A.aaa” is updated. Further, since this update may be performed not only once but also a plurality of times, the file name of the latest update file is defined. Therefore, the additional information is changed every time the latest update file is generated.

  For details of the operation of the position event, the position and the operation are defined. The operation corresponding to the positions of the upper left vertex coordinates (200, 500) and the lower right vertex coordinates (500, 800) is “output file X”, and outputs electronic data with the file name “file X”. The action to be defined is defined.

  FIG. 16 shows additional information generated in the example shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 16, additional information stored when paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge is printed and stored when paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the related department is printed. And additional information stored when the sheet 10A distributed to the person in charge of the sales company is printed.

  The additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge in the department in charge is printed includes the identification information “1021” of the paper 10A and the electronic data storing the contents of the final specification B version. The file name “file C.aaa” shown is associated with the “department in charge” showing the distribution destination, and is information describing the operation of the common event and the operation of the position event.

  For details on the operation of the common event, “permitted” is defined for the replication event, “destination address” is defined for the forwarding event, and “not permitted” is defined for the update event. ing. Since “permission” is defined in the duplication event, when the duplication event occurs, the electronic data of “file C.aaa” is printed out from the printer 100. Since the “destination address” is defined in the transfer event, when the transfer event occurs, the electronic data of “file C.aaa” is transmitted to the “destination address” by communication means such as e-mail. The Since “not permitted” is defined in the update event, nothing is executed when the update event occurs. Details of the operation of the position event are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 14, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge of the related department is printed is electronic data in which the contents of the final version of the specification B version are stored in association with the identification information “1022” of the paper 10A. Is a file name indicating “file C.aaa”, a “related department” indicating a distribution destination, information defining a common event operation, and a position event operation. As for the details of the operation of the common event, “permit until 2003/12/31” is defined for the replication event, “non-permission” is defined for the transfer event, and “non-permission” is defined for the update event. "Allow" is defined. Although “permission” is defined in the duplication event, the expiration date of the permission is set to 2003/12/31. Therefore, when a duplication event occurs, if the occurrence date is until December 31, 2003, the electronic data of “file C.aaa” is printed out from the printer 100. No printout after the day. When the additional information is January 1, 2004, the operation of the duplication event whose identification information is stored in association with “1022” is changed to “non-permitted”. Since “not permitted” is defined in the transfer event, the electronic data of “file C.aaa” is not transmitted even if the transfer event occurs. Since “not permitted” is defined in the update event, nothing is executed when the update event occurs. Details of the operation of the position event are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 14, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The additional information stored when the paper 10A distributed to the person in charge of the sales company is printed indicates electronic data storing the identification information “1023” of the paper 10A and the contents of the final version of the specification B version. The file name “file C.aaa” is associated with the “sales company” indicating the distribution destination, and is information defining the operation of the common event and the operation of the position event. Regarding the details of the operation of the common event, “non-permission” is defined for all of the duplication event, the transfer event, and the update event. Since “not permitted” is defined in the duplication event, the electronic data of “file C.aaa” is not printed out from the printer 100. Since “not permitted” is defined in the transfer event, the electronic data of “file C.aaa” is not transmitted even if the transfer event occurs. Since “not permitted” is defined in the update event, nothing is executed when the update event occurs. Details of the operation of the position event are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 14, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of additional information generation processing of processing executed in the document management system in the present embodiment. In FIG. 17, the flow of additional information generation processing executed by the computer 400 is shown on the right side, and the flow of print processing executed by the printer 100 is shown on the left side. Referring to the figure, it is detected in computer 400 that the user has opened a file in order to create, change, or update the file (step S01). The file opened here is electronic data. Then, a print instruction is detected (step S02). When a print instruction is detected, an event instruction input is accepted (step S03). The input of an event instruction refers to the input of additional information described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the additional information is information defining an event and an operation corresponding to the event, and the event includes a common event and a position event. Therefore, the event instruction includes an operation for each event of duplication, transfer, and update for a common event, and includes a position and an operation corresponding to the position for a position event. A screen for inputting these event instructions is displayed on the display of the computer 400, and the user's input is accepted. Note that, when a predetermined event is used for an event and an operation corresponding to the event, this event instruction can be omitted.

  Then, the electronic data opened in step S01 is converted into print data and transmitted to the printer 100 (step S04).

  The printer 100 receives print data from the computer 400 (step S11). Before printing on the paper according to the print data, the identification information of the paper 10 on which an image is to be formed is read from the IC tag 11 (step S12). Then, the print data received in step S11 is printed on the paper 10 (step S13). When printing is completed, the identification information read in step S12 is returned to the computer 400 (step S14).

  The computer 400 is in a standby state until the identification information is received from the printer 100, and receives the identification information (step S05).

  Then, additional information stored in a storage device such as a hard disk is searched using the received identification information (step S06A). If additional information (first additional information) associated with the received identification information has already been stored, the process proceeds to step S06B, and if not, the process proceeds to step S06. When additional information associated with the received identification information is already stored, electronic data (first electronic data) is printed on one side of the sheet 10A with the identification information. It shows that. For this reason, the computer 400 does not need the image already printed on one side of the paper 10A and wants to newly print electronic data (second electronic data) on the other side. to decide. Therefore, the additional information is changed by adding the additional information (second additional information) input in the event instruction in step S03 to the already stored additional information (first additional information) (step S06B). ). Then, in the next step S06C, the already stored additional information (first additional information) is deleted. Note that information indicating that it is no longer necessary may be added to the additional information without deleting the already stored additional information. As a result, the history of electronic data image-formed on the sheet with the identification information can be left in the additional information.

  Accordingly, the additional information related to the electronic data formed on the surface is deleted, and only the additional information input in the event instruction in step S03 is included in the additional information. For this reason, even when the user reuses paper with electronic data printed on the front side and prints new electronic data on the back side in order to save paper resources, the new electronic data and additional information related thereto Can be stored in association with the identification information of the paper to be reused. In addition, an event previously associated with a sheet reused as a backing sheet can be invalidated. Using the reused paper as a trigger, the computer 400 can execute a predetermined process.

  On the other hand, in step S06, additional information is generated from the event instruction input in step S03, and stored in a storage device such as a hard disk in association with the identification information received in step S05 and the electronic data opened in step S01 ( Step S06). Thereafter, the file opened in step S01 is closed and the process is terminated (step S07).

  As described above, the additional information is generated and stored every time a print is generated by the printer 100. Further, since the additional information is information associated with the identification information of the paper 10, different additional information can be generated and stored for each paper.

  Further, even when the user reuses the paper on which the electronic data is printed on the front side as the back paper, the new electronic data and the additional information related thereto are stored in association with the identification information of the paper used as the back paper. Therefore, it is possible to cause the computer 400 to execute a predetermined process using the reused paper as a trigger.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of event processing executed in the document management system in the present embodiment. In the figure, the flow of processing executed by the tablet 300 is shown on the right side, and the flow of processing executed by the computer 400 is shown on the left side. 18, when the user places paper 10A on the coordinate input device of tablet 300, identification information is read from IC tag 11 of paper 10A by IC tag reader 310 of tablet 300 (step S31). Then, the read identification information is transmitted to the computer 400 (step S32).

  The computer 400 receives the identification information (step S21). In the additional information generation process described above, the additional information generated and stored is searched, and additional information associated with the received identification information is extracted (step S22).

  On the other hand, the tablet receives an event instruction (step S33). The event instruction is a user instruction for pressing the common event generation buttons 302A, 302B, and 302C or instructing an arbitrary position on the paper 10A with the pen 304. If pressing of the common event generation buttons 302A, 302B, and 302C is detected (YES in step S34), it is determined that any one of the common events of duplication, transfer, or update is instructed, and the process proceeds to step S36. If not (NO in step S34), an instruction of an arbitrary position on the paper 10A by the pen 304 is detected (step S35). When a common event is instructed, the fact is transmitted to the computer 400, and when a position event is instructed, the instructed position information is transmitted to the computer 400 (step S36).

  The computer 400 receives the event instruction transmitted from the tablet and analyzes the event (step S23). Event analysis is processing for determining an operation corresponding to a received event instruction from the additional information extracted in step S22. Then, an operation corresponding to the event instruction is executed by executing the determined operation (event execution process: step S24).

  If necessary, the additional information is changed according to the event execution process in step S24 (step S25).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of additional information change processing executed in step S25 of FIG. Here, for the sake of explanation, the case where the additional information shown in FIG. 14A is stored and an update event occurs on the sheet having the identification number “1002” will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 19, this additional information change process is executed in response to the end of the event execution process. It is determined whether or not the operation corresponding to the event executed in step S24 in FIG. 18 has a limit on the number of times (step S41). If there is a limit on the number of times, the process proceeds to step S42, and if not, the process ends. Here, since an update event has occurred on the sheet having the identification number “1002”, “update file name (only once)” is described as an operation corresponding to this update event. Therefore, it is determined that the number of times is limited, and the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the operation corresponding to the executed event is changed to “not permitted”.

  As described above, in the document management system 1 according to the present embodiment, an event occurs after electronic data is printed on the paper 10 in order to change the additional information in response to the operation corresponding to the event being executed. It is possible to cope with circumstances such as.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second additional information change process. Here, the case where the additional information shown in FIG. 5 is stored, the electronic data with the file name “File B.aaa” is updated, and the file name is “File B′.aaa” will be described as an example. To do. The second additional information changing process is a process of changing the additional information regardless of the occurrence of the event. Referring to FIG. 20, it is detected that the user of computer 400 has opened a file (step S51). If it is detected that the file has been modified (step S52), it is determined that the file has been updated, and the additional information generated and stored in step S06 or step S06B in FIG. 17 is searched. Additional information including the file before update is extracted. Here, additional information associated with the identification number “1011” is extracted. The updated file name “file B′.aaa” is stored in the extracted update file name of the additional information. Thereby, additional information is changed (step S53). Then, the opened file is closed (step S54), and the process is terminated.

  For this reason, according to the change of the file, the additional information related to the file is changed.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third additional information changing process. The third additional information change process is also a process executed regardless of the operation corresponding to the event. Here, it is assumed that the additional information shown in FIG. 16 is stored and the current date is January 1, 2004. Referring to the figure, the additional information generated and stored in step S06 or step S06B in FIG. 17 is sequentially read (step S61). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an operation that is limited in time among the operations defined in the read additional information (step S62). If there is, the process proceeds to step S63, and if not, the process ends. Here, additional information associated with the identification number “1022” is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, it is determined whether or not the period has expired. If it has expired, the process proceeds to step S64, and if not, the process ends. Here, since the time limit described in the additional information is “2003/12/31” and the current date is January 1, 2004, it is determined that the period has expired, and step S64 is performed. Proceed to

  In step S64, the operation whose period has expired is changed to “not permitted” (step S64). The additional information that is limited in period as described above is changed with the passage of time.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fourth additional information change process. The fourth additional information change process is also a process that is executed regardless of the operation corresponding to the event. Referring to FIG. 22, in the fourth additional information changing process, it is determined whether or not an input including contents for changing the additional information has been detected (step S71). If an input has been input, the process proceeds to step S72. Otherwise, the process is terminated. In step S72, it is determined whether or not the user owns the file related to the additional information to be changed (step S72). The user may have the authority to manage the file instead of owning the file. If it is determined that the file is the owner, the process proceeds to step S73. If not, the process ends.

  In step S73, the change in step S71 is accepted, and the additional information is changed according to the change content.

  In the present embodiment, the computer 400 and the printer 100 are described as separate units. However, a printer in which these are integrated may be used. In addition, although the printer 100 and the tablet 300 have been described as separate units, a printer in which these are integrated may be used. Furthermore, a printer in which the computer 400, the printer 100, and the tablet 300 are integrated may be used.

  Further, the identification information of the paper 10 is recorded on the IC tag 11 attached to the paper 10. However, instead of the IC tag 11, the identification information is an image formed with an ink that does not reflect visible light. It is good. This is because if the visible light is not reflected, the image representing the identification information is not duplicated even if the paper 10A is copied by the copying machine. In this case, a function for forming an image with ink that does not reflect visible light may be added to the printer, and an image representing identification information may be identified by a scanner instead of an ID tag reader. In this case, it is not necessary to attach the IC tag 11 to the paper 10, and an ID tag reader is unnecessary.

  As described above, according to the document management system in the second embodiment, when an instruction to form an image on a sheet is output, the identification information of the sheet on which the image is formed is acquired according to the print data. Accordingly, additional information describing the operation corresponding to the event is stored in association with the print data and the identification information. For this reason, even for paper on which the same print data is formed as an image, a different operation for each paper can be associated with an event. Further, when it is detected that the acquired identification information is stored in association with the first print data and the first additional information, based on an input of an image formation instruction according to the second print data, Second additional information is stored in association with the second print data and the identification information. For this reason, even when a sheet on which an image is once formed is reused, additional information can be newly associated. Then, it is possible to cause the computer to execute a user-desired operation using a sheet on which an image is once formed as a trigger.

  Further, when the second additional information is stored, the first print data and the first additional information are deleted, so that only the second additional information is associated with the sheet. For this reason, it is possible to invalidate the event associated with the paper reused as the backing paper.

  Further, in response to the detection of the event, the second additional information stored in association with the paper identification information is read, and among the events described in the second additional information, an operation corresponding to the event is performed. Executed. For this reason, it is possible to cause a computer to execute a desired operation using a sheet on which an image is once formed as a trigger.

  Further, since the additional information can be changed, it is possible to provide an information management apparatus capable of causing the computer 400 to execute an operation corresponding to a change in the situation using the sheet 10A as a trigger.

  Further, since the additional information defines operations corresponding to three common events and a plurality of position events, it is possible to cause the computer 400 to execute a plurality of operations using one sheet 10A as a trigger. Further, if the tablet 300 is used, a desired event can be easily specified from among the three common events and a plurality of position events.

  Furthermore, since the identification information is stored in the IC tag 11 attached to the paper 10A, the paper 10A can be reliably identified.

  The document management system in the above-described embodiment includes the following inventions.

(1) a supply direction detection unit that detects a supply direction of the recording medium supplied to the image forming unit;
The additional information includes a print direction of the recording medium on which the first print data is formed,
The image forming unit includes a warning unit that warns when the detected supply direction and the print direction included in the extracted additional information are different from the print direction of the second print data. The image forming apparatus described in 1.

(2) The identification information is stored in at least two semiconductor devices attached corresponding to diagonal directions of the recording medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the supply direction detection unit detects a supply direction based on a timing at which the at least two semiconductor devices are detected by the identification information acquisition unit.

(3) The identification information is stored in at least two semiconductor devices attached corresponding to diagonal directions of the recording medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the surface direction detection unit detects a supply direction based on a timing at which the at least two semiconductor devices are detected by the identification information acquisition unit.

(4) receiving and storing the print job;
Outputting an instruction to form an image on a recording medium in accordance with the stored print job;
Obtaining identification information for identifying the recording medium;
A double-sided print instruction included in the print job is detected, and first information for forming an image on one side of the recording medium and second print data for forming an image on the other side are determined to generate additional information. Steps,
Outputting an instruction to form an image of the first print data on one surface of the recording medium, and storing the identification information of the recording medium and the additional information in association with each other;
When additional information related to the acquired identification information is already stored, the second print data corresponding to the first print data specified by the additional information is imaged on the other surface of the recording medium. A document management program causing a computer to execute a step of outputting an instruction to form.

  (5) The information management apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium in response to an image formation instruction from the image formation instruction unit.

(6) The additional information is information describing an operation corresponding to each of a plurality of events,
The information management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of events include an event dependent on a position of the recording medium and an event independent of the position.

  According to the present invention, the operation is described corresponding to each of a plurality of events, so that a plurality of operations can be executed using one recording medium as a trigger. In addition, since an event that depends on the position of the recording medium and an event that does not depend on the position are included, a desired event can be easily specified from a plurality of events.

  (7) The information processing device further comprises notification means for notifying that an image is already formed on the recording medium according to the first electronic data when it is detected that the information is stored by the detection means. The information management device described in 1.

  According to the present invention, when it is detected that the acquired identification information is already stored, it is notified that an image has already been formed on the recording medium in accordance with the first electronic data, thereby preventing erroneous operation. can do.

  (8) The information management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the identification information is stored in a semiconductor device attached to the recording medium.

  According to the present invention, since the identification information is stored in the semiconductor device attached to the recording medium, the recording medium can be reliably identified.

(9) outputting an instruction to form an image on the recording medium according to the given electronic data;
Obtaining identification information for identifying the recording medium;
Storing additional information describing an operation corresponding to an event in association with the electronic data and the identification information in response to the acquisition of identification information of a recording medium on which an image is formed according to the electronic data;
Detecting whether the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition step is stored in association with the first electronic data and the first additional information;
When it is detected by the detection step that the second addition is made in association with the second electronic data and the identification information in accordance with the output of the image formation instruction according to the second electronic data A document management program causing a computer to execute a step of storing information.

(10) outputting an instruction to form an image on the recording medium according to the given electronic data;
Obtaining identification information for identifying the recording medium;
Storing additional information describing an operation corresponding to an event in association with the electronic data and the identification information in response to the acquisition of identification information of a recording medium on which an image is formed according to the electronic data;
Detecting whether the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition step is stored in association with the first electronic data and the first additional information;
When it is detected that the information is stored by the detection step, a second addition is made in association with the second electronic data and the identification information in response to an output of an image formation instruction according to the second electronic data. A document management method comprising: storing information.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall outline of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel provided in the MFP of FIG. 1. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a control unit of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the additional information produced | generated by MFP in this Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining double-sided printing for saddle stitch book tailoring. It is a figure which shows another example of the additional information produced | generated by MFP in this Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an arrangement of an IC tag reader and a sheet conveyance direction and a surface direction. It is a figure which shows the supply direction and surface direction which are detected. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the MFP in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole outline | summary of the document management system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the instruction | indication of a tablet and the position event by it. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between electronic data and additional information. It is a figure which shows the additional information produced | generated in the example shown to FIG. 13 (A). It is a figure which shows the additional information produced | generated in the example shown to FIG. 13 (B). It is a figure which shows the additional information produced | generated in the example shown in FIG.13 (C). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the additional information production | generation process performed with the document management system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the event process performed with the document management system in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the additional information change process performed by step S25 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 2nd additional information change process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 3rd additional information change process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 4th additional information change process.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Document Management System, 11 IC Tag, 30 Network, 100 Printer, 101, 310 IC Tag Reader, 101 Printer, 300 Tablet, 301 Display Unit, 303 Coordinate Input Device, 304 Pen, 302A, 302B, 302C Common Event Generation Button, 400 Computer, 500 print system, 501 MFP, 503 network, 506 memory card, 510 control unit, 511 supply direction detection unit, 512 surface direction detection unit, 513 identification information acquisition unit, 514 additional information generation unit, 515 storage unit, 516 print Data generation unit, 517 print job reception unit, 520 image reader unit, 530 printer unit, 560 communication unit, 570 operation panel, 302A, 302B, 302C common event generation button, 50 4A, 504B User computer, 550A, 550B IC tag reader, 580, 580A, 580B paper, 581A, 581B IC tag, 504A, 504B User computer.

Claims (9)

Print job storage means for receiving and storing print jobs;
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with the stored print job;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying the recording medium;
A double-sided print instruction included in the print job is detected, and first print data for forming an image on one side of the recording medium and second print data for forming an image on the other side are determined. Additional information generating means for generating additional information,
An additional information storage unit that forms an image of the first print data on one surface of the recording medium and stores the identification information of the recording medium and the additional information in association with each other;
When the image forming unit extracts additional information related to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring unit from the related data storage unit, the image forming unit corresponds to the first print data specified by the additional information. An image forming apparatus for forming an image of the second print data on the other surface of the recording medium. A supply direction detecting means for detecting a supply direction of the recording medium supplied to the image forming means;
The additional information includes a print direction of the recording medium on which the first print data is formed,
2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit determines a print direction of the second print data based on the detected supply direction and the print direction included in the extracted additional information. apparatus. A surface direction detecting unit for detecting whether a surface on which the image is formed on the recording medium supplied to the image forming unit is a first surface or a second surface;
The additional information includes a surface direction in which the first print data is formed on the recording medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a warning unit that warns when the detected surface direction is the surface direction on which the image of the first print data is formed.   The image forming unit extracts the first print data and the first print data from the extracted additional information when the additional information related to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring unit is extracted from the related data storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising warning generation means for generating a warning when the print data of 2 cannot be specified.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is stored in a semiconductor device attached to the recording medium. Receiving and storing a print job;
Outputting an instruction to form an image on a recording medium in accordance with the stored print job;
Obtaining identification information for identifying the recording medium;
A double-sided print instruction included in the print job is detected, and first information for forming an image on one side of the recording medium and second print data for forming an image on the other side are determined to generate additional information. Steps,
Outputting an instruction to form an image of the first print data on one surface of the recording medium, and storing the identification information of the recording medium and the additional information in association with each other;
When additional information related to the acquired identification information is already stored, the second print data corresponding to the first print data specified by the additional information is imaged on the other surface of the recording medium. An image forming program causing a computer to execute a step of outputting an instruction to form. Image forming instruction means for outputting an instruction to form an image on the recording medium according to the given electronic data;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying the recording medium;
Additional information storage for storing additional information describing an operation corresponding to an event in association with the electronic data and the identification information in response to the acquisition of the identification information of the recording medium on which an image is formed according to the electronic data Means,
Detecting means for detecting whether the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring means is stored in the additional information storage means in association with the first electronic data and the first additional information;
When it is detected by the detection means that the second addition is made in association with the second electronic data and the identification information based on the output of the image formation instruction according to the second electronic data An information management apparatus comprising control means for controlling the additional information storage means so as to store information.   The information management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the additional information storage unit is controlled to delete the first electronic data and the first additional information. Event detection means for detecting the occurrence of an event;
Reading means for reading the second additional information stored in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means in response to the detection of the event by the event detection means;
The information management apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising execution means for executing an operation corresponding to the detected event among the events described in the read second additional information.

Images