Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce the occurrence of failure of image formation and tag processing on tag paper.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus of an embodiment has a first paper feed cassette, a second paper feed cassette, an image forming unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The first paper feed cassette stores a first sheet not provided with a wireless tag. The second paper feed cassette stores a second sheet provided with a wireless tag. The image forming unit forms an image on the first sheet or the second sheet. The communication unit performs communication with the wireless tag provided on the second sheet. The control unit acquires attribute information of a user specified through user authentication, and controls whether or not the second sheet stored in the second paper feed cassette can be used according to the acquired attribute information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] There are image forming devices that can form an image on the surface of paper. Examples of image forming devices include a multifunction peripheral (MFP) or a printer. Some image forming devices are equipped with an RFID reader / writer that communicates with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. An image forming device equipped with an RFID reader / writer can form an image on the surface of paper and can write and read data to an RFID tag provided on the paper. Hereinafter, paper equipped with an RFID tag is referred to as "tag paper," and the process of writing and reading data to an RFID tag is referred to as "tag processing."

[0003] An RFID tag provided on a sheet of paper is generally attached at a predetermined position on one side of the sheet of paper. Therefore, a user needs to set the tag paper in a paper feed cassette of an image forming apparatus, taking into consideration the front and back sides and orientation of the tag paper. However, a user who is not familiar with handling tag paper, or a user who does not often have the opportunity to replenish tag paper, may set the tag paper in the paper feed cassette with the front and back sides or orientation reversed. In this case, the RFID reader / writer may fail to process the tag, or an image may be formed in a location that is not the desired printing range, such as on the RFID tag. Thus, a problem with image forming apparatuses equipped with conventional RFID reader / writers is that tag processing and image formation on tag paper are prone to failure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-305662 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-178359 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2002-337426 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the occurrence of failures in tag processing and image formation on tag paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus of the embodiment has a first paper feed cassette, a second paper feed cassette, an image forming unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The first paper feed cassette stores a first sheet having no wireless tag attached thereto. The second paper feed cassette stores a second sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto. The image forming unit forms an image on the first sheet or the second sheet. The communication unit communicates with the wireless tag attached to the second sheet. The control unit acquires attribute information of a user identified by user authentication, and controls whether or not the second sheet stored in the second paper feed cassette can be used according to the acquired attribute information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of tag paper TP according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming system 200 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed cassette selection screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed cassette selection screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment has a configuration that prevents a paper feed cassette in which tag paper is stored from being used when a user identified by user authentication is a user who is not permitted to execute a print process involving tag processing. By providing such a configuration, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment can prevent, for example, a user who is unfamiliar with handling tag paper from setting the tag paper in the paper feed cassette with the wrong side or orientation. In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment has a configuration that prevents tag processing from being executed when an instruction is given to execute a copy job instead of a print job. By providing such a configuration, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment can prevent tag paper from being used when executing a copy job, which does not generally require tag processing.

[0009] The overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment is, for example, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral: digital multifunction machine) equipped with an electrophotographic printer. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may also be a printer. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 is placed in a workplace.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming mechanism 17 and a tag communication device 19. The image forming mechanism 17 forms an image on a print medium, which is a normal paper NP or a tag paper TP. The normal paper NP is a general paper that does not have an RFID tag. On the other hand, the tag paper TP is a paper that has an RFID tag. The tag paper TP may be a paper to which an RFID tag is attached, or may be a paper to which an RFID tag is embedded. The paper is, for example, paper or label paper. However, the paper may be any material on which the image forming apparatus can form an image. For example, the paper may be a material other than paper, such as a sheet of OHP (Overhead Projector) film. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the normal paper NP and the tag paper TP, the paper will be referred to as "paper P."

[0011] Fig. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of tag paper TP of an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, an RFID tag 40 is affixed to the non-printing surface (rear surface) of tag paper TP. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, when the transport direction of tag paper TP is the upward direction, the RFID tag 40 is affixed to the center of the top of tag paper TP. Note that the installation position of the RFID tag 40 on the tag paper TP is arbitrary, but it needs to be positioned according to the reading position by a tag communication device 19 described later.

[0012] The tag communication device 19 is an RFID reader / writer that communicates with the RFID tag 40 provided on the tag paper TP. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment has the tag communication device 19 built in. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the tag communication device 19 may be attached to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. The tag communication device 19 can be installed at any location within a range where it can communicate with the RFID tag 40 on the tag paper transported inside the image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] The RFID tag 40 provided on the tag paper TP is a passive tag that does not have a built-in battery. However, it may be an active tag or semi-active tag that has a built-in battery. The RFID tag 40 provided on the tag paper TP has an internal memory, a wireless communication circuit, and an antenna. Alternatively, the RFID tag 40 may have a processor, an internal memory, a wireless communication circuit, and an antenna. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The internal memory is, for example, configured to include a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0014] The internal memory has four memory areas, for example, EPC memory, USER memory, TID memory, and RESERVED memory. The EPC memory is an area that stores code information for identifying the RFID tag 40. The USER memory is an area where the user can freely read and write data. The TID memory is an area that is written by the manufacturer when the RFID tag 40 is manufactured. The RESERVED memory is an area for storing password information used in the locking and disabling functions of the RFID tag 40.

[0015] The RFID tag 40 communicates with the tag communication device 19 of the image forming apparatus 1. The RFID tag 40 executes processing in response to a command supplied from the tag communication device 19, and responds with the execution result to the tag communication device 19. For example, when the RFID tag 40 receives a read command from the tag communication device 19, it reads data stored in its internal memory and transmits the read data to the tag communication device 19. When the RFID tag 40 receives a write command from the tag communication device 19, it writes the data received from the tag communication device 19 into its internal memory, and transmits information indicating the writing result to the tag communication device 19.

[0016] 1 forms an image on paper P by an electrophotographic image forming means. However, the image forming means used in the image forming mechanism 17 is not limited to the electrophotographic type. The image forming means used in the image forming mechanism 17 may be, for example, an inkjet type.

[0017] An image forming mechanism 17 shown in FIG. 1 forms an image on a sheet P by developing it with toner (developer). The toner may be a single color toner or a plurality of colors. The toner may be a toner that can be erased. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming device 1 that performs an image forming process using four colors of toner: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, in addition to an image forming mechanism 17 and a tag communication device 19, a housing 11, a communication interface 12, a system controller 13, multiple paper feed cassettes 14, a paper output tray 15, a conveying mechanism 16, a fixing unit 18, a scanner 20, and a control panel 21.

[0019] The housing 11 is the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The housing 11 houses, for example, a communication interface 12, a system controller 13, a plurality of paper feed cassettes 14, a conveying mechanism 16, an image forming mechanism 17, and a fixing unit 18. A part of the upper surface of the housing 11 is a paper output tray 15. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 has two paper feed cassettes 14 as an example, but may have three or more. Note that whether a paper feed cassette 14 is one in which normal paper NP is set or one in which tag paper TP is set is determined in advance by the user for each paper feed cassette 14.

[0020] The communication interface 12 is an interface for connecting to a network. The communication interface 12 communicates with external devices connected to the network. The external devices are, for example, a user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) that issues a print job, and a server that manages information transmitted and received through communication with the RFID tag 40, print jobs, and the like. The communication interface 12 includes, for example, an interface for wired communication connection such as a LAN (Local Area Network) connector. However, the communication interface 12 may also be an interface for wireless communication connection that communicates with external devices in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0021] The system controller 13 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1, processes data, and the like. For example, the system controller 13 is a computer including a processor, a memory, and various interfaces. In the system controller 13, the processor executes a program stored in the memory to control each part and process data. The system controller 13 is connected to each part in the housing 11 by, for example, various internal interfaces. For example, the system controller 13 is connected to the communication interface 12, the paper feed cassette 14, the paper discharge tray 15, the conveying mechanism 16, the image forming mechanism 17, the fixing unit 18, the tag communication device 19, the scanner 20, and the like by bus connection.

[0022] The system controller 13 acquires a print job including image data and the like from an external device via the communication interface 12. The image data included in the print job is data indicating an image to be formed on a sheet of paper P. Note that the image data may be data for forming an image on one sheet of paper P, or may be data for forming images on multiple sheets of paper P.

[0023] The print job may also include information indicating the contents of tag processing for the RFID tag 40 provided on the paper P. The contents of tag processing for the RFID tag 40 may be an instruction to write data to the RFID tag 40, or an instruction to read data from the RFID tag 40. The print job may also include information indicating the paper discharge position (paper discharge tray, paper discharge direction, etc.) to which the paper P on which an image has been formed is discharged. The print job may also include information indicating whether color printing or monochrome printing is performed, and information indicating printing conditions such as paper size.

[0024] The system controller 13 includes an engine controller that controls the operations of the transport mechanism 16, the image forming mechanism 17, and the fixing unit 18. For example, the system controller 13 controls the transport of the paper P by the transport mechanism 16. The system controller 13 controls the formation of a developer image by the image forming mechanism 17 and the transfer of the developer image to the paper P. The system controller 13 controls the fixing of the developer image to the paper P by the fixing unit 18. The system controller 13 forms an image of the image data included in the print job on the paper P by controlling the operations of the transport mechanism 16, the image forming mechanism 17, and the fixing unit 18.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to include an engine controller separate from the system controller 13. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may include an engine controller that controls at least one of the conveying mechanism 16, the image forming mechanism 17, the fixing device 18, etc., separate from the system controller 13. In this case, the engine controller provided separately from the system controller 13 may obtain information required for control from the system controller 13.

[0026] Each of the multiple paper feed cassettes 14 is a cassette that stores paper P. The paper feed cassettes 14 are configured to be able to store normal paper NP and tag paper TP. For example, the paper feed cassettes 14 are configured to be able to be pulled out from the housing 11. After the paper feed cassette 14 is replenished with normal paper NP and tag paper TP in the pulled-out state, it is stored back into the housing 11. As described above, the paper feed cassette 14 in which normal paper NP is stored and the paper feed cassette 14 in which tag paper TP is stored are distinguished in advance by the user.

[0027] The transport mechanism 16 is a mechanism that transports the paper P inside the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the transport mechanism 16 includes a plurality of transport paths. The transport mechanism 16 includes a paper feed transport path 31 and a paper discharge transport path 32.

[0028] The paper feed path 31 and the paper discharge path 32 are composed of a plurality of rollers and a plurality of guides. The rollers are rotated by power transmitted from a drive mechanism to transport the paper P. The guides control the transport direction of the paper P transported by the rollers.

[0029] The paper feed conveying path 31 takes in paper P from the paper feed cassette 14 and supplies the taken-in paper P to the image forming mechanism 17. The paper feed conveying path 31 includes a plurality of pickup rollers 33 corresponding to each paper feed cassette 14. Each pickup roller 33 feeds one sheet of paper P taken out from the paper feed cassette 14 into the paper feed conveying path 31.

[0030] The paper feed conveying path 31 supplies the paper P to a transfer position of an image (toner image) that the image forming mechanism 17 generates using toner (developer). The registration rollers 36 are provided in front of the transfer position on the paper feed conveying path 31. The registration rollers 36 send the paper P fed from the paper feed cassette 14 to the transfer position in accordance with the timing of image transfer at the transfer position. For example, the registration rollers 36 temporarily stop the paper P fed from the paper feed cassette 14. Note that in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the tag communication device 19 installed near the registration rollers 36 communicates with the tag paper TP that is temporarily stopped here. The registration rollers 36 send the paper P to the transfer position at a timing in accordance with an instruction from the system controller 13.

[0031] The paper discharge conveyance path 32 is a conveyance path that discharges the paper P, on which an image has been formed by the image forming mechanism 17, from the housing 11. The paper discharge conveyance path 32 discharges the paper P to the paper discharge tray 15. The paper discharge tray 15 is a tray that receives the paper P discharged from the image forming device 1. In addition, in the case where the image forming device 1 has multiple paper discharge positions, the paper discharge conveyance path 32 operates to discharge the paper P to a paper discharge position designated by the system controller 13.

[0032] The image forming mechanism 17 includes a configuration for forming an image on the paper P. The image forming mechanism 17 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The fixing unit 18 has a heat roller 34 and a pressure roller 35. The fixing unit 18 heats the paper P conveyed through the paper discharge conveyance path 32 to a predetermined temperature using the heat roller 34. The fixing unit 18 further pressurizes the paper P heated by the heat roller 34 using the pressure roller 35. The fixing unit 18 fixes the image (developer image) on the paper P to the paper P by heating and pressurizing the paper P.

[0034] The tag communication device 19 communicates with an RFID tag 40, which is a wireless communication device provided on the tag paper TP. The tag communication device 19 is installed, for example, near the registration rollers 36. The tag communication device 19 is installed so as to be able to communicate with the wireless tag of the paper P transported to a position in front of (upstream of) the registration rollers 36 on the paper feed transport path 31. However, the location of the registration rollers 36 is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that the registration rollers 36 are installed near the transport path along which the paper P is transported.

[0035] The tag communication device 19 transmits a command to the RFID tag 40 via wireless communication. The RFID tag 40 executes processing according to the command received from the tag communication device 19, and transmits (responses) the command execution results to the tag communication device 19. The tag communication device 19 receives the command that is the response from the RFID tag 40.

[0036] The tag communication device 19 reads data from the RFID tag 40 and writes data to the RFID tag 40 in response to instructions from the system controller 13. When the tag communication device 19 is instructed by the system controller 13 to read data from the RFID tag, it executes a process of reading data from the RFID tag 40. When the tag communication device 19 is instructed by the system controller 13 to write data to the RFID tag, it executes a process of writing data to the RFID tag 40.

[0037] The scanner 20 is a device that reads an original document and converts it into image data. The scanner 20 is installed on the top of the housing 11. The scanner 20 reads an image of an original document set on a platen glass provided on the top of the housing 11. The scanner 20 also includes an automatic document feeder ADF (Auto Document Feeder). The scanner 20 also has a function of reading an image of an original document transported by the automatic document feeder ADF.

[0038] The control panel 21 includes a touch panel 22 and a keyboard 23. The touch panel 22 is formed by laminating a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and a touch sensor that detects touch input. The display including the touch panel 22 is a display device of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0039] On the touch panel 22, for example, information indicating whether each paper feed cassette 14 can be used is displayed. Whether each paper feed cassette 14 can be used differs for each user who uses the image forming apparatus 1. For example, depending on the authentication result of the user, the touch panel 22 displays whether the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored is usable or unusable.

[0040] The keyboard 23 includes various keys for operation by a user of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the keyboard 23 includes a numeric keypad, a power key, a paper feed key, function keys, etc. Each key may be referred to as a button. The touch panel 22 and the keyboard 23 are input devices of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the image forming mechanism 17 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming mechanism 17 includes a plurality of image forming stations 41 and a transfer mechanism 42. Each image forming station 41 forms a toner image. Each image forming station 41 is provided for each type of toner. In the example shown in FIG. 1, from the left, each image forming station 41 corresponds to a color toner such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Each image forming station 41 includes a toner cartridge 2 having a color toner of a corresponding color. The image forming device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes four image forming stations 41 corresponding to the four color toners of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0042] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of each image forming station 41. Each image forming station 41 includes a photoconductor drum (photoconductor) 71, a cleaner 72, a charger 73, an exposure unit 74, a developer 75, and a primary transfer roller (transfer unit) 93.

[0043] The photoconductor drum 71 includes a cylindrical drum and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum. The photoconductor drum 71 is a photoconductor. The outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 71 is an image carrier. The photoconductor drum 71 rotates at a constant speed by power transmitted from a drive mechanism.

[0044] The cleaner 72 has a blade that comes into contact with the surface of the photoconductor drum 71. The cleaner 72 removes toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 71 by using the blade.

[0045] The charger 73 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 71. The charger 73 is also called a charger. The charger 73 applies a grid bias voltage (charging potential) output from a grid electrode to the photoconductor drum 71, thereby charging the photoconductor drum 71 to a uniform negative potential (surface potential).

[0046] The exposure unit 74 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements are, for example, laser diodes (LD), light-emitting diodes (LED), organic electroluminescence (OLED), etc. The plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in the main scanning direction, which is a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photoconductor drum 71. Each light-emitting element is configured to irradiate light to one point on the photoconductor drum 71.

[0047] The exposure unit 74 forms an electrostatic latent image of one line on the photoconductor drum 71 by irradiating the charged surface of the photoconductor drum 71 with light from a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the exposure unit 74 forms an electrostatic latent image of multiple lines by continuously irradiating the rotating photoconductor drum 71 with light.

[0048] The developing unit 75 is a device that causes toner to adhere to the photosensitive drum 71. The developing unit 75 contains a developer containing toner and a carrier. The developing unit 75 uses a stirring mechanism to stir the toner and carrier supplied from the toner cartridge 2. The developing unit 75 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 71 from a developing roller to which the developer containing the toner and carrier stirred by the stirring mechanism adheres. The developing unit 75 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 71 with toner by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 71. The photosensitive drum 71 holds a toner image (developer image) developed with toner by the developing unit 75. The photosensitive drum 71 rotates to send the toner image to a transfer position to the transfer belt 91.

[0049] The transfer mechanism 42 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 71 onto a sheet of paper P. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the transfer mechanism 42 includes a transfer belt (transfer body) 91, a drive roller 92, a plurality of primary transfer rollers (transfer devices) 93, and a secondary transfer roller 94.

[0050] The transfer belt 91 is a medium (transfer body) onto which the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 71 of each image forming station 41 is transferred. The transfer belt 91 is an intermediate transfer body that holds the image to be transferred to the paper P. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the transfer belt 91 is an endless belt that is wound around a drive roller 92 and multiple winding rollers. The back surface, which is the inner surface, of the transfer belt 91 contacts the drive roller 92 and the multiple winding rollers. The front surface, which is the outer surface, of the transfer belt 91 faces the photosensitive drum 71 of each image forming station 41.

[0051] The drive roller 92 rotates by power transmitted from a drive mechanism. The drive roller 92 transports the transfer belt 91 by rotating. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the drive roller 92 rotates counterclockwise. The transfer belt 91, which is an endless belt, is transported so as to rotate counterclockwise by the rotation of the drive roller 92. The multiple winding rollers are configured to be freely rotatable. The multiple winding rollers rotate in accordance with the movement of the transfer belt 91 by the drive roller 92.

[0052] A plurality of primary transfer rollers (transfer devices) 93 are provided for each image forming station 41. Each primary transfer roller 93 is provided so as to face the photoconductor drum 71 of the corresponding image forming station 41. Each primary transfer roller 93 is provided at a position facing the photoconductor drum 71 of the corresponding image forming station 41 with the transfer belt 91 sandwiched between them. The position where the primary transfer roller 93 faces the photoconductor drum 71 with the transfer belt 91 sandwiched between them is called a primary transfer portion. In the primary transfer portion, an image (toner image) on the photoconductor drum 71 is transferred to the transfer belt 91.

[0053] The primary transfer roller 93 contacts the inner peripheral surface side of the transfer belt 91. The primary transfer roller 93 presses the transfer belt 91 from the inner peripheral surface side toward the photosensitive drum 71. The surface (outer peripheral surface) of the transfer belt 91 pressed by the primary transfer roller 93 abuts against the photosensitive drum 71. When transferring an image (toner image) from the photosensitive drum 71, the primary transfer roller 93 applies a transfer bias (primary transfer bias) to the photosensitive drum 71 via the transfer belt 91. The toner image from the photosensitive drum 71 is transferred to the transfer belt 91 by the transfer bias applied by the primary transfer roller 93.

[0054] The secondary transfer roller 94 is disposed at a position facing the drive roller 92. The secondary transfer roller 94 comes into contact with the surface of the transfer belt 91, whose inner circumferential surface is transported by the drive roller 92. The secondary transfer roller 94 presses the transfer belt 91 toward the drive roller 92. The transfer belt 91, which is sandwiched between the drive roller 92 and the secondary transfer roller 94, has its surface in close contact with the secondary transfer roller 94. A transfer nip is formed at the location where the surface of the transfer belt 91 and the secondary transfer roller 94 are in close contact with each other. The transfer nip is a transfer section (transfer position) where a toner image (developer image) formed on the surface of the transfer belt 91 is transferred to paper P.

[0055] The secondary transfer roller 94 conveys the paper P supplied by the registration roller 36 while sandwiching it between the transfer belt 91. The paper P passes through a transfer nip (transfer position). The secondary transfer roller 94 presses the paper P passing through the transfer nip against the surface of the transfer belt 91.

[0056] The secondary transfer roller 94 applies a bias voltage (secondary transfer bias) to the transfer belt 91 at the transfer nip via the paper P. The secondary transfer roller 94 applies the secondary transfer bias (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "transfer bias") at a potential specified by the system controller 13. When the paper P passes through the transfer nip with the secondary transfer roller 94 applying the transfer bias, the toner image on the transfer belt 91 is transferred to the paper P.

[0057] In this way, the transfer mechanism 42 transfers (primary transfer) the toner image on the photosensitive drum 71 at the primary transfer portion onto the transfer belt 91 abutting against the photosensitive drum 71 by the transfer bias applied from the primary transfer roller 93. When a plurality of image forming stations 41 are provided, the transfer mechanism 42 performs primary transfer of the toner images from the photosensitive drums 71 of the plurality of image forming stations 41 onto the transfer belt 91.

[0058] The transfer mechanism 42 sends the toner image that has been primarily transferred onto the surface of the transfer belt 91 to a transfer nip (transfer position). The transfer mechanism 42 transfers the toner image that has been primarily transferred onto the surface of the transfer belt 91 onto the paper P that passes through the transfer nip where a secondary transfer roller 94 applies a transfer bias. The transfer belt 91 is an example of an image carrier that holds the toner image to be transferred onto the paper P.

[0059] Next, a configuration of a control system in the image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system in the image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 has a system controller 13 connected to it, a communication interface 12, an image forming mechanism 17, a fixing unit 18, a tag communication device 19, a scanner 20, a control panel 21, a motor 30, and the like.

[0061] The system controller 13 includes a processor 131, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 133, and an auxiliary storage device 134. The system controller 13 constitutes a computer by the processor 131, the ROM 132, the RAM 133, and the auxiliary storage device 134. The system controller 13 may also include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like, which is a processor for image processing.

[0062] The processor 131 corresponds to the central part of the computer serving as the system controller 13. The processor 131 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 131 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0063] The ROM 132 and the RAM 133 correspond to the main memory of the computer serving as the system controller 13. The ROM 132 is a non-volatile memory area, and the RAM 133 is a volatile memory area. The ROM 132 stores an operating system or an application program. The ROM 132 stores control data required for the processor 131 to execute processes for controlling each unit. The RAM 133 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 131. The RAM 133 has a work area for storing, for example, image data.

[0064] The auxiliary storage device 134 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer serving as the system controller 13. The auxiliary storage device 134 is configured with a storage device such as an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 134 stores data such as setting data used by the processor 131 when performing various processes. The auxiliary storage device 134 saves data generated by the processes executed by the processor 131. The auxiliary storage device 134 may store application programs.

[0065] The auxiliary storage device 134 also stores authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal 202. The authentication information is, for example, information in which a user ID (Identifier) ​​that uniquely identifies a user is associated with a password. The processor 131 executes user authentication processing by, for example, comparing a user ID and password transmitted from the user terminal 202 (described later) with a user ID and password stored in the auxiliary storage device 134.

[0066] The auxiliary storage device 134 further stores attribute information for each user ID. The attribute information is information (e.g., flag information) indicating whether each user is an administrator. Here, the administrator is a user who is permitted to print on tag paper TP, and users other than the administrator are users who are not permitted to print on tag paper TP. Alternatively, the attribute information may be information (e.g., flag information) indicating whether a user is permitted to print on tag paper TP. Alternatively, the attribute information may be information (e.g., flag information) indicating whether a user has many opportunities to print on tag paper TP (i.e., whether a user is accustomed to printing on tag paper TP).

[0067] The processor 131 performs various controls for permitting or prohibiting printing on tag paper TP, for example, based on the user ID and attribute information of an authenticated user. For example, the control for prohibiting printing on tag paper TP is a control for switching the display to a state in which the user cannot select the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored on the selection screen for the paper feed cassette 14 displayed on the control panel 21. Alternatively, for example, the control for prohibiting printing on tag paper TP is a control for sounding an alarm when the user tries to select the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored on the selection screen for the paper feed cassette 14 displayed on the control panel 21. Alternatively, for example, the control for prohibiting printing on tag paper TP is a control for not operating the pickup roller 33 that picks up the tag paper TP from the paper feed cassette 14 when the user selects the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored and tries to perform printing.

[0068] Furthermore, the processor 131 performs various controls to prohibit printing on the tag paper TP when, for example, a command to copy is issued instead of printing. Note that the control to prohibit printing on the tag paper TP is similar to the control performed based on the above-mentioned user ID and attribute information.

[0069] The system controller 13 is connected to the toner cartridge 2, the photosensitive drum 71, the cleaner 72, the charger 73, the exposure unit 74, and the developing unit 75 in each image forming station 41. The system controller 13 controls the toner cartridge 2, the photosensitive drum 71, the cleaner 72, the charger 73, the exposure unit 74, and the developing unit 75.

[0070] For example, the system controller 13 controls the on / off of charging the charger 73 of each image forming station 41. Also, for example, the system controller 13 controls the on / off of irradiation (exposure) of laser light to the photoconductor drum 71 by the exposure device 74 of each image forming station 41. Also, for example, the system controller 13 controls the on / off of a developing bias for the developer 75 of each image forming station 41.

[0071] The system controller 13 is connected to the transfer mechanism 42. The transfer mechanism 42 has a transfer belt 91, a drive roller 92, a plurality of primary transfer rollers 93, a secondary transfer roller 94, a power supply 95, and a power supply 97. The plurality of primary transfer rollers 93 are primary transfer rollers provided in each image forming station 41.

[0072] The system controller 13 is connected to the registration rollers 36. For example, the system controller 13 controls the on / off of the sending of the paper P to the transfer position by the registration rollers 36 in accordance with the result of tag processing for the RFID tag 40 of the paper P. The registration rollers 36 send the paper P to the transfer position at a timing based on an instruction from the system controller 13.

[0073] The power source 95 supplies a transfer bias (primary transfer bias) that is applied by the primary transfer roller 93 to the photoconductor drum 71 facing the primary transfer roller 93 across the transfer belt 91. The power source 95 may be a current source or a voltage source.

[0074] The power supply 95 is connected to the system controller 13. The system controller 13 controls the on / off of the primary transfer bias applied by the power supply 95 to the photoconductor drum 71 opposed by the primary transfer roller 93. The system controller 13 controls the value of the primary transfer bias applied by the primary transfer roller 93 by the power supply 95.

[0075] The power source 97 supplies a transfer bias (secondary transfer bias) that the secondary transfer roller 94 applies to the driving roller 92 facing the transfer belt 91. The power source 97 is connected to the system controller 13. The system controller 13 controls the value of the bias voltage (secondary transfer bias) that the secondary transfer roller 94 applies to the transfer belt 91 by the power source 97. For example, the system controller 13 may determine the value of the transfer bias based on a transfer setting according to the result of processing the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP. The system controller 13 may also adjust the value of the bias voltage (secondary transfer bias) according to the basis weight, thickness, type, or the like of the paper P.

[0076] The motor 30 is a motor that operates each part. The motor 30 is connected to the system controller 13. The motor 30 is driven according to the control from the system controller 13. The motor 30 includes, for example, a first motor, a second motor, and a third motor. The first motor as the motor 30 drives the conveying mechanism 16. The second motor as the motor 30 rotates the photosensitive drum 71. The third motor as the motor 30 rotates the drive roller 92. A plurality of second motors are provided corresponding to the photosensitive drums 71 provided in each of the plurality of image forming stations 41. The motor 30 may include a motor other than the first, second, and third motors.

[0077] Next, a configuration of an image forming system 200 having the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 201 in this embodiment will be described.

[0078] The image forming apparatus 1 having the above-mentioned configuration may be configured to be operated in an image forming system 200 connected to a server 201. For example, the server 201 is operated as a management device that manages data recorded in the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP in order to manage the tag paper TP. The server 201 may instruct the image forming apparatus 1 on the data to be written to the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP.

[0079] The server 201 can manage the history of processing of the tag paper TP by storing the data written by the image forming apparatus 1 to the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP together with information such as date and time. The server 201 also acquires the data read by the image forming apparatus 1 from the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP. The server 201 can manage the history of processing of the tag paper TP by storing the data read by the image forming apparatus 1 from the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP together with information such as date and time.

[0080] An example of the configuration of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus 1, a server, and a user terminal will be described below. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming system 200 having an image forming apparatus 1, a server 201, and a user terminal 202 according to an embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction peripheral having the configuration shown in Figs. 1 and 3 described above.

[0081] 4, the server 201 includes a processor 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a data memory 214, and a communication interface 215. The server 201 is, for example, a general-purpose computer.

[0082] The processor 211 corresponds to the central part of the computer serving as the server 201. The processor 211 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 211 executes various processes by executing programs. For example, the processor 211 executes an operating system or an application program.

[0083] The ROM 212 and the RAM 213 correspond to the main memory of the computer serving as the server 201. The ROM 212 is a non-volatile memory area. The RAM 212 is a volatile memory area. The ROM 212 stores, for example, an operating system or an application program. The ROM 212 stores control data required for the processor 211 to execute processes for controlling each unit. The RAM 213 is used as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 211. The RAM 213 has a work area for storing, for example, image data.

[0084] The data memory 214 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer serving as the server 201. The data memory 214 is configured with a storage device such as an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD. The data memory 214 stores data such as setting data used by the processor 211 when performing various processes. The data memory 214 saves data generated by the processes executed by the processor 211. The data memory 214 may store application programs.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to execute the user authentication process, but the server 201 may be configured to execute the user authentication process. In this case, the data memory 214 stores authentication information for authenticating a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 and the user terminal 202. The authentication information is, for example, information in which a user ID (identifier) ​​that uniquely identifies a user is associated with a password.

[0086] In this case, the data memory 214 further stores attribute information for each user. As described above, the attribute information is a flag indicating whether or not each user is an administrator, information indicating whether or not the user is permitted to print on tag paper TP (e.g., flag information), or information indicating whether or not the user frequently prints on tag paper TP (i.e., whether or not the user is accustomed to printing on tag paper TP) (e.g., flag information).

[0087] The communication interface 215 is an interface for communicating with other devices connected via a network. The communication interface 215 is used for communication with the image forming apparatus 1. The communication interface 215 is, for example, an interface for LAN communication. The communication interface 215 may also be a wireless communication interface for communicating with other devices using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0088] 4, the user terminal 202 includes a processor 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a data memory 224, and a communication interface 225. The user terminal 202 is a terminal device such as a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0089] The processor 221 corresponds to the central part of a computer serving as the user terminal 202. The processor 221 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 221 executes various processes by executing programs. For example, the processor 221 executes an operating system or an application program.

[0090] The ROM 222 and the RAM 223 correspond to the main memory of the computer serving as the user terminal 202. The ROM 222 is a non-volatile memory area. The RAM 222 is a volatile memory area. The ROM 222 stores, for example, an operating system or an application program. The ROM 222 stores control data required for the processor 221 to execute processes for controlling each unit. The RAM 223 is used as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 221. The RAM 223 has a work area for storing, for example, image data.

[0091] The data memory 224 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the computer serving as the user terminal 202. The data memory 224 is configured with a storage device such as an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD. The data memory 224 stores data such as setting data used when the processor 221 performs various processes. The data memory 224 saves data generated by the processes executed by the processor 221. The data memory 224 may store application programs.

[0092] The data memory 224 stores, for example, information indicating a print job. The print job is print instruction information that instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to form an image on a paper P. The data memory 224 may also store, for example, information to be written to the RFID tag 40 provided on the tag paper TP processed by the image forming apparatus 1. The data memory 224 may also store, for example, data read by the image forming apparatus 1 from the RFID tag 40 of the tag paper TP together with information such as the date and time of reading.

[0093] The communication interface 225 is an interface for communicating with other devices connected via a network. The communication interface 225 is used for communication with the image forming apparatus 1. The communication interface 225 is, for example, an interface for LAN communication. The communication interface 225 may also be a wireless communication interface for communicating with other devices using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0094] An example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment regarding the control of whether or not tag paper TP can be used will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment. The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is started, for example, when user authentication information transmitted from the user terminal 202 or the server 201 via a network is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 may also be started when the user inputs user authentication information into the control panel 21. Note that the authentication information is, for example, a user ID and a password.

[0095] First, the communication interface 12 or the control panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires authentication information of a user. The communication interface 12 or the control panel 21 outputs the acquired authentication information to the system controller 13. The processor 131 of the system controller 13 acquires the authentication information output from the communication interface 12 or the control panel 21 (ACT001).

[0096] Next, the processor 131 reads out authentication information previously stored in the auxiliary storage device 134. The processor 131 performs user authentication processing by collating the authentication information acquired from the communication interface 12 or the control panel 21 with the authentication information read out from the auxiliary storage device 134 (ACT002). Note that it is assumed here that the authentication is successful. If the authentication is unsuccessful, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 ends.

[0097] Processor 131 further reads out user attribute information prestored in auxiliary storage device 134. As described above, attribute information is information indicating a flag representing whether or not each user is an administrator. Processor 131 reads out attribute information corresponding to the user ID of a user identified by the user authentication process, thereby identifying whether or not the user is an administrator.

[0098] As described above, the attribute information may be information (e.g., flag information) indicating whether or not the user is permitted to print on tag paper TP. Alternatively, the attribute information may be information (e.g., flag information) indicating whether or not the user frequently prints on tag paper TP (i.e., whether or not the user is accustomed to printing on tag paper TP). In this case, the processor 131 specifies whether or not the user is permitted to print on tag paper TP, or whether or not the user frequently prints on tag paper TP. In other words, the processor 131 specifies whether or not the user specified by the user authentication process is permitted to perform printing involving tag processing.

[0099] Next, the communication interface 12 or the control panel 21 waits for input of a job to be executed by the user (ACT003). The job here is a print job or a copy job. When the communication interface 12 or the control panel 21 acquires the job (ACT003 YES), it outputs the job to the system controller 13. The processor 131 of the system controller 13 acquires the job output from the communication interface 12 or the control panel 21.

[0100] Next, the processor 131 checks whether the attribute of the user identified by the process of ACT002 is an administrator (ACT004). If the user attribute is an administrator (ACT004·YES), the processor 131 checks whether the job acquired by the process of ACT003 is a print job (not a copy job) (ACT005). If the acquired job is a print job (ACT005·YES), the processor 131 checks whether the acquired print job includes an instruction to execute tag processing (ACT006). If the acquired print job includes an instruction to execute tag processing (ACT006·YES), the processor 131 performs the following processes (ACT007 to ACT008) to enable the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored.

[0101] The processor 131 controls the display of the control panel 21. For example, the processor 131 causes the control panel 21 to display an operation button that enables the selection of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored.

[0102] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed cassette selection screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment. The paper feed cassette selection screen shown in Fig. 6 displays images of three paper feed cassettes, each labeled with "A4", "A4-R tag", and "A3". The image labeled with "A4" represents the paper feed cassette 14 in which A4-sized regular paper NP is stored. The image labeled with "A4-R tag" represents the paper feed cassette 14 in which A4-sized tag paper TP is stored. The image labeled with "A3" represents the paper feed cassette 14 in which A3-sized regular paper NP is stored.

[0103] 6, all three paper feed cassettes 14 are displayed so that it can be easily recognized that they are selectable (for example, without their images being hidden or grayed out). In this way, when tag processing is permitted, the processor 131 causes the control panel 21 to display an operation button that enables the selection of the paper feed cassette 14 for the "A4-R tag" in which the tag paper TP is stored (ACT007).

[0104] Next, the processor 131 executes a process for permitting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored (ACT008). The process for permitting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored is, for example, a control process for enabling the pickup roller 33 that picks up the tag paper TP from the paper feed cassette 14. Alternatively, the process for permitting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored is, for example, a control process for enabling the paper feed cassette 14 to be pulled out so that the tag paper TP can be replenished.

[0105] In addition, the process for permitting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored may be one type of process or a combination of multiple types of processes. Also, the process of ACT008 for permitting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored may be omitted.

[0106] On the other hand, if the user's attribute is a general user and not an administrator (ACT004·NO), if the acquired job is a copy job and not a print job (ACT005·YES), or if the acquired print job does not include an instruction to execute tag processing (ACT006·YES), the processor 131 performs the subsequent processing (ACT009-ACT010) to disable the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored.

[0107] The processor 131 controls the display of the control panel 21. For example, the processor 131 causes the control panel 21 to display an operation button that makes it impossible to select the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored.

[0108] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a paper feed cassette selection screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The paper feed cassette selection screen shown in Fig. 7 displays images of three paper feed cassettes labeled "A4", "A4-R tag", and "A3", similarly to the paper feed cassette selection screen shown in Fig. 6 described above.

[0109] 7, unlike the paper feed cassette selection screen shown in FIG 6 described above, only the paper feed cassette 14 for "A4-R tag" in which tag paper TP is stored is displayed in gray among the three paper feed cassettes 14. This allows the user to easily recognize that the paper feed cassette 14 for "A4-R tag" in which tag paper TP is stored cannot be selected. In this way, when the processor 131 prohibits tag processing, the operation button for selecting the paper feed cassette 14 for "A4-R tag" in which tag paper TP is stored is hidden or grayed out on the control panel 21 (ACT009).

[0110] Next, the processor 131 executes a process for prohibiting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored (ACT010). The process for prohibiting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored is, for example, a control process for preventing the operation of the pickup roller 33 that picks up the tag paper TP from the paper feed cassette 14. Alternatively, the process for prohibiting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored is, for example, a control process for preventing the paper feed cassette 14 from being pulled out so that tag paper TP is not replenished.

[0111] In addition, the process for prohibiting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored may be performed in one type of process or in combination of multiple types of processes. Also, the process of ACT010 for prohibiting the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored may be omitted.

[0112] Next, the processor 131 controls the image forming mechanism 17 to perform image forming processing in accordance with the acquired print job or copy job. In addition, when execution of tag processing is permitted, the processor 131 controls the tag communication device 19 to perform tag processing for the RFID tag provided on the tag paper TP.

[0113] Next, the processor 131 checks whether a logoff instruction has been input by the user (ACT101). If a logoff instruction has not been input (ACT101: NO), the process returns to ACT008, and the processor 131 waits for a job to be acquired. On the other hand, if a logoff instruction has been input (ACT101: YES), the processor 131 executes logoff processing. This ends the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the control of whether or not the tag paper TP can be used, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0114] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment is provided with a configuration for preventing the use of the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored when the user identified by user authentication is a user who is not permitted to execute a print job involving tag processing. By providing such a configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment can prevent, for example, a user who is unfamiliar with handling tag paper TP from setting the tag paper TP in the paper feed cassette 14 with the wrong side or orientation. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment is provided with a configuration for preventing tag processing from being executed when an instruction is given to execute a copy job rather than a print job. By providing such a configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment can prevent the tag paper TP from being used in a copy job that does not generally require tag processing. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment can reduce the occurrence of failures in tag processing and image formation on the tag paper TP.

[0115] According to the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a first paper feed cassette, a second paper feed cassette, an image forming unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. For example, the image forming apparatus is the image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment, the first paper feed cassette is the paper feed cassette 14 in which normal paper NP is stored, the second paper feed cassette is the paper feed cassette 14 in which tag paper TP is stored, the image forming unit is the image forming mechanism 17 in the embodiment, the communication unit is the tag communication device 19 in the embodiment, and the control unit is the system controller 13 in the embodiment.

[0116] The first paper feed cassette stores a first sheet to which a wireless tag is not attached. For example, the wireless tag is an RFID tag 40 in the embodiment, and the first sheet is normal paper NP in the embodiment. The second paper feed cassette stores a second sheet to which a wireless tag is attached. For example, the second sheet is tag paper TP in the embodiment. The image forming unit forms an image on the first sheet or the second sheet. The communication unit communicates with the wireless tag attached to the second sheet. The control unit acquires attribute information of a user identified by user authentication, and controls whether or not the second sheet stored in the second paper feed cassette can be used according to the acquired attribute information.

[0117] The image forming apparatus may further include a display unit. For example, the display unit is the control panel 21 in the embodiment. The display unit displays a selection input screen for allowing the user to select the paper feed cassette to be used. For example, the selection input screen is the paper feed cassette selection screen in the embodiment. When the control unit performs control to prohibit the use of the second sheet, the control unit causes the display unit to display a selection input screen in which the second paper feed cassette cannot be selected. For example, the selection input screen in which the second paper feed cassette cannot be selected is a paper feed cassette selection screen in which the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored is not displayed or is grayed out, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0118] In the above image forming apparatus, when the control unit performs control to prohibit the use of the second sheet, the control unit may control the conveying unit so as not to convey the second sheet stored in the second paper feed cassette. For example, controlling the conveying unit so as not to convey the second sheet stored in the second paper feed cassette means performing control not to operate the pickup roller 33 that picks up the tag paper TP from the paper feed cassette 14 in which the tag paper TP is stored in the embodiment.

[0119] In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may perform control to prohibit the use of the second sheet when the acquired job is a job that instructs a copy process. For example, the copy process is a copy job in the embodiment.

[0120] In addition, in the above-mentioned image forming device, the control unit may perform control to permit use of the second sheet when the attribute information indicates that the user identified by user authentication is an administrator, the attribute information indicates that the user identified by user authentication is a user who is permitted to use the second sheet, or the attribute information indicates that the user identified by user authentication is a user who frequently uses the second sheet.

[0121] A part of the functions realized by the image forming apparatus 1 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing the functions may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the functions. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. The above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0122] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1...image forming apparatus, 2...toner cartridge, 11...housing, 12...communication interface, 13...system controller, 14...paper feed cassette, 15...paper output tray, 16...transport mechanism, 17...image forming mechanism, 18...fuser, 19...tag communication device, 20...scanner, 21...control panel, 22...touch panel, 23...keyboard, 30...motor, 31...paper feed path, 32...paper output path, 33...pickup roller, 34...heat roller, 35...pressure roller, 36...registration roller, 40...RFID tag, 41...image forming station , 42...transfer mechanism, 71...photosensitive drum, 72...cleaner, 73...charger, 74...exposure unit, 75...developer, 91...transfer belt, 92...drive roller, 93...primary transfer roller, 94...secondary transfer roller, 95, 97...power supply, 131...processor, 134...auxiliary storage device, 200...image forming system, 201...server, 202...user terminal, 211...processor, 214...data memory, 215...communication interface, 221...processor, 224...data memory, 225...communication interface, P...paper, NP...normal paper, TP...tag paper

Claims

1. a first sheet feed cassette for storing a first sheet having no wireless tag; a second sheet feed cassette for storing a second sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto; an image forming unit that forms an image on the first sheet or the second sheet; a communication unit that communicates with a wireless tag attached to the second sheet; a control unit that acquires attribute information of a user identified by user authentication, and controls whether or not the second sheets stored in the second paper feed cassette can be used in accordance with the acquired attribute information; The image forming apparatus includes:

2. A display unit that displays a selection input screen for allowing a user to select a paper feed cassette to be used Further equipped with When the control unit performs control to prohibit use of the second sheet, the control unit causes the display unit to display the selection input screen indicating that the second sheet feed cassette cannot be selected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. When performing control to prohibit use of the second sheet, the control unit controls a conveying unit so as not to convey the second sheet stored in the second sheet feeding cassette. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit performs control to prohibit use of the second sheet when the acquired job is a job instructing a copy process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit performs control to permit use of the second sheet when the attribute information indicates that the user specified by the user authentication is an administrator, the attribute information indicates that the user specified by the user authentication is a user permitted to use the second sheet, or the attribute information indicates that the user specified by the user authentication is a user who frequently uses the second sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images