JP2007078839A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder which holds an information storage medium in a recording material, in response to post-processing and various image recording patterns, without being affected by the post-processing and the image recording pattern. <P>SOLUTION: An equipment control section 9 authorizes: an image recording area 53 on which an image is recorded from inputted recording conditions; and a post-processing area 54 into which a staple 51 is driven so as to decide the holding position of an IC tag 40 with respect to a recording material 22. The holding position is out of one end side area where a post-processing section 15 acts on the recording material 22 and is located in the other end side area opposite to the former area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for holding an information storage medium such as an IC chip on a recording material on which an image is recorded.

  In recent years, an IC chip as an information storage medium is attached to a recording material, and information such as management information related to an image recorded on the recording material is stored in the IC chip, so that in addition to an image printed on the surface of the recording material It has become possible to provide information stored in the IC chip.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a staple needle holding an IC chip is driven into a recording material. It is also disclosed that an adhesive tape holding an IC chip is attached to a recording material.
JP2004-142419

  Incidentally, post-processing such as stapling or punching may be performed on a recording material on which an image is recorded. In addition, there are various recording modes such as double-sided printing and recording a plurality of images on a single recording material.

  When holding an IC chip on such a recording material, it is necessary to hold it at a position that does not interfere with post-processing. Furthermore, the IC chip must be held at a position that does not affect the visual recognition of the image for various image recording forms.

  Note that when the staple needle holding the IC chip is used, there is no problem of the holding position as described above. However, post-processing for binding the recording material with staples is not always performed, and the IC chip may not be held in some cases. Moreover, if the staple is removed, the added value of the IC chip is lost.

  Therefore, in view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of holding an information storage medium on a recording material so as not to be affected by post-processing and an image recording form.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording material, the holding means for holding the information storage medium on the recording material, and the recording conditions for recording the image. And a holding control means for determining a holding condition of the information storage medium with respect to the recording material.

  The recording condition is an item input for image recording. For example, the presence / absence of post-processing, the type of post-processing, the image processing mode of the image recording apparatus, the size and orientation of the original, the size and orientation of the recording material, the n-up designation, the number and number of copies of recording material, and recording on one or both sides For example, the surface designation, the enlargement / reduction designation, the insertion / non-insertion of the slip sheet, the presence / absence of the confidentiality of the image, the necessity of the information storage medium, the presence / absence of the information storage medium of the recording material, and the like. The holding condition is a condition for holding the information storage medium on the recording material. For example, the necessity of holding, holding position, page designation for a plurality of recording materials, and the like.

  When recording an image, recording conditions are entered. Based on the recording condition, the holding control unit searches for an area where the information storage medium can be held without being affected by post-processing and image recording form, and determines the holding condition. The holding unit holds the information storage medium at a designated holding position or a designated page holding position in accordance with a predetermined holding condition. Here, as a form to be held, the information storage medium is attached to the recording material or embedded in the recording material and held.

  Specifically, post-processing means for performing post-processing on the recording material is provided. Post-processing includes stapling, punching, sorting, bookbinding, and the like. The holding control means recognizes a post-processing area where the post-processing is performed from the recording condition, and holds the information storage medium in an area different from the post-processing area. That is, the holding control means selects an area avoided from the post-processing area, and determines a holding position in this area. Further, the holding control means selects an area that does not overlap with the image recording area where the image is recorded, and determines the holding position. The holding unit holds the information storage medium at a predetermined holding position after the image is recorded or before the image is recorded. Thereafter, post-processing is performed on the recording material. Therefore, the information storage medium is not affected at all even when the recording material is post-processed.

  Further, the image recording apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys the recording material. This transport means has a transport member that contacts the recording material. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the recording material from coming into contact with the conveying member after the information storage medium is held. Therefore, the holding control means holds the information storage medium in an area different from the contact area in contact with the recording material by the transport member.

  Specifically, the holding control means recognizes the contact area from the recording conditions and determines the holding position in an area avoiding this area. Based on the information on the holding position, the holding unit holds the information storage medium on the recording material. The recording material on which the information storage medium is held is transported by the transport member. However, since the holding position of the information storage medium avoids the position of the transport member, they do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, no external force is applied to the information storage medium, and damage to the information storage medium can be prevented.

  The holding control means determines the holding mode of the information storage medium according to a rule that cannot be known by a third party so that the authenticity of the recording material on which the image is recorded can be confirmed.

  For example, when it is necessary to prove that the recording material on which the image is recorded is authentic as the recording condition, the holding control means determines the holding form of the information storage medium based on a preset rule. The holding form includes a holding position of the information storage medium, a holding direction in which the information storage medium is vertically, horizontally, or obliquely set, the number of information storage media, and a page position with respect to a plurality of recording materials.

  As a result, the third party can only know that the information storage medium is held on the recording material. However, even if a third party duplicates the recording material and holds the information storage medium, it is different from the determined holding form, and it can be seen that this recording material is fake. On the contrary, if the recording material has a holding form of the information storage medium according to the rule, this can be proved to be genuine.

  The holding control means selects whether the holding means operates automatically or manually based on the recording condition. When the holding means operates automatically, an image is recorded on the recording material and the information storage medium is held, and the processing for the recording material is completed. When the holding means is operated manually, the process is interrupted before the information storage medium is held on the recording material. If there is an operation input, the processing is continued and the information storage medium is held. At this time, if there is no operation input for holding, the information storage medium is not held and the processing for the recording material is completed.

  Normally, it is set to automatic, but when manual is selected as the recording condition, the operation of the holding means can be started manually. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily determine whether or not the information storage medium needs to be held.

  Further, the recording condition includes the presence or absence of confidentiality of the image recorded on the recording material, and the holding control unit selects the manual operation of the holding unit when determining that the image has confidentiality from the recording condition. .

  When the holding means automatically operates, the information storage medium is held on the recording material, and the processing for the recording material is completed. That is, the recording material on which the image is recorded is discharged out of the apparatus. In such a situation, there is a risk that the image may be seen by a third party, and confidentiality is not maintained even if the image is required to have confidentiality.

  Therefore, when the image has confidentiality, the recording material is not discharged out of the apparatus unless an operation input is performed by selecting the holding means to operate manually. Thereby, when recording an image having confidentiality, it is possible to prevent the third person from touching it.

  Further, when recording an image on a plurality of recording materials, the holding control means designates a page of the recording material on which the information storage medium is held. Further, the holding control means changes the holding position of the information storage medium for each recording material. That is, the holding control means designates pages such as even pages, odd pages, or all pages. Or you may designate only one arbitrary page among several pages. When a slip sheet is inserted, the slip sheet is regarded as one page, and the slip sheet is designated. Such page designation is performed based on the recording conditions.

  For example, when recording a plurality of the same images, an arbitrary page is designated. In addition, when a plurality of recording materials are recorded as one copy, an information storage medium is held for each copy unit. In this case, the same page is designated in each part.

  When a plurality of pages are designated, the holding position of each page may be changed. As a result, when a plurality of recording materials are stacked, the position of the information storage medium is shifted, so that it is possible to prevent a portion from becoming thicker than when the recording medium is held at the same position on each page.

  Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration including a detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the information storage medium and a notification unit that notifies the user of the shortage state when the remaining amount of the information storage medium is insufficient. it can.

  According to the above configuration, the detection unit detects the remaining amount of the information storage medium held by the holding unit by monitoring the usage amount of the information storage medium. Since the holding condition of the information storage medium is determined based on the recording condition, the predetermined amount of the information storage medium to be held is determined from the holding condition. For example, a predetermined amount of the information storage medium to be held is determined from the number of pages, and the predetermined amount is compared with the remaining amount of the information storage medium. If the remaining amount is large, the holding unit is operated as it is, and the information storage medium is Hold on recording material. If the remaining amount is small, it is notified that there is not enough information storage medium, and the supply of the information storage medium is prompted. At this time, if the holding means is not operated, it is possible to prevent the processing from being interrupted due to the absence of the information storage medium during the image recording.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the holding conditions of the information storage medium are determined according to the recording conditions, the information storage medium is not affected by the post-processing and various image recording forms without being affected by them. Can be held on the recording material.

  An image recording apparatus of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The image recording apparatus is a digital multi-function peripheral having an image processing mode such as a copy mode, a printer mode, and a facsimile mode. The image recording apparatus includes an image reading unit 1 that reads a document and inputs image data, an operation unit 2 that receives user input, an image forming unit 3 that prints image data on a recording material, and stores image data. A hard disk device 4 that communicates with the external device, a fax modem 7 that communicates with the facsimile device 6, a management unit 8 that stores control information and setting information of the entire device, and the like. A device control unit 9 that controls the entire apparatus and a post-processing unit 15 that performs post-processing such as stapling are provided.

  The image reading unit 1 functions as an input unit for inputting image data, and includes an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 1a and a document detection sensor that detects a document set on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF). 1b and an IC tag interface (hereinafter referred to as an IC tag I / F) 1c that detects an IC tag attached to a document and reads the information. The image data read by the CCD 1a is output to the image forming unit 3.

  The IC tag 40 is composed of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) element including an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a control circuit, and a memory, and is a small information storage medium capable of storing various data. Since the IC tag 40 normally does not have a power source, it receives a radio wave transmitted from the IC tag I / F 1c and generates electric power by an electromagnetic induction method using the radio wave. The RF circuit and the memory are each connected to a control circuit.

  The RF circuit is an analog circuit for receiving radio waves from the IC tag I / F 1c. The control circuit is a digital circuit that performs data processing such as modulation processing and demodulation processing via an RF circuit. The memory stores management information such as whether or not the image of the document is confidential, the date and time when the image was recorded, the author of the image, and whether or not copying is possible. Further, information related to the image and a message from the author may be added.

  The IC tag I / F 1c communicates wirelessly with the IC tag 40 held on the document. The IC tag I / F 1c includes a modulation circuit that performs predetermined modulation processing on a transmission signal, a transmission control unit that transmits a modulated modulated radio wave to the IC tag 40, and a signal that is returned from the IC tag 40 in response to an RF reaction. Receiving control unit, a demodulating circuit for performing predetermined demodulation processing on the received modulated radio wave, and an antenna for performing communication with the IC tag 40 via the transmission control unit and the receiving control unit.

  The operation unit 2 includes an input unit 2a composed of various input keys and a display unit 2b such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 2 operates the entire apparatus and inputs various settings, and displays the input contents and the operation status of the entire apparatus. Is done.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a local memory 10 that stores image data, a printing unit 3a that includes a laser scanning unit, and a security unit 3b that encrypts and decrypts the image data.

  As the local memory 10, a readable / writable semiconductor memory such as an SDRAM or a flash memory is used. The local memory 10 stores image data by overwriting old image data with new image data. The printing unit 3 a prints an image on the recording material 22 supplied from the paper feeding unit 23 based on the image data stored in the local memory 10.

  In the image forming unit 3, the input image data is stored in the local memory 10, and image processing such as compression, expansion, and processing of the image data is performed on the local memory 10, and the image data subjected to the image processing is printed in the printing unit 3a. The data is output to the hard disk device 4 or the device control unit 9. The local memory 10 is divided into an input data area for storing input image data and an output data area for storing image data for output. Instead of using one local memory 10 in a divided manner, two local memories 10 may be used.

  The hard disk device 4 is storage means for temporarily storing image data for processing. When image data is stored in the hard disk device 4, the image data is encrypted as necessary.

  The communication unit 5 is connected to a router, a switching hub, and the like via a LAN cable, and is connected to a network formed by the information processing apparatus 11 such as a personal computer or a server. The network is connected to the Internet via a communication line such as a telephone line network or an optical fiber. The communication unit 5 transmits / receives data to / from the information processing apparatus 11 in the network, and transmits / receives data to / from the external information processing apparatus 12 and the facsimile apparatus 13 through the Internet. The FAX modem 7 is connected to the telephone line network via a telephone line, and performs facsimile communication with the external facsimile apparatus 6. Accordingly, since image data is input through the communication unit 5 and the FAX modem 7, these also function as input means.

  The post-processing unit 15 has a compile tray (not shown) that accumulates the recording material 22 conveyed from the printing unit 3a, and after the recording material 22 accumulated in the compile tray has been stapled or punched. Apply processing.

  And the invalidation means 14 which invalidates the image data of the local memory 10 and the hard disk device 4 is provided, and the device control unit 9 controls the operation of the invalidation means 14 according to the operation status of the entire apparatus. Image data invalidation means overwriting or erasing random or meaningless data, making the stored image data unreadable and preventing the original image from being reproduced. That is. Accordingly, the invalidating means 14 invalidates the image data by overwriting the local memory 10 and invalidates the image data by overwriting or erasing the hard disk device 4.

  When there is an input from the operation unit 2 or a data input from an external device, the device control unit 9 controls each unit based on information stored in the management unit 8 and processes the input image data. That is, any one of a copy mode, a printer mode, and a facsimile mode is executed on the input image data.

  Next, the operation when executing the image processing mode will be described. In the copy mode, the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 1 is output from the image forming unit 3 as a copy. Specifically, the image of the original set at the reading position is read by the CCD 1a. The image data output from the CCD 1a is completed as an output image in the local memory 10, and is once transferred to the hard disk device 4 and stored. When there are a plurality of documents, the reading operation by the CCD 1a and the storage operation to the hard disk device 4 are repeated.

  Thereafter, based on the processing contents instructed from the operation unit 2, the image data stored in the hard disk device 4 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the local memory 10. Then, the image data is transferred from the local memory 10 to the printing unit 3a at the timing of writing to the printing unit 3a, and the image is printed on the recording material 22.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, the image data is stored in the hard disk device 4 in units of pages as output images, and sent from the hard disk device 4 to the local memory 10 in accordance with the output mode. The image data in the local memory 10 is repeated for the number of output sheets, and transferred to the printing unit 3a in accordance with the writing timing to the printing unit 3a.

  In the printer mode, the image data output from the information processing apparatuses 11 and 12 is output from the image forming unit 3. That is, the image data from the information processing apparatuses 11 and 12 is received by the communication unit 5. The device control unit 9 sends the input image data to the local memory 10, develops it as image data to be output for each page, and temporarily stores it in the hard disk device 4. Then, the image data is sent from the hard disk device 4 to the local memory 10, and the image data is transferred from the local memory 10 to the printing unit 3a as in the copy mode, and the image is printed on the recording material 22.

  In the facsimile mode, the image data of the original read by the image reading unit 1 is transmitted from the FAX modem 7 to the facsimile apparatus 6 through the telephone line 6. In other words, the image data output from the CCD 1 a is completed as an output image on the local memory 10 and temporarily stored in the hard disk device 4. Then, the image data is sent from the hard disk device 4 to the local memory 10, and the device control unit 9 establishes communication with the transmission destination in the network designated via the operation unit 2, and the FAX modem 7 sends the desired transmission. Send the image data first. Further, the image data is transmitted to the external information processing apparatuses 11 and 12 and the facsimile apparatus 13 from the network via the network by the communication unit 5.

  The image recording apparatus includes a holding unit 21 that holds the IC tag 40 on the recording material 22, and an IC tag writing unit 20 that writes management information and the like of the recording material 22 on the IC tag 40. In addition, the device control unit 9 includes a holding control unit that determines a holding condition for holding the IC tag 40 on the recording material 22.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the IC tag 40 is held on an adhesive surface of an adhesive tape 39 having an adhesive surface having adhesive properties and a non-adhesive surface having no adhesive properties. A cut 39 a is formed around the IC tag 40, and the IC tag 40 can be cut from the adhesive tape 39.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the holding unit 21 attaches and holds the IC tag 40 to the recording material 22 conveyed by the conveying member 45, and holds the IC tag 40 between the fixing device 38 and the post-processing unit 15. Arranged. The holding unit 21 includes a supply unit that supplies the IC tag 40 and a pasting unit that pastes the IC tag 40 to the recording material 22. The supply unit includes a supply roller 36 that supplies the adhesive tape 39, a winding roller 34 that winds the adhesive tape 39, and a supply motor (not shown) that drives the winding roller 34. The affixing unit includes a pressing roller 30 that presses the adhesive tape 39 against the recording material 22, a support member 31 that rotatably supports the pressing roller 30, a cam 32 that moves the support member 31 up and down, and a support member 31. A spring 33 to be pushed up and a pasting motor (not shown) for rotating the cam 32 are provided.

  The pressing roller 30 is disposed at a position facing the guide member 35 that guides the recording material 22 with the recording material 22 interposed therebetween, and is closely spaced from the recording material 22. The adhesive tape 39 passes between the recording material 22 and the pressing roller 30. The pressing roller 30 is rotatably supported by the support member 31. The support member 31 swings up and down around the support shaft 37.

  The spring 33 biases the support member 31 in the direction in which the pressing roller 30 contacts the recording material 22. The cam 32 rotates while contacting the support member 31. The rotation of the cam 32 causes the adhesive tape 39 to contact or separate from the recording material 22.

  The supply unit and the pasting unit are integrated and placed on a movable table (not shown). The moving table is movable in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording material 22 and is moved by a motor (not shown).

  With the configuration described above, the pressing roller 30 comes close to the recording material 22, and the portion where the IC tag 40 is held is punched from the adhesive tape 39, and the IC tag 40 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the holding control means of the device control unit 9 selects the holding position of the IC tag 40 with respect to the recording material 22 from the recording conditions input from the input unit 2a. Then, the holding means 21 and the IC tag writing means 20 are driven in accordance with the conveyance of the recording material 22. That is, the recording material 22 is transported to the holding unit 21 through the fixing unit 38 after an image is recorded on the surface. The device control unit 9 moves the moving table to a position corresponding to the holding position. The device control unit 9 detects the position of the recording material 22 and drives the pasting unit in accordance with the timing when the holding position of the recording material 22 passes the pressing roller 30. After the IC tag 22 is attached to the recording material 22, the moving table is returned to the initial position. At this time, in preparation for the next recording material 22, the take-up roller 34 is driven to convey the adhesive tape 39 so that the IC tag 40 comes to the position of the pressing roller 30.

  The IC tag writing unit 20 is disposed between the holding unit 21 and the post-processing unit 15. The IC tag writing means 20 transmits a modulated radio wave to the IC tag 40 held on the recording material 22, and writes management information and the like of the recording material 22 on the IC tag 40 (see FIG. 4). That is, the device control unit 9 drives the IC tag writing unit 20 in accordance with the timing when the recording material 22 passes. The IC tag writing means 20 writes management information or the like to the IC tag 40 of the recording material 22 that passes therethrough.

  The operation when the IC tag 40 is attached to the recording material 22 on which an image is recorded in any one of the copy mode, the print mode, and the facsimile mode will be described.

  When the image recording is single-sided printing, as shown in FIG. 6, the image is recorded on the front surface of the recording material 22, and the IC tag 40 is pasted on the back surface thereof. Specifically, the device controller 9 recognizes the image recording area 53 of the recording material 22 from the input recording conditions, and determines the holding position of the IC tag 40. The holding means 20 attaches the IC tag 40 to the determined holding position of the recording material 22. As a result, the IC tag 40 is affixed at a position that does not overlap the image recorded on the surface of the recording material 22.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, when the recording material 22 is folded as post-processing, the IC tag 40 is attached at a position avoiding the fold. Specifically, the device control unit 9 recognizes the image recording area 53 recorded on the recording material 22 and the post-processing area 54 to be folded based on the input recording conditions, for example, the size of the recording material and the folding method. To do. In response to the image recording area 53 and the post-processing area 54, the device control unit 9 determines the holding position of the IC tag 40 with respect to the recording material 22. This holding position is located not on the half surface side where the recording material 22 is folded but on the half surface side where the recording material 22 is folded. Thereby, the IC tag 40 does not get in the way when the recording material 22 is folded. Further, the IC tag 40 is not damaged by folding.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when punching or stapling is performed as post-processing, the IC tag 40 is attached at a position avoiding the vicinity of the punch hole 50 or the vicinity of the staple needle 51 being driven. Specifically, the device control unit 9 recognizes the image recording area 53 recorded on the recording material 22 from the input recording conditions and the post-processing area 54 including the punch holes 50 and the staple needles 51, and the IC for the recording material 22 is identified. The holding position of the tag 40 is determined. The holding position is located in the other end side region opposite to this region, avoiding the one end side region where the post-processing unit 15 acts on the recording material 22. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the IC tag 40 from being punched and the staple needle 51 from being driven into the IC tag 40.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when there are a plurality of recording materials 22, the IC tag 40 is pasted on the designated page. Specifically, the device control unit 9 determines the recording material 22 based on the input recording conditions, for example, the number of recording materials 22 to be printed, the printing method of both sides or one side, the size of the recording material 22, the printing direction with respect to the recording material 22, and the like. And the page of the recording material 22 on which the IC tag 40 is pasted is designated. The page designation is determined based on the input recording conditions. For example, it may be determined such that it is pasted on the first page, pasted on even pages, or pasted on all pages. When the IC tag 40 is pasted on a plurality of pages, the holding position on each page can be changed. When the recording materials 22 are stacked, the IC tag 40 is prevented from overlapping.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when a plurality of recording materials 22 are recorded as one copy, the IC tag 40 is pasted for each copy unit. Specifically, the recording materials 22 are collected in units of copies by post-processing. The IC tag 40 is affixed to the designated page of each part. When stapling is performed for each copy unit, the device control unit 9 affixes the IC tag 40 avoiding the post-processing area 54.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the contact area 55 of the recording material 22 that comes into contact with the conveying member 45 formed of a roller differs depending on the size of the recording material 22. The contact area 55 also changes depending on the direction of the recording material 22 being conveyed. When determining the holding position based on the recording conditions, the device control unit 9 also considers the contact area 55 and determines the holding position while avoiding the contact area 55.

  Further, the device control unit 9 cannot know to a third party when it is necessary to prove the authenticity of the recording material 22 on which the image is recorded, for example, the recording material on which the image is recorded. The IC tag 40 is attached to the recording material 22 in accordance with the rules. Specifically, the device control unit 9 determines the holding form of the IC tag 40 based on the input recording conditions and preset rules. For example, the holding form is specified such as the holding position of the IC tag 40, the holding direction in which the IC tag 40 is vertically, horizontally or diagonally, the number of IC tags 40, the page position with respect to a plurality of recording materials 22, and the like. The device control unit 9 attaches the IC tag 40 in accordance with the determined holding form. The rule is input and set in advance, or is set by inputting setting data together with image data.

  As a result, the third party can only recognize that the IC tag 40 is held on the recording material 22. Even if a third party duplicates the recording material 22 and holds the IC tag 40, it is different from the determined holding form, and thus it can be seen that the recording material 22 is fake. On the contrary, if the recording material 22 has the holding form of the IC tag 40 according to the rule, it can be proved that it is genuine.

  The holding means 21 can be operated manually, and the device control unit 9 selects manual operation or automatic operation of the holding means 21. When the device control unit 9 determines that the image recorded on the recording material 22 has confidentiality from the recording conditions, the device control unit 9 selects the manual operation of the holding unit 21. Specifically, when the device control unit 9 determines that the confidentiality of the image exists based on the input recording conditions, for example, whether or not copying is possible and the presence or absence of confidentiality, the device control unit 9 selects the holding unit 21 to operate manually. .

  When the holding means 21 is operated manually, the image recording is temporarily interrupted and an operation input is waited. At this time, instead of automatically determining the holding position, as shown in FIG. 5, the holding position of the IC tag 40 can be manually determined by the display unit 2b.

  On the display unit 2b of the operation unit 2, the holding position of the IC tag 40 with respect to the recording material 22 is displayed. The user moves and designates the holding position of the IC tag 40. When the holding position is determined, press the “OK” button on the screen.

  When there is an operation input from the input unit 2a, the device control unit 9 operates the holding unit 21 to attach the IC tag 40 to the input holding position.

  At this time, if there is no operation input for holding, the IC tag 40 is not attached, the recording material 22 without the IC tag 40 is discharged, and the processing for the recording material 22 is completed.

  If the device control unit 9 determines that there is no confidentiality of the image, the device control unit 9 selects the holding unit 21 to operate automatically. At this time, the IC tag 40 is automatically attached to the determined holding position of the recording material 22.

  In addition, the device control unit 9 includes detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the IC tag 40 and notification means for notifying the shortage state when the remaining amount is insufficient. The detecting means counts the used amount of the IC tag 40 and subtracts the used amount from the total amount of the IC tag 40 on the adhesive tape 39 to calculate the current remaining amount of the IC tag 40. The device control unit 9 compares the remaining amount with the necessary quantity calculated from the recording conditions, and determines whether it is sufficient.

  When it is determined that the IC tag 40 is sufficient from the remaining amount, the device control unit 9 attaches the IC tag 40 to the recording material 22 by the holding unit 21. If it is determined that the required quantity is insufficient, the device control unit 9 notifies the user to that effect by sounding an alarm or the like, and does not start image recording. When the device control unit 9 detects that the IC tag 40 has been replenished, it starts recording an image as usual, and the holding unit 21 attaches the IC tag 40 to the recording material 22.

  The holding unit 21 may hold the IC tag 40 embedded in the recording material 22. A small hole or the like is formed in the recording material 22 in advance, and the IC tag 40 is embedded in the hole. Accordingly, the holding unit 21 can embed the IC tag 40 in the recording material 22.

  However, when the IC tag 40 is embedded in the recording material 22, the IC tag 40 has a shape that is easy to embed, such as a capsule shape or a liquid shape, and the recording material 22 is thick enough to be embedded by the IC tag 40 such as cardboard or cardboard. It is necessary to have something.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, correction and a change can be added within the scope of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine having a fax function, a copy function, a printer function, and the like has been described. However, an apparatus having only a single function such as a copier or a printer may be used. Moreover, the apparatus which is not provided with the post-processing part may be sufficient.

  A recording material holding an IC tag may be used. In this case, a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of the IC tag of the recording material is provided. For example, when a recording material with an IC tag recorded once is used again, there is no need to newly hold an IC tag. When the device control unit detects the recording material with the IC tag, it rewrites the IC tag. Thereby, the IC tag can be reused. Since the IC tag is held at a position different from the image recording area and the post-processing area, the IC tag is not affected by image recording or post-processing.

  The holding unit holds the IC tag after the image is recorded on the recording material, but the IC tag may be held before the image is recorded. For example, in the case of an ink jet system as a method for recording an image on a recording material, the recording material is not exposed to high temperature, high voltage, and high voltage, so even if an image is recorded after holding, the IC tag is destroyed. Never happen.

  The information storage medium is not limited to an IC tag, and a fluorescent material is used, ink is added, and the information storage medium is held by printing or the like. Information can be given by the type and amount of the fluorescent substance and a combination of a plurality of types.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral that is an embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention. The figure which shows the IC tag held in the adhesive tape The figure which shows schematic structure of a holding means Control block diagram for holding and writing IC tags The figure which shows the setting screen of the holding position of IC tag The figure which shows the holding | maintenance position aspect of an IC tag in the recording material printed on one side FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a holding position of an IC tag in a folded recording material, FIG. 5A is a diagram when the sheet is unfolded, FIG. 5B is a diagram when the document is folded, and FIG. The figure which shows the holding position of the IC tag in the recording material which opened the punch hole The figure which shows the holding position of the IC tag in the recording material which made the stable upper left The figure which shows the holding position of the IC tag in the recording material which made the stable two places on the left side The figure which shows the holding position of the IC tag with respect to a plurality of recording materials The figure which shows the holding | maintenance position of the IC tag with respect to several copies recording material The figure which shows the aspect which affixed the IC tag in the position different from the contact area of a recording material and a conveyance member

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading part 2 Operation part 3 Image formation part 4 Hard disk apparatus 5 Communication part 7 FAX modem 8 Management part 9 Equipment control part 10 Local memory 21 Holding means 40 IC tag 53 Image recording area 54 Post-processing area 55 Contact area

Claims (13)

  An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording material, the holding means for holding the information storage medium on the recording material, and the holding of the information storage medium with respect to the recording material in accordance with a recording condition when recording the image An image recording apparatus comprising: holding control means for determining conditions.   Post-processing means for performing post-processing on the recording material is provided, and the holding control means holds the information storage medium in an area different from the post-processing area applied to the recording material by the post-processing means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1.   A conveying unit that conveys the recording material, the conveying unit having a conveying member that contacts the recording material, and the holding control unit stores information in a region different from a contact region that contacts the recording material by the conveying member; The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a medium is held.   The holding control means determines the holding mode of the information storage medium according to a rule that cannot be known to a third party so that the authenticity of the recording material on which the image is recorded can be confirmed. Image recording device.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding control unit holds the information storage medium in an area different from the image recording area recorded on the recording material.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding control unit selects whether the holding unit operates automatically or manually based on a recording condition.   The recording condition includes the presence or absence of confidentiality of the image recorded on the recording material, and the holding control means selects the manual operation of the holding means when determining that the image has confidentiality from the recording condition. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when recording an image on a plurality of recording materials, the holding control unit specifies a page of the recording material on which the information storage medium is held.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when recording an image on a plurality of recording materials, the holding control unit changes a holding position of the information storage medium for each of the recording materials.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of recording materials are recorded as one copy, the holding control unit holds the information storage medium for each copy unit.   The detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of the information storage medium, and a notification unit for notifying the shortage state when the remaining amount of the information storage medium is less than a predetermined amount. Image recording device.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds the information storage medium attached to the recording material.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds the information storage medium embedded in the recording material.

Images