Printer, image processing apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a printer and an image processing apparatus. The printer according to an embodiment includes a printing section that prints an image based on a print job; a generation section that generates history information including printer identification information, the history information being information related to printing of the image; and a communication section that transmits the history information to an image processing apparatus capable of outputting the history information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention, for example, relate to a printer that prints barcodes on strips of label paper, and an image processing apparatus that connects to multiple printers via a network. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as a system for managing multiple label printers, there existed an information processing system that could uniformly manage the label issuance history for each label issuer authorized to issue labels.

[0003] In an information processing system that includes multiple label printers, there may be outputs such as a list summarizing the label issuance history by each label printer, or a request to reprint issued labels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention includes a printer comprising: a printing unit for printing an image based on a print job; a generation unit for generating historical information including the print job and printer identification information; and a communication unit for sending the historical information to an image processing device capable of outputting the historical information.

[0005] An image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a communication unit for receiving historical information from a printer, including print jobs performed by the printer and printer identification information; a management unit for managing the historical information; and an output unit for outputting the historical information identified by the printer identification information. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The general architecture for implementing various features of the embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and related descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the image processing system involved in the implementation method.

[0008] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A 3D view of the printer's appearance as an image processing system.

[0009] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the printer's internal structure.

[0010] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 A block diagram of the printer's control system.

[0011] Figure 5It means Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the image processing device of the image processing system.

[0012] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the main parts of the image processing device.

[0013] Figure 7 It means Figure 5 A block diagram of the control system of the image processing device.

[0014] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 A block diagram of the processor module.

[0015] Figure 9 It means by Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of management information managed by the management department.

[0016] Figure 10 It means by Figure 2 An example of a label image printed by a printer.

[0017] Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the actions of an image processing system.

[0018] Figure 12 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the actions of an image processing system. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The printer according to the embodiment includes: a printing unit that prints an image based on a print job; a generation unit that generates historical information including printer identification information, the historical information being information related to the printing of the image; and a communication unit that sends the historical information to an image processing device capable of outputting the historical information.

[0020] The embodiments will now be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, one embodiment of the image processing system 100 includes multiple printers 10 and an image processing device 200. The image processing device 200 may also consist of multiple units. The multiple printers 10 and the image processing device 200 are connected via a network 300. The printers 10 are, for example, label printers that print images onto strips of label paper. The image processing device 200 is, for example, an MFP (multifunction peripheral) having printing, scanning, and faxing functions. The printers 10 may also be the same MFP as the image processing device 200. In addition to this, computer terminals may be connected to the network 300. The network 300 may be, for example, a LAN, WAN, intranet, or the internet.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the printer 10 has a generally rectangular block-shaped housing constituting the outer casing of the device. Viewed from the operating side, the housing includes a left housing 11 and a right housing 12. The right housing 12 is wider laterally than the left housing 11. The two housings 11 and 12 are assembled with their openings overlapping each other. The opposing edges of the top plates of the two housings 11 and 12 are connected by two hinges 13. Therefore, by rotating the right housing 12 upward about the hinge 13, the interior of the housings 11 and 12 can be opened significantly.

[0023] The front panel 14 of the left-side housing 11 includes a power switch 15, a display unit 16, and an operation unit 17. The operation unit 17 includes multiple operation buttons 18. On the front panel 19 of the right-side housing 12, there is a label dispensing slot 20 for dispensing labels with printed images. In this embodiment and the claims, "printing" includes not only the printing of images such as patterns and barcodes, but also the printing of character information.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, inside the housings 11 and 12 of the printer 10 are a holding section 21 for holding the label roll 271, a conveying section 22 for conveying the label paper 27, a printing section 23 for printing images onto the labels, and a ribbon supply section 25. By rotating the right-side housing 12 around the hinge 13 to open the internal space, it is possible to install the label roll 271 onto the holding section 21, replace the ribbon rolls 411 and 431 of the ribbon supply section 25, or perform maintenance on the various mechanisms 21, 22, 23, and 25 of the printer 10.

[0025] The retaining part 21 rotatably holds the long strip of label paper 27 wound into a roll 271. The retaining part 21 has a rotatable section along the label roll 271. Figure 3 An axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface. The holding part 21 has a structure that allows for the assembly and disassembly of the label roll 271. If the label paper 27 is pulled out to the left as shown in the figure, the label roll 271 extends along the holding part 21. Figure 3 Rotate clockwise.

[0026] As for the label paper 27, there are, for example, label peel-off type label paper where multiple labels are arranged and pasted on the surface of a long strip of backing paper, and linerless type label paper where multiple labels are joined together into a strip without backing paper. The linerless type label paper 27 has an adhesive layer on the back and a peel-off layer on the front that allows the adhesive layer to be peeled off. In addition, among the labels, there are labels made of non-thermal-sensitive raw materials from which images are printed by heat transfer of ink from an ink ribbon 41, and labels made of thermal-sensitive color-developing raw materials that develop color by heating.

[0027] In other words, label roll 271 includes both non-thermal label roll 271 and thermal color-developing label roll 271. The non-thermal label roll 271 is formed by rolling peel-off label paper 27 into a roll, or by rolling backless label paper 27 without a backing paper. The peel-off label paper 27 is obtained by attaching multiple non-thermal labels to a strip of backing paper, while the backless label paper 27 is obtained by connecting multiple non-thermal labels together. Similarly, the thermal color-developing label roll 271 is formed by rolling peel-off label paper 27 into a roll, or by rolling backless label paper 27 without a backing paper. The peel-off label paper 27 is obtained by attaching multiple thermal color-developing labels to a strip of backing paper, while the backless label paper 27 is obtained by connecting multiple thermal color-developing labels together.

[0028] The conveying unit 22 includes a conveying roller 28, a pinch roller 29, a frame 24 and 30, a support arm 31, a leaf spring 32, and a label sensor 7.

[0029] Conveyor roller 28 has a length along with Figure 3 A rotating shaft extends in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface. The transport section 22 has a transport path 26 that transports the label paper 27 drawn from the label roll 271 approximately horizontally. A frame 24 is located below the transport path 26. The frame 24 rotatably supports the transport roller 28 below the transport path 26. The printer 10 includes a transport motor 54 that rotates the transport roller 28. Figure 4 ).

[0030] The pinch roller 29 has along Figure 3 A rotating axis extends in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface. The pinch roller 29 is positioned above and opposite the conveyor roller 28, clamping the conveyor path 26 in the middle. The pinch roller 29 is rotatably mounted on the rotating front end of the support arm 31. A frame 30 is located above the conveyor path 26. The frame 30 is rotatably mounted on the base end of the support arm 31. A leaf spring 32 is mounted between the frame 30 and the support arm 31, generating a restoring force in the direction that presses the pinch roller 29 against the conveyor roller 28.

[0031] The label sensor 7 is, for example, a light-transmitting sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part sandwiched in the middle of the transport path 26 of the label paper 27. The label sensor 7 is located in the transport path 26 between the transport roller 28 and the printing part 23. The label sensor 7 detects the light transmitted through the label paper 27 and outputs a signal reflecting the increase or decrease in the amount of light transmitted as the label paper 27 is transported. More specifically, the label sensor 7 illuminates the label paper 27 from the light-emitting part, receives the light transmitted through the label paper 27 by the light-receiving part, and outputs an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light received (the amount of light transmitted).

[0032] If the conveyor roller 28 is rotated by the conveyor motor 54, the label paper 27 sandwiched between it and the clamping roller 29 is conveyed along the conveyor path 26 by the conveyor roller 28 under the conveying force, and the label paper 27 is drawn out from the label roll 271. At this time, the printer 10 detects the front or rear end of the conveying direction of each label based on the signal output from the label sensor 7, and rotates and stops the conveyor motor 54 based on the detection result, thereby enabling the label that will be printed to be conveyed (feeded) to the printing position.

[0033] The transport path 26 of the label paper 27 begins at the point where the label paper 27 is drawn out from the label roll 271 mounted on the holding part 21. The transport path 26 passes through the position where the pinch roller 29 and the transport roller 28 in the transport part 22 meet. The transport path 26 passes through the position where the printing head 33 of the printing part 23 meets the platen roller 34. The end of the transport path 26 is the label dispensing port 20. When using label peel-off type label paper with multiple labels pasted on the backing paper, only the labels peeled off from the backing paper can be dispensed from the label dispensing port 20.

[0034] The printing section 23 includes a printing head 33, an impression roller 34, and a holding arm 36.

[0035] Impression roller 34 has an edge Figure 3A rotating shaft extends in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface. The frame 24 of the transport section 22, located below the transport path 26, rotatably supports the impression roller 34 below the transport path 26. The printer 10 includes a platen motor 53 for rotating the impression roller 34. Figure 4 The impression roller 34 and the impression motor 53 function as part of the conveying section 22 that conveys the label paper 27.

[0036] The printing head 33 is positioned above and opposite the impression roller 34, sandwiching the conveyor path 26 in the middle. The printing head 33, for example, is equipped with... Figure 3 Multiple thermal heads with heating elements arranged in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface. The ribbon 41 and label paper 27 are conveyed through the transport path 26 between the impression roller 34 and the printing head 33 in an overlapping state.

[0037] A retaining arm 36 is positioned above the conveyor path 26, and a print head 33 is provided at its swinging front end. The frame 40 of the ribbon supply section 25, positioned above the conveyor path 26, rotatably supports the swinging base end of the retaining arm 36. By swinging the retaining arm 36 relative to the frame 40, the print head 33 can be separated from the impression roller 34.

[0038] The ribbon supply unit 25 is located above the transport path 26. The ribbon supply unit 25 includes a feed shaft 37, a take-up shaft 38, a ribbon end sensor 39, and a frame 40.

[0039] The output shaft 37 is along Figure 3 A shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface detachably holds unused carbon ribbon 41 wound into a roll 411. If the feed shaft 37 is moved along... Figure 3 If rotated clockwise, carbon ribbon 41 is fed out from ribbon roll 411.

[0040] The frame 40 includes a guide roller 42 for winding and guiding the carbon ribbon 41 fed from the ribbon roll 411. The guide roller 42 has a [missing information - likely a feature or characteristic] along [missing information - likely a feature or characteristic] Figure 3 A rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface is rotatably mounted on frame 40.

[0041] Reel 38 is along with Figure 3 An axis extending orthogonally to the paper surface detachably holds a ribbon roll 431 that winds up the used carbon ribbon 43 that has passed through the print head 33. When winding up the used carbon ribbon 43, the winding axis 38 is positioned along... Figure 3 Rotate clockwise.

[0042] Between the print head 33 and the take-up shaft 38, there is a guide roller 44 that winds and guides the used carbon ribbon 43. The guide roller 44 has a [missing information - likely a feature or characteristic] along [missing information - likely a feature or characteristic] Figure 3A rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface is rotatably mounted on frame 40.

[0043] Printer 10 is equipped with a conveyor motor 55 for rotating the feed shaft 37. Figure 4 ) and a take-up motor 56 for rotating the take-up shaft 38. Figure 4 The ribbon supply unit 25 supplies the ribbon 41 along the transport path 26 of the label paper 27 by driving the conveyor motor 55 and the take-up motor 56, and takes up the used ribbon 43. The ribbon 41 passes between the impression roller 34 and the printing head 33 in an overlapping state on the label paper 27.

[0044] The transport path 45 for ribbons 41 and 43 begins at the point where ribbon 41 is fed from ribbon roll 411 mounted on the feed shaft 37. The transport path 45 passes through the point where it engages with guide roller 42, and then through ribbon end sensor 39 and print head 33. Furthermore, the point in the transport path 45 where ribbon 41 is wound up by take-up shaft 38 via guide roller 44 becomes the end point.

[0045] The ribbon end sensor 39 detects the end of the ribbon 41. The ribbon end sensor 39 is located between the feed shaft 37 that feeds the ribbon 41 and the printing section 23. The ribbon end sensor 39 can be, for example, a reflective sensor equipped with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. Alternatively, the ribbon end sensor 39 can be a transmissive sensor or a sensor that mechanically detects the end of the ribbon 41.

[0046] Furthermore, the printer 10 has a label peeling plate 35 located adjacent to the transport path 26 downstream of the printing section 23. When using label peeling type label paper with multiple labels pasted on the backing paper, the labels are peeled off from the backing paper using the label peeling plate 35. The backing paper after label peeling can be wound up by a winding mechanism (not shown). In this case, the label paper 27 is wound around the impression roller 34 to bend it, and the label is peeled off from the backing paper by the label peeling plate 35 located on the outside of this bend. After the label is peeled off from the backing paper, it is issued from the label issuing port 20.

[0047] Furthermore, the printer 10 has a cutter 5 on the upstream side of the label dispensing port 20 for cutting multiple labels of strip-shaped, backing-less label paper 27 between labels. When using backing-less label paper 27, which consists of multiple labels joined together to form a strip, the label paper 27 is cut by the cutter 5 near the label dispensing port 20. The labels, cut one by one by the cutter 5, are dispensed through the label dispensing port 20.

[0048] Furthermore, in the printer 10 described above, if a non-thermal label roll 271 is assembled into the holding unit 21 and an ink transfer printing mode is executed, the transport unit 22 pulls out label paper 27 from the label roll 271 and transports it along the transport path 26. Then, the ribbon 41 is supplied by the ribbon supply unit 25 overlapping the label paper 27, and the print head 33 transfers the ink of the ribbon 41 onto the labels to be printed on the label paper 27, printing the target image on each label on the label paper 27. Additionally, in the printer 10 described above, if a thermal color-developing label roll 271 is assembled into the holding unit 21 and a thermal color-developing printing mode is executed, the transport unit 22 pulls out label paper 27 from the label roll 271 and transports it along the transport path 26. Then, the print head 33 develops the thermal layer of the label to be printed, printing the target image on each label on the label paper 27.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the printer 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, ROM (Read Only Memory) 46, RAM (Random Access Memory) 47, non-volatile memory 57, and data storage 58. The CPU 1 is connected via a bus and interface to the ROM 46, RAM 47, non-volatile memory 57, and data storage 58, as well as to a communication interface 48, a display controller 49, an operation unit controller 50, a head driver 51, a motor driver 52, a label sensor 7, a ribbon end sensor 39, and an actuator 6. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In Chinese, "interface" is abbreviated as "I / F".

[0050] ROM 46 stores the program executed by printer 10 and various data. RAM 47 is a memory used to temporarily store the program and data when CPU 1 executes the above-mentioned programs. Non-volatile memory 57 stores historical information related to printing jobs. Data storage 58 stores print data, etc. Communication interface 48 connects printer 10 to network 300, enabling data communication between printer 10 and image processing device 200 (or computer terminal). Image processing device 200 can send print data (or print jobs) to RAM 47 via communication interface 48. In addition, print data and print jobs can be output via operation unit 17 or input via computer terminal. Communication interface 48 includes, for example, USB, RS-232C, RAN, etc.

[0051] The display controller 49 controls the display of images, characters, and other information on the display unit 16. The operation unit controller 50 receives various information inputs via the operation unit 17. The head driver 51 drives and controls the print head 33. The head driver 51 switches the energization of the heating element of the print head 33 on / off based on the printing data, thereby thermally transferring the image to the label paper 27. The actuator 6 drives the cutter 5.

[0052] Motor driver 52 drives and controls impression motor 53, conveyor motor 54, transfer motor 55, and rewind motor 56. Impression motor 53 rotates and drives impression roller 34 of printing section 23. Conveyor motor 54 rotates and drives conveyor roller 28 of conveyor section 22. Transfer motor 55 rotates and drives feed shaft 37 of ribbon supply section 25. Rewind motor 56 rotates and drives take-up shaft 38 of ribbon supply section 25.

[0053] The program executed by printer 10 is provided pre-assembled in ROM 46 or the like. The program executed in printer 10 according to this embodiment may also be provided as an installable or executable file stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, it may be provided by storing the program executed in printer 10 according to this embodiment on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloading it via the network. Additionally, it may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, CPU1 (processor) includes modules such as generation unit 2, acquisition unit 3, output unit 4, communication unit 8, printing control unit 68, and motor control unit 69. CPU1 loads programs from storage media such as ROM 46 into main storage (e.g., RAM 47) and executes the programs, thereby realizing the functions of generation unit 2, acquisition unit 3, output unit 4, communication unit 8, printing control unit 68, and motor control unit 69. The functions of each part 2, 3, 4, 8, 68, and 69 of CPU1 will be explained below.

[0055] The generation unit 2 generates historical information related to printing, including printer identification information (printer ID) used to identify the printer 10. Printer identification information may include, for example, the IP address assigned to each printer 10. Printer identification information can be any information that can identify the printer 10. In addition to printer identification information, the historical information also includes print data related to the characters and images actually printed on the labels, the date and time the image based on the print data was printed on the labels, the number of copies printed, and other information related to the print job.

[0056] Furthermore, historical information may also include information indicating that a label was printed on the printer 10, image information related to the printed image itself, the printing job itself, etc. Image information may include, for example, at least one of image information related to an item with a label bearing the printed image (first image information) and image information related to the delivery of the item with the label affixed (second image information).

[0057] The acquisition unit 3 acquires the label identification information (hereinafter referred to as label identification information) of the printed image. For example, the acquisition unit 3 acquires the label identification information issued and sent to the printer 10 by the image processing device 200 based on a request signal (issuance request) sent from the printer 10. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 3 acquires the label identification information issued by the printer 10 based on an issuance request input via the operation unit 17. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 3 acquires the label identification information input via a computer terminal. When the printer 10 issues label identification information, or when the label identification information is sent from the computer terminal, the printer 10 sends the label identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 3 along with identification information such as the printer ID used to identify the printer (hereinafter referred to as printer identification information) to the image processing device 200.

[0058] The output unit 4 outputs a request signal to the image processing device 200 for requesting the issuance of tag identification information.

[0059] Whenever an image is printed on a label, the communication unit 8 sends historical information related to that printing job to the image processing device 200. The communication unit 8 also sends a request signal output by the output unit 4, along with the printer identification information of the printer 10, to the image processing device 200. The communication unit 8 receives label identification information issued by the image processing device 200 based on the request signal.

[0060] If, for example, printing data is input via communication interface 48 or operation unit controller 50 according to the input of ink transfer printing mode received by operation unit 17, then print control unit 68 controls the operation of print head 33 via print head driver 51. Print head 33 transfers the ink of ribbon 41 to label paper 27 drawn from loaded non-thermal label roll 271, printing an image based on the printing data.

[0061] Furthermore, if print data is input via communication interface 48 or operation unit controller 50 based on the input of the thermal color-developing print mode received by operation unit 17, print control unit 68 controls the operation of print head 33 via print head driver 51. Print head 33 develops the thermal layer of label paper 27 drawn from loaded thermal color-developing label roll 271, thereby printing an image based on the print data.

[0062] The printing control unit 68 functions as a printing unit that prints images onto labels based on print jobs. The printing control unit 68 prints the target image and label identification information based on the print job. Label identification information may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) (Quick Response code).

[0063] The motor control unit 69 controls the rotation drive of the impression motor 53, the conveyor motor 54, the transfer motor 55, and the rewind motor 56 required for printing images based on print data onto the label paper 27 via the motor driver 52.

[0064] Furthermore, some of the various functions implemented by CPU1 executing programs can also be implemented using hardware circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). In this case, CPU1 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a printing unit 101, a scanner 102, and an operation panel 103. The printing unit 101 has the function of printing images onto paper P. The printing unit 101 includes a paper feed tray 111, a manual paper feed tray 112, a paper feed roller 113, a toner cartridge 114, an image forming unit 115, a light scanning device 116, a transfer belt 117, a secondary transfer roller 118, a fixing unit 119, a duplex unit 120, and an output tray 121.

[0066] Paper tray 111 holds paper P for printing. Manual feed tray 112 holds manually fed paper P. Paper feed roller 113 feeds the paper P contained in paper tray 111 or manual feed tray 112 from paper tray 111 or manual feed tray 112 by rotation.

[0067] Toner cartridge 114 contains developer for supplying to the image forming unit 115. As an example, the image processing apparatus 200 includes toner cartridges 114C, 114M, 114Y, and 114K. Toner cartridges 114C, 114M, 114Y, and 114K respectively contain developer corresponding to each color of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key). That is, toner cartridge 114C contains cyan (C) developer. Toner cartridge 114M contains magenta (M) developer. Toner cartridge 114Y contains yellow (Y) developer. Toner cartridge 114K contains black (K) developer. Furthermore, the color of the developer contained in toner cartridge 114 is not limited to the colors of CMYK and can be other colors. In addition, the developer contained in the toner cartridge 114 may be, for example, a decolorizable developer that becomes invisible at a temperature higher than the specified temperature.

[0068] As an example, the image processing apparatus 200 includes four image forming units 115C, 115M, 115Y, and 115K corresponding to each color of CMYK. The image forming units 115C, 115M, 115Y, and 115K have substantially the same structure and are therefore sometimes collectively referred to as image forming units 115. The image forming units 115C, 115M, 115Y, and 115K each use a developer corresponding to each color of CMYK to form an image. That is, image forming unit 115C forms a cyan image. Image forming unit 115M forms a magenta image. Image forming unit 115Y forms a yellow image. Image forming unit 115K forms a black image.

[0069] use Figure 6 The image forming unit 115 is described in detail below. As an example, the image forming unit 115 includes a photosensitive drum 1151, a charging unit 1152, a developing unit 1153, a primary transfer roller 1154, a cleaner 1155, and a lamp 1156.

[0070] The photosensitive drum 1151 is illuminated by a light beam B emitted from the light scanning device 116. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151.

[0071] The charging unit 1152 causes the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151 to carry a specified positive charge.

[0072] The developing unit 1153 uses developer D supplied from toner cartridge 114 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the surface of photosensitive drum 1151. Thus, an image based on developer D is formed on the surface of photosensitive drum 1151.

[0073] The primary transfer roller 1154 is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 1151, sandwiching the transfer belt 117 in the middle. The primary transfer roller 1154 generates a transfer voltage between itself and the photosensitive drum 1151. Thus, the primary transfer roller 1154 transfers (primarily transfers) the image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151 onto the transfer belt 117 that is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1151.

[0074] The cleaner 1155 removes developer D residue from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151.

[0075] The light bulb 1156 removes the residual charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151.

[0076] The optical scanning device 116 is also referred to as an LSU (laser scanning unit), etc. The optical scanning device 116 is based on a processor 141 (…). Figure 7 The image processing unit 200 controls the light beam B according to the input image data, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1151 of each image forming unit 115. The input image data is, for example, image data read from a document by the scanner 102. Alternatively, the input image data is image data sent from another device such as the printer 10 and received by the image processing unit 200.

[0077] Here, the light beam B irradiated by the light scanning device 116 onto the image forming unit 115Y is designated as beam BY, the light beam B irradiated onto the image forming unit 115M is designated as beam BM, the light beam B irradiated onto the image forming unit 115C is designated as beam BC, and the light beam B irradiated onto the image forming unit 115K is designated as beam BK. The light scanning device 116 controls the light beam BY according to the Y (yellow) component of the image data. The light scanning device 116 controls the light beam BM according to the M (magenta) component of the image data. The light scanning device 116 controls the light beam BC according to the C (cyan) component of the image data. The light scanning device 116 controls the light beam BK according to the K (key) component of the image data.

[0078] The transfer belt 117 is, for example, a loop-shaped belt. By rotating, the transfer belt 117 conveys the image transferred from the color image forming section 115 to the position of the secondary transfer roller 108.

[0079] The secondary transfer roller 108 has two rollers facing each other. The secondary transfer roller 108 transfers (secondary transfer) the image formed on the transfer belt 117 onto the paper P passing between the secondary transfer rollers 108.

[0080] The fixing unit 119 heats and presses the paper P after the images of each color have been overlaid and transferred. This fixes the images transferred onto the paper P. The fixing unit 119 includes a heating roller 1191 and a pressure roller 1192 that are opposite each other.

[0081] The heating roller 1191 has a heat source. The heat source is, for example, a heater. The heating roller 1191, heated by the heat source, brings its surface into contact with the paper P, thereby heating the paper P.

[0082] The pressure roller 1192 applies pressure to the paper P that passes between the pressure roller 1192 and the heating roller 1191.

[0083] The duplex unit 120 enables the paper P to be printed on the reverse side. For example, the duplex unit 120 uses a roller or the like to fold the paper P back, thereby flipping the front and back of the paper P.

[0084] The paper output tray 121 holds the paper P discharged after printing.

[0085] Scanner 102 is, for example, an optically scaled-down scanner equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor. Alternatively, scanner 102 may be a contact sensor (CIS) scanner equipped with an imaging element such as a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor. Alternatively, scanner 102 may employ other known methods. Scanner 102 reads images from original documents, etc. Scanner 102 includes a reading module 131 and an original document feeding device 132.

[0086] The reading module 131 converts incident light into a digital signal using an image sensor. Thus, the reading module 131 reads an image from the surface of the original document.

[0087] The original document feeding device 132 is also referred to, for example, as an ADF (automatic document feeder). The original document feeding device 132 sequentially feeds original documents placed on a tray for original documents. The image of the fed original document is read by the scanner 102. Furthermore, the original document feeding device 132 may also be equipped with a scanner for reading images from the back of the original document.

[0088] The operation panel 103 includes a human-machine interface for inputting and outputting information between the image processing device 200 and the operator. The operation panel 103 may include, for example, a touch panel 1031 and an input device 1032.

[0089] The touch panel 1031 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, stacked with a touch-input-based pointing device. The display included in the touch panel 1031 functions as a display device for showing images used to notify the operator of various information from the image processing device 200. Furthermore, the touch panel 1031 functions as an input device for receiving touch operations from the operator.

[0090] Input device 1032 accepts operations from the operator of image processing device 200. Input device 1032 is, for example, a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, etc.

[0091] Next, use Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The control system of the image processing device 200 will be described.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the image processing apparatus 200 includes a processor 141, a ROM (read-only memory) 122, a RAM (random-access memory) 123, an auxiliary storage device 144, a communication interface 145, a printing unit 101, a scanner 102, and an operation panel 103. Furthermore, a bus 146 and the like connect these components.

[0093] The processor 141 is equivalent to the central part of the computer that performs calculations and control processes required for the operation of the image processing device 200. Based on system software, application software, and firmware stored in the ROM 142 or auxiliary storage device 144, the processor 141 controls various parts to implement the various functions of the image processing device 200. Furthermore, part or all of this program may be integrated into the circuitry of the processor 141. The processor 141 may be, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (microprocessor unit), SoC (system on a chip), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphics processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), PLD (programmable logic device), or FPGA (field-programmable gate array). Alternatively, the processor 141 may be a combination of several of these.

[0094] ROM 142 is equivalent to the main storage device of a computer with processor 141 as its central processing unit. ROM 142 is a non-volatile memory specifically used for data retrieval. ROM 142 stores, for example, firmware in the aforementioned program. Furthermore, ROM 142 stores data or various settings used by processor 141 during various processes.

[0095] RAM 143 is equivalent to the main storage device of a computer with processor 141 as its central hub. RAM 143 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 143 is used as a so-called work area to store data temporarily used by processor 141 during various processing operations. RAM 143 is, for example, volatile memory.

[0096] The auxiliary storage device 144 is equivalent to an auxiliary storage device in a computer with the processor 141 as its central component. The auxiliary storage device 144 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid-state drive), or an eMMC (embedded multimedia card). The auxiliary storage device 144 stores, for example, system software and application software. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 144 stores data used by the processor 141 during various processing operations, data generated by the processor 141's processing, or various setting values. Additionally, the image processing device 200 may also have an interface that allows insertion of storage media such as memory cards or USB (universal serial bus) memory as the auxiliary storage device 144. This interface reads and writes information to the storage medium.

[0097] Communication interface 145 is an interface for image processing device 200 to communicate with printer 10 via network 300.

[0098] Bus 146 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus, which transmit signals exchanged between various parts of the image processing device 200.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, the processor 141 includes modules such as a communication unit 151, a management unit 152, an output unit 153, a distribution unit 154, a reading unit 155, and a acquisition unit 156. The processor 141 loads a program from a storage medium such as ROM 142 onto a main storage device (e.g., RAM 143) and executes the program, thereby realizing the functions of the communication unit 151, management unit 152, output unit 153, distribution unit 154, reading unit 155, and acquisition unit 156. The functions of each unit 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, and 156 of the processor 141 will be described below.

[0100] The communication unit 151 receives the aforementioned print jobs from multiple printers 10. The print jobs are sent from the multiple printers 10 in association with printer identification information used to determine the sending source printer 10. The print jobs include information related to print data, print date and time, number of copies, and print job details. Furthermore, the communication unit 151 receives from the printers 10 a request signal for issuing identification information for labels containing images printed by those printers 10, and replies with label identification information issued according to the request signal to the printer 10 that sent the request signal.

[0101] The management unit 152 manages all issued print jobs sent from multiple printers 10. Print jobs sent from multiple printers 10 to the image processing device 200 in association with printer identification information are stored in RAM 143, etc., as management information summarizing historical information from multiple printers 10. The management unit 152 manages historical information by printer based on printer identification information.

[0102] Output Department 153 outputs management information managed by Management Department 152. Figure 9 An example of a data structure for management information is shown. Output unit 153 operates printing unit 101 to print management information, including historical information sent from multiple printers 10, onto paper P. Alternatively, output unit 153 displays management information, including historical information sent from multiple printers 10, via operation panel 103. Alternatively, output unit 153 sends management information managed by management unit 152 to a computer terminal.

[0103] The issuing unit 154 issues identification information (tag ID) of the tag printed by the printer 10 based on a request signal (issuance request) received from the printer 10 via the communication unit 151. The communication unit 151 replies the tag identification information issued by the issuing unit 154 to the printer 10, the source of the request signal.

[0104] The reading unit 155 reads the image printed on the label by the printer 10. Figure 10 An example of an image printed on a label is shown. The image of the label can be read by the scanner 102. When the image processing device 200 is equipped with a barcode reader or the like, the reading unit 155 can read the label identification information (QR code) by the barcode reader.

[0105] The processor 141 uses the QR code read from the label as a key to extract historical information related to the printing of the printer 10 that printed the label with the label identification information from the RAM 143.

[0106] The acquisition unit 156 acquires a reprint request signal for the image read from the label issued by the printer 10. For example, if an input requesting the reprint of an image including a QR code read by the scanner 102 is made via the operation panel 103, the acquisition unit 156 acquires the reprint request signal. At this time, the processor 141 displays, for example, the image including the QR code read by the scanner 102 and a reprint button via the operation panel 103.

[0107] When the operator panel 103 receives an instruction to change the destination of a print job contained in the historical information, the communication unit 151 can send a print job to a printer 10 other than the printer that sent the request signal.

[0108] As the hardware of the image processing apparatus 200, hardware such as existing MFPs can be used. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 200 is generally transferred in a state where the program is stored in the ROM 142 or the auxiliary storage device 144. However, it is also possible to transfer the hardware and program separately, either without storing the program or storing a different version of the same program. In this case, the program is written to the auxiliary storage device 144 according to the operator's operation, thereby enabling the image processing apparatus 200 to be configured. Additionally, the program can be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or transferred via communication through a network.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 An example of the operation of the image processing system 100 described above will be explained.

[0110] like Figure 11 As shown, for example, if a print job is input from a computer terminal (Act 11), the printer 10 receives the print job via the communication unit 8 (Act 12). Alternatively, the printer 10 accepts the operator's print job input via the operation unit 17 (Act 12).

[0111] When the image processing system 100 is in a mode that enables the printer 10 and the image processing device 200 to cooperate (Act 13; YES), the printer 10, which receives the print job, outputs a request signal for requesting the discovery of tag identification information via the output unit 4, and sends the request signal together with the printer identification information of the printer 10 to the image processing device 200 via the communication unit 8 (Act 14).

[0112] If a request signal is received from printer 10 via communication unit 151, image processing device 200 issues identification information (Act 15) of the label printed by printer 10 in issuing unit 154. Image processing device 200 replies the issued label identification information to printer 10, the source of the request signal, via communication unit 151.

[0113] The printer 10, which receives the label identification information issued by the image processing device 200, generates historical information (Act 16) including the label identification information in the generation unit 2. The historical information includes the print jobs received in Act 12, and the print jobs include print data, print date and time, number of copies, etc.

[0114] Then, under the control of the printing control unit 68, the printer 10 prints the image based on the print job onto the label (Act 17). The image printed on the label includes a QR code as label identification information. Figure 10 Whenever printer 10 prints an image on a label, it sends historical information related to the printing of that image to image processing device 200 (Act 18) via communication unit 8.

[0115] The image processing unit 200 stores and accumulates historical information received from the printer 10 in the non-volatile memory 57 (Act 19). The management unit 152 manages the historical information by printer based on the printer identification information. The management information managed by the management unit 152 can be printed on paper P at any time or displayed via the operation panel 103.

[0116] Furthermore, when the image processing system 100 is not in cooperative mode (Act 13; No), the printer 10, upon receiving a print job, does not send a request signal to the image processing device 200 as in Act 14, but instead proceeds directly to Act 17 to print the image based on the print job onto the label. In this case, the historical information of the printed image may not include the label identification information, or it may include label identification information previously issued by the printer 10.

[0117] As mentioned above, according to Figure 11 The illustrated example demonstrates that the image processing device 200 can manage the printing history of multiple printers 10 and can print the management information onto paper P at any given time. Furthermore, the image processing device 200 can print an image identical to the one printed on the label onto paper P, or identify the historical information of each printer using printer identification information and print it onto paper P as well.

[0118] In the case of reprinting labels issued by printer 10, image processing system 100, for example, Figure 12 Operate as shown.

[0119] First, the reading unit 155 of the image processing device 200 scans the issued tag via the scanner 102 and reads the tag's identification information (QR code) from the scanned image (Act21). Then, the processor 141 extracts historical information corresponding to the tag identification information read in Act21 from the management information accumulated in the non-volatile memory 57 (Act22).

[0120] If matching historical information is extracted in Act 22 (Act 23; YES), the processor 141 displays an image related to the historical information extracted in Act 22 via the operation panel 103 (Act 24). The image displayed in Act 24 includes, for example, a reprint button for performing reprinting. If no matching historical information is found in the management information (Act 23; NO), the processor 141 displays "No matching historical information" via the operation panel 103 and terminates the process.

[0121] If the reprint button displayed in Act 24 is entered (Act 25; YES), then the communication unit 151 will send the historical information extracted in Act 22 along with the reprint command to the printer 10 that issued the label (Act 26). Alternatively, the communication unit 151 will send the print job contained in the historical information extracted in Act 22 to the printer 10 identified by the printer identification information contained in the historical information extracted in Act 22.

[0122] Alternatively, after pressing the reprint button, the operation panel 103 can be used to switch the display of the image of the printer 10 that is the destination for accepting the historical information, and change the printer 10 that is the destination for the historical information.

[0123] In Act 26, the printer 10, having received historical information and a reprint command from the image processing device 200, prints (reprints) an image based on the historical information onto a label under the control of the print control unit 68 (Act 27). Alternatively, the printer 10, having received a print job from the image processing device 200, prints (reprints) an image based on the print job under the control of the print control unit 68.

[0124] Additionally, it is possible to process corrections to historical information while the image is displayed in Act24.

[0125] Based on the above, Figure 12 In this example, without the cumbersome input required for reprinting, labels with the same printed image can be reprinted simply by the scanner 102 of the image processing device 200 reading the already issued label, thus improving convenience.

[0126] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In fact, the new embodiments described herein can be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the form of the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover forms or modifications falling within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A printer, comprising: The printing department prints images based on print jobs; The generation unit generates historical information including the print job and printer identification information; and The communication unit sends the historical information to an image processing device capable of outputting the historical information.

2. The printer according to claim 1, comprising: The output unit outputs a request signal to the image processing device for requesting the issuance of tag identification information.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The historical information includes information indicating that the printing unit has printed.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The historical information includes image information related to the image printed by the printing unit.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The historical information includes information related to the print job.

6. An image processing apparatus comprising: The communication unit receives historical information from the printer, including print jobs executed by the printer and printer identification information; The management department manages the aforementioned historical information; and The output unit outputs the historical information identified by the printer identification information.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, comprising: The issuing department issues label identification information based on the issuing request from the printer.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, comprising: The reading unit reads the image printed by the printer.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires a request signal for reprinting the image read by the reading unit.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, Based on the request signal, extract historical information related to the printing of the image and send the historical information to the printer.

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