Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image formation device which can perform image printing to a medium including an electronic device and perform processing to the electronic device without fail.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an image formation device has a printer, a reader-writer, a communication interface, and a processor. The printer prints images. The reader-writer communicates with the electronic device. The communication interface communicates with an external device. The processor detects a command for commanding processing to the electronic device in print data acquired from the external device and performs printing to a medium of drawing data included in the print data with the printer and performs command processing according to a command included in the printed data to the electronic device included in the medium with the reader-writer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as digital multi-function peripherals include an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device having a function of writing data to an RFID tag provided on a medium for forming an image. The image forming apparatus equipped with the RFID device writes data to the RFID tag provided on the medium while conveying the medium such as paper.

[0003] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus provided with an RFID device acquires print data including an image to be printed on a medium and write data to be written to the RFID tag provided on the medium, respectively. As a result, the image forming apparatus may have an inconsistency in associating the image to be printed on the medium with the data to be written to the RFID tag of the medium. There is a demand for an image forming apparatus in which such an inconsistency between the image to be printed on the medium and the data to be written to the RFID tag of the medium is unlikely to occur.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can surely perform image printing processing on a medium provided with an electronic device and processing on the electronic device in order to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a printer, a reader / writer, a communication interface, memory, and a processor. The printer prints images. The reader / writer communicates with electronic devices. The communication interface communicates with external devices. The memory stores data. The processor processes print data acquired from external devices. When the reader / writer detects an electronic device command requesting processing for a communicable electronic device, it extracts page-specific drawing data and electronic device commands from the data of each page, which are combined in page order in the print data. It then associates the page-specific drawing data and electronic device commands extracted from the print data with the memory and stores them in the memory. For each page, the printer performs the printing process of the drawing data onto the medium and the reader / writer performs command processing corresponding to the electronic device command for the electronic device on the medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming system including a digital multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a digital multifunction device as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a digital multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a digital multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system in a terminal device connected to an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of print data supplied to a digital multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an example of a table that associates the drawing data of each page with the command for each page, which is included in the print data supplied to a digital multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of generating print data including RFID commands by a terminal device of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing print data including RFID commands by a digital multifunction printer as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following description of this embodiment will be made with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, in the image forming system 1, the digital multifunction printer (MFP; Multi-Functional Peripheral) 3, which serves as the image forming apparatus, is connected to the terminal device 4 via the network 6.

[0009] The digital multifunction device 3 is an example of an image forming apparatus placed in a workplace or the like. The digital multifunction device 3 performs command processing according to commands to a printer that prints an image onto a medium and to an electronic device on the medium. In this embodiment, the electronic device on the medium on which the image forming apparatus forms an image is described as an RFID tag. However, the electronic device on the medium on which the image forming apparatus forms an image is not limited to an RFID tag, but can be any device provided on the medium on which the image is printed.

[0010] The digital multifunction printer 3 according to this embodiment is a device that processes media equipped with RFID tags. The digital multifunction printer 3 prints an image onto the media equipped with RFID tags and executes command processing in accordance with RFID commands on the RFID tags of the printed media. For example, the digital multifunction printer 3 writes RFID data corresponding to the printed image to the RFID tags on the media equipped with the printed image by processing in accordance with a write command. The configuration of the digital multifunction printer 3 will be described in detail later.

[0011] Terminal device 4 is an information processing device operated by users, etc. Terminal device 4 is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal (tablet terminal, smartphone). Terminal device 4 communicates with the digital multifunction printer 3 via network 6. In the image forming system 1, multiple terminal devices 4 may be connected to network 6. Terminal device 4 is a device that transmits print data, including image data for printing and processing details for RFID tags, to the digital multifunction printer 3.

[0012] Next, the configuration of the digital multifunction device 3 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the digital multifunction printer 3 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the control system in the digital multifunction printer 3 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the digital multifunction device 3 includes a scanner 12, a printer 13, and an operation panel 14. The digital multifunction device 3 also includes a system control unit 15 (see Figure 4) and an RFID device (reader / writer) 16 within its casing.

[0013] The scanner 12 is installed on top of the main unit of the digital multifunction printer 3. The scanner 12 is a device that optically reads images from a document. The scanner 12 has a document glass on which the document to be scanned is placed. The scanner 12 has an image reading mechanism for scanning the document on the document glass. The image reading mechanism of the scanner 12 consists of a carriage and a photoelectric converter unit installed below the document glass. The scanner 12 may also be equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF).

[0014] The printer (image forming mechanism) 13 has paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C. These paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C store media such as sheets of paper to be processed. The media stored in the paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C may be any media that can be conveyed by the conveyance system described later. For example, each of the paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C is detachable from the lower part of the digital multi-function machine main body. Each of the paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C has paper feed rollers 22A, 22B, and 22C respectively. Each of the paper feed rollers 22A, 22B, and 22C takes out sheets of paper one by one from each of the paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a medium equipped with a plurality of RFID tags is stored in one of the paper feed cassettes 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0015] The conveyance system (conveyance mechanism) 23 conveys media (hereinafter referred to as paper) inside the printer 13. The conveyance system 23 includes a plurality of conveyance rollers 23a to 23d and a registration roller 24 and the like. The conveyance system 23 conveys the paper taken out by each of the paper feed rollers 22A, 22B, and 22C to the registration roller 24. The registration roller 24 conveys the paper to the transfer position at the timing of transferring the image.

[0016] The plurality of image forming units 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) form images of respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black). The exposure device 26 forms an electrostatic latent image as an image to be developed in each color on each image carrier in each of the image forming units 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K). The exposure device 26 forms an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier by scanning the image carrier with light that emits according to image data. For example, the exposure device 26 irradiates the photosensitive drum as an image carrier through a polygon mirror that rotates the light emitted from the light emitting part, thereby causing scanning in the main scanning direction. Also, the irradiation position of the light from the exposure device 26 moves in the sub-scanning direction as the photosensitive drum rotates. The position and magnification of the image formed by the image forming unit 25 are adjusted by controlling the exposure device 26.

[0017] Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) develops the electrostatic latent image on each image carrier with toner of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black). The intermediate transfer belt 27 is an intermediate transfer body. Each image forming unit 25 transfers (primary transfers) the toner images of each color developed with toner of each color on the respective image carriers onto the intermediate transfer belt 27.

[0018] The intermediate transfer belt 27 holds the transferred toner image and sends it to the secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer position is the position where the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transferred onto the paper. The secondary transfer position is the position where the support roller 28a and the secondary transfer roller 28b face each other. The support roller 28a and the secondary transfer roller 28b constitute the transfer unit 28. The registration roller 24 conveys the paper to the secondary transfer position in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27. The transfer unit 28 transfers the toner image held on the intermediate transfer belt 27 onto the paper at the secondary transfer position.

[0019] For example, when forming a color image, the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K transfer the toner images developed with toner of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 in an overlapping manner. The intermediate transfer belt 27 holds the color image in which the toner images of each color overlap. The transfer unit 28 transfers the color image formed by the toner of multiple colors on the intermediate transfer belt 27 onto the paper at the secondary transfer position. The registration roller 24 conveys the paper to the secondary transfer position in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27. Thereby, the color image is transferred onto the paper.

[0020] The transfer unit 28 supplies the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred to the fuser unit 29. The fuser unit 29 fixes the toner image to the paper. The fuser unit 29 has a heating unit 29a, a heat roller 29b, and a pressure roller 29c. The heating unit 29a heats the heat roller 29b. The heat roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c perform a fixing process by heating the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit 28 under pressure. The heat roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c in the fuser unit 29 send the fixed paper to the transport roller 23d. The transport roller 23d transports the paper from the fuser unit 29 to the paper discharge unit.

[0021] The operation panel 14 is the user interface. The operation panel 14 displays instructions and accepts input from operation buttons or icons. For example, the user inputs setting information on the operation panel 14. The operation panel 14 has a display unit 42, a touch panel 43, and a plurality of operation buttons 44. For example, the touch panel 43 is provided on the display screen of the display unit 42. The touch panel 43 detects the area touched by the user on the display screen of the display unit 42.

[0022] The RFID device 16 is a reader / writer that communicates with RFID tags, which are electronic devices attached to the medium. The RFID device 16 writes data to the RFID tags as electronic devices and reads data written to the RFID tags. The RFID device 16 is installed inside the housing of the digital multifunction printer 3 so as to communicate with the RFID tags attached to the medium that is transported by the transport system 23 of the printer 13.

[0023] The RFID device 16 communicates with an RFID tag, which is an electronic device, at a predetermined communication location (communication range) in the transport path of the medium by the transport system 23. For example, the RFID device 16 writes data to the RFID tag on the medium at the communication location by sending a write command to the predetermined communication location (write location). The RFID device 16 also reads data from the RFID tag on the medium at the communication location by sending a read command to the predetermined communication location (read location). The RFID device 16 also has a function to set the size of the communication range by controlling the intensity of the carrier wave radio waves output to the RFID tag. The RFID device 16 can confirm and read the data written to the RFID tag on the medium by outputting radio waves so that the entire medium after passing the predetermined write location is within the communication range.

[0024] In the configuration example shown in Figure 3, the RFID device 16 communicates with the RFID tag on the medium (paper) at a point (communication point) just before transferring the image to the medium. The RFID device 16 only needs to be configured to write data to the RFID tag on the medium being transported by the transport system 23, or to read data from the RFID tag on the medium. The RFID device 16 can be set as the communication point anywhere along the transport path of the medium by the transport system 23. For example, the communication point of the RFID device 16 may be a point in the transport path of the transport system 23 after the image has been formed on the medium. Furthermore, the RFID device 16 may be an external device that can be attached to and detached from an interface provided on the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0025] Next, we will explain the configuration of the control system in the digital multifunction printer 3 configured as described above. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control system configuration in the digital multifunction printer 3. The digital multifunction device 3 has a system control unit 15 that controls the entire device. The system control unit 15 is connected to the scanner 12, printer 13, operation panel 14, and RFID device (reader / writer) 16. In the configuration example shown in Figure 3, the system control unit 15 includes a processor 50, memory 51, image memory 52, image processing unit 53, storage device 54, and communication interface (I / F) 55, etc.

[0026] The processor 50 connects to the processors 30 of the scanner 12 and printer 13, the processor 40 of the control panel 14, and the processor 60 of the RFID device 16 via an interface. The processor 50 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the memory 51 or storage device 54. For example, the processor 50 outputs operation instructions to each part and processes various information from each part by executing programs stored in the memory 51.

[0027] Memory 51 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and NVM. RAM functions as working memory or buffer memory. ROM is non-rewritable, non-volatile memory. ROM functions as program memory. NVM is rewritable, non-volatile memory. NVM stores configuration data, etc. The image memory 52 stores image data. For example, the image memory 52 functions as a page memory for expanding the image data to be processed.

[0028] The image processing unit 53 processes image data. For example, the image processing unit 53 outputs image data that has undergone image processing such as correction, compression, or decompression on the input image data. The image processing unit 53 also includes an image processing processor. The image processing processor in the image processing unit 53 is assumed to have a variable operating frequency (operating speed). The image processing unit 53 changes the processing time required for image processing by changing the operating frequency of the processor. For example, the image processing unit 53 can set the image processing time to a processing speed equivalent to 1.5 times or 2 times by clocking up the operating frequency of the processor.

[0029] The storage device 54 stores data such as control data, control programs, and configuration information. The storage device 54 is composed of rewritable, non-volatile memory. For example, the storage device 54 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0030] The storage device 54 also includes a scan counter and a print counter. The scan counter counts the number of pages scanned using the scanner 12. In the digital multifunction device 3 as an image reading device according to this embodiment, the scan counter counts the number of pages scanned at each scan speed. The print counter counts the number of pages printed using the printer 13. In the digital multifunction device 3 as an image forming device according to this embodiment, the print counter counts the number of pages printed at each print speed.

[0031] Communication I / F55 is an interface for data communication with external devices. For example, Communication I / F55 is an interface for communicating with an external device that serves as an output destination for images scanned by the network scan function. It is also an interface for receiving print images and print instructions from an external device via the network print function. Furthermore, Communication I / F55 includes an interface for sending fax data generated from scanned images to a fax recipient via the fax function. Communication I / F55 may also be an interface for communicating with an external device (such as a server) that collects values ​​such as scan counters and print counters.

[0032] Next, we will describe an example of the control system configuration in printer 13. As shown in Figure 4, the printer 13 includes a processor 30, memory 31, transport system 23, image forming unit 25, exposure unit 26, transfer unit 28, and fuser 29. The processor 30 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 31. For example, the processor 30 controls the operation of various parts within the printer 13 and monitors the operating status of each part by executing programs. The processor 30 is also connected to the processor 50 of the system control unit 15 via an interface. The processor 30 performs print processing and other operations in response to operation instructions from the system control unit 15.

[0033] Memory 31 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and data memory. RAM functions as working memory or buffer memory. ROM is non-rewritable, non-volatile memory. ROM functions as program memory. Data memory is rewritable, non-volatile memory. The transport system 23 transports paper within the printer 13 under the control of the processor 30. In other words, the transport system 23 transports paper by driving the transport rollers in each part in response to operation instructions from the processor 30.

[0034] The exposure apparatus 26 irradiates each photoreceptor drum of the image forming unit 25 with light (laser light) to form an electrostatic latent image, in response to operation instructions from the processor 30. The processor 30 adjusts the printing position and magnification by controlling the irradiation position of the laser light on the photoreceptor drum by the exposure apparatus 26. The processor 30 performs image adjustment by operation control according to the printing range, starting from the printing reference described later, so that the desired printing range is achieved.

[0035] The image forming unit 25 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum with toner of each color in response to operation instructions from the processor 30. The image forming unit 25 also transfers the toner formed on the photoreceptor drum to the intermediate transfer belt (primary transfer).

[0036] The transfer unit 28 transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the paper (secondary transfer) in accordance with the operation instructions from the processor 30. The fuser unit 29 drives the heat roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c in accordance with the operation instructions from the processor 30. The heating unit 29a of the fuser unit 29 raises the surface temperature of the heat roller 29b to the desired fixing temperature in accordance with the control of the processor 30. When the fuser unit 29 is controlled to the fixing temperature, it fixes the toner image transferred to the paper to the paper.

[0037] Next, we will describe an example of the control system configuration in the operation panel 14. As shown in Figure 4, the operation panel 14 includes a processor 40, memory 41, display unit 42, touch panel 43, and operation buttons 44. The processor 40 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 41. For example, the processor 40 controls the operation of each part of the control panel 14 and monitors the operating status of each part by executing programs. The processor 40 is also connected to the processor 50 of the system control unit 15 via an interface. For example, the processor 40 notifies the system control unit 15 of information entered by the user.

[0038] Memory 41 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and data memory. RAM functions as working memory or buffer memory. ROM is non-rewritable, non-volatile memory. ROM functions as program memory. Data memory is rewritable, non-volatile memory.

[0039] The display unit 42's display content is controlled according to operation instructions from the processor 40. The touch panel 43 is located on the display screen of the display unit 42 and detects the touch position on the display screen. For example, the processor 40 displays icons that can be selected on the touch panel 43 on the display screen of the display unit 42 along with operation guidance. The processor 40 determines the information to be entered by the user according to the touch position detected by the touch panel 43. The operation buttons 44 consist of hard keys such as a start key and a reset key.

[0040] Next, an example of the control system configuration for the RFID device 16, which serves as a reader / writer in the digital multifunction printer 3, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the RFID device 16 includes a processor 60, memory 61, communication control circuit 62, and antenna 63. The processor 60 performs various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 61. For example, the processor 60 controls the operation of various parts within the RFID device 16 by executing programs. The processor 60 is also connected to the processor 50 of the system control unit 15 via an interface. The processor 60 performs command processing, such as sending commands to and processing responses to RFID tags (electronic devices), in response to operation instructions from the system control unit 15.

[0041] Memory 61 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and data memory. RAM functions as working memory or buffer memory. ROM is non-rewritable, non-volatile memory. ROM functions as program memory. Data memory is rewritable, non-volatile memory.

[0042] The communication control circuit 62 processes the signals transmitted and received by the antenna 63. The communication control circuit 62 is connected to the processor 60 and the antenna 63. The communication control circuit 62 includes, for example, a modulation circuit, an amplification circuit, an output setting circuit, and a demodulation circuit. Antenna 63 transmits and receives radio waves. Antenna 63 is connected to the communication control circuit 62. Antenna 63 transmits signals from the communication control circuit 62 as radio waves. Antenna 63 also supplies signals to the communication control circuit 62 that it receives as radio waves.

[0043] For example, the communication control circuit 62 transmits the signal supplied from the processor as radio waves from the antenna 63. The communication control circuit 62 modulates the signal from the processor 60 using a modulation circuit, amplifies the modulated signal using an amplification circuit, and outputs it as radio waves from the antenna 63. As a result, the processor 60 writes data to the RFID tag on the medium S at the writing location using the output signal output from the communication control circuit 62 via the antenna 63.

[0044] Furthermore, the communication control circuit 62 processes the radio waves received by the antenna 63 and supplies them to the processor 60. The communication control circuit 62 amplifies the radio wave signal received by the antenna 63 using an amplification circuit, demodulates it using a demodulation circuit, and supplies the demodulated signal to the processor 60. As a result, the processor 60 communicates with the RFID tag (electronic device) on the medium S passing through the communication range using the communication control circuit 62 and the antenna 63.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the control system in the terminal device 4 of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control system in the terminal device 4 of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment. The terminal device 4 includes a processor 71, system memory 72, storage unit 73, communication unit 74, operation unit 75, and display unit 76.

[0046] The processor 71 is connected to the system memory 72, the storage unit 73, and the communication unit 74. The processor 71 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the system memory 72 or the storage unit 73. For example, the processor 71 outputs operation instructions to each unit and processes various information from each unit by executing programs stored in the system memory 72.

[0047] System memory 72 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and NVM (Non-Volatile Memory). RAM functions as working memory or buffer memory. ROM is non-rewritable, non-volatile memory. ROM functions as program memory. NVM is rewritable, non-volatile memory. NVM stores configuration data, etc.

[0048] The memory unit 73 stores data such as control data, control programs, and setting information. The memory unit 73 is composed of rewritable, non-volatile memory. For example, the memory unit 73 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0049] The communication unit 74 is a communication interface for data communication with external devices. For example, the communication unit 74 is a communication interface for network communication. In the image forming system 1, the communication unit 74 communicates with the digital multifunction printer 3, the terminal device 4, and the RFID reader 5 via the network 6. The communication unit 74 may also include an interface for serial connection to the digital multifunction printer 3.

[0050] The operation unit 75 is a device such as a keyboard or touch panel operated by the user. The display unit 76 is a display device that displays information. For example, the operation unit 75 and the display unit 76 may be configured as a display device with a touch panel. For example, the user uses the operation unit 75 to specify the image to be printed on each page of the medium and the RFID command for the RFID tag on each page of the medium. The processor 71 creates print data including the image for each page specified using the operation unit 75 and the command for the RFID tag on each page of the medium.

[0051] Next, we will describe the print data input to the digital multifunction printer 3, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. In the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment, the digital multifunction printer 3 acquires print data including commands for RFID tags (RFID commands) from a terminal device 4 or the like. The digital multifunction printer 3 according to this embodiment acquires print data including images to be printed on each page medium and commands for RFID tags on each page medium.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of print data supplied to the digital multifunction printer 3, which is an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of a table that stores the drawing data of each page included in the print data in association with the commands (command data) of each page. In this embodiment, the print data is assumed to have commands for RFID tags (RFID commands) embedded in it, as shown in Figure 6. The print data shown in Figure 6 is generated, for example, by a terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 has a client application program installed that corresponds to the digital multifunction printer 3 equipped with an RFID device. The client application installed in the terminal device 4 has the function of generating print data that includes RFID commands.

[0053] The processor 71 of terminal device 4 creates print data including RFID commands as illustrated in Figure 6 by executing a client application. The print data illustrated in Figure 6 consists of print data for multiple pages (3 pages). The print data for each page includes an image to be printed on one medium (drawing data for each page) and an RFID command for the RFID tag on the medium for that page. Terminal device 4 transmits the print data including RFID commands generated by the client application to the digital multifunction printer 3.

[0054] The digital multifunction printer 3 receives print data containing RFID commands from the terminal device 4. The digital multifunction printer 3 performs detection processing to detect RFID commands in the print data received from the terminal device 4. If the print data contains RFID commands, the digital multifunction printer 3 extracts the RFID commands for each page. The digital multifunction printer 3 associates the drawing data and RFID commands for each page and stores them in memory.

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of a table that stores the image data (IMAGE) for each page in association with the RFID command for each page. For example, the digital multifunction printer 3 extracts "Image1" as drawing data and "Data1" as an RFID command from the print data of the first page. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the digital multifunction printer 3 saves the drawing data "Image1" and the RFID command "Data1" as the data of the first page, associating them with each other.

[0056] Furthermore, the digital multifunction printer 3 extracts "Image2" as drawing data and "Data2" as an RFID command from the print data of the second page. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the digital multifunction printer 3 saves the drawing data "Image2" and the RFID command "Data2" in association with each other as data for the second page. Furthermore, the digital multifunction printer 3 extracts "Image3" as drawing data and "Data3" as an RFID command from the print data of the third page. In this case, the digital multifunction printer 3 saves the drawing data "Image3" and the RFID command "Data3" in association with each other as data for the third page.

[0057] In other words, the digital multifunction printer 3 extracts the RFID command for each page from the print data as shown in Figure 6. Once the digital multifunction printer 3 has extracted the RFID command for each page, it creates a table as shown in Figure 7 that associates the drawing data with the RFID command for each page. This allows the digital multifunction printer 3 to reliably associate and manage the drawing data of each page contained in a single print data with the RFID command for each page.

[0058] Next, the process of generating print data including RFID commands by the terminal device 4 of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of generating print data including RFID commands by the terminal device 4 of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment. First, the user starts the client application program as described above on the terminal device 4. The processor 71 of the terminal device 4 may accept the user's instructions for specifying the processing content for the RFID tags on each page in the image printing settings. For example, the processor 71 displays a print settings screen on the display unit 76 and accepts the user's instructions for specifying the processing content for the RFID tags on each page on the print settings screen. With the print instruction screen displayed on the display unit 76, the user uses the operation unit 75 to specify the processing content for the RFID tags on each page.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor 71 may accept the user's request to specify the data (RFID data) to be written to the RFID tags on each page as part of its processing of RFID tags. For example, the user can select to write data to the RFID tags on each page and specify the data to be written to the RFID tags on each page. In addition, the processor 71 may accept the user's request to automatically generate the data to be written to the RFID tags on each page. When the user requests automatic generation of RFID data, the processor 71 generates the data (RFID data) to be written to the RFID tags on each page.

[0060] When the user specifies an image to print, the processor 71 acquires the specified image as page-by-page drawing data (ACT11). For example, the processor 71 converts the image data specified for printing into drawing data in a print-ready image data format. The processor 71 stores the page-by-page drawing data, which is print-ready image data, in the system memory 72.

[0061] Furthermore, when the user specifies the processing to be performed on the RFID tags on each page, the processor 71 obtains an RFID command for each page based on the specified processing (ACT12). For example, if data to be written to the RFID tag (RFID data) is specified, the processor 71 generates a command (write command) that requests the writing of data to the RFID tag. In other words, when the processor 71 obtains the RFID data for each page, it generates a write command with the RFID data set for each page. Also, if reading data from the RFID tag is specified, the processor 71 generates a command (read command) that requests the reading of data from the RFID tag.

[0062] The processor 71 obtains the drawing data and RFID command for each page and generates print data for each page (ACT13). The processor 71 associates the drawing data and RFID command for each page and generates print data for each page that includes the drawing data and RFID command for that page.

[0063] The processor 71 generates print data for each page and then generates combined print data (ACT14). For example, as shown in Figure 7, the processor 71 creates combined print data by arranging the print data for each page in page order. Once the processor 71 has created the print data, it sends the created print data to the digital multifunction printer 3 (ACT15). Through the above process, terminal device 4 can generate print data with RFID tags embedded in the print data for each page, and can transmit the generated print data to digital multifunction printer 3.

[0064] Next, the printing process by the digital multifunction device 3, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, in response to print data including RFID commands will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how print data, including RFID commands, is processed by the digital multifunction printer 3, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction printer 3 receives print data from terminal devices 4 and other devices via the network 6 through the communication interface 55 (ACT 31). The processor 50 of the system control unit 15 in the digital multifunction printer 3 stores the print data received from terminal devices 4 in memory 51 or storage device 54. Once the processor 50 has stored the print data in memory, it analyzes the received print data (ACT 32).

[0065] Here, the processor 50 performs processing that includes a detection process to detect RFID commands in the print data as part of the analysis of the print data. The detection process only needs to detect RFID commands embedded in the print data. For example, the processor 50 may detect commands by detecting the code data of the RFID command for the RFID tag in the print data, or the processor 50 may detect RFID commands by performing character recognition on the strings contained in the print data and detecting the strings as RFID commands.

[0066] If the processor 50 determines that the print data does not contain RFID commands (ACT33, NO), it performs printing based on the drawing data for each page in the print data (ACT34). For example, the processor 50 supplies the drawing data for each page in the print data to the printer 13. The printer 13 prints each page based on the drawing data for each page supplied by the processor 50 of the system control unit 15.

[0067] If the processor 50 detects an RFID command in the print data (ACT33, YES), it extracts the RFID command from the print data of each page in the print data (ACT35). The processor 50 also extracts drawing data from the print data of each page in the print data (ACT36).

[0068] The processor 50 extracts the drawing data and RFID commands for each page and stores them in association with each page (ACT37). For example, the processor 50 creates a table like the one shown in Figure 7, which stores the drawing data and RFID commands for each page in the print data in association with each page. The processor 50 stores the table of associations between the drawing data and RFID commands for each page in memory such as memory 51 or storage device 54.

[0069] The processor 50 associates and stores drawing data and RFID commands for each page, and then feeds the RFID-tagged media in page order. For example, the processor 50 instructs the printer 13 to print each page by supplying the drawing data in page order. The printer 13 feeds the RFID-tagged media one by one according to the instructions of the processor 50.

[0070] When the printer 13 feeds a single medium (ACT38, YES), the processor 50 supplies an RFID command to the RFID device 16 for the RFID tag on the medium fed by the printer 13 (ACT39). The processor 50 supplies an RFID command to the RFID device 16 corresponding to the drawing data that instructs the printer 13 to print. This ensures that the drawing data that the printer 13 prints on the medium and the RFID command supplied to the RFID device 16 are reliably matched.

[0071] The processor 50 monitors the printing process of drawing data by the printer 13 and the execution of RFID commands by the RFID device 16 (ACT 40). For example, the processor 50 transports a medium with an RFID tag to the communication location of the RFID device 16 using the transport system 23 of the printer 13. The RFID device 16 executes command processing by supplying an RFID command to the RFID tag on the medium transported to the communication location. Once the command processing by the RFID device 16 is complete, the processor 50 executes the printing process by the printer 13 on the medium with the RFID tag for which command processing has been completed.

[0072] Once the command processing and printing process for each page is complete, the processor 50 determines whether to terminate the series of operations on the print data (ACT41). For example, the processor 50 determines whether to terminate the series of operations based on whether there are any remaining pages to print. If there are pages to be printed, i.e., the processing of the print data is not yet complete (ACT41, NO), the processor 50 returns to ACT38 and executes printing and command processing for the next page. Alternatively, if there are no unprocessed pages, i.e., the processing of the print data is complete (ACT41, YES), the processor 50 terminates the series of operations on the print data.

[0073] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment extracts RFID commands from print data. The image forming apparatus associates the drawing data of each page extracted from the print data with the RFID command for each page and stores them in memory as page-specific data. Based on the page-specific data stored in memory, the image forming apparatus prints the image of each page and processes the RFID commands for the RFID tags on each page.

[0074] As a result, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment can extract drawing data and RFID commands for each page from print data that includes RFID commands. Consequently, the image forming apparatus can reliably match image printing and command processing for each page specified in the print data and perform this operation on multiple RFID-tagged media.

[0075] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The following is an appendix to the claims originally filed for this application. [1] A printer for printing images, A reader / writer that communicates with electronic devices, A communication interface for communicating with external devices, A processor that detects commands instructing the electronic device to perform processing in the print data acquired from the external device, and performs printing of the drawing data contained in the print data onto the medium by the printer and command processing by the reader / writer on the electronic device on the medium according to the commands contained in the print data, An image forming apparatus having [2] The reader / writer is an RFID device that communicates with the RFID tag, which is an electronic device. [1] The image forming apparatus described above. [3] It has memory to hold data, The processor associates the drawing data for each page extracted from the print data with the command for each page extracted from the print data and stores them in the memory. [2] The image forming apparatus described above. [4] The processor detects RFID data to be written to an RFID tag as an RFID command from the print data of each page in the print data, prints the drawing data of each page onto the medium of each page as the print process, and writes the RFID data as a command for each page to the RFID tag on the medium of each page using the RFID device as the command for each page. [3] The image forming apparatus described above. [5] The processor detects a command by detecting the code data of a predetermined RFID command for the RFID tag in the print data. [2] The image forming apparatus described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1…Image forming system, 3…Digital multifunction printer (image forming apparatus), 4…Terminal device, 12…Scanner, 13…Printer, 14…Operation panel, 15…System control unit, 16…RFID device (reader / writer), 23…Transport system, 50…Processor, 51…Memory, 52…Image memory, 53…Image processing unit, 54…Storage device (memory), 55…Communication interface, 71…Processor, 72…System memory, 73…Storage unit, 74…Communication unit.

Claims

1. A printer for printing images, A reader / writer that communicates with electronic devices, A communication interface for communicating with external devices, Memory that holds data, When the reader / writer detects an electronic device command in the print data acquired from the external device that requests processing for an electronic device that can communicate with it, the processor extracts page-specific drawing data and electronic device commands from the data of each page which is combined in page order in the print data, stores the extracted page-specific drawing data and electronic device commands in the memory in association with each other, and for each page, the printer performs the printing process of the drawing data onto the medium and the reader / writer performs command processing according to the electronic device command for the electronic device on the medium. An image forming apparatus having

2. The reader / writer is an RFID device that communicates with the RFID tag, which is an electronic device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processor detects RFID data to be written to an RFID tag as an RFID command from the data of each page in the print data, prints the drawing data of each page onto the medium of each page as the print process, and writes the RFID data as a command for each page to the RFID tag on the medium of each page using the RFID device as the command for each page. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The processor detects a command for each page by detecting a predetermined RFID command code data for the RFID tag from the data of each page included in the print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

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