JP2005316189A - Image information apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image information apparatus capable of automatically performing the printing setting in accordance with form kinds and like by using radio frequency identification (RFID) tag information gained from both of original form and printing form and automatically performing the switching between the manual printing mode setting and the automatic printing mode setting. <P>SOLUTION: The image information apparatus is provided with RFID tag reading parts 40, 80 that read the RFID tag information attached to the original form and the printing form in a digital copy machine that has an image reading means of reading an image from the original form and a printing means of printing the image on the printing form. The image information apparatus has such a constitution that, when printing the image read by an image sensor 100, a CPU 105 automatically sets the printing mode from two RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading parts 40, 80 and, when the RFID tag information is gained, the printing mode is shifted from a manual printing mode setting state to an automatic printing mode setting state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image information apparatus capable of forming an image on printing paper such as a copying machine, and more particularly to an image information apparatus capable of reading RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag information.

Conventionally, in general, image information devices such as copiers only print and print characters, symbols, charts, images, etc. on printing paper, and the paper size, paper type, printable printable size, printing paper, etc. Automatically acquires the shape of the printer, unique serial number for each print paper, etc., automatically sets the print settings based on the acquired information, changes the print processing content based on the acquired information, and acquires the information And print settings could not be notified to the user using visual, auditory, and tactile sensations.
The related prior art disclosed in the patent document will be described below.
First, in the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when data to be written to the RFID tag on the printing paper is included in the data delivered from a personal computer or the like, the printing paper with the RFID tag is supplied and the printing is performed. The RFID tag data is written on the RFID tag of the paper, and characters and figures that visualize the tag data are also written. The RFID tag is a circuit group having a memory, a memory control circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit (transmitting / receiving data via the antenna circuit), and a power supply circuit (converting electromagnetic waves received by the antenna circuit into electric power). Composed. Such a circuit group is realized on a sheet by using, for example, thin film technology.
Further, in the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, in a printing apparatus connected to a personal computer, an ID (identification code) chip storing paper quality information is mounted on a printing paper, and the paper quality ID information is obtained from the ID chip. The print setting contents of the printing apparatus are automatically set based on the acquired paper quality ID information.
JP 2002-337426 A JP 2003-54075 A

However, in the conventional techniques shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, as described above, the print-related information that can be acquired as the RFID tag information is limited to the paper quality information. It is impossible to read the print mode related information and perform the printing process using the information. Also, switching between manual print mode setting and automatic print mode setting had to be done manually, and notifying the user that the print mode was set based on the RFID tag information acquired from the paper. could not.
The present invention has been made in view of such a state of the art, and specifically, not only can the print setting corresponding to the type of paper be automatically performed using the RFID tag information, but also the RFID tag information. Can be obtained from both original paper and printing paper, or when manual print mode setting and automatic print mode setting are automatically switched, or when RFID tag information can be obtained An object of the present invention is to provide an image information apparatus capable of notifying various users including a disabled person or a system administrator.

In order to solve the above-described problems, in the invention described in claim 1, an image reading unit that reads an image on a document sheet, an RFID tag reading unit that reads RFID tag information, and an image read by the image reading unit An image information apparatus comprising: a printing unit that automatically prints on a printing paper in a printing mode that is automatically set based on the RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading unit; The RFID tag reading means is configured to read the RFID tag information of both of them, and the print mode is set based on both RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading means. A setting means was provided.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image reading unit that reads an image on a document sheet, an RFID tag reading unit that reads RFID tag information attached to the document sheet or the printing sheet, and an image read by the image reading unit. Print mode setting means for manually setting the print mode using an operation means in an image information apparatus comprising a print means for printing on a print sheet in a print mode set based on the RFID tag information And automatic print mode setting means for automatically setting the print mode of the image information apparatus from the RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading means, and the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means. Automatically switch from the manual print mode setting state to the automatic print mode setting state. It was constructed to be.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the print mode is returned to the manual print mode after the printing is completed in the automatic print mode setting state.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, or third aspect of the invention, the RFID tag reading means for reading the RFID tag information attached to the printing paper is arranged at a paper conveyance intermediate position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided display means for displaying information when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. Prepared.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image information apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the sound generating means or the sound generating means for generating a specific pattern of sound or sound, or the sound An interface connectable to the generating means or the sound generating means, and when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means, a sound of a specific pattern or a specific word indicating that is transmitted by the sound generating means or the sound generating means. It was configured to generate.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided the vibration generating means or an interface connectable to the vibration generating means according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the RFID tag reading means When the RFID tag information is acquired, a vibration having a specific pattern indicating that is generated by the vibration generating means.
The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a braille keyboard or an interface connectable to the braille keyboard, wherein the RFID tag reading means is used to provide an RFID tag. When information is acquired, a braille message indicating that is displayed on the braille keyboard.
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising communication means for performing communication with an external device, wherein RFID tag information is obtained by the RFID tag reading means. When acquired, a message indicating that is transmitted to a specific external device by the communication means.

According to the present invention, the RFID tag information is attached to both the original paper and the printing paper, the RFID tag information of both is read, and the print mode is based on both of the read RFID tag information. Can be set, so fine print mode can be set.
According to the second aspect of the invention, when the RFID tag information is acquired, it is possible to automatically shift from the manual print mode setting state to the automatic print mode setting state. Save time and effort to migrate.
In the invention according to claim 3, in the invention according to claim 2, the print mode can be automatically returned to the manual print mode after the printing is completed in the automatic print mode setting state. This saves you the trouble of manually shifting to the setting state.
Further, in the invention according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, the RFID tag reading means for reading the RFID tag information attached to the printing paper is arranged in the middle of paper conveyance. When each of the paper feed cassettes is disposed in the vicinity of the paper feed cassette, a plurality of RFID tag reading means are required, but only one is required. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means, the fact can be displayed. The user can know that the print mode is automatically set.
Further, in the invention described in claim 6, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, when RFID tag information is acquired, a sound of a specific pattern or a specific word indicating that is generated. Therefore, even a visually handicapped person can know that the print mode is automatically set.
Further, in the invention according to claim 7, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when the RFID tag information is acquired, the vibration of a specific pattern indicating the fact can be generated. Therefore, even if the user is visually impaired, the user can know that the print mode is automatically set.
Further, in the invention according to claim 8, when the RFID tag information is acquired in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a Braille message indicating that fact can be displayed on the Braille keyboard. Therefore, similarly, even if the user is visually impaired, the user can know that the print mode is automatically set.
Further, in the invention according to claim 9, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, when the RFID tag information is acquired, a message indicating that is sent to a specific external device by the communication means. Since transmission is possible, a user such as a system administrator can know that the print mode is automatically set.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative positions, and the like described in this embodiment are not merely intended to limit the scope of this description unless otherwise specified, but are merely illustrative examples. .
The image information apparatus of this embodiment prints based on, for example, a copying function for copying a document image, a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving image data via a communication line, and image data supplied from an external apparatus via an external interface. An image information apparatus having a printer function, that is, a composite digital copying machine (hereinafter abbreviated as a digital copying machine or a copying machine).
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of such a copying machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine (electrophotographic digital copying machine in this example) 50 includes a scanner unit (image reading unit) 50a that functions as an image reading unit that reads an original image and generates image data. And a printer unit (printing unit) 50b that functions as a printing unit that forms an image based on the image data. The copying machine 50 is formed on the upper portion of the scanner unit 50a so as to be openable and closable with respect to a document table (document table) constituting the scanner unit 50a. An automatic document feeder 51 is provided as a conveying means that feeds the sheets one by one and also functions as a document presser for bringing the document D placed on the document table into close contact with the document table.
Further, the scanner unit 50a is opposed to the closed automatic document feeder 51 at the top thereof, and is disposed on a document table 52 made of transparent glass on which the document D is set, and at one end of the document table 52. An original scale 53 is provided which indicates the position where the original D should be set on the original table 52.
Below the document table 52, an exposure lamp 54 that illuminates the document D placed on the document table 52, an auxiliary reflector 58 for condensing the light beam from the exposure lamp 54 on the document D, and the document A first mirror 56 for bending the reflected beam from D in the left direction in the figure is disposed. The exposure lamp 54, the auxiliary reflector 58, and the first mirror 56 are fixed to the first carriage 57, and are arranged so as to be movable in parallel with the document table 52 as the first carriage 57 moves. The first carriage 57 is moved in parallel along the document table 52 by receiving the driving force of a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown).

A second carriage 59 is disposed on the left side of the document table 52 in the drawing, that is, in the direction in which the reflected beam reflected by the first mirror 56 is guided. In the second carriage 59, a second mirror 60 for bending the reflected beam from the document D guided by the first mirror 56 downward and a third mirror 61 for bending rightward in the drawing are arranged at right angles to each other. Yes. The second carriage 59 is driven by the first carriage 57 by a toothed belt (not shown) that drives the first carriage 57 and parallel to the first carriage 57 along the document table 52 at a speed of 1/2. Move to.
An imaging lens that forms an image of the reflected beam from the second carriage 59 at a predetermined magnification in a plane below the first carriage 57 and including the optical axis of the beam folded back through the second carriage 59. 62, and an image sensor (line sensor) 100 including a plurality of CCD image sensors for converting the reflected beam, which is focused by the imaging lens 62, into an electrical signal (image data). Here, a direction in which a plurality of CCD image sensors are arranged as the image sensor 100 is referred to as a main scanning direction, and a direction in which the first carriage 57 and the second carriage 59 move is referred to as a sub-scanning direction. Further, the reading device portion may be a sheet-through type image reading configuration in which the scanner unit 50a is fixed and an image is read while the original is fed by the automatic document feeder 51.
On the other hand, the printer unit 50b forms and outputs an image according to the image data stored in the image memory. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, and at the same time, residual toner and non-uniform potential adhering to the photosensitive drum 12 are prevented from reaching the charging charger 13 and the developing units 14 and 15. The static elimination lamp (QL) 16, the pre-transfer static elimination lamp (PTL) 17, the transfer charger 18, the separation charger 19, the eraser 20, and the cleaning unit 21 are driven to pass through the static elimination lamp 16. The surface potential is made substantially zero.
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 13, the image data stored in the image memory is read, and a laser beam is emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) accordingly. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser is incident on a polygon mirror 22 that is condensed by a cylinder lens (not shown) and rotationally scanned, and the reflected light passes through an optical system (lens) 23 and a mirror 24 and is reflected on the photosensitive drum 12. Irradiate the surface to form an electrostatic latent image.

Next, of the latent image charge formed on the photosensitive drum 12, the non-image portion (unnecessary portion protruding from the image forming area) is removed by the eraser 20 and then developed with black toner. 14 or a color developing unit 15 that performs development using color toner, toner is attached to form a visible image. At this time, the density of the image can be adjusted by changing the developing bias potential.
On the other hand, the paper feeding clutch is selectively turned on to drive either the calling roller 25 or the three paper feeding rollers 26, and transfer paper (printing) set in a preselected paper feeding stage (described later) Paper) is fed toward the stopped registration roller pair 27. A registration sensor 28 (for example, a reflection type photosensor) is disposed in front of the registration roller pair 27, and the registration sensor 28 is turned on when the leading edge of the transfer paper reaches the opposite position. After a predetermined time has elapsed since that time, the paper feed clutch is returned to the OFF state to stop the transfer paper being conveyed. Note that the sheet feed clutch OFF timing is longer than the time during which the transfer sheet is conveyed between the registration sensor 28 and the registration roller pair 27. Therefore, the transfer paper stands by with the leading edge touching the registration roller pair 27 and the leading edge side is bent.
Thereafter, the registration clutch is turned ON at a timing in accordance with the leading end of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12, thereby rotating the registration roller pair 27 to direct the waiting transfer sheet toward the transfer section. Re-carry. When the transfer paper reaches the transfer portion, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred onto the paper surface by the action of the transfer charger 18, and subsequently, the charging potential on the paper surface is lowered by the action of the separation charger 19. After the adhesion between the transfer paper and the photosensitive drum 12 is reduced, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive surface by the separation claw 29.

Next, the transfer paper is sent to the fixing unit by the conveying belt 30 stretched by two rollers, the toner image is thermally fixed by the fixing roller 31, and then the switching is performed if the single-side mode is selected as the copy mode. The paper is discharged to an external paper discharge tray (not shown) through the upper side of the claw 32, and if the duplex mode is selected, the paper is fed to the lower refeeding conveyance path 33 by switching the switching claw 32.
The residual toner on the photosensitive drum 12 after the image transfer is removed by the cleaning brush 21a and the cleaning blade 21b constituting the cleaning unit 21 and recovered in the toner recovery tank 21c. The entire photosensitive surface is exposed by the charge eliminating lamp 16.
By the way, this copying machine is detachably equipped with three paper feed cassettes 34 to 36 each set with different size transfer paper as a paper feed cassette capable of storing only transfer papers of a specific size. Also provided is a manual feed table (manual feed tray) 37 on which transfer paper that is not stored in any of the paper feed cassettes, that is, transfer paper of an unspecified size can be set. When copying using transfer paper stored in any of the paper feed cassettes 34 to 36, after selecting the cassette size with a size selection key on an operation panel (not shown), the copy start key is pressed. As a result, the transfer paper is fed from the paper feed cassette.
The paper feed cassettes 34 to 36 are provided with size detection sensors 38a to 38c (for example, five photo interrupters) for detecting the stored paper sizes. Further, the front end portions of the paper feed cassettes 34 to 36 are provided. Each is provided with a size identifying light shielding plate (not shown). The light shielding plate has a notch that differs depending on the size of the transfer paper to be stored in the cassette. When the paper feed cassettes 34 to 36 are mounted, the size detection sensors 38a to 38c are such that only the photo interrupter sandwiching the light shielding portion of the light shielding plate blocks the optical path. Can be output to the control unit.

On the other hand, when copying using transfer paper of an unspecified size, the manual feed table 37 is opened from the closed state indicated by the phantom line in the arrow A direction to the use state indicated by the solid line, and then the desired surface is displayed on the upper surface. When the transfer sheet is set and the copy start key is pressed, the transfer sheet is fed from the manual feed table 37. When the manual feed table 37 is rotated in the opening direction, the bottom plate raising arm 39 that lifts the transfer paper placement bottom plate provided in the first paper feed cassette 34 is linked to the position shown in FIG. Descend to An open / close detection sensor 37a for detecting opening / closing of the manual feed table 37 is installed at a position facing the manual feed table 37 of the copying machine.
In addition, the RFID tag reader 40 is disposed at a position before any of the paper feed cassettes 34 to 36 or the paper fed from the manual feed table 37 reaches the registration position, and between the RFID tags attached to the paper. Communicate with. The RFID tag is realized by thin film technology, for example, from a circuit group such as a memory, a memory control circuit, a data transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives data via an antenna circuit, and a power supply circuit that converts electromagnetic waves received by the antenna circuit into power It is configured. With such a configuration, when the RFID tag reading device 40 irradiates the RFID tag with a transmission radio wave, the RFID tag antenna circuit receives an electromagnetic wave including a control command and generates an electromotive force from the received electromagnetic wave. The RFID tag information is transmitted by the antenna circuit, and the RFID tag reader 40 reads the information (the same applies to the RFID tag reader 80).

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a part mainly related to image processing of the control unit of the digital copying machine. As shown in the figure, a video processing circuit 101, an image processing circuit 102, a video writing processing circuit 103, an LD control unit 104, a CPU 105, a ROM 106, a RAM 107, an image memory 108, an interface (I / F) unit 109, and a system bus 110 are included. I have. The RFID tag readers 40 and 80 are connected to the system bus 110.
In the above description, the video processing circuit 101 performs A / D conversion on image data (signal output from the image sensor 100) read by the scanner unit 50a, and performs black offset correction, shading correction, and pixel position correction. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing circuit 102 includes a color separation circuit 120, an MTF correction circuit 121, a scaling circuit 122, a γ correction circuit 123, and an image quality processing circuit 124, which are input from the video processing circuit 101. Image processing is performed on the image data. This process will be described in detail later.
The video writing processing circuit 103 controls the printer unit 50 b according to the image data input from the image processing circuit 102. The LD control unit 104 controls light emission of a laser diode (LD) 112 that is a semiconductor laser in accordance with a video signal from the video writing processing circuit 103.
The CPU 105 comprehensively controls the entire digital copying machine according to the control program in the ROM 106. The ROM 106 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program for operating the CPU 105. A RAM 107 is a readable / writable memory that is used primarily by the CPU 105 during data processing.

The image memory 108 is a readable / writable memory that stores the image data sent from the image processing circuit 102. The interface unit 109 controls an interface between the image processing circuit 102 and the system bus 110, and the system bus 110 controls data exchange between the circuits. The operation panel 111 includes an input unit for inputting various types of information including instructions for editing contents according to the present invention and a display unit for displaying various types of information.
With such a configuration, the video processing circuit 101 amplifies R, G, and B image signals read by the image sensor 100, performs A / D conversion, performs black offset correction, shading correction, and pixel position correction, The data is output as red image data RDT0 to RDT0, green image data GDT0 to GDT7, and blue image data BDT0 to BDT8, which are 8-bit digital data synchronized with a predetermined clock.
Here, the black offset correction is correction for subtracting the dark current black level of the image sensor (CCD) 100 from the image data. In the shading correction, in order to eliminate unevenness in the amount of light of the exposure lamp 54 in the main scanning direction and sensitivity difference between CCD pixels for each color of the image sensor 100, a white plate with a uniform density is read before starting document scanning. Is stored for each pixel, and correction is performed by dividing the stored white plate data for each pixel from the image data being read. The pixel position correction is to correct a pixel position shift (that is, color shift) in the sub-scanning direction when three CCDs corresponding to each color are used as the image sensor 100. is there.
In the image processing circuit 102, the RGB image data RDT0-7, GDT0-7, and BDT0-7 output from the video processing circuit 101 are separated from the black image data BLKDT0-7 by the color separation circuit 120 shown in FIG. Further, the MTF correction circuit 121 performs MTF correction on the image data BLKDT0 to 7, the scaling circuit 122 performs scaling in the main scanning direction, the γ correction circuit 123 performs γ correction, and the image quality processing circuit 124 Performs image quality processing such as dithering and error diffusion. Note that the MTF correction is to correct optical frequency characteristic degradation or the like with a two-dimensional spatial filter. In this way, the black image data BLKDT0-7 subjected to various corrections are sent to the interface unit 109, and the black image data BLKDT0-7 are stored in the image memory 108.

The image data BLKDT0 to 7 are also sent to the video writing processing circuit 103, where they are converted into video signals that can correspond to the writing speed of the printer unit 50b, input to the LD control unit 104, and to the laser diode 112 in accordance with the image signals. The pulse width of the current to be applied and the amount of current are controlled, and optical writing is performed on the photosensitive drum 12 shown in FIG. 1 to form an electrostatic latent image.
The image processing circuit 102 shares an address bus and a data bus with the CPU 105 of the main control unit, and communicates via this. The CPU 105 also performs motor control of the scanner unit 50a and printer unit 50b, and control of various clutches and solenoids.
The automatic document feeder 51 includes a cover 64 whose rear edge is attached to the upper rear edge of the copying machine 50 via a hinge device (not shown), and if necessary, the automatic document feeder 51. By rotating the whole, the document table 52 can be opened and closed as described above.
A document feed stand 65 capable of holding a predetermined number of, for example, 50 documents D, is provided on the upper left portion of the cover 64 slightly. The documents D set on the document feeder 65 are sequentially taken out one by one to the left of the document feeder 65 in the drawing, that is, at one end of the automatic document feeder 51, and the document table from the left end in the diagram. A pickup roller 67 for supplying to one end side of 52 is disposed.
An empty sensor 66 that is a document detection sensor that functions as a detection unit that detects whether or not the document D is set on the document feed table 65 is disposed at a predetermined position of the document feed table 65. Note that a document width detection sensor (not shown) that functions in the same manner as the document position detection sensor 55 that detects the position where the document D is set on the document table 52 may be disposed on the document feed table 65.

In the document take-out direction of the pickup roller 67, the document D taken out by the pickup roller 67 is fed toward the document table 52, and the leading edge of the document D fed by the paper feed roller 68 is aligned. An aligning roller 69 is disposed.
Between the paper feeding roller 68 and the aligning roller 69, an aligning sensor 70 for detecting the arrival of the document D at the aligning roller 69 is disposed. In addition, a size that covers almost the entire document table 52 is given to a position facing the document table 52 inside the cover 64 in a state where the automatic document feeder 51 is closed, and a pickup roller 67, A transport belt 71 is disposed for transporting the document D transported from the document feed table 65 via the feed roller 68 and the aligning roller 69 to a predetermined position of the document table 52. The conveyor belt 71 is stretched between belt rollers 72 arranged in a pair on the left and right in the drawing, and is rotated in both directions on the right side in the drawing and the left side in the drawing by a belt drive mechanism (not shown).
At the right side of the automatic document feeder 51, a reversing roller 73 that feeds the document D moved from the left side in the drawing to the right side in the drawing by the conveyor belt 71 toward the outside of the cover 64, and the document D on the reverse roller 73 A flapper 75 for switching whether the document D conveyed by the pinch roller 74, the reverse roller 73 and the pinch roller 74 is returned to the conveyance belt 71 or discharged onto a predetermined discharge position, that is, the cover 64, is discharged. A paper discharge roller 76 that discharges the document D conveyed by the reversing roller 73 and a jam sensor 77 that detects a jam of the document in the vicinity of the reversing roller 73 are disposed.
An RFID tag reading device 80 is disposed on the document conveyance path in the automatic document feeder 51 and communicates with the RFID tag attached to the document sheet during document conveyance.

In addition, an operation panel 111 for inputting various copying conditions and a copy start instruction is provided at the upper front of the copying machine 50. As shown in FIG. 4, on the operation panel 111, a copy button 202 for setting a copy mode when executing copying, a FAX button 204 for setting a FAX mode when executing facsimile communication, and printing (printing) are executed. A printer button 206 for setting a printer mode is provided.
Further, the operation panel 111 has a numeric keypad 208 for inputting a numerical value such as the number of copies in the copy mode, a start button 210 for instructing the start of copying, and a clear / clear used when correcting the number of copies or stopping the copying operation. There are provided a stop button 212, an all clear button 214 for clearing all selected modes and various set conditions, and a magnification setting button 216 for setting a copying magnification. The start button 210 functions as an input unit that instructs to start reading a document set on the document feeder 65 and also instructs printing based on image data.
Further, the operation panel 111 includes a paper size button 218 for selecting and setting the size of the paper on which an image is to be formed, and an automatic setting for automatically detecting the size of the document placed on the platen and setting the paper size. A paper selection button 220, a document size button 222 for setting the document size, and an automatic magnification selection button 224 for automatically setting a copy magnification based on the paper size set by the paper size button 218 and the detected document size. Is provided.

In addition to these various setting buttons, the operation guide button 226 for displaying guidance information such as the contents of the set mode and the operation procedure, the preheat button 228 for setting the preheat state, and instructing interruption during the operation of the printer unit An interrupt button 230 is provided.
Near the center of the operation panel 111 is a liquid crystal display device (LCD) of a touch panel type that functions as a notification means for displaying various messages with characters and figures to the user. A configured display panel 240 is provided. The display panel 240 displays the operation for each function on the screen.
The display panel 240 has a message area composed of three areas, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage for providing information to the user, a “basic” button for designating a basic operation, and an “editing” for designating an editing operation. ”Button,“ Extended ”button for specifying an extended operation,“ Title ”button for specifying a setting operation, a title area in which title switching buttons are arranged, and the number of originals and copies are displayed. Has a field area. In the basic operation, a normal copying operation, that is, a first print mode in which an original image is read and an image corresponding to the original image is formed on a sheet is executed. In the editing operation, a special copying operation, that is, a second printing mode in which an original image is read and an image obtained by inverting the original image in the sub-scanning direction, that is, a mirror image is formed on a sheet can be set.
Each example will be described below. In the following embodiments, the RFID tag reading means described in the claims is realized by the RFID reader 40, the RFID reader 80, and the like, and the automatic print mode setting means and the manual print mode setting means are realized by the CPU 105, the ROM 106, and the like. The operation means is realized by the operation panel 111.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, in the above-described digital copying machine, the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading device 40 and the RFID tag reading device 80. When the RFID tag information is acquired, the manual print mode setting state is obtained. Is automatically canceled and the printer enters the automatic print mode setting state. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. The operation flow shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 105 decoding and executing a program stored in the ROM 106 (see FIG. 2).
As shown in FIG. 5, after the power is turned on (S1), initial setting inside the apparatus is performed (S2), and the state is shifted to the manual print mode setting state (S3).
Thereafter, the printer enters a print standby state. In this state, when a document is placed on the document table 65 and the user presses a button in the operation panel 111 to make a print request (copy request) (Yes in S4). Under the control of the CPU 105, the leading edge of the first original sheet is conveyed by the pickup roller 67 and the paper feed roller 68 (S5) and passes through the RFID tag reading unit 80. At this time, when the RFID tag is attached to the document sheet, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 80 by a predetermined communication protocol (S6). Note that the RFID tag on the manuscript paper includes, for example, information indicating that “the image is a photograph and the setting is changed to the photo mode”, information indicating that “setting to include“ confidential ”characters when copying”, and the like. Print mode setting information relating to the image on the original paper is written.

On the other hand, the printing paper is conveyed from the designated cassette among the paper feeding cassettes 34 to 37 by the paper feeding roller 26 (S5), and when the printing paper passes through the RFID tag reading unit 40, the RFID tag is attached to the printing paper. If so, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 40 by a predetermined communication protocol (S6). The RFID tag on the printing paper stores printing paper information (for example, paper thickness, paper quality, double-sided printing) and the like, and the printing mode is changed based on the information, and the fixing temperature is raised if it is thick paper. It is.
When the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 both succeed in exchanging predetermined data (Yes in S7), the CPU 105 acquires tag data necessary for setting the print mode from both RFID tag information (S8). Then, the printing mode setting of the digital copying machine is shifted from the manual printing mode setting state to the automatic printing mode setting state (S9). Then, the CPU 105 sets the optimum fixing unit temperature for the paper quality and the paper thickness based on the print mode data acquired from the RFID tags on both sheets, and sets the binding margin and the trimming setting for the print paper that has already been laid out. The internal print mode setting is changed (S10), and printing is executed according to the setting (S11).
On the other hand, if the RFID tag reading unit 40 or the RFID tag reading unit 80 fails to exchange predetermined data in step S7 (No in S7), printing in the manual print mode is performed (S11).
In addition, in the above, a configuration in which either the RFID tag reading unit 40 or the RFID tag reading unit 80 corresponding to the paper with the RFID tag attached to either the original paper or the printing paper is also possible. (The same applies to each embodiment described later). Although not shown in the operation flow chart, after the operation flow is completed, the CPU 105 returns the print mode setting to the manual print mode setting state (the same applies to each embodiment described later).
Thus, according to this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired, the manual print mode setting state is automatically shifted to the automatic print mode setting state, and the manual print is automatically performed after printing by the automatic print mode setting. Since the mode setting state is restored, the trouble of manually shifting the printing mode setting state can be saved. Further, since the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 are provided, the RFID tag information can be acquired from both the original paper and the printing paper, so that a fine print mode can be set. In addition, since the RFID tag reading unit 40 that reads the RFID tag information attached to the printing paper is arranged in the middle of the paper conveyance, a plurality of RFID tag reading means are required when arranged for each paper feeding cassette in the vicinity of the paper feeding cassette. However, only one is required, so that the cost can be reduced.

In this embodiment, in addition to the operation of the first embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means, the fact is displayed. The operation flow of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the display means described in claim 5 is realized by the display panel 240, for example.
As shown in FIG. 6, after the power is turned on (S21), initial setting of the inside of the apparatus is performed (S22), and a transition is made to the manual print mode setting state (S23).
Thereafter, a print standby state is entered. In this state, when original sheets are stacked on the platen 65 and the user presses a button in the operation panel 111 to make a print request (Yes in S24), the control of the CPU 105 is performed. As a result, the leading edge of the first original sheet is conveyed by the pickup roller 67 and the paper feed roller 68 (S25), and passes through the RFID tag reader 80. At this time, when the RFID tag is attached to the document sheet, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 80 by a predetermined communication protocol (S26).
On the other hand, when the printing paper is conveyed from the designated cassette among the paper feeding cassettes 34 to 37 by the paper feeding roller 26 (S25) and the printing paper passes the RFID tag reading unit 40, the RFID tag is attached to the printing paper. If so, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 40 by a predetermined communication protocol (S26).
Thus, when the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 both succeed in exchanging predetermined data (Yes in S27), the CPU 105 acquires tag data necessary for setting the print mode from both RFID tag information (S28). Then, the printing mode setting of the digital copying machine is shifted from the manual printing mode setting state to the automatic printing mode setting state (S29). Then, the CPU 105 sets the optimum fixing unit temperature for the paper quality and the paper thickness based on the print mode data acquired from the RFID tags on both sheets, and sets the binding margin and the trimming setting for the print paper that has already been laid out. The internal print mode setting is changed (S30).

Subsequently, the CPU 105 performs a display indicating that the RFID tag information has been acquired. For example, a message to that effect is displayed on the display panel 240 in the operation panel 111, another light emitting means (for example, a pilot lamp, LED, electric bulletin board, indoor lighting, etc.) is turned on or blinked, or a multicolor light emitting function is provided. In the case of a light source having light, the light is emitted while changing its color (S31). Further, printing is executed in the set print mode (S32).
In the above description, the light emission patterns and messages are realized by the CPU 105 controlling the light emission means based on data or programs stored in the ROM 106 (see FIG. 2). In this case, the control may be performed directly by the CPU 105, or the CPU 105 may indirectly control using a control function built in the light emitting means. The light emission pattern and message data or program may be held outside the digital copying machine, and may be taken into the digital copying machine by a removable storage medium or communication means.
On the other hand, if one of the two fails in the step S27 (No in S27), printing in the manual print mode is performed (S32).
Thus, according to this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired, the fact is displayed. In addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the user knows that the print mode is automatically set. be able to.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired in the first embodiment, an audio generation means such as a speaker or a buzzer or an interface capable of connecting the sound generation means to the apparatus is built-in or externally connected. Can be notified to the user by a message or intermittent sound using human voice data. The operation flow of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, after the power is turned on (S41), initial setting of the inside of the apparatus is performed (S42), and a transition is made to the manual print mode setting state (S43).
Thereafter, the printer enters a print standby state. In this state, when a user places a document sheet on the document table 65 and makes a print request by pressing a button in the operation panel 111 (Yes in S44), the control of the CPU 105 is performed. As a result, the leading edge of the first original sheet is conveyed by the pickup roller 67 and the paper feed roller 68 (S45), and passes through the RFID tag reading unit 80. At this time, when the RFID tag is attached to the document sheet, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 80 by a predetermined communication protocol (S46).
On the other hand, the printing paper is conveyed from the designated cassette among the paper feeding cassettes 34 to 37 by the paper feeding roller 26 (S45), and when the printing paper passes through the RFID tag reading unit 40, the RFID tag is attached to the printing paper. If so, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 40 by a predetermined communication protocol (S46).
When the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 both succeed in exchanging predetermined data (Yes in S47), the CPU 105 acquires tag data necessary for setting the print mode (S48). The print mode setting is shifted from the manual print mode setting state to the automatic print mode setting state (S49). Then, the CPU 105 sets the optimum fixing unit temperature for the paper quality and the paper thickness based on the print mode data acquired from the RFID tags on both sheets, and sets the binding margin and the trimming setting for the print paper that has already been laid out. The internal print mode setting is changed (S50).

Subsequently, the CPU 105 performs notification by sound or sound indicating that the RFID tag information has been acquired (S51). For example, a specific message is uttered by a speaker provided in the operation panel 111 or at another position, or a specific sound pattern is generated by a buzzer. Note that the sound pattern and sound are realized by the CPU 105 acquiring sound pattern data and sound data stored in the ROM 106 or by controlling a speaker and a buzzer based on a program. In this case, the control may be performed directly by the CPU 105, or the CPU 105 may indirectly control using the sound generation means or a control function built in the sound generation means. Further, sound patterns, message data or programs may be held outside the digital copying machine and taken into the digital copying machine using a removable storage medium or communication means.
On the other hand, if any of the data fails to be exchanged in step S47 (No in S47), printing in the manual print mode is performed (S52).
Thus, according to this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired, the fact is notified by sound or voice. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the user (particularly the visually impaired) can print. You can see that the mode was set automatically.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, in the first embodiment, a vibration generating means for converting an electric signal into vibration is provided with an interface that can be connected to the apparatus internally or externally, and when RFID tag information is acquired, the fact is indicated. The user can be notified by a specific pattern of vibration. The operation flow of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, after the power is turned on (S61), initial setting of the inside of the apparatus is performed (S62), and a transition is made to the manual print mode setting state (S63).
Thereafter, a print standby state is entered. In this state, when original sheets are stacked on the platen 65 and the user makes a print request by pressing a button in the operation panel 111 (Yes in S64), the control of the CPU 105 is performed. As a result, the leading edge of the first original sheet is conveyed by the pickup roller 67 and the paper feed roller 68 (S65), and passes through the RFID tag reader 80. At this time, when the RFID tag is attached to the document sheet, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 80 by a predetermined communication protocol (S66).
On the other hand, the printing paper is conveyed from the designated cassette among the paper feeding cassettes 34 to 37 by the paper feeding roller 26 (S65), and when the printing paper passes through the RFID tag reading unit 40, the RFID tag is attached to the printing paper. If so, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 40 by a predetermined communication protocol (S66).
When the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 both succeed in exchanging predetermined data (Yes in S67), the CPU 105 obtains tag data necessary for setting the print mode from both (S68), and this digital copy. The printing mode setting of the machine is shifted from the manual printing mode setting state to the automatic printing mode setting state (S69). Then, the CPU 105 sets the optimum fixing unit temperature for the paper quality and the paper thickness based on the print mode data acquired from the RFID tags on both sheets, and sets the binding margin and the trimming setting for the print paper that has already been laid out. The internal print mode setting is changed (S70).

Subsequently, the CPU 105 generates a vibration indicating that the RFID tag information has been acquired (S71). For example, the vibration is generated in a predetermined vibration pattern by a vibration generator (for example, a vibrator element) provided in the operation panel 111 or at another position. Note that the predetermined pattern of vibration is realized by the CPU 105 controlling the vibration generator by data or a program stored in the ROM 106. In this case, control may be performed directly by the CPU 105, or the CPU 105 may indirectly control using a control function built in the vibration generator. The vibration pattern data or program may be held outside the digital copying machine, and may be taken into the digital copying machine by a removable storage medium or communication means.
On the other hand, if any of the data fails to be exchanged in step S67 (No in S67), printing in the manual print mode is performed (S72).
Thus, according to this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired, the fact is notified by a predetermined vibration. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the user (especially a visually impaired person) can print. You can see that the mode was set automatically.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, in the first embodiment, for example, a Braille keyboard that realizes Braille by converting an electrical signal into a vertical movement of a pin is incorporated in the apparatus or provided with an interface that can be connected externally. When tag information is acquired, the user can be notified by expressing a predetermined message indicating that by using braille characters or symbols. The operation flow of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, after the power is turned on (S81), initial setting of the inside of the apparatus is performed (S82), and a transition is made to the manual print mode setting state (S83).
Thereafter, a print standby state is entered. In this state, when a user places a paper sheet on the platen 65 and presses a button in the operation panel 111 to make a print request (Yes in S84), the control of the CPU 105 is performed. As a result, the leading edge of the first original sheet is conveyed by the pickup roller 67 and the paper feed roller 68 (S85), and passes through the RFID tag reader 80. At this time, when the RFID tag is attached to the original paper, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 80 by a predetermined communication protocol (S86).
On the other hand, the printing paper is conveyed from the designated cassette among the paper feeding cassettes 34 to 37 by the paper feeding roller 26 (S85), and when the printing paper passes through the RFID tag reading unit 40, the RFID tag is attached to the printing paper. If so, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 40 by a predetermined communication protocol (S86).
When both the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 succeed in exchanging predetermined data (Yes in S87), the CPU 105 acquires tag data necessary for setting the print mode (S88). The print mode setting is shifted from the manual print mode setting state to the automatic print mode setting state (S89). Then, the CPU 105 sets the optimum fixing unit temperature for the paper quality and the paper thickness based on the print mode data acquired from the RFID tags on both sheets, and sets the binding margin and the trimming setting for the print paper that has already been laid out. The internal print mode setting is changed (S90).

Subsequently, the CPU 105 generates a message in braille indicating that the RFID tag information has been acquired (S91). For example, a Braille keyboard that realizes a Braille string by converting an electrical signal into a vertical movement of a pin is provided in the operation panel 111 or separately from it, and messages such as characters and symbols are performed in Braille. An electrical signal to the braille keyboard is generated by the CPU 105 based on data or a program stored in the ROM 106 and controlled by the keyboard. In this case, the process of converting a message into an electrical signal may be performed using a control function built in the keyboard. The message data or program may be held outside the digital copying machine, and may be taken into the digital copying machine by a removable storage medium or communication means.
On the other hand, if any of the data fails to be exchanged in step S87 (No in S87), printing in the manual print mode is performed (S92).
Thus, according to this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired, the fact is notified by expressing a predetermined message with the Braille keyboard. Thus, in the same way as the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. The user (especially a visually impaired person) can know that the print mode is automatically set.

In the digital copying machine of this embodiment, in the first embodiment, wireless communication such as wireless LAN and wireless public line, wired communication such as wired LAN and wired public line network, optical communication such as IrDA and high-speed optical communication, and acoustic wave communication such as ultrasonic waves. A communication means capable of exchanging data with an external device is provided, and when RFID tag information is acquired, a predetermined message indicating that can be notified to the user or the administrator by the communication means. The operation flow of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, after the power is turned on (S101), initial setting of the inside of the apparatus is performed (S102), and a transition is made to the manual print mode setting state (S103).
Thereafter, the printer enters a print standby state. In this state, when original sheets are stacked on the platen 65 and the user makes a print request by pressing a button in the operation panel 111 (Yes in S104), the control of the CPU 105 is performed. As a result, the leading edge of the first original sheet is conveyed by the pickup roller 67 and the paper feed roller 68 (S105), and passes through the RFID tag reader 80. At this time, when the RFID tag is attached to the document sheet, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 80 by a predetermined communication protocol (S106).
On the other hand, the printing paper is conveyed from the designated cassette among the paper feeding cassettes 34 to 37 by the paper feeding roller 26 (S105), and when the printing paper passes the RFID tag reading unit 40, the RFID tag is attached to the printing paper. If so, data is exchanged with the RFID tag reading unit 40 by a predetermined communication protocol (S106).
Thus, when the RFID tag reading unit 40 and the RFID tag reading unit 80 both succeed in exchanging predetermined data (Yes in S107), the CPU 105 acquires tag data necessary for setting the print mode from both (S108), and this digital copy. The printing mode setting of the machine is shifted from the manual printing mode setting state to the automatic printing mode setting state (S109). Then, the CPU 105 sets the optimum fixing unit temperature for the paper quality and the paper thickness based on the print mode data acquired from the RFID tags on both sheets, and sets the binding margin and the trimming setting for the print paper that has already been laid out. The internal print mode setting is changed (S110).

Subsequently, the CPU 105 transfers a predetermined message indicating that the RFID tag information has been acquired to an external device (for example, a personal computer) by the communication means provided inside or outside the device (S111) (see FIG. 11). The message to be transmitted is stored in the ROM 106 in advance, or is input from the keyboard by the CPU 105 based on a program.
On the other hand, if any of the data fails to be exchanged in step S107 (No in S107), printing in the manual print mode is performed (S112).
Thus, according to this embodiment, when the RFID tag information is acquired, a predetermined message indicating that fact is notified to an external device such as a personal computer. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the user (for example, the system) The administrator) can know that the print mode is automatically set.

1 is a schematic sectional view of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a main part of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a detailed block diagram of a main part of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view of a main part of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the main part of the digital copying machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the main part of a digital copying machine showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the main part of a digital copying machine showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the main part of a digital copying machine showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the main part of a digital copying machine showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the main part of a digital copying machine showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which concerns on the digital copying machine which shows the 6th Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

26 Paper feeding roller, 34 to 37 Paper feeding cassette, 40 RFID tag reading unit, 50a Scanner unit, 50b Printer unit, 68 Paper feeding roller, 80 RFID tag reading unit, 105 CPU, 106 ROM, 107 RAM, 111 Operation panel, 240 Display panel

Claims (9)

  An image reading means for reading an image on a document sheet, an RFID tag reading means for reading RFID tag information, and an image read by the image reading means is automatically based on the RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading means. In an image information apparatus comprising a printing unit that prints on a printing paper according to a set printing mode, the RFID tag information is attached to both the original paper and the printing paper, and the RFID tag information of both is read. An image information apparatus comprising: an RFID tag reading unit; and an automatic print mode setting unit that sets a print mode based on both RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading unit.   Based on the RFID tag information, an image reading means for reading an image on the original paper, an RFID tag reading means for reading the RFID tag information attached to the original paper or the printing paper, and an image read by the image reading means In an image information apparatus comprising a printing unit that prints on a printing sheet in accordance with the printed mode, a manual printing mode setting unit that manually sets the printing mode using an operation unit, and the RFID tag reading unit Automatic print mode setting means for automatically setting the print mode of the image information device from the RFID tag information, and when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means, the manual print mode setting is automatically performed. The printer is configured to shift from the status to the automatic print mode setting status. Image information apparatus according to.   3. The image information apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print mode is returned to the manual print mode after the printing is completed in the automatic print mode setting state.   4. The image information apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an RFID tag reading means for reading RFID tag information attached to a printing paper is disposed at a paper conveyance intermediate position.   5. The image information apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays information when RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading unit. 6. Information device.   The image information device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound generating means or the sound generating means for generating a specific pattern of sound or sound, or the sound generating means or the sound generating means can be connected. An interface is provided, and when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading means, a sound of a specific pattern or a specific word indicating that is generated by the sound generating means or the sound generating means. Image information device.   The image information device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a vibration generating unit or an interface connectable to the vibration generating unit, and when RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading unit, An image information apparatus characterized in that a vibration having a specific pattern indicating the fact is generated by the vibration generating means.   The image information device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: an Braille keyboard or an interface connectable to the Braille keyboard, and when RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading unit, An image information device characterized in that a Braille message is displayed by the Braille keyboard. 9. The image information device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and when the RFID tag information is acquired by the RFID tag reading unit, the fact is indicated. An image information apparatus characterized in that a message is transmitted to a specific external apparatus by the communication means.

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