JP3746698B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

本システムによれば、従来手作業で行っていた集計、焼き増し、分配等の手間が省け、学校側、写真店側の労力が軽減され、その労力に伴うコストも軽減される。
【０２５０】
また、駅の広告物として、商品の写真が配置された上記小型ＩＣチップ埋め込み印刷物を利用することもできる。第２適用例と同様にして、広告物にアクセスするだけで、各消費者は、商品を購入することもでき、販売者側の労力も軽減される。
【０２５１】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、ＩＣチップ転写手段が転写制御手段により制御されることで、ＩＣチップが中間転写手段の可視像に転写される。そして、転写制御手段により、中間転写手段上の可視像の位置と、ＩＣチップ転写手段上のＩＣチップの位置と、合わせることができる。また、中間転写手段上の可視像の位置と、ＩＣチップ転写手段上のＩＣチップの位置と、が接触する時間タイミングが同じとなる。これにより、ＩＣチップが可視像に転写され、ＩＣチップを画像に埋め込んだ印刷物を形成できる
このようにして、従来の画像形成装置に改良を加えることで、ＩＣチップを埋め込んだ印刷物を効率良く、作成することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態１に係る画像形成装置の構成を示す図である。
【図２】本発明の実施形態１に係る印刷媒体と各ドットの関係を説明するための図である。
【図３】各ドットの可視像が潜像保持体、中間転写体に転写されていく様子を示す図である。
【図４】本発明の実施形態に係るＩＣチップ転写ヘッド部の動作を示すための図である。
【図５】本発明の実施形態１に係る画像形成装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図６】本発明の実施形態１に係る画像形成装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図７】本発明の実施形態１に係る画像形成装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である
【図８】本発明の実施形態１に係る算出部による算出の動作を示すフローチャート図である
【図９】本実施の形態１に係る算出部による算出される可視像ドット領域の一例を示す図である。
【図１０】本実施の形態１に係る算出部により算出された円筒位置や転写位置を示す図である。
【図１１】本実施の形態１に係る小型ＩＣチップを可視像に転写する際の転写制御を説明するための図である。
【図１２】本実施の形態１に係る画像形成装置の動作の一部を示すフローチャート図である。
【図１３】本発明の実施形態２に係る画像形成装置の構成を示す図である。
【図１４】本実施の形態２に係る画像形成装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図１５】本実施の形態２に係る画像形成装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図１６】本発明の実施形態３に係る画像形成装置の構成を示す図である。
【図１７】本発明の実施形態４に係る画像形成装置の構成を示す図である。
【図１８】本発明の第１適用例である印刷物を示す図である。
【図１９】本発明の第１適用例であるシステムを示す図である。
【図２０】本実施の第１適用例のシステムの動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図２１】本実施の第１適用例のシステムの動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図２２】本発明の第２適用例である印刷物を示す図である。
【図２３】本発明の第２適用例であるシステムを示す図である。
【図２４】本実施の第２適用例のシステムの動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図２５】本実施の第２適用例のシステムの動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 潜像保持体 ２ 潜像形成部 ３ 現像部 ４ 中間転写部 ４ａ 中間転写体 ５、５ａ 帯電部 ６，６ａ，６ｂ 露光部 ７，７ａ，７ｂ 発光部 ８，８ａ，８ｂ 発光駆動部 ９，９ａ，９ｂ タンク １０，１０ａ，１０ｂ現像ローラ １１，１１ａ，１１ｂ 現像器 １２，１２ａ，１２ｂ 現像タンク １３，１３ａ，１３ｂ 現像液供給配管 １４，１４ａ，１４ｂ 現像液回収管 １５ ＩＣチップ転写部 １５ａ ＩＣチップ転写体 １７，７６，９６ 格納部 １８、３０ 転写制御部 １９ 可視像転写部 １９ａ 可視像転写体 ２０ 入力部 ２１ 算出部 ２２ ＩＣチップ転写ヘッド部 ２３ カウンタ ２４，７７，９７ 制御部 ２９ 印刷媒体 ３１ 所望印刷情報生成部 ６０、８０ 小型ＩＣチップ埋め込み印刷物 ６１、６２，６３、８１，８２ 小型ＩＣチップ ６１ａ，６２ａ，６３ａ，８１ａ，８２ａ センサー部 ６１ｂ 認証データ生成部、６２ｂ 投票データ生成部 ６３ｂ 罷免データ生成部 ６１ｃ、６２ｃ、６３ｃ、８１ｃ、８２ｄ 送信部 ７０、９０集計装置 ７１、９１ 受信部 ７２、９２ 解析部 ７３、９３ 認証検査部 ７４ 集計部 ７５、９５ 出力部 ８２ｂ スイッチ部 ９４ 写真購入データ生成部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of embedding a small IC chip in an image of printed matter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there are printed materials having various functions. Such printed matter may incorporate a circuit including an IC chip having a predetermined function.
[0003]
For example, such a circuit has a function of detecting a moving object with infrared rays and generating a predetermined voice message. When the above circuit is incorporated in the advertisement poster, a voice message of a predetermined advertisement is heard when a person passes by the advertisement poster.
[0004]
There is also a greeting card as a printed matter having a similar function. For example, when a birthday or Christmas greeting card is opened, predetermined music and voice are played.
[0005]
Conventionally, since the IC chip incorporated in these printed materials has a thickness of about several millimeters, if such an IC chip is incorporated into a normal printed material other than the above-mentioned applications, the thickness becomes thicker and handling. There was a problem that it was inconvenient.
[0006]
On the other hand, in recent years, information processing apparatuses represented by mobile phones have been downsized, and along with this, IC chips having a predetermined function have also been downsized. At present, a small IC chip having a predetermined function with a size of about 0.4 mm × 0.4 mm × 0.06 mm has been developed. By incorporating an antenna and character information into this small IC chip, predetermined character information can be transmitted by a signal given from the outside. If such a small IC chip is used, the thickness of the printed material does not increase.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when such a small IC chip is incorporated in a printed matter, there are the following problems. In other words, conventionally, a printed matter in which an IC chip having a predetermined function is incorporated is created by a method of pasting an IC chip after the printed matter is made. According to this method, when such a small IC chip is attached to a printed material, an apparatus having a special mechanism is required. As a result, there is a problem that the cost becomes high.
[0008]
On the other hand, when such an apparatus is not created, an operator creates a printed material incorporating a small IC chip. When a worker performs, special skill is required to incorporate such a small IC chip into a printed matter. As a result, there is a problem that the production efficiency is deteriorated and the cost is increased.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. A small IC chip can be efficiently applied to an image by using a conventional image forming apparatus without using an apparatus having a special mechanism. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming an embedded printed matter.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, a first image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a latent image holding member, and a developer on the latent image holding member. A developing means for supplying and developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible image; and a means for allowing contact with the latent image holding member. The visible image is copied from the latent image holding member and temporarily held. An IC chip, which is provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer means and has a storage means for holding character information and a communication means for communicating the character information, is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means. IC chip transfer means, transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means, and the intermediate transfer means are provided so as to be in contact with each other, and the visible image transferred with the IC chip is transferred to the intermediate transfer means Visible image transfer means for transferring from a print medium to a print medium It is characterized in that it has a.
[0011]
In addition, according to a second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the transfer control unit according to claim 1 is configured to transfer the IC chip of the IC chip transfer unit to the possible transfer unit of the intermediate transfer unit based on print information. Based on the timing of latent image formation by the latent image forming unit, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer unit, the position to be transferred to the visual image is calculated. Based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculating means, the calculating means for calculating the time timing for transferring the IC chip of the chip transferring means to the visible image of the intermediate transferring means, and the IC chip transferring means And a control means for controlling the transfer by.
[0012]
According to a third image forming apparatus of the present invention, at least one surface of the IC chip according to claim 1 or 2 is formed of a material having high adhesion to the visible image. The chip transfer means transfers the IC chip onto the visible image of the intermediate transfer means so that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image.
[0013]
According to a fourth image forming apparatus of the present invention, the color of at least one surface of the IC chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is the same color as a print medium, and the IC chip transfer unit The IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means so that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image.
[0014]
The fifth image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a first latent image forming unit that forms a first electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member, and a developer supplied to the latent image holding member. And a first developing unit that develops the first electrostatic latent image into a first visible image, wherein the latent image is transferred to the printing medium. Second latent image forming means for forming a second electrostatic latent image on the surface of the holding member, and supplying the liquid developer to the latent image holding member to make the second electrostatic latent image the same color as the printing medium A second developing means for developing the second visible image; and the latent image holding member, wherein the second visible image is copied from the latent image holding member and temporarily held. An IC chip having an intermediate transfer means, a storage means for holding the character information, and a communication means for communicating the character information. An IC chip transfer means for transferring the intermediate transfer means to the second visible image, a transfer control means for controlling a transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means, and the intermediate transfer means are provided so as to be in contact with each other. And a visible image transfer unit that transfers the transferred second visible image from the intermediate transfer unit to a printing medium.
[0015]
In a sixth image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer control means according to claim 5 generates desired print information for transferring the second visible image to a desired position in the print medium. Based on the desired print information generating means and the desired print information, the position for transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means is calculated, and the second Based on the timing of latent image formation by the latent image forming unit, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer unit, the IC chip of the IC chip transfer unit is transferred to the intermediate transfer unit. Calculating means for calculating a time timing for transferring to the second visible image of the means, and a control means for controlling transfer by the IC chip transfer means based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculating means. When, it is characterized in that it has a.
[0016]
The seventh image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member, and a developer supplied to the latent image holding member to provide the electrostatic latent image. A latent image holding IC chip having a developing means for developing an image into a visible image, a storage means for holding the character information, and a communication means for communicating the character information provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body. IC chip transfer means for transferring to the visible image of the body, transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means, and the latent image holding body are provided in contact with each other, and the IC chip is transferred And a visible image transfer means for transferring the visible image from the latent image holding member to a printing medium.
[0017]
According to the present invention, the IC chip transfer unit is controlled by the transfer control unit, whereby the IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit. The transfer control means can match the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer means with the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer means. In addition, the timing of contact between the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer unit and the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer unit is the same. Thereby, the IC chip is transferred to the visible image, and a printed matter in which the IC chip is embedded in the image can be formed.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
(1) Configuration of image forming apparatus
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a wet image forming apparatus using liquid toner will be described, but the present invention is not particularly limited to wet.
[0019]
The image forming apparatus includes a latent image holding body 1 that holds an electrostatic latent image on the surface, a latent image forming section 2 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding body 1, and a latent image holding body 1. A developing unit 3 that supplies a liquid developer to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image and a latent image holding member 1 are provided so as to be in contact with each other, and the visible image is copied from the latent image holding member 1 to temporarily And an intermediate transfer portion 4 to be held on the surface.
[0020]
As the latent image holder 1, for example, a photosensitive drum in which an organic or amorphous silicon photosensitive layer is provided on the surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate can be used. Further, the latent image holding body 1 incorporates a latent image holding body driving unit (not shown) that drives the rotational speed of the latent image holding body 1.
[0021]
The latent image forming unit 2 includes a charging unit 5 and an exposure unit 6. The charging unit 5 uniformly charges the surface of the latent image holding member 1. The charging unit 5 includes a charger 50 and a charging drive unit (not shown) that drives the charging operation of the charger 50. As the charger 50, for example, a corona charger 50 or a scorotron charger 50 can be used. The charging drive unit is controlled by the control unit 24 described later, and drives the charger 50 to charge the surface of the latent image holding body 1 to a predetermined potential.
[0022]
The exposure unit 6 exposes the uniformly charged surface of the latent image holding body 1 with an image-modulated laser beam or the like to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding body 1. The exposure unit 6 includes a light emitting unit 7, a light emission driving unit 8 that drives the light emitting unit 7, and an optical mechanism unit (not shown) that forms an image of light from the light emitting unit 7 on the surface of the latent image holding body 1. And an optical drive unit (not shown) for driving the optical mechanism unit.
[0023]
The light emitting unit 7 is constituted by, for example, an LED array, a semiconductor laser, or the like. The light emission drive unit 8 includes a driver IC that controls light emission of each LED and laser based on print information described later.
[0024]
As the optical mechanism unit, when a laser is used for the light emitting unit 7, a polygon mirror that changes the traveling direction of light emitted from the laser to a predetermined direction, or an F-θ lens that forms an image of this light on the surface of the latent image holder 1. There is. On the other hand, when LEDs are used, there is a Selfoc lens array in which the Selfoc lenses corresponding to a plurality of LED light emitting units are arranged. Thereby, the light emitted from each light emitting unit 7 is imaged on the surface of the latent image holding body 1.
[0025]
In the case of a laser, the optical drive unit drives the optical mechanism unit and applies light emitted from the laser in a plurality of locations in the axial direction of the latent image holding body 1.
[0026]
Note that the exposure unit 6 may be composed of a light source, a liquid crystal shutter, and a selfoc lens.
[0027]
The developing unit 3 supplies the liquid developer to the surface of the latent image holding body 1, adheres the liquid developer and toner particles contained in the electrostatic latent image to the electrostatic image formed on the surface of the latent image holding body 1. Develop the latent image into a visible image.
[0028]
The developing unit 3 includes a tank 9 in which a predetermined amount of liquid developer in which toner particles are dispersed and a developing roller 10 disposed in the tank 9 and a developing unit 10 that drives the developing roller 10. A drive unit (not shown).
[0029]
The developing roller 10 rotates while holding a liquid developer containing toner particles, and is applied with a constant potential. For this reason, a potential difference is generated between the surface of the developing roller 10 and a portion other than the charged portion on the surface of the latent image holding member 1. That is, the surface potential of the developing roller 10 is higher than the surface potential of the latent image holding member 1. As a result, the toner particles contained in the liquid developer filled between the electrostatic latent image on the latent image holding body 1 and the developing roller 10 are electrophoresed on the electrostatic latent image side on the latent image holding body 1. And is attached to the electrostatic latent image. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a visible image. The visible image is composed of a pigment, a resin, or the like. Examples of this resin include styrene acrylic and polyester resins.
[0030]
The development driving unit is controlled by the control unit 24 described later, and drives the rotation speed of the developing roller 10 and the potential of the developing roller 10. The potential of the developing roller 10 can be set to about 300 V when the charging by the charger 50 is about 600 V, for example. Further, the rotational peripheral speed of the developing roller 10 can usually be set to about twice the rotational peripheral speed of the latent image holding member 1.
[0031]
The developing unit 3 includes a developer tank 12 in which a liquid developer containing toner particles is stored, and a developer tank in the developer 11 so that a predetermined amount of liquid developer is always stored in the developer 11. 12 includes a developer supply pipe 13 for supplying a liquid developer from 12, and a developer recovery pipe 14 for recovering the liquid developer from the developing device 11 to the developer tank 12.
[0032]
The developer tank is connected to a concentrated developer supply unit and a developer concentration adjusting unit (not shown). Then, as necessary, the concentrated developer is supplied from the concentrated developer supply unit to the developer tank, and is adjusted to a predetermined concentration by the developer concentration adjusting unit.
[0033]
The intermediate transfer unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer member 4a and an intermediate transfer driving unit (not shown) that drives the intermediate transfer member.
[0034]
The intermediate transfer body 4 a is in elastic contact with the latent image holding body 1, so that the visible image is once transferred from the latent image holding body 1. As this intermediate transfer member, for example, a metal roller covered with adhesive silicone having a thickness of about 50 to 2000 μm and having a built-in heater can be used.
[0035]
The intermediate transfer driving unit is controlled by a control unit 24 described later, and can drive the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer member and the temperature of the intermediate transfer member.
[0036]
The temperature of the intermediate transfer member is a temperature at which the visible image becomes soft and an IC chip having a storage unit that holds character information described later and a communication unit that communicates the character information can adhere to the visible image. Need to be. Such temperature is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature of the visible image. For example, when the glass transition temperature of the visible image is about 40 ° C., the temperature of the intermediate transfer member can be about 80 to 100 ° C.
[0037]
The image forming apparatus is provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer unit 4, and the IC chip transfer unit 15 that transfers the IC chip to a visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4, and print data output from a scanner, a personal computer or the like. Based on the print information generation unit 16 that generates print information, a storage unit 17 that stores various data such as print information generated by the print information generation unit 16, and IC chip transfer based on the print information The transfer control unit 18 that controls the transfer operation by the unit 15 and the intermediate transfer unit 4 are provided so as to be in contact with each other, and the visible image onto which the IC chip is transferred is transferred from the intermediate transfer unit 4 to the printing medium 29. An image transfer unit 19, a cleaning unit 20 that cleans the latent image holder 1 after the visible image is transferred to the intermediate transfer unit 4, and a print medium 29 onto which the visible image with the IC chip is transferred are illustrated. Not paper Includes a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the over (not shown), a housing portion covering the respective portions (not shown).
[0038]
Here, the IC chip used in the present embodiment includes a storage unit that holds character information and a communication unit that communicates the character information. The size of the IC chip is about 0.4 mm × 0.4 mm to about 1 mm × 1 mm. The thickness is about 0.06 mm. Hereinafter, such an IC chip is referred to as a small IC chip.
[0039]
The IC chip transfer unit 15 includes an IC chip transfer body 15a and an IC chip transfer drive unit (not shown) that is built in the IC chip transfer body 15a and drives the IC chip transfer body 15a. As the IC chip transfer body 15a, for example, a metal roller coated with adhesive silicon having a thickness of about 50 to 1000 μm can be used. Thereby, a small IC chip can be attached to the IC chip transfer body 15a. Note that the IC chip transfer body 15a is separated from the intermediate transfer body 4a except during pressure contact.
[0040]
The IC chip transfer driving unit is controlled by the control unit 24 and drives the rotation speed and operation of the IC chip transfer body 15a.
[0041]
The print information generation unit 16 generates print information based on the print data. That is, the print information generation unit 16 can print one page so that an image can be formed at a predetermined position in the print medium 29 based on print data sent from a scanner or the like, a designated print size, a character pitch, and the like. Print information is generated.
[0042]
Here, the minimum unit of the printable area in the print medium 29 is referred to as a dot. For the printable area, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the vertical area of the print medium 29 is divided into Y dots and the horizontal area is divided into Z dots. As a result, the printable area can be divided into Y × Z dots.
[0043]
In order to form a predetermined image on the print medium 29, it is necessary to form an image with a certain dot and not form an image with a certain dot.
[0044]
In order to form an image on the print medium 29, it is necessary to cause the latent image holder 1 to emit light by the light emitting unit 7. The reason is as follows. After the surface of the latent image holding member 1 is uniformly charged by the charger 50, the light is removed from the light emitting portion, and the charge is left in the portion not emitting light. Then, by setting the potential of the developing roller 10 lower than the potential of the charged charge, the potential of the developing roller 10 is higher between the portion where the charge has been removed and the developing roller 10. Therefore, the toner particles are attached to the portion from which the electric charge has been removed (light emission portion) by electrophoresis. As a result, a visible image is formed in the emitted portion, and an image is formed corresponding to the emitted portion on the print medium 29 by the rotation and transfer operations of the latent image holding body 1 and the intermediate transfer body 4a. The
[0045]
Here, the operation of the light emitting unit 7 and the optical mechanism unit necessary for forming an image of each dot on the print medium 29 is referred to as the light emitting unit 7 etc. emitting light for each dot. This operation is, for example, an on operation of the laser light source or a rotation operation of the optical mechanism unit if the light emitting unit 7 is a laser. If the light emitting unit 7 is an LED print head, the operation is to emit each light emitting dot of the LED array.
As the print information, first, there is information on whether or not each dot is caused to emit light by the light emitting unit 7 or the like, and in which position of the latent image holding body 1 the light emission is emitted.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 3, if a visible image is formed by causing the light emitting unit 7 to emit light at the position of each dot in the axial direction of the latent image holding body 1, the latent image holding body 1, the intermediate transfer body 4a, etc. Thus, an image is formed at each dot position in the horizontal direction of the print medium 29 by the rotation and transfer operations.
[0047]
The print information includes the timing of light emission by the light emitting unit 7 or the like. Since the latent image holder 1, the intermediate transfer member 4a, and the like rotate at a predetermined rotation speed, each dot in the vertical direction of the print medium 29 can be determined by appropriately determining the light emission timing in consideration of the rotation speed and the light emission timing. An image is formed at the position.
[0048]
When the light emitting unit 7 or the like emits light for each dot in accordance with the print information, a visible image of each dot is formed at a predetermined position on the corresponding latent image holding body 1. The visible image of each dot is transferred to the position of each dot on the printing medium 29 by the rotation and transfer operation of the intermediate transfer body 4a and the visible image transfer body 19a. As a result, an image is formed at each dot position in the print medium 29 based on the print data or the like.
[0049]
Further, the storage unit 17 stores, for example, a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the print information generated by the print information generation unit 16 and the position of each dot in the print medium 29.
[0050]
The transfer control unit 18 includes an input unit 20 for inputting predetermined information, a display unit (not shown) for displaying information necessary for input by the input unit 20, and an IC chip transfer unit based on the print information. The position for transferring the 15 small IC chips to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4 is calculated, and the latent image formation time by the latent image forming unit 2, the rotation speed of the latent image holding body 1, and the intermediate Based on the rotational speed of the transfer unit 4, the calculation unit 21 that calculates time timing for transferring the small IC chip of the IC chip transfer unit 15 to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4, and the IC chip transfer unit 15 are in contact with each other. An IC chip transfer head unit 22 that transfers the small IC chip to the IC chip transfer unit 15, a counter 23 that counts time for driving or controlling each unit, and a transfer calculated by the calculation unit 21. Position and on the basis of the time the timing of the transfer, has equal for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer unit 15, a control unit 24 for controlling each section, a.
[0051]
The predetermined information input to the input unit 20 includes the rotation speed of the latent image holding body 1, the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer body 4a, the rotation speed of the IC chip transfer body 15a, the size of the small IC chip, and a one-dot image. Size, the total number of dots per line in the horizontal direction, the printer resolution DPI, the position where the small IC chip is to be embedded in the printing medium 29, the speed at which the IC chip transfer body 15a moves in the direction of the intermediate transfer body 4a, etc. .
[0052]
In addition, once these values are input, they may be stored in the storage unit 17 and read out from the storage unit 17 by the control unit 24 as necessary.
[0053]
The calculation unit 21 calculates the transfer position based on the predetermined information input to the input unit 20 and the print information generated by the print information generation unit 16.
[0054]
Further, the calculation unit 21 calculates a transfer timing based on the latent image formation time timing by the latent image forming unit 2, the rotation speed of the latent image holding body 1, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer body 4a. To do. The detailed description of the calculation operation will be described later.
[0055]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of attaching a small IC chip to the IC chip transfer unit 15 using the IC chip transfer head unit 22. The IC chip transfer head unit 22 is movable in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer body 15a. Then, the small IC chip attached to the head portion 22 is pressed against the IC chip transfer body 15a in the traveling direction shown in FIG. 4, so that the small IC chip is attached to the IC chip transfer body 15a.
[0056]
The visible image transfer unit 19 transfers the visible image with the small IC chip of the intermediate transfer unit 4 to the print medium 29, and is pressed against the intermediate transfer unit 4 via the print medium 29.
[0057]
The visible image transfer unit 19 includes a visible image transfer body 19a and a visible image transfer body driving unit (not shown) that drives the visible image transfer body 19a. As the visible image transfer body 19a, for example, a metal roller covered with adhesive silicone having a thickness of about 50 to 1000 μm can be used. The visible image transfer driving unit is controlled by the control unit 24 and drives the rotation speed of the visible image transfer member.
[0058]
Here, it is preferable that at least one surface of the small IC chip is formed of a material having high adhesion to a visible image. This high adhesiveness is required to be higher than the high adhesiveness between the small IC chip and the IC chip transfer body 15a. The IC chip transfer body 15a transfers the small IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer body 4a so that the one surface of the small IC chip faces the visible image. Thereby, the small IC chip can be reliably transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer body 4a.
[0059]
Here, the color of at least one surface of the small IC chip is preferably the same color as that of the print medium 29. Then, the IC chip transfer body 15a transfers the small IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4 so that the one surface of the small IC chip faces the visible image.
[0060]
When the visible image on the print medium 29 does not completely cover the small IC chip, the color of the small IC chip may be conspicuous depending on the color of the visible image, the color of the small IC chip, and the color of the print medium 29. is there. As described above, by matching the color of the small IC chip with the color of the print medium 29, the color of the small IC chip not covered with the visible image becomes inconspicuous. Therefore, the appearance of the printed matter by embedding the small IC chip is not affected.
[0061]
The intermediate transfer member 4a is normally heated to about 80 to 100 ° C., and the latent image holding member 1 in contact with the intermediate transfer member 4a is gradually warmed. However, except during printing, the latent image holding member 1 and the intermediate transfer member 4a are separated by a mechanism (not shown), and heat is not directly transmitted.
[0062]
(2) Operation of image forming apparatus
The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 5, 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus.
[0063]
In step S100, the control unit 24 determines whether print data, a character size, or the like has been sent to the print information generation unit 16 from a scanner or a personal computer. If it is sent, the process proceeds to step S110. If not, the process returns to step S100.
[0064]
In step S110, the control unit 24 determines whether the print information generation unit 16 has generated print information. If generated, the process proceeds to step S120. If not, the process proceeds to step S110.
[0065]
In step S <b> 120, the control unit 24 determines whether predetermined information (excluding a desired position) is input to the input unit 20. If input, the process proceeds to step S125. If not input, in step S123, the control unit 24 causes the display unit to display an instruction to the user to input the predetermined information, and causes the input unit 20 to input the predetermined information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S125.
[0066]
In step S125, the control unit 24 causes the display unit to display whether or not a position where the small IC chip is embedded in the print medium 29 is desired. If desired, the user is caused to input a desired position to the input unit 20 in step S127. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130. If not desired, the process proceeds to step S130.
[0067]
In step S130, the control unit 24 sends the information (desired position, 1-dot image size, small IC chip size, etc.) input by the input unit 20 to the calculation unit 21, and the transfer position and The calculation unit 21 executes the operation by instructing to calculate the transfer time timing. At this time, the control unit 24 reads a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the position in the print medium 29 and each dot from the storage unit 17 and sends it to the calculation unit 21.
[0068]
The operation of step S130 will be described in detail below.
[0069]
(A) Transfer position calculation operation by the calculation unit 21
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the calculation operation of step S130 by the calculation unit 21.
[0070]
In step S1000, the calculation unit 21 considers the size of a one-dot image (hereinafter referred to as a dot image) input to the input unit 20 and the size of the small IC chip, and the visible image is converted into a small IC chip on the printed matter. The visible image dot area, which is the area of the dot image that completely covers the image, is calculated.
[0071]
For example, consider a resolution of 300 DPI. At this time, the size of the one-dot image is about 80 μm to 120 μm. When the size of the small IC chip is about 500 μm × 500 μm and the number of dots per horizontal line is Y, the calculation unit 21 performs the following operation on the print medium 29 as shown in FIG. A visible image dot region that satisfies the condition that at least five dots are formed in an image and is continuous in the vertical and horizontal directions is calculated.
[0072]
In this case, the calculation unit 21
X + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3,... Α),
X + Y + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3,... Α),
X + 2Y + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3,... Α),
X + 3Y + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3,... Α),
X that is X + 4Y + i dots (i = 1, 2, 3,... Α) and α of 4 or more are calculated from the print information.
[0073]
Here, the number of Y dots appears, as shown in FIG. 3, since a visible image is formed in Y dot units in the axial direction of the latent image holding body 1 and the intermediate transfer body 4a. This is because the image 29 is formed in units of Y dots in the horizontal direction shown in FIG.
[0074]
Then, the calculation unit 21 calculates X and α. At this time, if there are a plurality of X satisfying the above conditions, all X and α are calculated. Thereby, the calculation unit 21 calculates a visible image dot region (hereinafter, a calculation region) that satisfies the condition.
[0075]
In step S1010, the calculation unit 21 determines whether a desired position has been input. If it is input, the process proceeds to step S1020. If it is not input, the process proceeds to step S1040.
[0076]
In step S1020, the calculation unit 21 refers to the correspondence table and determines a desired dot that is a dot corresponding to a desired position.
[0077]
In step S1025, the calculation unit 21 determines whether the desired dot is at or near the center of the calculation area.
[0078]
If it is not near the center of the calculation area, the process proceeds to step S1030. If it is near the center of the calculation area, the calculation area is set as the target calculation area, and the process proceeds to step S1045.
[0079]
In step S1030, the calculation unit 21 causes the display unit to display a display indicating that no image is formed at a desired position via the control unit 24. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S125.
[0080]
In step S1040, the calculation unit 21 calculates the calculation area having the largest area as the target calculation area. Specifically, among all X, X having the largest α is calculated. When α is the largest, the calculation area is the largest, the contact area between the small IC chip and the visible image is the largest, and it can be said that the small IC chip adheres most to the visible image.
[0081]
In step S <b> 1045, the calculation unit 21 calculates a cylindrical position and a transfer position, which are positions in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15 corresponding to the center position of the target calculation region or a dot near the center.
[0082]
For example, in the example of FIG. 9, the cylinder position is a position in the cylinder axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15 corresponding to X + 2Y + 2 dots. When there is no dot at the center position, it is the position in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15 corresponding to any one dot (dot near the center) among the dots closest to the center position.
[0083]
At this time, the calculation unit 21 holds a table indicating the correspondence between each dot in the horizontal direction and the position of the IC chip transfer unit 15 in the cylindrical axis direction. Specifically, it is as follows.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 10, for example, the correspondence table shows the correspondence between the center dot and the position of the IC chip transfer unit 15 in the X axis direction with the X axis in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15. ing. For example,
W dot X = XW
W + 1 dot X = XW + 1. . . It is correspondence like.
[0085]
The calculation unit 21 refers to this table and calculates the cylindrical position Xw in the cylindrical axis direction of the IC chip transfer unit 15 corresponding to the center dot of the target calculation region. For this cylindrical position, only the position in the X-axis direction is considered.
[0086]
Then, the calculation unit 21 rotates the point of the cylindrical position Xw, and calculates a point (Ew) that can contact the intermediate transfer body 4a by pressure contact as a transfer position. This transfer position is a position where the position in the X-axis direction is the same as the cylindrical position and can contact the intermediate transfer body 4a by pressure contact.
[0087]
For example, when the center dot is a W + nY dot (n is an integer of 0 or more and W is an integer of Y or less), the position of the IC chip transfer unit 15 in the cylindrical axis direction is Xw. The reason is that the visible timing image of the W dot and the visible image of the W + nY dot on the intermediate transfer body 4a are transferred at different timings with the IC chip transfer unit 15, but the cylindrical position is This is because both are Xw and the transfer position is also Ew.
(B) The operation for calculating the transfer time will be described below.
[0088]
The control unit 24 causes the charger 50 to start charging, and then controls the light emission driving unit 8 to cause the light emitting unit 7 to start light emission. Then, let T1 be the time timing (for example, time) at which the light emitting unit 7 emits light (formation of an electrostatic latent image by the latent image forming unit 2) with respect to the center of the calculation region or a dot near the center. In addition, as a light emission method, there are cases where dots in the horizontal direction are emitted collectively, but there are also cases where dots in the horizontal direction are emitted by a scan method like a laser. However, since the scanning speed of the laser is considerably faster than the rotation speed of the latent image holding body 1, it is assumed here that light emission ends almost at the same time if the dots are in the same horizontal direction.
[0089]
When the rotation speed X of the latent image holding body 1 and the distance from the A point to the B point shown in FIG. 1 is L1, the rotation causes the A point (the electrostatic latent image forming point of the central dot on the latent image holding body 1). The time it takes for the lens to reach point B (the contact point between the intermediate transfer member 4a and the latent image holding member 1) is L1 / X. If the distance from the point B to the point C (the contact point between the intermediate transfer member 4a and the IC chip transfer member 15a) is L2 at the rotational speed X of the intermediate transfer unit 4, the point is changed from the point B to the point C by rotation. The time to reach is L2 / X.
From the above, the time when the visible image of the center dot reaches the point C after the center dot is emitted to the latent image holding body 1 at time T1 is T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X.
[0090]
On the other hand, the time required to press the IC chip transfer body 15a against the intermediate transfer body 4a (the time required to bring the E point (transfer position of the small IC chip) of the IC chip transfer body 15a into contact with the C point) is determined. Assuming that t, the time when the transfer position Ew of the IC chip transfer body 15a contacts the point C of the intermediate transfer body 4a by pressure contact is T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X + t.
[0091]
Therefore, the transfer time timing is T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X + t.
[0092]
The time t is obtained from the speed at which the IC chip transfer member 15a input by the input unit 20 moves in the direction of the intermediate transfer member 4a.
[0093]
Transfer control can be performed using the transfer position and transfer time timing thus calculated. That is, the small IC chip is transferred to the IC chip transfer body 15a so that the center of the small IC chip comes to the transfer position E described above, and the transfer position E of the IC chip transfer body 15a at the transfer time T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X + t. However, it may be in contact with the point C of the intermediate transfer member 4a. Thereby, the position of the visible image of the center dot in the calculation area and the position of the center of the small IC chip can be matched to transfer the small IC chip to the visible image.
[0094]
For example, transfer control can be performed by the following method. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the control method. The IC chip transfer head portion 22 is brought into pressure contact with the IC chip transfer body 15a to bring the center of the small IC chip into the cylindrical position Xw (R point), and the time when the small IC chip is transferred to the IC chip transfer body 15a is defined as T2. . If the distance from the R point to the E point is L3 at the rotational speed X of the IC chip transfer body 15a, the time required to reach the E point from the R point by the rotation is L3 / X. Here, the point C and the point E are in a positional relationship in which the IC chip transfer body 15a and the intermediate transfer body 4a come into contact by pressure contact. If the time required to press the IC chip transfer body 15a against the intermediate transfer body 4a (the time required to bring the E point of the IC chip transfer body 15a into contact with the C point) is t, The time to reach point C is T2 + L3 / X + t.
[0095]
From the above, since T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X + t = T2 + L3 / X + t holds, at time T2 that satisfies this equation, the small IC chip is transferred from the IC chip transfer head portion 22 to the IC chip transfer body 15a by pressure contact. If transferred, at the time T2 + L3 / X, the center of the small IC chip comes to the above-described transfer position Ew of the IC chip transfer body 15a. Then, at the transfer time T2 + L3 / X + t, the transfer position E of the IC chip transfer body 15a is in contact with the point C of the intermediate transfer body 4a. Thereby, the position of the center dot of the visible image in the calculation region and the position of the center of the small IC chip can be matched to transfer the small IC chip to the visible image.
[0096]
Also, transfer control can be performed by the following method.
[0097]
At a time prior to T2, the control unit 24 causes the head unit 22 to transfer the small IC chip to the IC chip transfer body 15a at the cylindrical position R point of the IC chip transfer body 15a. When the small IC chip reaches the point E (transfer position) by rotating the 15a, the control unit 24 stops the rotation of the IC chip transfer body 15a at that position. And it waits until it becomes time T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X, and when that time comes, the control part 24 may press-contact the IC chip transfer body 15a to the intermediate transfer body 4a via an IC chip transfer body drive part. it can.
[0098]
Also in this case, since the transfer position Ew of the IC chip transfer body 15a is in contact with the point C of the intermediate transfer body 4a at the transfer time T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X + t, the center dot of the visible image in the calculation area The small IC chip can be transferred to the visible image by matching the position with the center position of the small IC chip.
[0099]
Note that the same applies when the resolution is different, such as 400, 600, 1200 DPI.
[0100]
The rotational speeds of the latent image holder 1, the intermediate transfer member 4a, the IC chip transfer member 15a, and the visible image transfer member are the same. By making the rotation speed the same, stable transfer without positioning error can be performed. However, the rotational speed may be slightly changed within a range where development and transfer are possible.
[0101]
In step S <b> 140, the control unit 24 acquires the calculated transfer position and transfer time timing from the calculation unit 21.
[0102]
In step S145, the control unit 24 causes the latent image holding body 1 to rotate at the rotation speed X via the latent image holding body driving unit, and causes the charger 50 to rotate via the charging driving unit. The charging operation is performed. By this operation, the surface of the latent image holder 1 is uniformly charged. For example, the charged portion has a potential of 600V, and the uncharged portion has 0V.
[0103]
In step S150, the control unit 24 instructs the light emission driving unit 8 to cause the light emitting unit 7 to emit light to the latent image holding body 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the light emission driving unit 8 instructs the light emission unit 7 to emit light. Make it emit light.
[0104]
The predetermined time is a time until the charged portion on the latent image holding member 1 passes the point A in FIG.
[0105]
At this time, the control unit 24 reads the print information from the storage unit 17 and sends it to the light emission drive unit 8. The light emission driving unit 8 causes the light emitting unit 7 to emit light to the latent image holding body 1 in accordance with the print information.
In step S160, the control unit 24 operates the counter 23 and instructs the developing roller driving unit to rotate the developing roller 10. Thereby, the control unit 24 can acquire time and time information from the count number of the counter 23.
[0106]
Similarly, the control unit 24 instructs the intermediate transfer member driving unit to rotate the intermediate transfer member 4a, and causes the visible image transfer member to rotate with respect to the visible image transfer driving unit. To instruct. Here, the developing roller 10, the intermediate transfer member 4a, and the visible image transfer member rotate at a rotation speed X.
[0107]
The developing operation by the developing unit 3 will be described below. The liquid developer is supplied to the surface of the latent image holding member 1 by the rotation of the developing roller 10. As a result, in the developing unit 3, the liquid developer and toner particles are attached to the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the latent image holding body 1 is visualized.
[0108]
For example, when the developing roller 10 is set to 300 V, an electric field from the latent image holding body 1 to the developing roller 10 is generated between the charged portion of the latent image holding body 1 and the toner particles are transferred to the latent image holding body 1. Does not adhere to. On the other hand, an electric field from the developing roller 10 toward the latent image holding body 1 is generated between the latent image holding body 1 and the non-charged portion, and toner particles adhere to the latent image holding body 1 by electrophoresis.
[0109]
The transfer operation by the intermediate transfer body 4a will be described below. The visible image is once transferred from the latent image holder 1 to the intermediate transfer member 4a. This transfer operation is performed, for example, by pressing the intermediate transfer member 4a against the latent image holding member 1 by the intermediate transfer driving unit.
The transfer operation by the visible image transfer body is performed by transferring the visible image to the printing medium 29 by the press contact between the intermediate transfer body 4a and the visible image transfer body.
[0110]
These transfer operations may be performed by an electric field.
[0111]
In step S170, the control unit 24 is informed of the dots emitted by the light emitting unit 7 and the like from the light emission driving unit 8, and determines whether or not the central dot (hereinafter referred to as the central dot) of the target calculation region has emitted light. to decide. If light is emitted, the counter 23 is reset (latent image formation time timing by the latent image forming unit), and the process proceeds to step S175. If no light is emitted, the process returns to step S170.
[0112]
In step S175, the control unit 24 considers the count number of the counter 23, and has the calculated time T2 (time to transfer the small IC chip from the IC chip transfer head unit 22 to the IC chip transfer body 15a)? Judge whether or not.
[0113]
If YES, the process moves to step S180. If not, the process proceeds to step S175.
[0114]
In step S180, the control unit 24 controls the IC chip transfer head unit 22 to which the small IC chip is attached so that the center of the small IC chip comes to the calculated cylindrical position with respect to the IC chip transfer body 15a. Then, a small IC chip is attached.
[0115]
In step S190, the control unit 24 rotates the IC chip transfer body 15a at the rotation speed X via the IC chip transfer driving unit, and determines whether the time L3 / X has elapsed from time T2 or not. Judgment is based on the number of counts.
[0116]
If not, the process proceeds to step S190. If YES, the process moves to step S200.
[0117]
In step S200, the control unit 24 instructs the IC chip transfer driving unit to stop the rotation of the IC chip transfer body 15a. At this time, the center of the small IC chip is at the transfer position.
[0118]
In step S205, the control unit 24 instructs the IC chip transfer body 15a to come into pressure contact with the intermediate transfer body 4a at a predetermined pressure at a predetermined time t. The IC chip transfer body 15a executes.
[0119]
By this operation, the time timing at which the position of the center dot of the visible image in the target calculation area on the intermediate body and the position of the center of the small IC chip on the IC chip transfer body 15a contact at the same position is the same. . As a result, the small IC chip is transferred to a visible image in a region larger than the size.
[0120]
Further, as described above, the intermediate transfer member 4a is heated to about 80 to 100 ° C. For this reason, the visible image transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 4a is in a soft state. As a result, the small IC chip is transferred onto the visible image in a soft state, so that the adhesion is increased.
[0121]
In step S210, the visible image (visible image with a small IC) to which the small IC chip on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 4a is transferred is pressed against the printing medium by the press contact between the intermediate transfer body 4a and the visible image transfer body 19a. 29 is transferred. By this operation, the small IC chip is embedded in the image. As a result, a printed matter in which the small IC chip is embedded in the image of the calculated dot area including the center dot is formed.
[0122]
In step S220, the print medium 29 to which the visible image with the small IC chip is transferred is transported to a paper tray (not shown) via a plurality of transport rollers.
[0123]
The operation in step S190 may be performed as follows. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation.
[0124]
In step S300, the control unit 24 rotates the IC chip transfer body 15a via the IC chip transfer driving unit, and stops the rotation when the small IC chip reaches the point E.
[0125]
In step S310, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the time L1 / X + L2 / X has elapsed from time T1.
[0126]
If not, the process proceeds to step S310. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S205.
[0127]
(3) Action and effect
In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the IC chip transfer unit 15 is controlled by the transfer control unit 18 so that the small IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer body 4a. Here, the transfer control unit 18 includes a calculation unit 21. The calculation unit 21 calculates the transfer position to the IC chip transfer unit 15 based on the print information, and also sets the latent image formation time timing by the latent image forming body and the rotation speed of the latent image holding body 1. Based on the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer unit 4, the transfer timing is calculated. In some cases, the rotational speed of the IC chip transfer unit 15 is also taken into account in calculating the transfer timing.
[0128]
Therefore, the center of the small IC chip is positioned at the above-mentioned position (R point or E point) of the IC chip transfer body 15a, and the transfer position of the IC chip transfer body 15a is at the transfer time T1 + L1 / X + L2 / X + t. Transfer can be performed such that point E is in contact with point C of the intermediate transfer member 4a. Thereby, the position of the center dot of the visible image in the calculation region and the position of the center of the small IC chip can be matched to transfer the small IC chip to the visible image. Thereby, a printed matter in which a small IC chip is embedded in an image can be formed.
[0129]
In this manner, by improving the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to efficiently create a printed matter in which a small IC chip is embedded.
[0130]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, a small IC chip can be embedded in a region where the visible image is concentrated on the print medium 29. However, some users may want to embed a small IC chip at a specific location on the print medium 29. In such a case, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment cannot embed a small IC chip when there is little or no visible image at the specific location.
[0131]
In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, when it is desired to embed a small IC chip in a desired area in the print medium 29, even when a black visible image does not appear in that area, the same color as the print medium 29 The visible image is transferred to the print medium 29 in that area. A small IC chip can be transferred to the visible image.
[0132]
(1) Configuration of image forming apparatus
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 13, the same components and functions as those shown in FIG.
[0133]
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment supplies a liquid developer to the first latent image forming unit 2 a that forms a first electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member 1 and the latent image holding member 1. A first developing unit 3a that develops the first electrostatic latent image into a first visible image, and a second latent image formation that forms a second electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding body 1. A second developing unit 3b that supplies a liquid developer to the latent image holding body 1 and develops the second electrostatic latent image into a second visible image having the same color as that of the print medium 29. Have.
[0134]
The color of the toner particles in the tank 9a and the developing tank 12a of the first developing unit 3a is, for example, black. The color of the toner particles in the tank 9b and the development tank 12b of the second developing unit 3b is the same color as that of the print medium 29, for example, white.
[0135]
Further, the image forming apparatus is provided so that the first visible image or the second visible image is copied from the latent image holding body 1 and temporarily held, and the intermediate transfer unit 4 can come into contact therewith, An IC chip transfer unit 15 that transfers a small IC chip to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4, a transfer control unit 30 that controls the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer unit 15, and the intermediate transfer unit 4 are provided in contact with each other. And a visible image transfer unit 19 that transfers the second visible image or the first visible image onto which the small IC chip has been transferred from the intermediate transfer unit 4 to the print medium 29.
[0136]
The transfer controller 30 generates a print information for generating print information for forming a second visible image at a desired position in the print medium 29, and the IC chip transfer unit 15 based on the desired print information. Calculates the position at which the small IC chip is transferred to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer unit 4, the timing of the latent image formation by the second latent image forming unit 2, and the rotational speed of the latent image holding member 1. Based on the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer body 4a, a calculation unit 21 that calculates a time timing for the IC chip transfer body 15a to transfer the small IC chip to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer body 4a, and a calculation The control unit 24 controls the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer unit 15 based on the position and time timing calculated by the unit 21.
[0137]
The print information generation unit 16 generates first print information related to whether or not a black visible image is attached (whether or not light is emitted) for all the dots of one page, based on the print data. Then, the first print information is sent to the first light emission drive unit 8a. The first light emission drive unit 8a causes the first light emission unit 7a to emit light.
[0138]
The desired print information generation unit 31 generates second print information about whether or not a second visible image (for example, a white visible image) is attached to the total dots of one page. The second print information is sent to the second light emission drive unit 8b. The second light emission drive unit 8b causes the second light emission unit 8 to emit light.
[0139]
The storage unit 17 also includes a first correspondence table that shows the correspondence between each position in the print medium 29 and each dot, and a second correspondence table that shows the correspondence between the region in the print medium 29 and the dot area. Is stored.
[0140]
The material and color of at least one surface of the small IC chip are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0141]
(2) Operation of image forming apparatus
14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. In the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in the figure, the description of the same operation as that of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.
[0142]
After the operation in step S100, in step S510, the control unit 24 determines whether the print information generation unit 16 has generated the first print information. If generated, the process proceeds to step S520. If not, the process proceeds to step S510.
[0143]
In step S520, the same operation as in step S120 is performed. In step S523 when no input is made, the same operation as in step S123 is performed.
[0144]
In step S 525, the control unit 24 causes the input unit 20 to input the position and region to be embedded in the small IC chip in the print medium 29. For example, the embedding position is expressed by coordinates on the X axis and Y axis of the area in the print medium 29, and (X = ◯, Y = Ｙ) is input. The area to be embedded is inputted as vertical ○ μm and horizontal Δμm. However, when inputting the region to be embedded, it is necessary to input a region larger than the size of the already input small IC chip.
[0145]
In step S530, the control unit 24 receives from the storage unit 17 a first correspondence table indicating the correspondence between each position in the print medium 29 and each dot, and the correspondence between the region in the print medium 29 and the dot region. Is sent to the desired print information generation unit 31.
[0146]
In step S540, the desired print information generation unit 31 refers to the first correspondence table to determine the corresponding dot corresponding to the embedding position, and refers to the second correspondence table to determine the dot region corresponding to the embedding region. To do. The dot area is represented by the number of vertical dots and the number of horizontal dots.
[0147]
In step S550, the desired print information generation unit 31 generates desired print information as a dot region having a corresponding dot near the center as a region to which a white visible image is attached.
[0148]
This desired print information is, for example, information that light is emitted for dots in the dot area, and light is not emitted for dots that are not in the dot area.
[0149]
In step S560, the control unit 24 instructs the calculation unit 21 to calculate the transfer position and transfer time timing, and the calculation unit 21 executes the operation.
[0150]
(A) The transfer position calculation operation is as follows.
[0151]
The calculation unit 21 calculates the cylindrical position and transfer position of the corresponding dot near the center of the dot area. The detailed operation is the same as that in step S1045.
[0152]
(B) In the calculation operation of the transfer time timing, the time required to reach point B from point A by rotation is not necessary. Instead, point F shown in FIG. When the distance from the electrostatic latent image formation point) to point B is L4, time L4 / X required to reach point B from point F by rotation is required. For this reason, the transfer time timing is different from that in the first embodiment. The calculation operation is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0153]
In step S570, the control unit 24 rotates the latent image holding body 1 via the latent image holding body driving unit.
[0154]
In step S580, the control unit 24 causes the first charger 50a to perform a charging operation via the first charging drive unit, and also causes the second charger 50b to pass through the second charging drive unit. Perform charging operation.
[0155]
In step S590, the control unit 24 causes the first light emitting unit 7a to emit light according to the print information for the first light emission driving unit after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is a time until the charged portion on the latent image holding member 1 passes over the point A.
[0156]
In step S600, the control unit 24 causes the second light emitting unit 7b to emit light in accordance with the desired print information with respect to the second light emission driving unit after a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0157]
The predetermined time is a time until the charged portion on the latent image holding member 1 passes over the point F.
In step S610, the control unit 24 operates the counter 23 to rotate the first developing roller 10a with respect to the first developing roller driving unit, and the second developing roller driving unit with respect to the second developing roller driving unit. The developing roller 10b is rotated.
[0158]
By this operation, black toner adheres to the portion exposed on the first exposure unit 6a on the latent image holding member 1 by the first developing unit 3a, and the portion exposed to the second exposure unit 6b on the portion exposed by the first exposure unit 6a. The white toner is adhered by the second developing unit 3b. By these operations, the first visible image and the second visible image are transferred to the latent image holding body 1.
[0159]
Similarly, the control unit 24 instructs the intermediate transfer member driving unit to rotate the intermediate transfer member 4a, and the visible image transfer member 19a rotates with respect to the visible image transfer driving unit. To instruct. The intermediate transfer member 4a and the visible image transfer member 19a rotate at the rotation speed X.
[0160]
In step S620, the control unit 24 is notified of the emitted light from the second light emission driving unit 8b, and determines whether or not the corresponding dot has emitted light. If the light is emitted, the counter 23 is reset, and the process proceeds to step S175. If no light is emitted, the process returns to step S620.
[0161]
In the subsequent operations, the visible image of the intermediate transfer body 4a is a white second visible image, and the transfer time timing is different, except for steps S175 to S220 in FIGS. 6 and 7, and step S300 in FIG. And the operation in S310.
[0162]
In the present embodiment, depending on the desired region and position, the first visible image and the second visible image may overlap. Even in this case, the color of the overlapped portion is slightly changed and does not affect the printed image of the printed matter.
[0163]
However, in order to avoid such an overlap, for example, the following may be performed. That is, the control unit 24 retrieves the first print information from the print information generation unit 16 or the storage unit 17 and refers to the first correspondence table to display the position where the black visible image in the print medium 29 is transferred. Display on the screen.
[0164]
This operation may be performed before step S525 in FIG. Thereby, the user can set a place where there is no black visible image as a desired position and region.
[0165]
In this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, a small IC chip can be embedded at a desired position. In addition, since a visible image having the same color as that of the print medium 29 is attached to the desired position, the printed image of the printed matter is not affected.
[0166]
In the present embodiment, the same applies even when the color of the print medium 29 is other than white.
[0167]
In this case, the color of the toner in the second developing unit may be the same as the color of the print medium 29 (yellow, etc.), for example.
[0168]
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the case where two color visible images are transferred to the print medium 29 has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a plurality of exposure units and development units are prepared and a plurality of colors of visible images are transferred to the print medium 29.
[0169]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
(1) Configuration of image forming apparatus
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the image forming apparatus shown in the drawing, the same elements and functions as those shown in FIG. 1 will not be described in detail.
[0170]
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the intermediate transfer unit 4 is not provided.
[0171]
The IC chip transfer unit 15 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the latent image holding body 1 and transfers the small IC chip to the visible image of the latent image holding body 1.
[0172]
The visible image transfer unit 19 is provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body 1, and transfers the visible image onto which the small IC chip is transferred from the latent image holding body 1 to the printing medium 29.
[0173]
Further, the temperature of the latent image holder 1 needs to be a temperature at which the visible image becomes soft and the small IC chip can adhere to the visible image. Such temperature is preferably higher than the glass transition temperature of the visible image. For example, when the glass transition temperature of the visible image is about 40 ° C., the temperature of the latent image holder 1 can be about 80 to 100 ° C.
[0174]
The material and color of at least one surface of the small IC chip are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0175]
(2) Operation of image forming apparatus
The description of the same operation as that of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1 is omitted.
[0176]
(A) Regarding the calculation operation of the transfer position, the cylindrical position is obtained by the same operation as in the first embodiment. The transfer position is defined as a point where the cylindrical position can be rotated and the latent image holding body 1 can be contacted by pressure contact.
[0177]
(B) The operation for calculating the transfer time will be described below.
[0178]
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. The time required to reach point B from point A by rotation is not necessary, and instead, from point A to point G (contact point between latent image holding member 1 and IC chip transfer member 15a) shown in FIG. When the distance is L5, the time L5 / X required to reach point G from point A by rotation is required. Further, there is no need for the time required to press the IC chip transfer body 15a against the intermediate transfer body 4a (the time required to bring the E point of the IC chip transfer body 15a into contact with the C point). Instead, the IC chip The time required to press the transfer body 15a against the latent image holding body 1 (the time required to bring the E point of the IC chip transfer body 15a into contact with the G point) is required. For this reason, the transfer time timing is different from that in the first embodiment. The calculation operation method is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0179]
Further, differences from the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 12 showing the operation of the image forming apparatus are as follows.
[0180]
In step S205, the following points are different. The control unit 24 instructs the IC chip transfer body 15a to come into pressure contact with the latent image holding body 1 at a predetermined traveling speed and a predetermined pressure. The IC chip transfer body 15a executes.
[0181]
In step S210, the following points are different. A visible image (a visible image with IC) to which a small IC chip on the surface of the latent image holding body 1 is transferred is brought into contact with the printing medium 29 by the press contact between the latent image holding body 1 and the visible image transfer body 19a. Transcribed. Thereafter, the print medium 29 onto which the visible image with the small IC chip is transferred is transported to a paper tray (not shown) via a plurality of transport rollers.
[0182]
Except for the above points, the operation is the same as that of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.
[0183]
In the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the intermediate transfer member 4a can be omitted, so that the size of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
[0184]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The difference from the second embodiment is that there is no intermediate transfer portion 4.
[0185]
Here, the relationship between the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment is the same as the relationship between the third embodiment and the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those obtained by replacing the first embodiment with the second embodiment in the description of the third embodiment.
[0186]
In the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the intermediate transfer member 4a can be omitted, so that the size of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
[0187]
The material and color of at least one surface of the small IC chip are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0188]
(Modification)
Although the case where one small IC chip is embedded in a printed material has been described in this embodiment mode, a plurality of small IC chips can of course be embedded in the printed material. In this case, it is necessary to provide a plurality of IC chip transfer head portions 22 and IC chip transfer portions 15. Then, the control unit 24 may control each head unit and the IC chip transfer body 15a based on the print information in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.
[0189]
In the present embodiment, a solenoid may be used as the small IC chip transfer body 15a instead of the rotating drum. The small IC chip may be transferred to the visible image by applying electromagnetic force from the solenoid to the intermediate transfer body 4a or the latent image holding body 1.
[0190]
(Application example 1)
An example of application of a small IC chip embedded printed matter formed by the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.
[0191]
A voting and counting system using a small IC chip embedded printed material is shown below.
[0192]
(1) System configuration
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a small IC chip embedded printed material used in this system.
[0193]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a voting / aggregation system using a small IC chip embedded printed matter.
[0194]
This system includes a plurality of small IC chip embedded printed materials 60, an ID card (not shown) that can transmit its own identification number (hereinafter referred to as an ID number), and a counting device 70.
[0195]
A small IC chip 61 having a personal authentication function, a small IC chip 62 having a voting function, and a small IC chip 63 having a flawless function are embedded in the printed matter.
[0196]
The ID card is distributed to each voter and transmits its own ID number to each sensor unit.
[0197]
A small IC chip with a personal authentication function includes a sensor unit 61a that detects each voter's fingerprint, voice, pupil, ID number, and the like, and authentication data generation that generates authentication data from the fingerprint and the ID number detected by the sensor unit 61a. Unit 61b and a transmission unit 61c for transmitting the generated authentication data.
[0198]
The sensor unit 61a can detect a fingerprint or the like by bringing the fingerprint, voice, or eye close to the sensor unit. Moreover, the sensor part 61a detects the ID number transmitted from the ID card. And the authentication data generation part 61b produces | generates authentication data from a fingerprint etc. or ID number.
[0199]
The voting function small IC chip 62 generates voting data including a sensor unit 62a for detecting an ID number transmitted from an ID card, an ID number detected by the sensor unit 62a, and information for voting. It has the production | generation part 62b and the transmission part 62c which transmits voting data.
[0200]
The small IC chip 63 with a waiver function generates waiver data including a sensor unit 63a that detects an ID number transmitted from an ID card, and an ID number detected by the sensor unit 63a and information that the waiver is made. It has the production | generation part 63b and the transmission part 63c which transmits waiver data.
[0201]
The counting device 70 is configured to receive individual data based on a receiving unit 71 that receives each data transmitted from each transmitting unit, an analyzing unit 72 that analyzes the received data, and authentication data analyzed by the analyzing unit 72. An authentication inspection unit 73 for performing inspection, a totaling unit 74 for performing ballot counting based on the analyzed voting data, and for performing barring totaling based on the analyzed bargaining data, and an output unit 75 for outputting the tabulated results The storage unit 76 stores information necessary for authentication of all the voters, and the control unit 77 that controls each unit.
[0202]
(2) Operation of this system
(Operation of printed IC)
First, the voter X looks at the small IC-embedded printed matter, for example, attaches his / her fingerprint to the sensor unit 61a of the small IC chip 61 having the personal authentication function, and brings the ID card closer to the person. Thereby, the authentication data generation unit 61b generates authentication data including a fingerprint and an ID number.
[0203]
Next, when the voter trusts the XX judge shown in FIG. 18, the voter brings the ID card closer to the sensor unit 62a of the small IC chip 62 having a voting function. Thereby, the voting data generation unit 62b generates voting data including a vote and an ID number.
[0204]
On the other hand, in the case where a voter exempts the judge shown in FIG. 18, the voter brings the ID card closer to the sensor unit 63a of the small IC chip 63 having the exemption function. As a result, the waiver data generation unit 63b generates waiver data including the waiver and ID number.
[0205]
Then, the authentication data, the voting data, or the waiver data is transmitted from the transmitting units 61c, 62c, and 63c to the counting device 70.
[0206]
(Operation of counting device)
20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the operation of the counting device.
[0207]
In step S5000, the control unit 77 determines whether or not the authentication data is received by the receiving unit 71.
[0208]
If received, the process proceeds to step 5010. If not received, the process proceeds to step S5000.
[0209]
In step S5010, control unit 77 sends the received authentication data to analysis unit 72.
[0210]
In step S5020, the analysis unit 72 analyzes the authentication data, determines the ID number of the voter X, and reads the authentication data corresponding to the ID number of the voter X from the authentication data of each voter stored in the storage unit 76. .
[0211]
In step S5030, the analysis unit 72 sends the received voter X authentication data and the voter X authentication data read from the storage unit 76 to the authentication checking unit 73.
[0212]
In step S5040, the authentication checking unit 73 determines whether the received voter X authentication data matches the voter X authentication data read from the storage unit 76 or not. For example, the authentication checking unit 73 determines whether or not the fingerprint of the received voter X authentication data matches the fingerprint of the voter X authentication data read from the storage unit 76.
[0213]
If they match, the process proceeds to step S5050. If they do not coincide with each other, in step S5045, the control unit 77 is informed of that fact, and the control unit 77 determines that the vote is illegal or waived, and does not perform the subsequent counting operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S5000.
[0214]
In step S5050, the control unit 77 determines whether the receiving unit 71 has received voting or dismissal data having the ID number of the voter X. If received, the process proceeds to step S5070.
[0215]
If not received, in step S5060, the control unit 77 checks whether it has been received for a predetermined time. If received, the process proceeds to step S5070. If not received, in step S5065, the control unit 77 determines invalid voting or dismissal, and does not perform the subsequent counting operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S5000.
[0216]
In step S5070, the control unit 77 causes the analysis unit 72 to determine whether the data is received (whether it is free data).
[0217]
When it is sent from the analysis unit 72 that it is the case of voting data, in step S5080, the control unit 77 causes the counting unit 74 to perform a counting operation. Specifically, the counting operation is performed by increasing the count number of the voting counter in the counting unit 74 by one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5100.
[0218]
On the other hand, if it is sent from the analysis unit 72 that it is the case of the exemption data, in step S5090, the aggregation unit 74 is caused to perform the exemption operation. Specifically, the counting operation is performed by incrementing the count number of the discount counter in the counting unit 74 by one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5100.
[0219]
In step S5100, control unit 77 determines whether the voting and dismissal period has ended. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S5000. If completed, in step S5110, the control unit 77 reads the count number of the voting counter of the totaling unit 74 and the count number of the dismissal counter and outputs it to the output unit 75, and the totaling operation ends. Note that the output operation may be performed halfway.
[0220]
According to such a voting / aggregation system using a printed material in which a small IC chip is embedded, the aggregation result can be obtained reliably and quickly without requiring manual aggregation. In addition, if a large number of such printed materials are installed in a familiar place such as a power pole and can be voted for a relatively long period of time, voters can vote in a familiar place on the day and time that is convenient for them. Therefore, it is not necessary to go to the designated polling place on the designated day. At this time, when the printed material is installed outdoors, the printed material may be coated with a weather resistant coating.
[0221]
(Application example 2)
A second tabulation system using a small IC chip embedded printed material is shown below.
[0222]
(1) Configuration of this system
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a small IC chip embedded printed material used in this system.
[0223]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second tabulation system using a small IC chip embedded printed matter.
[0224]
This system includes a plurality of small IC chip embedded printed materials 80, an ID card that can transmit its own personal ID number, and a counting device 90.
As shown in FIG. 22, photographs of one scene from different athletic meet are arranged in each printed matter, and a small IC chip 81 having a personal authentication function and a small IC chip 82 having a desired number of functions are embedded. In addition, in the small IC chip 81 for the personal authentication function of each printed matter, the photo ID number of the arranged photo is stored in a storage unit (not shown) or the like.
[0225]
The ID card is distributed to each student and sends his / her personal ID number to each sensor unit.
[0226]
The small IC chip 81 having a personal authentication function includes a sensor unit 81a that detects a fingerprint of each student and a personal ID number, a fingerprint detected by the sensor unit 81a, a personal ID number, and a photo ID that identifies each photograph. An authentication data generation unit 81b that generates authentication data from the number and a transmission unit 81c that transmits the generated authentication data.
[0227]
The small IC 82 having the desired number of sheets function includes a sensor unit 82a for detecting the transmitted personal ID number, a switch unit 82b for inputting the desired number of times by the number of pressing operations, the number of times of pressing by the switch unit 82b, and the sensor unit 82a. A desired number data generation unit 82c for generating the desired number data from the personal ID number and the photo ID number detected in the above, and a transmission unit 82d for transmitting the desired number data.
[0228]
The aggregation device 90 includes a receiving unit 91 that receives each data transmitted from each transmitting unit, an analyzing unit 92 that analyzes the received data, and authentication of the individual based on the authentication data analyzed by the analyzing unit 92. An authentication inspection unit 93 that performs inspection, a photo purchase data generation unit 94 that generates photo purchase data based on the analyzed desired number of pieces of data, or a photo purchase table data that combines photo purchase data, and photo purchase It includes an output unit 95 that outputs table data, a storage unit 96 that stores information necessary for authentication of all students, and a control unit 97 that controls each unit.
[0229]
(B) Operation of this system
(Operation of printed matter with small IC chip embedded)
First, when the student X looks at each printed material and finds a printed material with a desired photograph, the student X attaches his / her fingerprint to the sensor unit 81a of the small IC chip 81 having the personal authentication function, and brings the ID card closer thereto. As a result, the authentication data generation unit 81b generates authentication data including the detected fingerprint, the transmitted personal ID number, and the photo ID number read from the memory.
[0230]
Next, the student X pushes the switch unit 82b of the small IC chip 82 having the desired number of sheets function a desired number of times and brings the ID card closer to the sensor unit 82a. As a result, the desired number data generation unit 82c generates desired number data including the desired number, the student X personal ID number, and the photo ID number.
[0231]
Then, the authentication data and the desired number of pieces of data are transmitted from the transmission units 81c and 82d to the counting device 90.
[0232]
(Operation of counting device)
24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the operation of the counting device 90. FIG.
[0233]
In step S6000, control unit 97 determines whether authentication data is received by receiving unit 91 or not.
[0234]
If received, the authentication data is sent to the analysis unit 92, and the process proceeds to step S6010. When not received, it transfers to step S6000.
[0235]
In step S6010, the analysis unit 92 determines the personal ID number of the student X from the authentication data, and reads the authentication data corresponding to the personal ID number of the student X from the authentication data of each student stored in the storage unit 96.
[0236]
In step S 6020, the analysis unit 92 sends the received student X authentication data and the student X authentication data read from the storage unit 96 to the authentication checking unit 93.
[0237]
In step S6025, the authentication checking unit 93 determines whether or not the received student X authentication data matches the student X authentication data read from the storage unit 96. If they match, the process proceeds to step S6030. If they do not match, in step 6027, the control unit 97 is informed of that fact, and the control unit 97 determines that the request is illegal and does not perform the subsequent operation. Then, control goes to a step S6000.
[0238]
In step S6030, the control unit 97 determines whether the receiving unit 91 has received the desired number of pieces of data having the student X personal ID number. If received, the process proceeds to step S6040.
[0239]
If not received, in step S6035, the control unit 97 checks whether it has been received for a predetermined time. If received, the process proceeds to step S6040. If not received, in step S6037, the control unit 97 determines that the request is invalid and does not perform the subsequent counting operation. Then, control goes to a step S6000.
[0240]
In step S6040, the control unit 97 instructs the analysis unit 92 to send the received desired number of pieces of data and analyze it.
[0241]
In step S6050, the analysis unit 92 analyzes the desired number data and sends the analysis result to the photo purchase data generation unit 94.
[0242]
In step S6060, the photo purchase data generation unit 94 generates photo purchase data in which a photo ID number, a student personal ID number, and a desired number of sheets are associated with each other. The photograph purchase data data is stored in the storage unit 96 via the control unit 97.
[0243]
In step S6070, control unit 97 determines whether or not a predetermined period (period for accepting hope) has elapsed. If not, the process proceeds to step S6000. If it has elapsed, the process moves to step S6080.
[0244]
In step S 6080, the control unit 97 reads each photo purchase data from the storage unit 96 and sends it to the photo purchase data generation unit 94.
[0245]
In step S6085, the photo purchase data generation unit 94 generates photo purchase table data by combining the photo purchase data.
[0246]
In step S6090, the control unit 97 causes the output unit 95 to output photo purchase table data data.
[0247]
Note that the predetermined period of step S6070 may be shorter than the period for accepting hope, and the photo purchase table data may be output in the middle.
[0248]
The output data is, for example, the following data.
[0249]

According to this system, it is possible to save the labor of the school side and the photo shop side, and the cost associated with the labor can be reduced by eliminating the labor of counting, reprinting, and distribution, which has been conventionally performed manually.
[0250]
Further, as the advertisement for the station, the above-mentioned small IC chip embedded printed material on which a photograph of the product is arranged can be used. In the same manner as in the second application example, each consumer can purchase a product simply by accessing the advertisement, and the labor on the seller side is also reduced.
[0251]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the IC chip is transferred to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit by controlling the IC chip transfer unit by the transfer control unit. The transfer control means can match the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer means with the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer means. In addition, the timing of contact between the position of the visible image on the intermediate transfer unit and the position of the IC chip on the IC chip transfer unit is the same. Thereby, the IC chip is transferred to the visible image, and a printed matter in which the IC chip is embedded in the image can be formed.
In this manner, by improving the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to efficiently create a printed matter in which an IC chip is embedded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a printing medium and each dot according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a visible image of each dot is transferred to a latent image holding member and an intermediate transfer member.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the IC chip transfer head unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a calculation operation by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visible image dot region calculated by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a cylindrical position and a transfer position calculated by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining transfer control when the small IC chip according to the first embodiment is transferred to a visible image.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a printed matter that is a first application example of the invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a system which is a first application example of the invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the first application example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the first application example of the present embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a printed material according to a second application example of the invention.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a system which is a second application example of the invention.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the second application example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the second application example of the present embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Latent image holding body 2 Latent image formation part 3 Developing part 4 Intermediate transfer part 4a Intermediate transfer body 5, 5a Charging part 6, 6a, 6b Exposure part 7, 7a, 7b Light emission part 8, 8a, 8b Light emission drive part 9, 9a, 9b Tank 10, 10a, 10b Developing roller 11, 11a, 11b Developer 12, 12a, 12b Developer tank 13, 13a, 13b Developer supply pipe 14, 14a, 14b Developer recovery pipe 15 IC chip transfer section 15a IC Chip transfer body 17, 76, 96 Storage section 18, 30 Transfer control section 19 Visible image transfer section 19a Visible image transfer body 20 Input section 21 Calculation section 22 IC chip transfer head section 23 Counter 24, 77, 97 Control section 29 Print medium 31 Desired print information generation unit 60, 80 Small IC chip embedded printed matter 61, 62, 63, 81, 82 Small IC chip 61a 62a, 63a, 81a, 82a Sensor unit 61b Authentication data generation unit, 62b Voting data generation unit 63b Dismissal data generation unit 61c, 62c, 63c, 81c, 82d Transmission unit 70, 90 Counting device 71, 91 Reception unit 72, 92 Analysis Section 73, 93 Authentication inspection section 74 Total section 75, 95 Output section 82b Switch section 94 Photo purchase data generation section

Claims (7)

Latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member;
Developing means for supplying a developer to the latent image holding member to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image;
Intermediate transfer means provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body, copying the visible image from the latent image holding body, and temporarily holding the image;
IC chip transfer that is provided in contact with the intermediate transfer means and has an IC chip having a storage means for holding character information and a communication means for communicating the character information, onto the visible image of the intermediate transfer means. Means,
Transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means;
Visible image transfer means provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer means and transferring the visible image onto which the IC chip is transferred from the intermediate transfer means to a printing medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The transfer control means includes
Based on the print information, calculating the position to transfer the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means,
Based on the timing of latent image formation by the latent image forming means, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer means, the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means is changed to the intermediate chip. Calculating means for calculating time timing for transferring to the visible image of the transfer means;
Control means for controlling transfer by the IC chip transfer means based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculation means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one surface of the IC chip is formed of a material having high adhesion to the visible image,
The IC chip transfer means transfers the IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer means so that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image. The image forming apparatus according to 2. The color of at least one surface of the IC chip is the same color as the print medium,
2. The IC chip transfer unit transfers the IC chip to the visible image of the intermediate transfer unit so that the one surface of the IC chip faces the visible image. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 3 to 3. First latent image forming means for forming a first electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member;
First developing means for supplying a developer to the latent image holding member to develop the first electrostatic latent image into a first visible image, and using the first visible image as a print medium. In the image forming apparatus to transfer,
Second latent image forming means for forming a second electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member;
Second developing means for supplying a liquid developer to the latent image holding member to develop the second electrostatic latent image into a second visible image having the same color as that of the printing medium;
Intermediate transfer means provided in contact with the latent image holding body, copying the second visible image from the latent image holding body, and temporarily holding the second visible image;
An IC chip which is provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer means and has an IC chip having a storage means for holding character information and a communication means for communicating the character information on the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means Transcription means;
Transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means;
Visible image transfer means provided so as to be in contact with the intermediate transfer means and transferring the second visible image onto which the IC chip has been transferred from the intermediate transfer means to a printing medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The transfer control means includes
Desired print information generating means for generating desired print information for transferring the second visible image to a desired position in the print medium;
Based on the desired print information, calculating the position for transferring the IC chip of the IC chip transfer means to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means,
Based on the time timing of latent image formation by the second latent image forming unit, the rotation speed of the latent image holding member, and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer unit, the IC chip of the IC chip transfer unit is Calculating means for calculating a time timing for transferring to the second visible image of the intermediate transfer means;
Control means for controlling transfer by the IC chip transfer means based on the position and time timing calculated by the calculation means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: Latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image holding member;
Developing means for supplying a developer to the latent image holding member to develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible image;
IC chip transfer that is provided in contact with the latent image holding body and has an IC chip having a storage means for holding character information and a communication means for communicating the character information to the visible image of the latent image holding body. Means,
Transfer control means for controlling the transfer operation by the IC chip transfer means;
Visible image transfer means provided so as to be in contact with the latent image holding body and transferring the visible image transferred with the IC chip from the latent image holding body to a printing medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

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