Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing image printing processing on a medium provided with an electronic device and processing on the electronic device. According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a printer, a reader / writer, a communication interface, and a processor. A printer prints an image. The reader-writer communicates with an electronic device. The communication interface communicates with an external device. The processor detects, in print data acquired from an external device, a command indicating a process to the electronic apparatus, and executes a print process in which drawing data included in the print data is printed on a medium by a printer, and a command process in which the drawing data included in the print data is commanded. The command processing is a processing corresponding to a command included in the print data, which is performed by the reader / writer with respect to an electronic device provided in the medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image processing device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as digital multifunction machines are equipped with RFID devices that have the function of writing data to RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags provided on media for forming images. Image forming apparatuses equipped with RFID devices write data to RFID tags provided on media while conveying media such as paper.

[0003] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus provided with an RFID device separately obtains print data including an image to be printed on a medium and data to be written to an RFID tag of the medium. As a result, the image forming apparatus may sometimes cause mismatches between the image printed on the medium and the data written to the RFID tag of the medium. An image forming apparatus that is unlikely to cause such mismatches between the image printed on the medium and the data written to the RFID tag of the medium is desired. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing a printing process of an image on a medium provided with an electronic device and performing a process on the electronic device, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes: a printer, a reader / writer, a communication interface, and a processor. The printer prints an image. The reader / writer communicates with an electronic device. The communication interface communicates with an external device. The processor detects a command instructing processing on the electronic device in print data acquired from the external device, and performs print processing and command processing, wherein the print processing is processing of printing drawing data included in the print data on a medium by the printer, and the command processing is processing performed by the reader / writer on the electronic device possessed by the medium in accordance with the command included in the print data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system including a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is an external view showing a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system in a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system in a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of print data supplied to a digital multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is an example of a table in which drawing data for each page included in print data supplied to a digital multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment and a command for each page are associated with each other.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process of generating print data including an RFID command, which is performed by a terminal device of the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of print data including an RFID command by a digital multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0015] Description of Reference Numerals

[0016] 1: Image forming system; 3: Digital multifunction peripheral (image forming device); 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First, the configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, in the image forming system 1 , a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP; Multi-Functional Peripheral) 3 as an image forming apparatus is connected to a terminal device 4 via a network 6 .

[0021] The digital multifunction machine 3 is an example of an image forming device placed at a workpiece location or the like. The digital multifunction machine 3 performs command processing corresponding to the command on the printer that prints the image on the medium and the electronic device that is provided on the medium. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the electronic device that is provided on the medium that forms the image by the image forming device is an RFID tag. However, the electronic device that is provided on the medium that forms the image by the image forming device is not limited to the RFID tag, and any electronic device can be provided on the medium that prints the image.

[0022] The digital multifunction machine 3 involved in the embodiment is a device that processes a medium having an RFID tag. The digital multifunction machine 3 prints an image on the medium having an RFID tag, and executes a command process corresponding to an RFID command on the RFID tag of the medium having the image printed. For example, the digital multifunction machine 3 writes RFID data corresponding to the printed image to the RFID tag of the medium having the image printed by processing corresponding to the write command. The structure of the digital multifunction machine 3 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The terminal device 4 is an information processing device operated by a user or the like. The terminal device 4 is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or a portable terminal (tablet terminal, smartphone). The terminal device 4 communicates with the digital multifunction machine 3 via the network 6. In the image forming system 1, a plurality of terminal devices 4 may be connected to the network 6. The terminal device 4 is a device that sends print data including image data for printing and processing contents for RFID tags to the digital multifunction machine 3.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

[0025] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a digital multifunction machine 3 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a control system in a digital multifunction peripheral 3 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the digital multifunction machine 3 includes a scanner 12, a printer 13, and an operation panel 14. In addition, the digital multifunction machine 3 includes a system control unit 15 (see FIG. 1 ) in the housing. Figure 4 ) and RFID device (reader / writer) 16.

[0027] The scanner 12 is provided on the upper part of the main body of the digital multifunction machine 3. The scanner 12 is a device for optically reading the image of the original document. The scanner 12 has a document table 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 table glass. The image reading mechanism of the scanner 12 is composed of a carriage and a photoelectric conversion unit provided below the document table glass. In addition, the scanner 12 may also be provided with an automatic document feeder ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

[0028] The printer (image forming mechanism) 13 has paper feed boxes 21A, 21B, and 21C. These paper feed boxes 21A, 21B, and 21C store media such as paper to be processed. The media stored in the paper feed boxes 21A, 21B, and 21C can be any media that can be transported by the transport system described later. For example, each paper feed box 21A, 21B, and 21C can be detached from the lower part of the digital multifunction machine body. Each paper feed box 21A, 21B, and 21C has a paper feed roller 22A, 22B, and 22C. Each paper feed roller 22A, 22B, and 22C takes out paper from each paper feed box 21A, 21B, and 21C one by one. In the present embodiment, a medium having a plurality of RFID tags is stored in one of the paper feed boxes 21A, 21B, and 21C.

[0029] The transport system (transport mechanism) 23 transports the medium (hereinafter referred to as paper) in the printer 13. The transport system 23 includes a plurality of transport rollers 23a to 23d and a registration roller 24. The transport system 23 transports the paper taken out by each paper feed roller 22A, 22B, and 22C to the registration roller 24. The registration roller 24 transports the paper to the transfer position at the timing of transferring the image.

[0030] A plurality of image forming units 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) respectively form images of various colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black). The exposure device 26 forms an electrostatic latent image as an image developed in various colors on each image carrier in each image forming unit 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 emitted according to image data. For example, the exposure device 26 scans in the main scanning direction by irradiating the light emitted by the light emitting unit to the photosensitive drum as the image carrier via a rotating polygonal mirror. In addition, the irradiation position of the light from the exposure device 26 moves in the sub-scanning direction by the rotation of the photosensitive drum. The image formed by the image forming unit 25 is adjusted in position and magnification by controlling the exposure device 26.

[0031] Each image forming unit 25 (25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K) develops the electrostatic latent image on each image carrier using a 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 transfer) the toner image of each color developed on each image carrier using the toner of each color onto the intermediate transfer belt 27.

[0032] The intermediate transfer belt 27 holds the transferred toner image and conveys it to the secondary transfer position. The secondary transfer position is a position where the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transferred to a sheet of paper. The secondary transfer position is a 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 sheet of 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 to the sheet of paper at the secondary transfer position.

[0033] For example, when forming a color image, each image forming unit 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K transfers the toner images developed with the toners of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) to the intermediate transfer belt 27 in an overlapping manner. The intermediate transfer belt 27 holds a color image formed by overlapping toner images of each color. The transfer unit 28 transfers the color image formed with the toners of the plurality of colors on the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the paper at the secondary transfer position. The registration roller 24 conveys the paper to the secondary transfer position in synchronization with the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 27. Thus, a color image is transferred to the paper.

[0034] The transfer section 28 supplies the paper to which the toner image is transferred to the fixing device 29. The fixing device 29 fixes the toner image to the paper. The fixing device 29 includes a heating section 29a, a heating roller 29b, and a pressure roller 29c. The heating section 29a heats the heating roller 29b. The heating roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c perform a fixing process of heating the paper to which the toner image is transferred by the transfer section 28 under a pressurized state. The heating roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c in the fixing device 29 convey the paper after the fixing process to the conveying roller 23d. The conveying roller 23d conveys the paper from the fixing device 29 to the paper discharge section.

[0035] The operation panel 14 is a user interface. The operation panel 14 displays a guide or accepts input of an operation button or icon. For example, the user inputs setting information in the operation panel 14. The operation panel 14 includes a display unit (display) 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 a portion of the display screen of the display unit 42 that the user touches.

[0036] The RFID device 16 is a reader / writer that communicates with an RFID tag as an electronic device that is provided on a medium. The RFID device 16 writes data to the RFID tag as an electronic device or reads data written to the RFID tag. The RFID device 16 is provided in the housing of the digital multifunction machine 3 in such a manner that it communicates with an RFID tag provided on a medium that is transported by the transport system 23 in the printer 13.

[0037] The RFID device 16 communicates with the RFID tag, which is an electronic device, at a predetermined communication position (communication range) on the conveying path of the medium conveyed by the conveying system 23. For example, the RFID device 16 writes data to the RFID tag possessed by the medium located at the communication position by sending a write command to the predetermined communication position (write position). In addition, the RFID device 16 reads data from the RFID tag possessed by the medium located at the communication position by sending a read command to the predetermined communication position (read position). In addition, the RFID device 16 has a function of setting the size of the communication range by controlling the intensity of the radio wave of the carrier output to the RFID tag. The RFID device 16 can confirm the data read and written on the RFID tag located on the medium by outputting radio waves in a manner such that the entire medium after passing through the predetermined write position is within the communication range.

[0038] In addition, Figure 3 In the illustrated configuration example, the RFID device 16 communicates with an RFID tag located on the medium (paper) at a position (communication position) just before the image is transferred to the medium. The RFID device 16 can be configured to write data to an RFID tag located on the medium transported by the transport system 23, or to read data from an RFID tag on the medium. The RFID device 16 can set any position as the communication position as long as it is in the transport path of the medium transported by the transport system 23. For example, the communication position of the RFID device 16 can also be a position after the image is formed on the medium in the transport path of the transport system 23. In addition, the RFID device 16 can also be an external device that can be detached from an interface provided on the digital multifunction machine 1.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the control system in the digital multifunction peripheral 3 configured as described above will be described.

[0040] Figure 4 It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control system in the digital multifunction peripheral 3 .

[0041] The digital multifunction peripheral 3 includes a system control unit 15 for controlling the entire device. The system control unit 15 is connected to the scanner 12, the printer 13, the operation panel 14, and the RFID device (reader / writer) 16. Figure 3In the illustrated configuration example, the system control unit 15 includes a processor 50 , a memory 51 , an image memory 52 , an image processing unit 53 , a storage device 54 , a communication interface (I / F) 55 , and the like.

[0042] The processor 50 is connected to the scanner 12, the processor 30 of the printer 13, the processor 40 of the operation 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 the storage device 54. For example, the processor 50 outputs an operation instruction to each part or processes various information from each part by executing the program stored in the memory 51.

[0043] The memory 51 includes RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), NVM and other memories. RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM functions as a program memory. NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. NVM stores setting data and the like.

[0044] The image memory 52 stores image data. For example, the image memory 52 functions as a page memory for loading image data to be processed.

[0045] The image processing unit 53 processes the image data. The image processing unit 53 outputs image data after image processing such as correction, compression or decompression is performed on the input image data. In addition, the image processing unit 53 includes a processor for image processing. The operating frequency (operation speed) of the processor for image processing in the image processing unit 53 is variable. The image processing unit 53 changes the processing time spent on image processing by changing the operating frequency of the processor. For example, the image processing unit 53 can set the processing time of image processing to be equivalent to 1.5 times or 2 times the processing speed by accumulating the operating frequency of the processor.

[0046] The storage device 54 stores data such as control data, control programs, and setting information. The storage device 54 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile 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).

[0047] In addition, the storage device 54 has a scan counter and a print counter. The scan counter counts the number of pages scanned by the scanner 12. In the digital multifunction machine 3 as the image reading device involved in this embodiment, the scan counter counts the number of scanned pages at the scan speed. The print counter counts the number of pages printed by the printer 13. In the digital multifunction machine 3 as the image forming device involved in this embodiment, the print counter counts the number of printed pages at the print speed.

[0048] The communication I / F55 is an interface for data communication with an external device. For example, the communication I / F55 is an interface for communicating with an external device that is an output destination of an image scanned by a network scanning function. In addition, the communication I / F55 is an interface for receiving an image for printing and a printing instruction from an external device by a network printing function. In addition, the communication I / F55 includes an interface for sending fax data generated from an image scanned by a fax function to a fax sending destination. In addition, the communication I / F55 can also be an interface for communicating with an external device (server, etc.) that collects the values ​​of a scan counter and a print counter, etc.

[0049] Next, a configuration example of a control system in the printer 13 will be described.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the printer 13 includes a processor 30 , a memory 31 , a transport system 23 , an image forming unit 25 , an exposure device 26 , a transfer unit 28 , a fixing device 29 , and the like.

[0051] The processor 30 implements various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 31. For example, the processor 30 controls the operation of each unit in the printer 13 and monitors the operation status of each unit by executing the program. In addition, the processor 30 is connected to the processor 50 of the system control unit 15 via an interface. The processor 30 performs printing processing and the like according to the operation instruction from the system control unit 15.

[0052] The memory 31 includes RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), data memory and other memories. RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM functions as a program memory. Data memory is a rewritable non-volatile memory.

[0053] The transport system 23 transports paper in the printer 13 under the control of the processor 30. That is, the transport system 23 drives the transport rollers of each part according to the operation instruction from the processor 30 to transport paper.

[0054] The exposure device 26 irradiates light (laser) for forming an electrostatic latent image to each photosensitive drum of the image forming unit 25 according to an operation instruction from the processor 30. The processor 30 adjusts the printing position and magnification by controlling the irradiation position of the laser beam to the photosensitive drum by the exposure device 26. The processor 30 performs image adjustment according to the printing range by operation control based on the printing reference described later so as to achieve a desired printing range.

[0055] The image forming unit 25 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toners of various colors according to an operation instruction from the processor 30. In addition, the image forming unit 25 transfers the toner formed on the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer belt (primary transfer).

[0056] The transfer unit 28 transfers (secondary transfers) the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 27 to the paper according to the operation instruction from the processor 30. The fuser 29 drives the heating roller 29b and the pressure roller 29c according to the operation instruction from the processor 30. In addition, the heating unit 29a of the fuser 29 makes the surface temperature of the heating roller 29b become a desired fixing temperature according to the control of the processor 30. The fuser 29 fixes the toner image transferred to the paper to the paper in a state controlled to the fixing temperature.

[0057] Next, a configuration example of a control system in the operation panel 14 will be described.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the operation panel 14 includes a processor 40 , a memory 41 , a display unit (display) 42 , a touch panel 43 , operation buttons 44 , and the like.

[0059] The processor 40 implements various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 41. For example, the processor 40 controls the operation of each part of the operation panel 14 and monitors the operation status of each part by executing the program. In addition, the processor 40 is 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 input by the user.

[0060] The memory 41 includes RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), data memory and other memories. RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM functions as a program memory. Data memory is a rewritable non-volatile memory.

[0061] The display unit 42 controls the display content according to the action instruction from the processor 40. The touch panel 43 is provided on the display screen of the display unit 42, and detects the touched position on the display screen. For example, the processor 40 displays the icons that can be selected on the touch panel 43 together with the operation guide on the display screen of the display unit 42. The processor 40 determines the information input by the user according to the touch position detected by the touch panel 43. The operation button 44 is composed of hard keys such as a start key and a reset key.

[0062] Next, a configuration example of a control system in the RFID device 16 as a reader / writer included in the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the RFID device 16 has a processor 60 , a memory 61 , a communication control circuit 62 , and an antenna 63 .

[0064] The processor 60 implements various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 61. For example, the processor 60 controls the operation of each unit in the RFID device 16 by executing the program. In addition, the processor 60 is connected to the processor 50 of the system control unit 15 via an interface. The processor 60 performs command processing such as sending and responding to commands to the RFID tag (electronic device) according to the action instructions from the system control unit 15.

[0065] The memory 61 includes RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), data memory and other memories. RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM functions as a program memory. Data memory is a rewritable non-volatile memory.

[0066] The communication control circuit 62 processes signals transmitted and received via 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 amplifier circuit, an output setting circuit, and a demodulation circuit.

[0067] The antenna 63 receives and receives radio waves. The antenna 63 is connected to the communication control circuit 62. The antenna 63 transmits a signal from the communication control circuit 62 as radio waves. In addition, the antenna 63 supplies the communication control circuit 62 with a signal received as a radio wave.

[0068] For example, the communication control circuit 62 transmits the signal supplied from the processor as an electric wave from the antenna 63. The communication control circuit 62 modulates the signal from the processor 60 through the modulation circuit, amplifies the modulated signal through the amplifier circuit, and outputs it as an electric wave from the antenna 63. Thus, the processor 60 writes data to the RFID tag provided on the medium S at the writing position according to the output signal output from the communication control circuit 62 via the antenna 63.

[0069] In addition, 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 through the amplifier circuit, demodulates it through the demodulation circuit, and supplies the demodulated signal to the processor 60. Thus, the processor 60 uses the communication control circuit 62 and the antenna 63 to communicate with the RFID tag (electronic device) possessed by the medium S passing through the communication range.

[0070] Next, the configuration of a control system in the terminal device 4 in the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control system in the terminal device 4 in the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0072] The terminal device 4 includes a processor 71 , a system memory 72 , a storage unit 73 , a communication unit 74 , an operation unit 75 , a display unit 76 , and the like.

[0073] 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 an operation instruction to each unit or processes various information from each unit by executing the program stored in the system memory 72.

[0074] The system memory 72 includes RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), NVM and other memories. RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM functions as a program memory. NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. NVM stores setting data and the like.

[0075] The storage unit 73 stores data such as control data, control programs, and setting information. The storage unit 73 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, the storage unit 73 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0076] The communication unit 74 is a communication interface for data communication with an external device. 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 machine 3, the terminal device 4, and the RFID reader 5 via the network 6. In addition, the communication unit 74 may also include an interface for serial connection with the digital multifunction machine 3.

[0077] The operation unit 75 is a device such as a keyboard or a 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 also be composed of a display device with a touch panel. For example, the user uses the operation unit 75 to specify an image to be printed on each page of the medium and an RFID command for an RFID tag possessed by each page of the medium. The processor 71 creates print data including the image of each page specified by the operation unit 75 and the command for the RFID tag possessed by each page of the medium.

[0078] Next, the print data input to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.

[0079] In the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment, the digital multifunction printer 3 obtains print data including a command for an RFID tag (RFID command) from a terminal device 4 or the like. The digital multifunction printer 3 according to the embodiment obtains print data including an image to be printed on a medium of each page and a command for an RFID tag provided on the medium of each page.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of print data supplied to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 7 This is an example of a table that stores drawing data for each page included in print data and commands (command data) for each page in association with each other.

[0081] In this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, a command (RFID command) for the RFID tag is embedded in the printing data. Figure 6 The print data shown is generated, for example, by the terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 has installed therein a client application program corresponding to the digital multifunction machine 3 equipped with an RFID device. The client application installed in the terminal device 4 has a function of generating print data including an RFID command.

[0082] The processor 71 of the terminal device 4 generates a program including Figure 6 Print data of the illustrated RFID command. Figure 6 The illustrated printing data is composed of printing data of multiple pages (three pages). The printing data of each page includes an image to be printed on a medium (drawing data of each page) and an RFID command for the RFID tag of the medium. The terminal device 4 sends the printing data including the RFID command generated by the client application to the digital multifunction machine 3.

[0083] The digital multifunction peripheral 3 receives print data including an RFID command from the terminal device 4. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 performs a detection process of detecting the RFID command in the print data received from the terminal device 4. When the print data includes the RFID command, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 extracts the RFID command for each page. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 stores the drawing data and the RFID command in a memory in correspondence with each page.

[0084] Figure 7 An example of a table in which drawing data (IMAGE) of each page and an RFID command of each page are stored in association with each other is shown.

[0085] For example, the digital multifunction machine 3 extracts "image 1" as drawing data from the print data of the first page, and extracts "data 1" as the RFID command. Figure 7As shown, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 stores the drawing data "image 1" and the RFID command "data 1" as data of the first page in association with each other.

[0086] In addition, the digital multifunction machine 3 extracts "image 2" as the drawing data from the print data of the second page, and extracts "data 2" as the RFID command. Figure 7 As shown, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 stores the drawing data "image 2" and the RFID command "data 2" as data of the second page in association with each other.

[0087] Furthermore, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 extracts "image 3" as drawing data and "data 3" as RFID command from the print data of the third page. In this case, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 associates the drawing data "image 3" with the RFID command "data 3" and stores them as the data of the third page.

[0088] That is, the digital multifunction machine 3 Figure 6 The digital multifunction machine 3 extracts the RFID command for each page from the print data as shown. Figure 7 The table in which drawing data and RFID commands are associated with each other for each page is shown. Thus, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 can reliably manage the association between drawing data for each page and RFID commands for each page included in one print data.

[0089] Next, a description will be given of a process of generating print data including an RFID command, which is performed by the terminal device 4 of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0090] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process of generating print data including an RFID command, which is performed by the terminal device 4 of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0091] First, the user starts the client application program as described above in the terminal device 4. The processor 71 of the terminal device 4 may also accept the designation of the processing content for the RFID tag of each page in the print setting of the image instructed by the user. For example, the processor 71 displays the print setting screen on the display unit 76, and accepts the designation of the processing content for the RFID tag of each page in the print setting screen. The user specifies the processing content for the RFID tag of each page using the operation unit 75 while the display unit 76 displays the print instruction screen.

[0092] In addition, as a process for the RFID tag, the processor 71 may also accept the designation of data (RFID data) to be written to the RFID tag of each page. For example, the user only needs to select the writing of data to the RFID tag of each page and designate the data to be written to the RFID tag of each page. Furthermore, the processor 71 may also accept the designation of automatic generation of data to be written to the RFID tag of each page. When the user instructs to automatically generate RFID data, the processor 71 generates the data (RFID data) to be written to the RFID tag of each page.

[0093] When the user specifies an image to be printed, the processor 71 acquires the specified image as drawing data for each page (ACT 11). For example, the processor 71 converts the image data specified as the printing object into drawing data in the form of image data for printing. The processor 71 stores the drawing data for each page as image data for printing in the system memory 72.

[0094] In addition, when the user specifies the processing content for the RFID tag of each page, the processor 71 obtains the RFID command for each page according to the specified processing content (ACT12). For example, when the data (RFID data) written to the RFID tag is specified, the processor 71 generates a command (write command) requesting to write the data to the RFID tag. That is, when the RFID data of each page is obtained, the processor 71 generates a write command that sets the RFID data for each page. In addition, when it is specified to read data from the RFID tag, the processor 71 generates a command (read command) requesting to read data from the RFID tag.

[0095] When the drawing data and the RFID command of each page are acquired, the processor 71 generates print data for each page (ACT 13). The processor 71 associates the drawing data and the RFID command for each page, and generates print data for each page including the drawing data and the RFID command of the page.

[0096] When the print data of each page is generated, the processor 71 generates print data by combining the print data of each page (ACT 14). Figure 7 As shown, the processor 71 creates print data by arranging and combining the print data of each page in page order. When the print data is created, the processor 71 transmits the created print data to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 (ACT 15).

[0097] Through the above-described processing, the terminal device 4 can generate print data in which the RFID command is embedded in the print data of each page, and can transmit the generated print data to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 .

[0098] Next, a description will be given of a printing process in accordance with print data including an RFID command, which is performed by the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0099] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of print data including an RFID command performed by the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0100] The system control unit 15 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 receives print data from the terminal device 4 or the like via the network 6 through the communication interface 55 (ACT 31). The processor 50 of the system control unit 15 in the digital multifunction peripheral 3 stores the print data received from the terminal device 4 in a memory such as the memory 51 or the storage device 54. When the print data is stored in the memory, the processor 50 analyzes the received print data (ACT 32).

[0101] Here, as the analysis of the print data, the processor 50 performs a detection process including a detection process of detecting an RFID command in the print data. The detection process only needs to detect the RFID command embedded in the print data. For example, the processor 50 detects the RFID command by detecting code data of the RFID command for the RFID tag in the print data. Alternatively, the processor 50 may detect the RFID command by performing character recognition on a character string included in the print data and detecting the character string as the RFID command.

[0102] When it is determined that the print data does not include an RFID command (ACT 33: No), the processor 50 executes a print process based on the drawing data of each page in the print data (ACT 34). For example, the processor 50 supplies the drawing data of each page in the print data to the printer 13. The printer 13 prints each page based on the drawing data of each page supplied from the processor 50 of the system control unit 15.

[0103] When the RFID command is detected in the print data (ACT 33 : YES), the processor 50 extracts the RFID command from the print data of each page in the print data (ACT 35 ). In addition, the processor 50 extracts the drawing data from the print data of each page in the print data (ACT 36 ).

[0104] When the drawing data and RFID commands of each page are extracted, the processor 50 stores the drawing data and RFID commands in correspondence with each page (ACT 37). For example, the processor 50 generates a data file that stores the drawing data of each page in the print data in correspondence with the RFID commands of each page. Figure 7 The processor 50 stores a table that associates the drawing data of each page with the RFID command of each page in a memory such as the memory 51 or the storage device 54 .

[0105] When the drawing data and the RFID command are stored in correspondence with each other for each page, the processor 50 supplies the medium with the RFID tag in the order of pages. For example, the processor 50 instructs the printer 13 to print each page by supplying the drawing data in the order of pages. The printer 13 supplies the medium with the RFID tag one by one according to the instruction of the processor 50.

[0106] When the printer 13 supplies a sheet of medium (ACT 38: YES), the processor 50 supplies the RFID device 16 with an RFID command for the RFID tag of the medium supplied by the printer 13 (ACT 39). The processor 50 supplies the RFID device 16 with an RFID command corresponding to the drawing data instructed to be printed by the printer 13. Thus, the drawing data printed on the medium by the printer 13 and the RFID command supplied to the RFID device 16 are reliably integrated.

[0107] The processor 50 monitors the printing process of the drawing data by the printer 13 and the execution of the RFID command by the RFID device 16 (ACT 40). For example, the processor 50 conveys the medium with the RFID tag to the communication position of the RFID device 16 through the conveying system 23 of the printer 13. The RFID device 16 performs the command processing by supplying the RFID command to the RFID tag of the medium conveyed to the communication position. When the RFID device 16 completes the command processing, the processor 50 executes the printing process of the medium with the RFID tag for which the command processing has been completed by the printer 13.

[0108] When the command processing and printing processing of each page are completed, the processor 50 determines whether to end a series of processing for the print data (ACT 41). For example, the processor 50 determines whether to end a series of processing based on whether there are remaining pages to be printed. When there is a next page, that is, the processing of the print data is not completed (ACT 41: No), the processor 50 returns to ACT 38 and executes the printing and command processing of the next page. In addition, when there is no unprocessed page, that is, the processing of the print data is completed (ACT 41: Yes), the processor 50 ends a series of processing for the print data.

[0109] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment extracts the RFID command from the print data. The image forming apparatus stores the drawing data of each page extracted from the print data and the RFID command of each page in a memory as data for each page in correspondence. The image forming apparatus performs printing of the image of each page and processing of the RFID command for the RFID tag of each page according to the data for each page stored in the memory.

[0110] Thus, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment can extract the drawing data of each page and the RFID command of each page from the print data including the RFID command. As a result, the image forming apparatus can reliably integrate the image printing and command processing of each page specified by the print data and execute them on multiple media with RFID tags.

[0111] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: Printer, printing images; Reader / writer, which communicates with electronic devices; A communication interface for communicating with an external device; as well as A processor detects a command indicating processing for the electronic device in the printing data obtained from the external device, and executes printing processing and command processing. The printing processing is the processing of printing the drawing data included in the printing data to the medium by the printer, and the command processing is the processing performed by the reader / writer on the electronic device possessed by the medium in accordance with the command included in the printing data.

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

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The image forming device includes a memory for storing data. The processor stores the drawing data for each page extracted from the print data in the memory in association with the command for each page extracted from the print data.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The processor detects the RFID data written to the RFID tag from the printing data of each page in the printing data as an RFID command, and prints the drawing data of each page to the medium of each page as the printing process, and writes the RFID data of each page as a command to the RFID tag of the medium of each page through the RFID device as the command process.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The processor detects an RFID command by detecting code data of a predetermined RFID command for the RFID tag in the print data.

Images