JP2007102519A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attach an IC tag to a sheet appropriately where a plurality of images are formed. <P>SOLUTION: A host device 2 has an arrangement detection part 13b for detecting an arrangement of the plurality of images on the basis of a sheet size and image size, an addition position setting part 13c for setting a position in accordance with the arrangement of the images as an addition position of the IC tag, and a data transmission part 13e for transmitting printing data which includes printing image data for forming images according to the arrangement and additional command data for adding the IC tag to the addition position. A laser printer 3 has a control unit 32 and a printing mechanism part 33 for forming images on the sheet on the basis of printing image data of the printing data, and the control unit 32 and an IC tag mechanism part 34 for adding the IC tag to the addition position on the basis of an addition command data included in the printing data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or an ink jet printer, and more particularly to an image forming system capable of adding an IC tag to a sheet.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, that is, non-contact automatic recognition technology using radio waves has attracted attention. In this RFID technology, for example, information on a user, a product, and the like is stored in an IC chip with an antenna, and the information is read from the IC chip with an antenna via an antenna to authenticate the user, the product, and the like. In this case, an IC chip with an antenna is used after being processed into a tag, a label, a card or the like.
A label having an IC chip with an antenna used for such recognition is created, for example, in a printer by printing an image relating to product information on a raw label and then introducing it into a reader / writer and writing information on an RFID tag. (For example, see Patent Document 1). Note that a device incorporating an IC chip with an antenna is called by various names such as an RFID tag, an IC label, an IC tag, an IC card, a wireless IC tag, and a non-contact IC tag. In the book, they are collectively referred to as an IC tag.
JP 2002-207984 A

The printer described above is specialized for labels, and can attach an IC tag in units of labels. However, because it is specialized for labels in this way, no consideration has been given to attaching IC tags to other than labels.
Under such circumstances, the present inventor has found the usefulness of, for example, arranging and forming a plurality of images on one sheet and adding an IC tag to each image. In other words, by adding an IC tag for each image of a sheet of paper, an IC tag can be secured for each image even if the sheet is separated in units of images, and various information can be stored in the IC tag. This information can be used for each image.
In general, when a user uses a printer to form a plurality of images on a sheet, it is common to form an image having a desired image size on a sheet having a desired size.

However, in the printer described above, it is only possible to attach an IC tag for each label having a predetermined size. When a plurality of images of an arbitrary size are arranged, each image is appropriately selected. IC tag cannot be added.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of appropriately adding an IC tag to a sheet on which a plurality of images are formed.

  To achieve the above object, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming system that forms an image on a sheet, and is formed on a sheet size storage unit that stores a setting of a sheet size to be printed, and a sheet. An image storage means for storing a plurality of images to be stored, an image size storage means for storing image size settings on the paper, and an arrangement detection means for detecting the arrangement of the plurality of images on the paper based on the paper size and the image size An additional position setting means for setting the position on the paper according to the arrangement of the images as an additional position of the IC tag, an image forming means for forming a plurality of images on the paper according to the arrangement, and an IC tag at the additional position of the paper Tag adding means.

  According to the image forming system, a plurality of images can be arranged based on the paper size and the image size, and an IC tag can be appropriately added to a position corresponding to the arrangement of the images.

The image forming system may further include a writing information storage unit that stores writing information to the IC tag of the paper, and further includes a writing unit that writes the writing information to the IC tag.
According to the image forming system, the writing information can be appropriately written on the IC tag attached to the paper.

In addition, a host device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a paper size storage unit that stores a setting of a paper size to be printed, an image storage unit that stores a plurality of images to be formed on the paper, and the image size on the paper. An image size storage means for storing settings, an arrangement detection means for detecting the arrangement of a plurality of images on the paper based on the paper size and the image size, and the position on the paper in accordance with the arrangement of the image, and the IC tag addition position And an additional position setting means for setting the print image data, and a print data transmission means for transmitting print data including image data for printing for forming an image according to the arrangement and additional command data for adding an IC tag to the additional position.
According to the host device, a plurality of images can be arranged based on the paper size and the image size, and print data for appropriately adding an IC tag to a position corresponding to the image arrangement can be transmitted. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, a plurality of images can be arranged based on the paper size and the image size, and an IC tag can be appropriately added to a position corresponding to the arrangement of the images.

Further, the image processing apparatus further includes position designation receiving means for receiving designation of a position to which the IC tag is added in the image arrangement area from the user, and the additional position setting means determines the additional position based on the arrangement of the image and the designated position. You may do it.
In this way, an IC tag can be added to a position desired by the user in the image arrangement area.
The position designation accepting unit accepts designation of a position to which an IC tag is added for each image, and the addition position setting unit determines an IC tag addition position for each image based on the designated position and the arrangement for each image. You may make it set.
If it does in this way, the position which adds an IC tag can be set up easily and appropriately for every picture.

The paper size receiving means for receiving a paper size setting from the user and an image size receiving means for receiving the image size setting for the paper from the user are further included. The paper size storage means is a paper received by the paper size receiving means. The size may be stored, and the image size storage unit may store the image size received by the image size reception unit.
In this way, it is possible to form an image with a desired image size on the paper size desired by the user, and to appropriately add an IC tag to the image.
Further, a writing information storage unit that stores writing information to the IC tag of the sheet may be further provided, and the print data transmitting unit may include the writing information in the print data and transmit it.
In this way, the write information can be written to the IC tag added to the image.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on transmitted print data, and the print data is for printing to form a plurality of images according to an arrangement. Image data and print data receiving means for receiving print data, including image data and additional command data for adding an IC tag to an additional position, and image formation for forming a plurality of images on a sheet based on print image data of the print data And tag adding means for adding an IC tag to an additional position based on the additional command data included in the print data.
According to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to form a plurality of images on a sheet and to appropriately add an IC tag to a position corresponding to the arrangement of the images.

The tag adding means may add an IC tag to the back surface of the surface on which the image of the paper is formed.
According to this configuration, a tag can be added without affecting the image formed on the paper.
The image forming unit includes a toner image forming unit that forms toner images of a plurality of images on a sheet, and a fixing unit that fixes the formed toner image on the sheet. The tag adding unit includes a toner image formed by the fixing unit. An IC tag may be added to the paper on which is fixed.
According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to fix the toner image on the paper after the IC tag is added, and it is possible to prevent the effect of heat during fixing on the added IC tag.
Further, the print data includes write information to the IC tag, and the print data may further include a writing unit that writes the write information included in the print data to the IC tag. According to such a configuration, the write information can be appropriately written to the IC tag.

  An image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming method by an image forming system for forming an image, and a sheet size storing unit stores a setting of a sheet size to be printed. An image storage step in which the image storage means stores a plurality of images to be formed on the paper; an image size storage step in which the image size storage means stores an image size setting on the paper; and an arrangement detection means in which the paper size and the image are stored. An arrangement detecting step for detecting the arrangement of a plurality of images on the sheet based on the size, and an additional position setting step for the additional position setting means to set the position on the paper as the additional position of the IC tag according to the arrangement of the images; An image forming step in which the image forming unit forms a plurality of images on the paper according to the arrangement, and a tag adding unit adds the paper. And a tag addition step of adding the IC tag to the location.

  According to this method, a plurality of images can be arranged based on the paper size and the image size, and an IC tag can be appropriately added to a position corresponding to the arrangement of the images.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent.

A configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image forming system 1 includes a host device 2 and a laser printer 3 as an example of an image forming device. The host device 2 and the laser printer 3 are connected by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 4 so that data can be transmitted and received between them. The host device 2 and the laser printer 3 may be connected by another cable such as a LAN cable to perform data transmission / reception, or may perform data transmission / reception by wireless communication.

The host device 2 includes a host device body 10, a display device 11, and an input device 12.
The display device 11 is a device that displays an image, such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display. The input device 12 is a device for receiving input from a user of the host device 2 such as a mouse and a keyboard. In the host apparatus body 10, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, a hard disk drive 16, a display processing unit 17, an input interface 18, a combo A drive 19 and an external interface 20 are connected via a bus 21.
The ROM 14 stores a basic program such as a boot program.
The RAM 15 is used as an area for storing programs and data, or as a work area for storing data used for processing by the CPU 13. In the present embodiment, the RAM 15 is an example of a paper size storage unit and an image size storage unit, and stores a setting of a paper size to be printed, an image size setting on the paper, and the like.
The display processing unit 17 generates display data for displaying an image on the display device 11 under the control of the CPU 13 and outputs the display data to the display device 11.

The combo drive 19 reads data from a plurality of types of recording media 22, reads programs, and writes data to the recording media 22. Examples of the recording medium 22 include a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a DVD-RAM.
The hard disk drive 16 stores an OS (operating system), various programs, and various databases in a readable manner. In the present embodiment, the hard disk drive 16 stores an image application program for executing processing such as image editing and printing, a printer driver program for controlling printing management by the printer 3, and a plurality of images. In the present embodiment, an image is stored as image data. Here, the image data refers to data serving as a basis for forming an image in the image forming apparatus, and includes not only image data such as photographs and pictures but also document data. In addition to the data on which the image itself is based, the image data includes, for example, the picture creator, the picture creation date and time, the picture shooting date and time, the photo shooting conditions, the document creator and the document creation date and time, etc. Some of them include data relating to the image itself (image-related data). Here, the hard disk drive 16 corresponds to an example of image storage means. In the present embodiment, the hard disk drive 16 stores a dedicated sheet arrangement information database 23 that manages information related to the arrangement of dedicated sheets.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a dedicated sheet arrangement information database according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The dedicated sheet arrangement information database 23 includes a model number field 23a for storing the model number of the dedicated sheet, a sheet field 23b for storing the sheet type of the dedicated sheet, and an upper margin field 23c for storing the distance of the upper margin of the corresponding dedicated sheet. A horizontal margin field 23d for storing the distance of the horizontal margin of the corresponding dedicated paper, and a vertical interval for storing the vertical interval of the label in the corresponding dedicated paper (the distance from the upper left of the label to the upper left of the next label arranged vertically). A field 23e, a horizontal distance field 23f that stores the horizontal distance of the label in the corresponding dedicated paper (the distance from the upper left of the label to the upper left of the next label arranged horizontally), and the height of the label in the corresponding dedicated paper are stored. Label height field 23g and label width field 23h for storing the label width on the corresponding dedicated paper The number of columns field 23i for storing the number of columns of labels in the corresponding special paper, it is possible to store a plurality of records having a row number field 23j for storing the number of row labels in the corresponding special paper.

  For example, the dedicated paper of model number “A0001” is A4 paper, the top margin is “20.3 mm”, the horizontal margin is “20.3 mm”, the vertical interval is “42.3 mm”, and the horizontal The interval is “87.6 mm”, the label height is “42.3 mm”, the label width is “83.8 mm”, the number of columns is “2”, and the number of rows is “6”. It is. According to these pieces of information, the arrangement positions of a plurality of labels on the dedicated paper can be detected.

  For example, the coordinate of the upper left point of the label in the second row and the first column with respect to the upper left of the sheet of the model number “A0001”, the distance from the upper left of the sheet to the left direction is the same as the distance “20.3 mm” of the horizontal margin, It can be detected that the distance in the downward direction is a distance obtained by adding the upper margin “20.3 mm” and the vertical interval “42.3 mm”, that is, “62.6 mm”. Other points on the label can also be detected by using the above information. Further, it is possible to detect the arrangement coordinates of other labels and the label positions on other dedicated papers using any of the above information.

Returning to FIG. 1, the input interface 18 can be connected to the input device 12, and passes a signal from the input device 12 to the CPU 13 and the RAM 15 as data.
The external interface 20 mediates data exchange with an external device. In the present embodiment, the external interface 20 can be connected to the USB cable 4, and exchanges data with an apparatus connected via the USB cable 4.

  The CPU 13 executes various processes by reading the basic program in the ROM 14 and the OS and programs stored in the hard disk drive 16 into the RAM 15 and executing them. Moreover, CPU13 controls operation | movement of each part 14-20.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 13 executes an image application program and a printer driver program stored in the hard disk drive 16, thereby causing the application unit 13a, an arrangement detection unit 13b as an example of an arrangement detection unit, and an example of an additional position setting unit. An additional position setting unit 13c, a paper size receiving unit, an image size receiving unit, a receiving unit 13d as an example of a position designation receiving unit, and a data transmitting unit 13e as an example of a print data transmitting unit.
The application unit 13a executes various processes in the image application. In the present embodiment, processing relating to image calling, image editing, image printing instruction, printing setting instruction, and the like is executed in accordance with a user instruction received by the receiving unit 13d.

The accepting unit 13d displays various windows and accepts various instructions according to operations on the windows using the input device 12 of the user.
In the present embodiment, the accepting unit 13d displays the image application window 201 in response to an instruction from the application unit 13a, and responds to an operation on the image application window 201 (see FIG. 3) using the input device 12 of the user. To accept execution instructions for various processes.

  The accepting unit 13d displays a print setting window 210 (see FIG. 4) in response to a print setting instruction from the application unit 13a and the like, and operates the print setting window 210 using the user input device 12. In response to this, various print settings such as paper size and image size, display processing of other windows 230 (see FIG. 5), 240 (see FIG. 6), and the like are accepted. In addition, the reception unit 13d displays the additional position detailed setting window 230 and, in response to an operation on the additional position detailed setting window 230 using the user input device 12, the IC tag 120 ( The designation of the additional position (see FIG. 11) is accepted. In addition, the reception unit 13d displays an image setting window 240, and various print settings and an additional position detailed setting window 230 according to an operation on the image setting window 240 using the input device 12 by the user. An instruction such as display processing of a similar window is accepted. When the accepting unit 13d accepts various print settings, the accepting unit 13d stores the print settings in the RAM 15.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an image application window according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the image application window 201, a file button 202, an edit button 203, a print setting button 204, a print button 205, and an image display area 206 are displayed.

  The image display area 206 is an area where an image usable in the image application is displayed. The file button 202 is a button for receiving an instruction for designating image data to be called in the image display area 206 or designating saving of an image displayed in the image display area 206. The edit button 203 is a button for receiving an instruction to edit the image displayed in the image display area 206. The print setting button 204 is a button for receiving a print setting instruction in the laser printer 3. The print button 205 is a button for receiving an instruction to print an image selected in the image display area 206 (an image surrounded by a thick frame in FIG. 3).

  The pointer 207 can be moved on the window by a user's operation on a mouse, which is an example of the input device 12, and points to a predetermined position on the window. Note that the pointer 207 can be moved even beyond the range of the image application window 201. When the pointer 207 is moved by the mouse and the user presses a button provided on the mouse (so-called click), the accepting unit 13d accepts an instruction input for the object pointed to by the pointer 207. In the image application window 201, the accepting unit 13d accepts pressing of various buttons 202 to 205 of the window, and selection input and non-selection instruction inputs for images.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a print setting window according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the print setting window 210, a paper size setting area 211, an image size setting area 215, an IC tag setting area 217, a setting status display area 224, an OK button 225, and a cancel button 226 are displayed.

The paper size setting area 211 is an area for receiving a paper size setting. For example, the paper size such as A4 (210 × 297 mm), A3 (297 × 420 mm), B5 (182 × 257 mm), dedicated paper, and the paper size A pair with a check box 212 or the like that accepts the selection designation is displayed. In the paper size setting area 211, an input area 213 for inputting a model number for the dedicated paper is displayed.
The image size setting area 215 is an area for receiving the setting of the image size to be formed on the paper. For example, L (89 × 127 mm), cabinet (120 × 165 mm), postcard (102 × 152 mm), E (82 × 120 mm) A set of an image size such as a check box 216 that accepts an image size selection specification is displayed.

  The IC tag setting area 217 is an area for receiving various settings related to the IC tag, and accepts an instruction to display a check box 218 for accepting a setting for adding an IC tag and an additional position detailed setting window 230 for designating an additional position in detail. A position detail button 219, a check box 220 for accepting a setting for setting image-related data as write data to the IC tag, a check box 221 for accepting a setting for setting the specified file as write data to the IC tag, and a specified file name An input area 222 that accepts an input for each image, and a per-image setting button 223 that accepts an instruction for performing various settings related to the IC tag for each image.

The setting status display area 224 is an area for displaying a setting status according to the print setting contents set in the print setting window 210. In FIG. 4, the situation in which four images are arranged on the paper is visually displayed, the paper size is A4 (210 × 297 mm), the image size is L (89 × 127 mm), and the IC tag is attached. It is displayed to add.
The OK button 225 is a button for accepting an instruction to confirm the print setting content set in the print setting window 210 as the print setting at the time of printing. When the OK button 225 is pressed, the print setting content stored in the RAM 15 is referred to as the print setting at the time of printing.
The cancel button 226 is a button for accepting an instruction not to finalize the print setting contents set in the print setting window 210. When the cancel button 226 is pressed, the print setting window 210 is closed.

  In the print setting window 210, the reception unit 13d checks the check boxes 212, 216, 218, 220, 221 and the like by moving the pointer 207 with the mouse and the user clicking a button provided on the mouse. In addition, pressing of buttons such as various buttons 219, 223, 225, and 226 is accepted. Further, after the pointer 207 is moved over the input areas 213 and 222 and the user clicks, if there is a key press on a keyboard which is an example of the input device 12, the receiving unit 13d receives the corresponding input. Accepts character input for an area.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an additional position detailed setting window according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the additional position detailed setting window 230, an image arrangement area 231, an additional position designation arrow 232, an IC tag range display area 233, an OK button 234, and a cancel button 235 are displayed.
An image arrangement area 231 indicates an area in which an image is arranged on a sheet.
The additional position designation arrow 232 is an arrow indicating the position where the IC tag is added.
The IC tag range display area 233 indicates the range of the IC tag when an IC tag is added at the position indicated by the additional position designation arrow 232.

The OK button 234 is a button for accepting an instruction to confirm the print setting content set in the additional position detailed setting window 230.
The cancel button 235 is a button for accepting an instruction not to finalize the print setting contents set in the additional position detailed setting window 230.
In the additional position setting window 230, when the pointer 207 is moved onto the additional position designation arrow 232 by the mouse, a button provided on the mouse is clicked by the user, and the mouse is moved in that state, the receiving unit 13d is moved. The additional position designation arrow 232 is moved according to the moving operation, and the IC tag range display area 233 is moved. In this embodiment, since an IC tag is added to the image arrangement area, the additional position designation arrow 232 can be moved within a range in which the IC tag range display area 233 does not deviate from the image arrangement area 231. It has become.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a setting window for each image according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In each image setting window 240, a check box 241 for receiving a setting for adding an IC tag for each image, and a position detail button 242 for receiving an instruction to display an additional position detailed setting window for specifying in detail an additional position for the image. And a check box 243 for accepting settings for setting image-related data as write data to the IC tag, a check box 244 for accepting settings for setting the designated file as write data to the IC tag, and accepting input of a designated file name. An input area 245 is displayed, and a setting status display area 246, an OK button 247, and a cancel button 248 are displayed. Note that the additional position detailed setting window displayed when the position detailed button 242 is pressed has the same configuration as the additional position detailed setting window 230 shown in FIG. It is different in that it is set as an effective additional position only for the camera.

The setting status display area 246 is an area for displaying a setting status according to the print setting contents set in the image setting window 240. In FIG. 6, the situation in which four images are arranged on the paper is visually displayed, and the IC tag is added to the first image, the second image, the third image, and the fourth image. Yes.
The OK button 247 is a button for accepting an instruction for confirming the print setting contents set in the per-image setting window 240.
The cancel button 248 is a button for accepting an instruction not to finalize the print setting contents set in the per-image setting window 240.

  In the image-by-image setting window 240, when the pointer 207 is moved by the mouse and the user clicks a button provided on the mouse, the reception unit 13d checks the check boxes 241, 243, 244, etc. It accepts pressing of buttons such as buttons 242, 247, and 248. If the key is pressed on the keyboard after the pointer 207 is moved to the input area 245 and the user clicks, the accepting unit 13d accepts the input as a character input to the corresponding input area. .

  Returning to FIG. 1, the arrangement detection unit 13 b detects the arrangement of a plurality of images on a sheet based on the sheet size and the image size stored in the RAM 15. In the present embodiment, the arrangement detection unit 13b acquires the paper size and the image size stored in the RAM 15 by designating the print setting window 210, and the number of images that can be arranged on the paper from these sizes. Is calculated, the arrangement on the sheet is determined for the number of images that can be arranged, and the arrangement coordinates of each image are calculated. Here, the interval between the image arrangements and the margin from the periphery of the paper may be set by an arbitrary algorithm. For example, in each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the paper, each margin between images and both ends of the paper These margin portions may be arranged at equal distances from each margin portion.

  When it is set that the IC tag 120 is added, the additional position setting unit 13c sets a position according to the arrangement of the image detected by the arrangement detecting unit 13b as the additional position of the IC tag. In the present embodiment, when the position is not specified by the additional position detailed setting window 230 or the like, for example, the arrangement detection unit 13b, for example, at the upper left vertex of each image whose arrangement is detected by the arrangement detection unit 13b, A position where the upper left vertex of the IC tag 120 overlaps is set as an additional position of the IC tag 120. In addition, when the position to be added in the image is specified by the additional position detailed setting window 230 or the like, the arrangement detection unit 13b sets the position in the specified image as the additional position of the IC tag 120. .

  Here, in the present embodiment, in order to indicate the additional position of the IC tag 120, coordinates (paper coordinates) on the paper on which the central portion of the IC tag 120 should be located are used. The paper coordinates at which the central portion of the IC tag 120 is to be located, if the position is not designated, is the deviation of the position between the upper left and the center of the IC tag 120 with respect to the paper coordinates for the upper left vertex of the image. When the position is specified in the image, the deviation between the upper left vertex and the specified position is reflected on the paper coordinates for the upper left vertex of the image. This can be calculated.

  When receiving an image print instruction from the application unit 13a, the data transmission unit 13e generates print data 24 according to an image to be printed and a determined print setting. In addition, the data transmission unit 13e outputs the print data 24 to the outside via the external interface 20. In the present embodiment, print data 24 is transmitted to the laser printer 3 via the external interface 20 and the USB cable 4.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of print data according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The print data 24 is data generated by the data transmission unit 13e, and includes a job start unit (JS unit) 24a indicating the start of the print data 24, a job language data unit 24b, a printer language data unit 24c, Embedded data portion 24d and a job end portion (JE portion) 24e indicating the end of the print data 24.
The job language data portion 24b is a portion described according to the job language, and includes a host device name, a job number, a command indicating a printer language (for example, ESC / PAGE, PostScript, etc.) described in the printer language data portion 24c, and the like. It is. In the present embodiment, when an IC tag is added, a command indicating that an IC tag is added is stored.

The printer language data portion 24c is a portion described according to the printer language, and includes printing image data indicating the contents of an image to be printed. In this embodiment, it is possible to include a command indicating an IC tag addition position, which is not in the existing printer language. As a command indicating an IC tag addition position, for example, “tag location = (X1, Y1) (X2, Y2)...” ((X1, Y1), (X2, Y2) The paper coordinates at the center of the position to be added are shown.).
The write data portion 24d is a portion that exists when the IC tag 120 is added, and includes write data for writing to the IC tag 120. For example, if an image-related file is set as the print setting, the image-related file is extracted from the hard disk drive 16 by the data transmission unit 13e and included in the write data unit d. If a predetermined file is designated as the print setting, the corresponding file is extracted from the hard disk drive 16 and included in the write data portion d.

Returning to FIG. 1, the laser printer 3 includes an external interface 31, a control unit 32 as an example of a data receiving unit, a printing mechanism unit 33 as an image forming unit, and an IC tag mechanism unit 34.
The external interface 31 mediates exchange of data with an external device. In the present embodiment, the external interface 31 can be connected to the USB cable 4, and exchanges data with the host apparatus 2 connected via the USB cable 4.
The control unit 32 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown), receives the print data 24 from the host device 2 via the external interface 31, analyzes the print data 24, and based on the analysis result. The printing mechanism unit 33 and the IC tag mechanism unit 34 are controlled.

The printing mechanism unit 33 includes a photosensitive unit 35 that forms a toner image on the photosensitive member 50 (see FIG. 8), and an exposure that forms an electrostatic latent image for forming a toner image on the photosensitive member 50 by irradiating a laser beam. A unit 36, a transfer unit 37 that transfers a toner image formed on the photoreceptor 50 to a sheet, a fixing unit 38 that fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet, and a paper supply / discharge unit 39 that supplies and discharges the sheet. And have.
The IC tag mechanism unit 34 includes an IC tag adding unit 40 as tag adding means for adding the IC tag 120 to a sheet, and a reader / writer unit 41 for writing write data to the IC tag.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the housing of the laser printer 3, a photosensitive unit 35, an exposure unit 36, a transfer unit 37, a fixing unit 38 as a fixing unit, a paper supply / discharge unit 39, an IC tag adding unit 40, a reader / writer unit 41, and the like are provided. It has been. Here, the toner image forming means includes a photoconductor unit 35, an exposure unit 36 and a transfer unit 37.

  The photoconductor unit 35 includes a photoconductor 50. The photosensitive member 50 is rotatable counterclockwise in the drawing. Around the photosensitive member 50, along the counterclockwise direction, a charging roller 51, a yellow developing unit 53Y, a cyan developing unit 53C, a magenta developing unit 53M, a black developing unit 53K, and a cleaning unit 52 are arranged. Are arranged in the order. The yellow developing unit 53Y, the cyan developing unit 53C, the magenta developing unit 53M, and the black developing unit 53K are configured to be able to contact and separate from the photoconductor 50, respectively.

In the photoconductor unit 35, the photoconductor 50 is charged by the charging roller 51 while rotating. Thereafter, the photoconductor 50 is irradiated with laser light from the exposure unit 36 controlled by the control unit 32. As a result, an electrostatic latent image for the image included in the print data is formed on the photoreceptor 50. Next, any one of the developing devices 53Y, 53C, 53M, and 53K is selectively brought into contact with the photosensitive member 50 by the control unit 32, and the electrostatic latent image is developed to form a toner image.
The toner image formed on the photoreceptor 50 is transferred onto the transfer belt 54 of the transfer unit 37.

  In the case of color image printing, by forming the electrostatic latent image and developing the electrostatic latent image for each color of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black, a toner image of each color is formed, and the transfer belt 54 is printed. A color toner image is formed by superimposing these color toner images. On the other hand, in the case of monochrome image printing, a monochrome toner image is formed and transferred onto the transfer belt 54 by performing the above-described electrostatic latent image formation and electrostatic latent image development only for black.

In the transfer unit 37, the transfer belt 54 is stretched around a plurality of rollers. The transfer unit 37 detects the reference position of the transfer belt 54 and the transfer roller 55 for transferring the toner image formed on the transfer belt 54 onto the paper fed by the paper supply / discharge unit 39. A synchronization sensor 56.
The paper supply / discharge unit 39 has a manual feed tray 61, a paper cassette 62, a paper discharge tray 63, a plurality of rollers 59 for paper conveyance, and the like. The paper is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 63 along the conveyance path indicated by. The depth direction in the drawing is referred to as the main scanning direction, and the direction in which the paper is conveyed is referred to as the sub-scanning direction.

  The paper is conveyed to the transfer roller 55 by the paper supply / discharge unit 39, and the toner image on the transfer belt 54 is transferred by the transfer roller 55. At this time, the sheet is detected by the sensor 57, and based on this, the control unit 32 transfers the toner image to a predetermined position on the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is further conveyed to the fixing unit 38 at the subsequent stage. For example, the fixing unit 38 applies heat and pressure to the paper on which the toner image is transferred, and fixes the toner image on the paper.

  The sheet on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to the IC tag mechanism 34 at the subsequent stage by the paper supply / discharge unit 38. The sheet is conveyed above the IC tag adding unit 40 and the reader / writer unit 41. Here, in the present embodiment, the IC tag adding unit 40 is provided in the subsequent stage of the fixing unit 38, and the sheet with the IC tag 120 added does not pass through the fixing unit 38, so the IC tag 120 added to the sheet is used. Can be appropriately prevented from being damaged.

In the IC tag mechanism unit 34, if the IC tag is to be added to the sheet under the control of the control unit 32, the IC tag adding unit 40 adds the IC tag 120 to the designated coordinates of the sheet, and the reader / writer unit The write data is written to the IC tag 120 by 41. With this configuration, in the present embodiment, the IC tag 120 can be appropriately added to the surface on which the paper image is not formed. For this reason, the image formed on the paper is not affected. In the IC tag mechanism 34, the paper is detected by the paper sensor 60, and the coordinates of the paper in the sub-scanning direction are detected based on the paper feed amount by the roller 59.
The paper that has passed through the IC tag mechanism 34 is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 63.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an IC tag mechanism unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the IC tag mechanism 34, and FIG. 9B is a view of the IC tag mechanism 34 as viewed from above.
The IC tag mechanism unit 34 includes an IC tag adding unit 40 and a reader / writer unit 41.
The IC tag adding unit 40 has a carriage 130 on which the IC tag tape cartridge 100 can be mounted. The carriage 130 is slidably held in the main scanning direction by a sliding shaft 131 extending in the main scanning direction.

  In the IC tag adding unit 40, an endless drive belt 132 is stretched along the main scanning direction by a pulley 134 and a carriage motor 133. A carriage 130 is fixed to one side of the drive belt 132. Therefore, when the carriage motor 133 is operated, the drive belt 132 is sent, and accordingly, the carriage 130 is slid on the slide shaft 131 in the main scanning direction. In the vicinity of the carriage motor 133, a position detection sensor 135 for detecting the reference position of the carriage 130 is provided. By detecting the reference position by the position detection sensor 135 and then controlling the operation of the carriage motor 133, the position of the carriage 130 in the main scanning direction can be adjusted appropriately.

Further, the carriage 130 is associated with a winding motor (not shown) for winding the IC tag tape 102 (see FIG. 10) of the IC tag tape cartridge 100, and winding rollers 101 and 103 (see FIG. 10). In addition, winding shaft portions 130a and 130b for rotating the winding rollers 101 and 103 by the power of the winding motor are provided.
Further, the reader / writer unit 41 is connected to the carriage 130 and moves with the movement of the carriage 130. Therefore, even if the transmission / reception range of the IC tag 120 is limited to a very narrow range, for example, within a few centimeters, data can be reliably written to the IC tag 120.
The carriage motor 133, the position detection sensor 135, the take-up motor of the carriage 130, and the reader / writer unit 41 are connected to the control unit 32 and operate under the control of the control unit 32.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an IC tag tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of the IC tag tape cartridge 100, FIG. 10B shows a state when the IC tag tape cartridge 100 is not attached, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state when an IC tag is added to the IC tag tape cartridge 100. FIG.
In the IC tag tape cartridge 100, an IC tag tape 102 in which an IC tag 120 is incorporated is wound around a winding roller 101.

First, the IC tag tape 102 and the IC tag 120 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an IC tag tape and an IC tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11A is a perspective view of the IC tag tape 102, FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the IC tag tape 102, and FIG. 11C is a configuration diagram of the IC tag 120.
As shown in FIG. 11A, an IC tag 120 is incorporated in the IC tag tape 102, and holes (perforations) 102a and the like are formed at regular intervals on both ends in the lateral direction. . An adhesive layer for adhering to the paper is provided on the upper surface of the IC tag 120.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the IC tag 120 is incorporated from the upper surface to the lower surface of the IC tag tape 102.
As shown in FIG. 11C, the IC tag 120 includes an antenna unit 122 for transmitting and receiving data by radio waves, and an IC chip 121. The IC chip 121 includes a storage unit that stores data, a transmission unit that transmits data via the antenna unit 122, and a reception unit that receives data via the antenna unit 122.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the IC tag tape 102 is supplied from the winding roller 101 in the casing of the IC tag tape cartridge 100, and is wound around the winding roller 103 via the cam roller 107 in the vicinity of the opening 100 a of the casing. It is like that. The inner sides of the winding rollers 101 and 103 are configured to engage with the winding shaft portions 130 a and 130 b of the carriage 130.

  In the IC tag tape cartridge 100, a pressing member 105 is provided above the cam roller 107. The pressing member 105 is provided with a pin 106 for pressing the IC tag 102 against the paper at the tip portion. Further, the pressing member 105 is restricted from sliding in the sub-scanning direction by the fixing portions 109 and 110 of the housing. Further, the pressing member 105 is urged downward by an elastic portion 112 connected to the fixing portion 111 of the housing.

  The cam roller 107 is provided with a cam portion 108 that pushes the pressing member 105 upward in accordance with the rotation state of the cam roller 107. Further, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 10B, the cam roller 107 is provided with a protruding portion 107a for engaging with a hole 102a or the like (see FIG. 11) formed in the IC tag tape 102. .

  Therefore, when the IC tag tape 102 is taken up by the take-up roller 103, the protrusion 107a engaged with the hole 102a or the like formed in the IC tag tape 102 is pulled in the take-up direction of the IC tag tape 102, and the cam roller 107 Rotates counterclockwise. By this rotation, the cam portion 108 of the cam roller 107 pushes up the bottom portion of the pressing member 105 and pushes the pin 106 upward. In this embodiment, when the IC tag 120 of the IC tag tape 102 is positioned above the pin 106, the cam portion 108 and the like are adjusted so that the pin 106 is pushed upward.

  In the IC tag tape cartridge 100, when the IC tag 120 is not added, the pin 106 is positioned below the IC tag tape 102 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the IC tag 120 is added, as shown in FIG. 11C, the pin 106 is pushed upward, and the IC tag 120 of the IC tag tape 102 is pushed against the paper P by the pin 106. become. As a result, the IC tag 120 having the adhesive layer on the upper surface adheres to the paper P.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing until an image is printed in the host apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Prior to this process, it is assumed that the application program is executed and the application unit 13a displays the image application window 201 shown in FIG. 3 by the receiving unit 13d.

  First, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not there is a selection instruction for the image in the image display area 206 of the image application window 201 by the operation of the input device 12 by the user (step S10). As a result, if there is a selection instruction, the application unit 13a determines the instructed image as the selected image, stores the content in the RAM 15 (step S11), and the reception unit 13 causes the image display area 206 to store the content. The corresponding image is displayed as a selected state. On the other hand, if there is no selection instruction, the process proceeds to the next process.

  Next, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not the print setting button 204 is pressed by the user operating the input device 12 (step S12). As a result, when the print setting button 204 is pressed, the application unit 13a instructs the reception unit 13d to start the print setting process and causes the print setting process to be executed (step S13). On the other hand, if it is not pressed, the next processing is performed.

  Further, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not the print button 205 is pressed by the user operating the input device 12 (step S14). As a result, when the print button 205 is pressed, the application unit 13a issues a print instruction to the data transmission unit 13e, and in accordance with the image to be printed and the confirmed print setting stored in the RAM 15. Print data is created (step S15), and the created print data is transmitted to the laser printer 3 via the external interface 20 and the USB cable 4 (step S16).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating print setting processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the print setting process (step S13), immediately after the start, the receiving unit 13d first displays the print setting window 210 shown in FIG. 4 (step S20). The receiving unit 13d displays an additional position detailed setting window 230 shown in FIG. 5, an image-by-image setting window 240 shown in FIG. 6, and the like in response to a user pressing a button on the window.

  Next, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not there is an instruction to change the paper setting by the user operating the input device 12 (step S21). As a result, when there is a paper setting change instruction, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not a dedicated paper setting instruction has been issued (step S22). 13b calculates the arrangement coordinates of each image based on the instructed paper size and the current image size, and stores them in the RAM 15 (step S23). On the other hand, in the case of a dedicated sheet setting instruction, the arrangement detection unit 13b calculates the coordinates of each label position on the dedicated sheet of the designated model number based on the dedicated sheet arrangement information database 23 stored in the RAM 25. And stored in the RAM 15 (step S24). If there is no instruction to change the paper setting, the process proceeds to the next process (step S25).

  Next, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not there is an instruction to change the image size by the operation of the input device 12 by the user (step S25). As a result, when there is an instruction to change the image size, the arrangement detection unit 13b calculates the arrangement coordinates of each image based on the current paper size and the instructed image size, and stores them in the RAM 15 (Step S1). S26). If there is no instruction to change the image size, the next process is performed.

  Next, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not there is a designation for adding an IC tag by the operation of the input device 12 by the user (step S27). As a result, when there is a designation for adding an IC tag, the addition position setting unit 13c uses the position corresponding to the arrangement coordinates of the image calculated by the arrangement detection unit 13b and stored in the RAM 15 as the addition position of the IC tag. Calculate and store in the RAM 15 (step S28). If there is no designation for adding an IC tag, the next processing is performed.

Next, the receiving unit 13d detects whether or not the OK button 225 is pressed by the user operating the input device 12 (step S29). As a result, when the OK button 225 is pressed, the accepting unit 13d determines the print settings stored in the RAM 15 as the settings to be used when actually printing (step S30), and ends the setting process. Returning to the processing shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if the OK button 225 has not been pressed, the receiving unit 13d further detects whether or not the cancel button 226 has been pressed by the user operating the input device 12 (step S31). As a result, when the cancel button 226 is pressed, the setting process is terminated without reflecting the setting contents currently being set as the print setting, and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. If the cancel button 226 is not pressed (NO in step S31), the above-described processing (step S20 to step S29) is executed again.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining image forming processing in the laser printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
First, the control unit 32 receives the print data 24 transmitted from the host device 2 via the external interface 31 from the USB cable 4. The control unit 32 controls the printing mechanism unit 33 based on the print data 24 to form a plurality of images on the paper (step S40). Next, the control unit 32 detects whether or not a command indicating that an IC tag is added is described in the job language data unit 24b of the print data 24 (step S42).
As a result, when a command indicating that an IC tag is added is described, the control unit 32 causes the paper supply / discharge unit 39 to send the paper on which the image is formed downstream, and the paper sensor 60 causes the paper to be supplied. The paper feed is executed until ”is detected (step S43, step S44).

When the paper is detected by the paper sensor 60, paper feeding is further executed (step S45), and at this time, the IC tag adding unit 40 detects the paper coordinates in the sub-scanning direction to which the IC tag can be added. (Step S46).
Next, the control unit 32 determines whether the detected paper coordinates in the sub-scanning direction match the coordinates in the sub-scanning direction of the IC tag addition position described in the printer language data unit 24c of the print data 24. It is detected whether or not the IC tag 120 is added (step S47). As a result, if the IC tag 120 is not added, the above processing (steps S45 and S46) is repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, when the IC tag 120 is added, the control unit 32 describes the paper coordinates in the main scanning direction at the position where the IC tag can be added to the carriage 130 in the printer language data unit 24c. The IC tag addition position is moved so as to coincide with the coordinates in the main scanning direction (step S48). Next, the control unit 32 drives the winding motor of the carriage 130 to rotate the winding shaft portion 130a, thereby causing the IC tag 120 to be pressed against and attached to the paper by the pins 106 of the IC tag tape cartridge 100 (Step S32). S49).

  Further, the control unit 32 causes the reader / writer unit 41 to write the IC tag 120 to which the write data stored in the write data unit 24d of the print data 24 is added (step S50). In this embodiment, the data written to the IC tag 120 is read by the reader / writer unit 41 to check whether or not the writing is performed normally, and the writing is repeatedly performed until the writing is performed normally. I have to.

  Next, the control unit 32 matches the paper coordinates in the sub-scanning direction detected in step S46 with the coordinates in the sub-scanning direction of other IC tag addition positions described in the printer language data part 24c of the print data 24. If there is a match, it means that another IC tag 120 is added to the same position in the sub-scanning direction on the paper, so that the processing from step S48 to step S50 is performed. Execute.

On the other hand, if there is no coincidence with the coordinate in the sub-scanning direction of another IC tag addition position, it is detected whether or not another IC tag 120 needs to be added (step S52), and it is necessary to add it. If there is, the process from step S45 to step S51 is executed.
Further, when it is not necessary to add another IC tag 120 (NO in step S52) or when it is not necessary to add the IC tag 120 (NO in step S42), the control unit 32 performs the paper supply / discharge. The unit 39 discharges the sheet to the sheet discharge tray 63 (step 53).

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various other modes.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the toner image on the photoconductor 50 is transferred to the transfer belt 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be transferred to a transfer drum, a transfer sheet, or the like.
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a laser printer has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as an ink jet printer and a thermal transfer printer.

In the above embodiment, the arrangement of the image is calculated using the actual size of the paper size and the image size. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement coordinates are calculated according to a combination assumed in advance. Then, it may be stored as a database, and the arrangement may be detected by searching the arrangement coordinates of the image according to the setting from the database.
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system is configured as a separate device of the host device 2 and the laser printer 3. For example, as an integrated device having the functions of the host device 2 and the laser printer 2. It may be configured. Further, a part of the functional units provided on the host device 2 side may be provided in the laser printer 3. For example, the additional position setting unit 13 c may be provided in the laser printer 3.

In the above embodiment, data is written to the IC tag 120 after adding the IC tag 120 to the paper. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and data writing to the IC tag 120 is performed. The IC tag 120 may be added to the paper after performing the above.
In the above embodiment, an IC tag is added after image formation. However, an IC tag may be added before image formation.
In the above embodiment, the write data to be written to the IC tag 120 may be, for example, image data itself or audio data. In short, as long as the amount of data is storable in the IC tag. Various data may be used.

1 is a functional configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the exclusive paper arrangement | positioning information database which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image application window which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the print setting window which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the additional position detailed setting window which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the setting window for every image which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the print data which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the color laser printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the IC tag mechanism part which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the IC tag tape cartridge which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the IC tag tape and IC tag which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing until an image is printed in the host device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print setting processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the image formation process in the laser printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system, 2 Host apparatus, 3 Laser printer, 4 Cable, 10 Host apparatus main body, 11 Display apparatus, 12 Input device, 13 CPU, 13a Application part, 13b Arrangement | positioning detection part, 13c Additional position setting part, 13d Reception part , 13e Data transmission unit, 14 ROM, 15 RAM, 16 hard disk drive, 17 display processing unit, 18 input interface, 19 combo drive, 20 external interface, 21 bus, 22 recording medium, 31 external interface, 32 control unit, 33 printing Mechanism part, 34 IC tag mechanism part, 35 Photosensitive unit, 36 Exposure unit, 37 Transfer unit, 38 Fixing unit, 39 Feeding / discharging unit, 40 IC tag adding part, 41 Reader / writer part, 100 IC tag tape Cartridges, 120 IC tag.

Claims (12)

An image forming system for forming an image on paper,
Paper size storage means for storing the setting of the paper size to be printed;
Image storage means for storing a plurality of images to be formed on a sheet;
Image size storage means for storing the setting of the image size on the paper;
An arrangement detecting means for detecting the arrangement of the plurality of images on the paper based on the paper size and the image size;
Additional position setting means for setting a position on the paper as an additional position of the IC tag according to the arrangement of the image;
Image forming means for forming a plurality of the images on the paper according to the arrangement;
An image forming system comprising tag adding means for adding the IC tag to the additional position of the paper. A writing information storage means for storing writing information to the IC tag of the paper;
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a writing unit that writes the writing information to the IC tag. Paper size storage means for storing the setting of the paper size to be printed;
Image storage means for storing a plurality of images to be formed on a sheet;
Image size storage means for storing the setting of the image size on the paper;
An arrangement detecting means for detecting the arrangement of the plurality of images on the paper based on the paper size and the image size;
Additional position setting means for setting the position on the paper according to the arrangement of the image as an additional position of the IC tag;
Print data transmitting means for transmitting print data including image data for printing for forming the image according to the arrangement and additional command data for adding the IC tag to the additional position;
A host device. A position designation accepting unit for accepting designation of a position to which the IC tag is added in the arrangement area of the image from a user;
The host apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the additional position setting unit determines the additional position based on the arrangement of the image and the designated position. The position designation accepting unit accepts designation of a position to add an IC tag for each image,
5. The host device according to claim 4, wherein the additional position setting means sets the additional position of the IC tag for each image based on the designated position and the arrangement for each image. A paper size receiving means for receiving a paper size setting from a user;
Image size accepting means for accepting the setting of the image size on the paper from the user,
The paper size storage means stores the paper size received by the paper size reception means;
6. The host apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image size storage unit stores the image size received by the image size reception unit. A writing information storage means for storing writing information to the IC tag of the paper;
The host apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the print data transmitting unit transmits the write information included in the print data. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on transmitted print data,
The print data includes print image data for forming a plurality of the images according to the arrangement and additional command data for adding an IC tag to an additional position.
Print data receiving means for receiving the print data;
Image forming means for forming a plurality of the images on the paper based on the print image data of the print data;
Tag adding means for adding the IC tag to the additional position of the paper based on the additional command data included in the print data;
An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the tag adding unit adds the IC tag to a back surface of a surface of the paper on which the image is formed. The image forming unit includes:
Toner image forming means for forming toner images of the plurality of images on the paper;
Fixing means for fixing the formed toner image to the paper;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the tag adding unit adds the IC tag to the sheet on which the toner image is fixed by a fixing unit. The print data includes writing information to the IC tag,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a writing unit that writes the write information included in the print data into the IC tag. An image forming method by an image forming system for forming an image,
A paper size storage means for storing a setting of a paper size to be printed;
An image storage step in which the image storage means stores a plurality of images to be formed on the paper;
An image size storage step in which an image size storage means stores the setting of the image size on the paper;
An arrangement detecting step for detecting an arrangement of the plurality of images on a sheet based on the sheet size and the image size;
An additional position setting step in which the additional position setting means sets the position on the paper as the additional position of the IC tag according to the arrangement of the image;
An image forming step in which an image forming unit forms a plurality of the images on the paper according to the arrangement;
An image forming method, comprising: a tag addition unit, wherein a tag addition unit adds the IC tag to the addition position of the paper.

Images