JP2007076769A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of establishing a good performance of communication between an IC tag and the information. <P>SOLUTION: A communication means 50 to make communication with the IC tag is installed in a hand feed unit 80. This enables the communication means 50 to be located on a straight transport path on which sheets of paper are transported straight. As a result, sheets equipped with IC tags can be transported to the communication means 50 without inverting. Accordingly even a sheet equipped with an IC tag difficult to bend owing to the thickness of IC tag can be transported to the communication means 50 without generating a sheet jam, and it is possible to make communication with the IC tag in good performance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the surface of a recording medium including an IC tag, and writes information to the IC tag and reads information from the IC tag.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a technique (RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)) for exchanging information wirelessly from an IC tag has attracted attention as a product identification / management technique that replaces a barcode. RFID is characterized by its ability to read and write data, and the ability to read data even if the IC tag from which the data is read is dirty or hidden behind objects. Advantages not found in the identification system can be obtained. In recent years, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus such as a printer that has a function of writing information to an IC tag and performs printing of paper and writing to the IC tag collectively (for example, Patent Document 1). ~ 2).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 prints on a roll paper sheet having an IC tag by an ink jet method, and writes electronic information to the IC tag using a communication antenna provided on a carriage. Further, Patent Document 2 conveys a sheet having an IC tag stacked on a paper feed tray to a laser electrostatic transfer type printing unit, and connects the communication antenna to the IC tag of the sheet before the IC tag reaches the printing unit. Is used to write electronic information.

JP 2003-300366 A JP 2002-337426 A

  18 shows an image forming apparatus including an IC tag and an image forming apparatus including a paper feed tray 180 serving as a recording medium placing unit on which a sheet including an IC tag is placed and an ink jet printing mechanism 230 serving as an image forming unit. This is an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a communication unit 510 for performing communication and having the above function. As shown in FIG. 18, a paper feed tray 180 on which a sheet having an IC tag 70 is placed and stored is provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body. The paper provided with the IC tag 70 is reversed on the way from the paper feed tray 180 to the printing mechanism 230, and information is written by the communication means 510 on the IC tag of the reversed paper. The paper on which information is written on the IC tag 70 is printed on the surface of the paper by the printing mechanism 230, reversed, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 260.

  In the case of the RFID image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 18, communication with the IC tag 70 is performed on a sheet conveyed while being reversed in the apparatus main body. Therefore, for example, when the IC tag 70 that is difficult to bend like the thick IC tag 70 is attached to the paper, the portion of the paper to which the IC tag 70 is attached is difficult to bend, so the paper is bent during the conveyance process. There is a problem in that it cannot be communicated with the IC tag due to a paper jam caused by being caught by a conveyance roller or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of satisfactorily communicating with a recording medium.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, a receiving function for receiving electronic information from a transmitting means provided in the recording medium, and the recording medium. An image forming apparatus comprising a communication unit having at least one of a transmission function for transmitting electronic information to a provided reception unit, comprising: a straight conveyance path through which a recording medium is conveyed linearly; It is provided on the transport path.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a plurality of recording medium mounting portions are provided for mounting and storing the recording medium, and one of the recording medium mounting portions is a recording medium. The recording medium transported from the mounting section passes through the straight transport path, and the recording medium mounting section through which the recording medium passes through the straight transport path is a manual feed tray.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first or second aspect, the communication means is detachable from the apparatus main body.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the communication means is provided in a recording medium mounting section on which the recording medium is linearly conveyed, and the recording medium mounting section Is detachable from the apparatus main body.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the recording medium having an IC tag is used.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the communication means includes an antenna and a writing / reading means for writing / reading to / from the IC tag. The reading / reading means is integrally formed.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the unique ID stored in the IC tag provided in the recording medium being conveyed to the image forming means is obtained and obtained. When the ID is a predetermined ID, an image is formed on the recording medium.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, after information is written to the IC tag, the information written to the IC tag is read from the IC tag, and the IC tag is read. It is characterized by comprising a detecting means for detecting whether the written information is normal or not.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further comprises error processing execution means for executing error processing when the information written in the IC tag is not normal. It is.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the error processing execution means forms a predetermined image on a recording medium having an IC tag in which normal information is not written. It is a feature.
The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein before the image is formed on the recording medium, the detection means detects whether the information written on the IC tag is normal. It is a feature.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the electromagnetic wave of the communication means reaches the mounted recording medium, but is received by the mounted recording medium. The communication means is arranged at a position that does not reach the means.
The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system for forming an image on the recording medium is an ink jet system for forming an image on the recording medium by ejecting ink from the recording head. An image forming apparatus characterized by that.
The invention of claim 14 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of claim 13, a pigment-based ink is used as the ink.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, information is read from an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, an information storage unit provided in the recording medium, and information is stored in the information storage unit provided in the recording medium. An image forming apparatus including an information control unit that performs at least one of writing is provided with a straight conveyance path through which a recording medium is linearly conveyed, and the information control unit is provided on the straight conveyance path. It is what.

  According to invention of Claims 1 thru | or 15, the communication means is provided on the straight conveyance path | route. Therefore, the recording medium provided with at least one of the transmission means and the reception means is discharged from the apparatus main body linearly through the straight conveyance path. That is, the recording medium provided with at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit can be conveyed to the communication unit without being inverted. Therefore, even a recording medium that is difficult to bend due to the thickness of the transmission means or the reception means can be conveyed to the communication means without causing paper jam, and can communicate with the recording medium satisfactorily.

Hereinafter, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) will be described as a first embodiment of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
First, the basic configuration of the printer will be described.
FIG. 1 is an external view of the printer main body, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a sheet feeding tray 18 that is a recording medium placement unit in which sheets as recording media are stacked and accommodated, and a recording medium for stocking sheets on which images are recorded (formed). A paper discharge tray 26 serving as a mounting portion is detachably mounted from the apparatus main body. The upper surface of the printer 100 is a substantially flat surface and has an upper cover 101 that can be opened and closed. A front cover 102 that is inclined obliquely rearward with respect to the upper surface is provided on the front side of the apparatus. A paper discharge tray 26 and a paper feed tray 18 are provided below the inclined front cover 102. Further, an ink cartridge loading unit 105 is provided on the front side of the apparatus, and operation units 104 such as operation keys and a display are arranged on the upper surface of the ink cartridge loading unit 105. The ink cartridge loading unit 105 has an openable / closable door 103 for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a printing mechanism unit 23 including a carriage 9 that is held by a driving unit (not shown) so as to be movable in a direction (main scanning line direction) transverse to the sheet conveyance direction. have. In addition, the printer 100 includes a transport unit 21 that transports the paper in the paper feed tray 18 to the paper discharge tray 26 via a position facing the print mechanism unit 23.

The carriage 9 of the printing mechanism unit 23 has a head 13 as a recording unit provided with ejection openings for ejecting ink liquids of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black) colors onto paper. Are provided.
The transport unit 21 includes a paper feed tray 18 on which a large number of papers are placed, a paper feed roller 19 that feeds the paper in the paper feed tray 18 to the transport roller 10, and only one of the plurality of papers in the paper feed tray 18. A separation pad 20 for sending out to the transport roller 10 and a paper feed guide 27 for guiding paper fed from the paper feed tray 18 are provided. The conveyance roller 10 stretches a conveyance belt 12 as a conveyance member with a tension roller 11. The transport belt 12 transports the transported paper to a position facing the head 13. The conveying roller 10 is rotated clockwise in the drawing by a driving means (not shown), and thereby the conveying belt 12 moves endlessly in the direction of A in the drawing. The transport unit 21 includes a pressure roller 16 that presses the paper against the transport roller 10, a guide guide 22 that guides the paper, and a charging roller 15 that charges the surface of the transport belt 12. A conveyance guide plate 14 that guides the conveyance belt 12 is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the conveyance belt 12 at a position facing the head 13. In addition, the transport unit 21 includes a separation claw 17 that separates a sheet on which an image is recorded from the transport belt 12, a paper discharge roller 25 for discharging the paper to a paper discharge tray 26, and a spur 24 having a star-shaped cross section. . The printer 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a reversing mechanism 30 for reversing the paper so that printing can be performed on both sides of the paper.

Next, a printing operation of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is an external view of the inkjet printer 100 connected to the personal computer 110 via the communication cable 120.
In the inkjet printer 100, print data as image information is sent from the personal computer 110 via the communication cable 120, and printing is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the paper is fed from the paper feed tray 18 to the transport roller 10 by the paper feed roller 19. The paper fed from the paper feed tray 18 is guided to the guide member 22 and the pressure roller 16 and is transported to the transport belt 12. The surface of the conveyance belt 12 is charged by a charging roller 15, and the sheet is electrostatically attracted to the conveyance belt 12. When the paper transported to the transport belt 12 reaches a position facing the head 13, the transport belt 12 is stopped to stop the movement of the paper. Then, while the carriage 9 reciprocates in the main scanning line direction according to the print data, a predetermined ink liquid is discharged to a predetermined position of the stopped paper, and an image for one line is recorded on the paper. Here, one line refers to a range in the sub-scanning line direction in which the head 13 can record on the paper with the paper stopped. When recording for one line is completed in the main scanning line direction, the conveyor belt 12 is driven for a predetermined time, and the sheet is moved in the direction of the sheet discharge tray 26 by one line to stop. As described above, the carriage 9 reciprocates in the main scanning line direction according to the print data, but records an image for one line. Such a process is repeated a predetermined number of times to print a desired image on paper. The paper on which the desired image is printed is separated from the transport belt 12 by the separation claw 17, transported by the paper discharge roller 25 and the spur 24, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 26.
In the case of duplex printing, when a desired image is printed on one side of the paper and a part of the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 26, the conveyor belt 12 is rotated in the reverse direction to switch back the paper on the paper discharge tray. Then, it is conveyed to the reversing mechanism 30. The sheet reversed by the reversing mechanism 30 is again guided by the guide member 22 and the pressure roller 16 and conveyed to the conveying belt 12. When the paper reaches a position facing the head 13, the same operation as described above is performed to print a desired image on the other surface of the paper. The paper on which the desired images are printed on both sides is separated from the transport belt 12 by the separation claw 17, transported by the paper discharge roller 25 and the spur 24, and discharged again to the paper discharge tray 26.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, a manual feed unit 80 serving as a straight conveyance recording medium placement unit can be mounted on the reversing mechanism 30. FIG. 4 is a principal configuration diagram showing the manual feed unit 80 attached to the apparatus. The manual feed unit 80 separates and transports the pressure plate 81 on which the paper is set, the side fence 82 that adjusts the position of the paper, and the uppermost paper among the paper that is set on the pressure plate 81 and transports it separately. A roller 83 is provided. A transport roller 84 for transporting the paper separated by the half-moon paper feed roller 83 to the printing mechanism unit 23 is also provided. Although not shown, the manual feed unit 80 includes a drive motor that rotationally drives the half-moon paper feed roller 83 and the conveyance roller 84. The drive motor is connected to the apparatus main body via a connector 85, and power is supplied from the apparatus main body.

  As indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the paper conveyance path from the manual feed tray 80 to the paper discharge tray 26 is a straight conveyance path, and the paper on the manual feed tray 80 is linearly conveyed within the apparatus main body. Thus, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 26.

  In this embodiment, the communication means 50 that communicates with the IC tag is provided on a straight conveyance path through which the sheet is conveyed linearly. Specifically, the manual feed unit 80 is provided with communication means 50 for communicating with the IC tag. The communication unit 50 includes a transmission / reception antenna and a reader / writer as a writing / reading unit attached in the apparatus main body. The communication means 50 is connected to the control unit of the apparatus main body by a connector 85. As a result, the sheet provided with the IC tag is set in the manual feed unit serving as the storate recording medium placement unit. Paper with an IC tag is conveyed straight without bending. Depending on the type of IC tag, the thickness may be thick and difficult to bend. When such a thick paper is set in the paper feed tray 18, the paper cannot be bent during the conveyance process, and there is a risk of paper jam. is there. However, in the case of the manual feed unit 80, since the sheet is conveyed linearly without being bent, the sheet with the IC tag can be favorably conveyed without causing a sheet jam.

  Further, the manual feed unit provided with the communication means can be detached from the apparatus main body. Therefore, by attaching a manual feed unit provided with the communication means 50 to a normal OA printer, it is possible to make an RFID-dedicated printer capable of writing / reading on an IC tag. In this way, by using a general-purpose OA printer capable of mass production as an RFID-dedicated printer, an RFID-dedicated printer can be provided at a lower cost than an RFID-dedicated printer that has a reader / writer and a transmitting / receiving antenna built-in in advance. Is possible. When a normal printer is used as an RFID-only printer, a control program for communication means is installed in the control unit 60 from a personal computer or the like.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, a unit in which a transmission / reception antenna and a reader / writer are integrated is attached to the manual feed unit 80. However, as shown in FIG. A reader / writer 52 may be attached to the cover 101. In this case, the reader / writer 52 is detachably attached to the inner surface of the upper cover 101 that can be opened and closed using Velcro (registered trademark) or the like. Even in such a configuration, by attaching the manual feed unit 80 including the transmission / reception antenna 51 and the reader / writer 52, a general OA printer can be made a printer dedicated to RFID.

  Next, the IC tag will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the IC tag is provided on the paper P that is a cut recording medium. In the first embodiment, the surface on which the IC tag 70 is attached is the back surface of the paper. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the IC tag 70. The IC tag 70 includes a nonvolatile memory 71 such as an EEPROM for storing information, and a transmission antenna 73 and a reception antenna 74 that communicate with the communication means 50 on the main body side. Further, the IC tag 70 includes a communication circuit 72 that transmits information from the reception antenna 74 to the nonvolatile memory 71 and transmits information in the nonvolatile memory 71 to the transmission antenna 73. The non-volatile memory 71 of the IC tag stores a 64-bit unique ID (UID).

  The communication circuit 72 includes a reception circuit 72a that amplifies the reception signal received by the reception antenna 74, and a demodulation circuit 72b that demodulates the amplified reception signal into a predetermined signal for transmission. In addition, a control circuit 72 c that writes information into the nonvolatile memory 71 and extracts information from the nonvolatile memory 71 based on the received signal is provided. Further, a modulation circuit 72d that modulates information in the nonvolatile memory 71 into a predetermined signal for transmission and a transmission driver 72e that transmits a transmission signal to the transmission antenna 73 are provided. Further, a power supply circuit 72f that rectifies the electromagnetic waves of the receiving antenna 74 to create a power supply and supplies the power is also provided.

  Next, communication with the IC tag 70 will be described. In communication with the apparatus main body 100, first, a request signal is transmitted from the control unit 60 of the apparatus main body to the reader / writer 52 of the apparatus main body side communication means 50. The control unit 60 and the reader / writer 52 are connected by a serial interface, and signals are transmitted and received between the control unit 60 and the reader / writer 52 through this serial interface. The request signal transmitted to the reader / writer 52 is modulated into a predetermined signal for transmission, sent to the transmitting / receiving antenna 51 on the main body side, and then sent to the receiving antenna 74 of the IC tag 70.

  When the reception antenna 74 receives the transmission radio wave of the transmission / reception antenna 51 on the apparatus side, the power supply circuit 72 rectifies the electromagnetic waves of the received radio wave to create a power source. At the same time, the request signal received by the reception antenna 74 of the IC tag 70 is amplified by the amplification circuit 72a and demodulated into a predetermined signal by the demodulation circuit 72b. The request signal demodulated into the predetermined signal is sent to the control circuit 72c, and the control circuit 72c controls the writing and reading of information to and from the nonvolatile memory 71 based on the request signal. When the request signal is a signal for requesting information in the nonvolatile memory 71, the control circuit 72c reads out necessary information from the nonvolatile memory 71 and assigns an ID (UID) unique to the IC tag to the read out information. The information given the address is sent to the modulation circuit 72d, modulated into a predetermined signal, and sent to the transmission antenna 73. The signal sent to the transmission antenna 73 is received by the transmission / reception antenna 51 on the apparatus main body side.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the printer 100. In the figure, a control unit 60 controls the entire apparatus. Various devices in the printer are connected to the control unit 60. In the figure, some of these devices are shown. That is, the control unit 60 is connected to a printing mechanism unit 23 that records an image on a sheet and a conveyance unit 21 that conveys the sheet. The control unit 60 includes a ROM 60c that stores various control programs, a RAM 60b that is a working memory for executing the control programs, a CPU 60a for executing the programs, and the like. The control unit 60 obtains input information from the printer driver software on the personal computer 110 and controls the printing mechanism unit 23 and the conveyance unit 21.
In addition, the control unit 60 acquires write information to the IC tag 70 from printer driver software on the personal computer, and transmits the acquired information to the communication unit 50. The communication unit 50 transmits the write information to the IC tag, reads the information stored in the IC tag 70, and transmits the information to the control unit 60.
The ROM 60c detects whether the information written to the IC tag is normal by comparing the writing information to the IC tag 70 acquired from the printer driver software with the written information acquired from the IC tag 70. The program is stored. The detection program is executed using the CPU 60a and the RAM 60b, and the control unit 60 functions as a detection unit. In addition, if the information written on the IC tag is not normal, a predetermined image (NG characters) is printed on the ROM 60c on the paper on which the abnormal information is written, or an “error display” is displayed on the screen of the personal computer. An error processing execution program for executing error processing such as “doing” is also stored. The error processing execution program is executed using the CPU 60a and the RAM 60b, and the control unit 60 functions as an error processing execution unit.

  Next, a printing process for a sheet provided with the IC tag 70 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a printing process for a sheet provided with the IC tag 70. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram when a printing process of a sheet provided with the IC tag 70 is performed. As shown in FIG. 10, first, the control unit 60 checks whether there is UID designation information in the information received from the personal computer 110 via the communication cable 120 (S1). The designation of the UID is, for example, a sheet on which history information such as the date of manufacture of the product is already recorded, a sheet on which collection / delivery information such as the shipment date of the product is already recorded, or a sheet on which personal information such as a patient's medical history is already recorded For example, when additional information is printed on a sheet on which specific information is already recorded and predetermined information is stored in the IC tag.

  If the UID is specified (S1 YES), the printing process is executed when the UID described later is specified (S2). When the UID is not specified (NO in S1), the control unit 60 checks whether the information received from the personal computer 110 via the communication cable 120 includes the print data and the content written to the IC tag 70. (S2). The content written to the IC tag 70 is input by an operator using printer driver software on a personal computer. If the received information does not include the content written to the IC tag 70 (NO in S3), printing is performed in the normal print mode (S4). On the other hand, when the received information includes the contents written to the IC tag 70 (YES in S3), the control unit 60 switches the setting to the RFID mode (S5). Specifically, the control unit 60 sets the sheet conveyance speed to an RFID conveyance speed that is lower than the conveyance speed during normal printing. In the present embodiment, the RFID conveyance speed is set to the same speed as the paper conveyance speed during high-quality image printing. When the setting is switched to the RFID mode, the conveyance of the paper with the IC tag set in the manual feed unit 80 is started (S6). When the sheet is conveyed to the communication means 50, the control unit 60 transmits a UID request signal to the IC tag 70 of the sheet (S7). As shown in FIG. 11, the IC tag 70 receives the request signal and transmits the UID of the IC tag 70 to the apparatus main body. When receiving the UID from the IC tag 70 (YES in S8), the control unit 60 transmits the UID to the personal computer 110 (S9). As shown in FIG. 11, the personal computer receives the UID transmitted from the printer, and stores the UID in association with the print data and write information.

  Next, the control unit 60 adds the received UID to the write information and transmits it to the IC tag 70 (S10). As shown in FIG. 11, the IC tag 70 receives the write information to which the UID is assigned and confirms the UID. When the UID is the same as the UID of the IC tag 70, the received content is stored in the nonvolatile memory 71. On the other hand, when the UID is different from the UID of the IC tag, no storage is performed.

Next, the control unit 60 transmits a write information acquisition request signal to the IC tag (S11). As shown in FIG. 11, the IC tag 70 receives an information acquisition request signal transmitted from the apparatus main body, reads out the write information stored in the nonvolatile memory 71, adds a UID, and transmits it to the apparatus main body.
When the write information is received (YES in S12), the control unit 60 compares the received write information and UID with the transmitted write information and the acquired UID (S13). If the received information is different from the transmitted information as a result of the comparison (NO in S13), “NG” is printed on the paper conveyed to the printing mechanism unit 23 (S14), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the received writing information is the same as the writing information transmitted by the UID (YES in S13), the printing data is printed on the paper conveyed to the printing mechanism unit 23 (S15). ),finish.

  In the above description, when the received writing information is different from the transmitted writing information, “NG” is printed on the paper, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the received writing information is different from the transmitted writing information, an error message such as “Writing to IC tag failed” is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 110, and the paper is discharged without printing on the paper. You may make it do.

In the first embodiment, the content written on the IC tag 70 is confirmed during paper conveyance, and if there is an error in the written content, a predetermined image such as “NG” is printed, and normal operation is performed. Error processing is performed to distinguish the sheet from which information is written. By performing such error processing, it is possible to know whether or not the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 26 is a paper having an error in the contents written by the IC tag 70. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misuse of a sheet having an error in the contents written by the IC tag 70.
Further, since the communication unit 50 is provided in the manual feed unit 80, the print data can be printed on the paper after confirming the contents written in the IC tag 70 by the communication unit 50. Therefore, if there is an error in the contents, whether or not a predetermined image such as “NG” is printed or ejected without printing and whether or not the contents written in the IC tag 70 are in error is discarded. It is possible to perform processing that can be discriminated just by looking at the paper discharged to the paper tray. If the paper is discharged without printing, the paper can be reused.
In the first embodiment, the UID stored in the IC tag 70 of the conveyed paper is read, and writing / reading is performed on the IC tag 70 having this UID. As a result, data is not written to the IC tag 70 other than the IC tag of the paper being transported, and data stored in the IC tag 70 other than the IC tag of the paper being transported is not read. Therefore, erroneous writing to the IC tag and erroneous reading can be prevented.

  Next, a printing process when a UID is designated will be described. FIG. 12 is a control flow of print processing when a UID is specified. When additional information is to be printed on a sheet on which information has been printed and information is stored in the IC tag 70, the UID stored in the IC tag of the sheet to be printed is designated. The UID designation method reads the information recorded on the paper to be printed or the information stored in the IC tag from the application software of the personal computer 110, and designates the UID from this information. In addition, when the UID is printed at a predetermined position on the paper at the first printing, and the printed paper is printed again, the user prints the UID printed on the paper on the personal computer 110. You can also specify it by typing in. In this case, it is not necessary to perform step S8 of the flow shown in FIG.

  When the UID specified as described above is sent to the printer together with the print data and write information, the printer control unit 60 sets the RFID setting mode (S21), and once the information is set in the manual feed unit 80. Is started (S22). When the paper on which the information is once printed is conveyed to the communication means 50, the control unit 60 transmits a UID request signal to the IC tag of the paper once printed as described above (S23). The IC tag 70 receives this request signal and transmits a UID to the printer. When receiving the UID transmitted from the IC tag 70 (YES in S24), the control unit 60 checks whether the designated UID matches the received UID (S25). If the specified UID and the received UID do not match (NO in S25), the user has specified an incorrect UID, or an incorrect sheet is set in the paper feed tray, so the control unit 60 Transmits an error processing signal to the personal computer 110 (S26). The personal computer 110 that has received the error processing signal displays on the screen that printing has been stopped because a different sheet is set. Then, the control unit 60 discharges the information to the paper discharge tray 26 without printing the information on the paper.

  On the other hand, if the UIDs match (YES in S25), the control unit 60 checks whether the information received from the personal computer 110 includes information to be written to the IC tag 70 (S27). When there is write information (YES in S27), the control unit 60 assigns a UID to the write information and transmits it from the transmission / reception antenna 51 of the apparatus body to the IC tag 70 (S28). The IC tag 70 receives the write information assigned with the UID and confirms the UID. When the UID is the same as the UID of this IC tag, the received content is stored in the nonvolatile memory 71. On the other hand, when the UID is different from the UID of the IC tag, no storage is performed.

Next, the control unit 60 transmits a write information acquisition request signal to the IC tag 70 (S29). The IC tag 70 receives the write information acquisition request signal, reads the write information stored in the nonvolatile memory 71, adds the UID, and transmits it to the apparatus main body.
When receiving the write information (YES in S30), the control unit 60 compares the received write information and UID with the transmitted write information and UID (S31). If the received information is different from the transmitted information as a result of the comparison (NO in S31), the control unit 60 transmits an error processing signal to the personal computer 110 (S32). The personal computer 110 that has received the error processing signal displays on the screen that writing to the IC tag has failed. Then, the control unit 60 discharges the information to the paper discharge tray 26 without printing the information on the paper.

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the received information is the same as the transmitted information (YES in S31) or if there is no information to be written to the IC tag (NO in S27), the print data is additionally printed on the surface of the paper (S33). ),finish.

  As described above, the identification ID (UID) unique to the IC tag is acquired before writing information to the IC tag 70, and writing to the IC tag is performed when the acquired UID is the designated UID. Thus, additional printing can be performed only on a predetermined sheet.

  In the above, by specifying the UID, it is possible to additionally print only information related to the information recorded on the paper on which the information is printed once and the information is stored in the IC tag. However, it is not limited to this. At the time of the first printing, for example, an identification number such as a delivery number is set and stored in the personal computer 110 or printed on paper, and the set identification number is stored in the IC tag. Then, when performing additional printing, the set identification number may be designated, and compared with the identification number stored in the IC tag, additional printing may be performed when the identification numbers match.

  Next, an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus includes a paper feed cassette 18 that can be inserted and removed from the front side of the printing mechanism unit 23 and the apparatus main body 1 and on which a large number of sheets P are placed and stored.

  The apparatus main body 1 includes a manual feed tray 80 and a straight paper discharge tray 90. The manual feed tray 80 is provided on the right side of the apparatus main body 1 in the drawing and can be turned over with respect to the apparatus main body. Further, the straight sheet discharge tray 90 is provided on the left side of the apparatus main body 1 in the drawing, and can be turned over with respect to the apparatus main body. Further, the apparatus main body is provided with a switching unit that switches whether the sheet on which the image is recorded is reversely conveyed to the paper discharge tray at the upper part of the apparatus main body or is discharged straight to the straight paper discharge tray 90.

  When the paper P set on the manual feed tray 80 is transported, the switching unit switches the switching unit so that the paper is transported to the straight paper discharge tray 90. Thus, the paper set on the manual feed tray 80 is discharged to the straight paper discharge tray 90, and the paper can be fed and discharged straight.

  In the case of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, a handy-type communication unit 50 in which a transmission / reception antenna and a reader / writer are integrated is attached to the right side of the apparatus main body so as to face the manual feed tray. The handy type communication means 50 can be attached to the main body of the apparatus with, for example, Velcro (registered trademark). In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the radio waves (dotted lines in the figure) of the transmission / reception antenna reach the IC tag 70 of the paper P1 being conveyed from the manual feed tray 80 to the print mechanism unit 23, but are stacked on the manual feed tray 80. The communication means 50 is attached to the IC tag 70 of the paper P2 so that the antenna radio wave is not applied.

  By attaching the communication unit 50 in this way, the IC tag of the paper P2 placed on the manual feed tray 80 does not respond to the radio wave of the communication unit 50 transmitted. Therefore, only the IC tag 70 of the sheet P1 being conveyed can respond to the radio waves of the communication means 50, and predetermined information can be written to the IC tag 70 of the sheet being conveyed. Further, by attaching the communication means 50, an ordinary printer can be made an RFID-dedicated printer that can write / read to / from an IC tag.

Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described. The configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.
In the first and second embodiments, the communication unit 50 is provided between the manual feed tray 80 and the printing mechanism unit 23 to write / read data to / from the IC tag 70 of the paper before printing. In FIG. 5, writing / reading is performed on the IC tag 70 of the paper after printing. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a handy type communication in which a transmission / reception antenna 50 is provided on the paper discharge tray 26 or a transmission / reception antenna 51 and a reader / writer 52 are integrated as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The means 50 is attached to the front cover 102 of the apparatus main body, and writing / reading is performed on the IC tag of the paper after printing.

  In the example in which the transmission / reception antenna 50 is provided on the paper discharge tray 26 shown in FIG. 15, the paper discharge tray 26 to which the transmission / reception antenna 51 is attached is detachable from the apparatus main body as shown in the figure. . The cable of the transmission / reception antenna 51 is connected to a connector provided in the ink cartridge loading unit 105 and is connected to the reader / writer 52 through the wiring unit 53 inside the printer. The reader / writer 52 is detachably attached to the inner surface of the upper cover 101 that can be opened and closed using a magic tape (registered trademark) or the like. Further, the reader / writer 52 is connected to a control unit in the apparatus main body (not shown).

  In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the written content is written to the IC tag of the paper while the paper with the IC tag linearly conveyed from the manual feed tray 80 is printed and discharged to the paper discharge tray. When the writing is completed, the written content is read from the IC tag 70 and checked. If the written content is different from the read content, “error display” is performed on the screen of the personal computer as error processing.

  Also in this case, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the radio wave from the transmission / reception antenna of the communication means does not reach the IC tag of the paper P3 placed on the paper discharge tray 26, and the paper discharge tray 26 The antenna of the communication means 50 is arranged at a position that can reach the IC tag of the paper P1 being discharged.

  In the above description, the electronic information stored in the paper storage unit is read out and the information is written into the storage unit using the communication method. In this case, the IC tag provided on the paper includes a connection terminal instead of the communication circuit 72. In addition, the image forming apparatus is provided with an information control unit that reads information from the paper storage unit or writes information to the paper storage unit. This information control means is provided with a contact terminal that comes into contact with the connection terminal of the IC tag, and this contact terminal is arranged on the conveyance path of the recording medium. As a result, the contact terminal comes into contact with the connection terminal during paper conveyance, and information is read or written. Also in this image forming apparatus, by providing the information control means on the straight transport path, it is possible to write or read electronic information in the paper storage means satisfactorily.

  Further, reading of electronic information stored in the storage unit of paper and writing of information to the storage unit may be performed by magnetism.

(1)
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the recording medium provided with the IC tag can be conveyed to the communication unit without being inverted. Therefore, even a recording medium with an IC tag that is difficult to bend due to the thickness of the IC tag can be conveyed to the communication means without causing paper jam and can communicate with the IC tag satisfactorily.
(2)
Further, since the paper set on the manual feed tray 80 is transported by the trace, the paper with the IC tag can be easily set.
(3)
Further, the RFID-dedicated printer that collectively prints the recording medium and stores it in the IC tag has a limited need compared to a general OA printer. For this reason, when an RFID-dedicated printer having a communication unit that communicates with a paper IC tag is manufactured, the needs are limited, so mass production cannot be performed, and the manufacturing cost of the printer increases. As a result, the selling price is higher than that of a general OA printer. However, in the present embodiment, the communication unit is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, and can be used as a general OA printer when the communication unit is not attached. A general OA printer can be made a printer dedicated to RFID by attaching a communication means to the apparatus main body and installing a program necessary for making the printer dedicated to RFID. Therefore, since the apparatus main body can be manufactured as a general OA print with many needs, mass production can be performed and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. And for users who want to use as printers dedicated to RFID, if the above communication means is attached as an option to printers whose manufacturing costs have been reduced by mass production, printers dedicated to RFID can be provided at low cost. can do.
(4)
Further, the communication means 50 may be provided on a manual feed tray 80 that is detachable from the apparatus main body. Thereby, when the manual feed unit 80 is not attached, a general OA print can be performed. An optional OA printer can be used as an RFID-dedicated printer by attaching a manual feed unit 80 having the communication means as an option and installing a necessary program.
(5)
In addition, by using a recording medium including an IC tag, information can be stored in the recording medium.
(6)
Further, by integrating the antenna of the communication means and the writing / reading means, the communication means can be easily detached from the apparatus main body as compared with the communication means in which the antenna and the writing / reading means are separate. it can. Further, even after the communication means in which the antenna and the writing / reading means are integrated is removed from the apparatus main body, the image forming apparatus can communicate with the IC tag of the paper so that information can be written / read. It is possible to perform writing / reading on the IC tag of the paper located at a position away from, and convenience can be improved.
(7)
Further, the UID of the IC tag of the paper being conveyed is acquired, and when the acquired UID is a predetermined UID, an image is formed on the paper. As a result, an image is not formed even when a sheet having an IC tag not having a predetermined UID is conveyed. As a result, for example, a sheet on which predetermined information is already recorded, such as a sheet on which collection / delivery information such as the shipping date of goods has already been recorded, a sheet on which personal information such as a patient's medical history has already been recorded, etc. It is possible to suppress a problem that information that does not correspond to information that has already been recorded is additionally printed. That is, the information corresponding to the predetermined information can be additionally printed correctly on the paper on which the predetermined information has already been recorded.
(8)
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, after writing information to the IC tag, the information written to the IC tag is read from the IC tag, and by checking whether the information written to the IC tag is normal, It can be seen whether or not information is normally written in the IC tag.
(9)
If the information written on the IC tag is not normal, the user recognizes whether or not the information is correctly written on the IC tag of the paper by executing an error process such as displaying a warning on the personal computer. Can do. As a result, it is possible to suppress the use of paper on which correct information is not written on the IC tag.
(10)
In addition, by printing a predetermined image (characters of “NG”) on a sheet having an IC tag on which normal information is not written, correct information is written on the IC tag only by the user looking at the sheet. It is possible to determine whether the sheet is not printed. As a result, it is possible to better suppress the use of paper on which correct information is not written on the IC tag.
(11)
Also, by checking whether the information written on the IC tag is normal before forming the image on the paper, for example, if the information written on the IC tag is not normal, image formation is not performed as error processing. Can be. If the information written on the IC tag is not normal, the paper on which the information is not normally written on the IC tag can be reused by preventing printing on the paper.
(12)
Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the radio wave of the communication means does not reach the IC tag 70 provided on the paper placed on the paper discharge tray 26 or the manual feed tray 80 which is a recording medium placement unit. I have to. As a result, the IC tag 70 of the paper placed on the paper discharge tray 26 or the paper feed tray 18 does not respond to the radio wave transmitted from the communication means. Therefore, only the IC tag 70 of the paper being conveyed can respond to the radio wave of the communication means, and predetermined information can be written on the IC tag of the paper being conveyed.
(13)
Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment forms an image on a sheet by an inkjet method. The ink jet method can form an image on a sheet without electrostatically transferring the image or fixing the image on the sheet with heat and pressure unlike the image forming method using toner. . For this reason, the ink jet method can reduce electrical damage to the IC tag and damage due to heat and pressure as compared with the image forming method using toner. As a result, it is possible to suppress a problem in which written information is broken or disappeared during image formation on a sheet.
(14)
Further, by using a pigment-based ink as an ink for forming an image, it is possible to suppress bleeding of an image formed as compared with a water-based ink.
(15)
In addition, according to the present embodiment, by providing the information control means on the straight transport path, electronic information can be written or read satisfactorily to the paper storage means.

1 is an external perspective view of an ink jet printer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inkjet printer. FIG. 2 is an external view of the inkjet printer connected to a personal computer via a communication cable. FIG. 4 is an enlarged configuration diagram of an inkjet with a manual feed unit attached. The schematic block diagram of the inkjet which attached the manual feed unit. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a communication means different from the example shown in FIG. The figure which shows the paper provided with the IC tag. The control block diagram of an IC tag. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a printer. FIG. 5 is a control flow diagram of printing processing for a sheet including an IC tag. The sequence diagram when performing the printing process of the paper provided with the IC tag. FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram of print processing when a UID is specified. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a manual feed tray portion of an ink jet printer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view illustrating an inkjet printer according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printer according to a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of an ink jet printer that employs another configuration of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet printer that employs another configuration of the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

9 Carriage 12 Conveyor belt 13 Head 18 Paper feed tray 26 Paper discharge tray 51 Transmission / reception antenna 52 Reader / writer 54 Shield plate 70 IC tag 80 Manual feed unit (tray)
90 Straight output tray

Claims (15)

At least an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, a reception function that receives electronic information from a transmission unit included in the recording medium, and a transmission function that transmits electronic information to the reception unit included in the recording medium In an image forming apparatus provided with a communication unit having one side,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a straight conveyance path through which a recording medium is linearly conveyed; and the communication unit is provided on the straight conveyance path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A plurality of recording medium mounting sections are provided for receiving and storing the recording medium, and the recording medium transported from one recording medium mounting section among the recording medium mounting sections passes through the straight transport path. An image forming apparatus, wherein the recording medium mounting portion through which the recording medium passes through the straight conveyance path is a manual feed tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the communication means is detachable from the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is provided in a recording medium mounting unit on which the recording medium is linearly conveyed, and the recording medium mounting unit is detachable from the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus using an IC tag as the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
The communication means includes an antenna and a writing / reading means for writing / reading to / from an IC tag, and the antenna and the writing / reading means are integrally configured. . The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
Acquiring a unique ID stored in an IC tag provided in a recording medium being conveyed to the image forming means, and forming an image on the recording medium when the acquired ID is a predetermined ID; An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
An image comprising: a detecting unit that reads information written to the IC tag after the information is written to the IC tag, and detects whether the information written to the IC tag is normal. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an error processing execution unit configured to execute error processing when information written in the IC tag is not normal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the error processing execution unit forms a predetermined image on a recording medium including an IC tag in which normal information is not written. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
An image forming apparatus for detecting whether or not the information written in the IC tag by the detecting means is normal before forming an image on a recording medium. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An image forming apparatus, wherein the communication means is disposed at a position where electromagnetic waves of the communication means reach the mounted recording medium but do not reach the receiving means provided in the mounted recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that an image is formed on a recording medium by an ink jet method in which an image is formed on the recording medium by ejecting ink from a recording head. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
An image forming apparatus using a pigment-based ink as the ink. Information forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, and information control for reading information from an information storage unit provided in the recording medium and writing information to the information storage unit provided in the recording medium An image forming apparatus comprising:
An image forming apparatus comprising: a straight conveyance path through which a recording medium is linearly conveyed; and the information control unit is provided on the straight conveyance path.

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