Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that prevents unintended processing on a medium.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises an image acquisition unit, a supply unit, a wireless communication unit, an image forming unit, and a control unit. The image acquisition unit acquires image information. The supply unit supplies a medium from one or more cassettes. The wireless communication unit establishes wireless communication with a wireless tag on the medium supplied by the supply unit and passing through a wireless communication area. The image forming unit forms an image based on the image information on the medium supplied by the supply unit. In processing on the first medium supplied from the cassette, when the wireless tag is not detected from the first medium through the wireless communication established by the wireless communication unit, the control unit performs control to eject the first medium and suspend the processing on the subsequent medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, wireless tags using RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​technology have become widespread, and various proposals have been made for wireless tag-compatible image forming apparatuses that process media with wireless tags. Wireless tag-compatible image forming apparatuses include a reader / writer that wirelessly communicates with wireless tags. Wireless tag-compatible media is paper or the like with a wireless tag affixed. Wireless tag-compatible image forming apparatuses store wireless tag-compatible media in a cassette, and use the reader / writer to read information from the wireless tag of the media transported inside the apparatus and write information to the wireless tag. Furthermore, wireless tag-compatible image forming apparatuses form images on wireless tag-compatible media. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-35144 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A wireless tag-compatible image forming apparatus can process not only media with wireless tags, but also conventional media without wireless tags.

[0005] For example, a wireless tag-compatible image forming device has multiple cassettes, some of which contain media with wireless tags and the remaining cassettes contain media without wireless tags, and forms an image on the media supplied from the selected cassette.

[0006] Once the intended type of media is loaded into each cassette and the intended cassette is selected, an image is formed on the intended media.

[0007] However, if the intended type of media is not loaded into the cassette or the intended cassette is not selected, unintended media may be processed. Processing unintended media in this way not only wastes media, but also reduces work efficiency.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents unintended processing of media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image acquisition unit, a supply unit, a wireless communication unit, an image forming unit, and a control unit. The image acquisition unit acquires image information. The supply unit supplies media from one or more cassettes. The wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with a wireless tag of the media supplied by the supply unit and passing through a wireless communication area. The image forming unit forms an image based on the image information on the media supplied by the supply unit. When the wireless tag is not detected from the first piece of media by wireless communication from the wireless communication unit during processing of the first piece of media supplied from the cassette, the control unit controls to eject the first piece of media and interrupt processing of subsequent media. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a first menu displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a second menu displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing (overall) by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first media process by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second media process by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral, and includes an image reading unit 110, a control panel 120, a display 121, a printer unit 130, a media storage unit 140, an RFID processing unit 150, and a media receiving unit 200.

[0012] For example, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet-like medium M using a developer such as toner. The medium M is paper or label paper. The medium M may be in any form as long as an image can be formed on its surface.

[0013] Moreover, a medium M to which a wireless tag T is attached is referred to as a medium M1, and a medium M to which a wireless tag T is not attached is referred to as a medium M2. The medium M1 has a wireless tag T attached to its surface or has a wireless tag T embedded inside. The wireless tag T is a tag that uses RFID technology and is also called an RFID tag.

[0014] The display 121 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display 121 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0015] The control panel 120 has a plurality of buttons. The control panel 120 accepts operations by a user. The control panel 120 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to a processor of the image forming apparatus 100. The control panel 120 and the display 121 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0016] The printer unit 130 is an image forming unit that forms an image on the supplied medium M based on image information generated by the image reading unit 110 or image information received via the external interface 164. The printer unit 130 forms an image by, for example, the following process. The printer unit 130 forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor drum based on the image information. The printer unit 130 forms a visible image by attaching a developer to the electrostatic latent image. A specific example of the developer is toner. The printer unit 130 transfers the visible image onto the medium M. The printer unit 130 fixes the visible image on the medium M by applying heat and pressure to the medium M.

[0017] The medium M on which the image is formed may be a medium M stored in the medium storage unit 140, or may be a manually inserted medium M. The medium M on which the image is formed is discharged to the medium receiving unit 200.

[0018] The media storage section 140 stores media M used for image formation in the printer section 130. The media storage section 140 includes one or more cassettes. In this embodiment, the media storage section 140 includes cassettes C1, C2, C3, and C4. For example, cassette C1 stores media M1 with a wireless tag T attached, and cassettes C2, C3, and C4 store media M2 without a wireless tag T attached.

[0019] The image reading unit 110 is an image acquisition unit that acquires an image. The image reading unit 110 reads the image information of the object to be read as light and dark. The image reading unit 110 records the read image information. The recorded image information may be transmitted to another information processing device via a network. The recorded image information may be formed into an image on a medium M by the printer unit 130.

[0020] Next, the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 141, a discharge unit 156, and a reversing path 157. The reversing path 157 includes a registration unit 158.

[0021] The printer unit 130 includes an image forming unit 131 and a fixing unit 132. The image forming unit 131 has one or more types of toner. For example, the image forming unit 131 has yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toners from the upstream side (the left side of the figure). The specified toner may be a special toner such as a decolorizing toner. The image forming unit 131 has a developing unit, a photoconductor drum, and a charging unit for each toner.

[0022] The charging unit uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor drum (photoconductor layer). The photoconductor drum is irradiated with laser light and carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface. The developing unit adds toner to the electrostatic latent image, developing it into a visible image.

[0023] The image forming unit 131 also has a transfer belt. The images developed with the toners are transferred to the transfer belt in order to be superimposed on each other. The superimposed transferred images are then transferred to the medium M by a transfer roller.

[0024] In this embodiment, the printer unit 130 has been described as forming an image by the intermediate transfer method as described above, but it may also be possible to use, for example, a direct transfer method or other transfer methods.

[0025] The fixing unit 132 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller applies heat to the medium M from one side of the medium M. The pressure roller applies pressure to the medium M from the other side of the medium M. The fixing unit 132 applies heat and pressure to the medium M to fix the toner transferred to the medium M.

[0026] The supply unit 141 supplies media M from a cassette in the media storage unit 140. The supply unit 141 has multiple supply rollers, and transports media M using these multiple supply rollers. In addition, media M supplied by the supply unit 141 passes through a wireless communication area of ​​the RFID processing unit 150. For example, the supply unit 141 temporarily stops or slows down a specific supply roller, thereby temporarily stopping or slowing down the media M as it passes through the wireless communication area. For example, the specific supply roller is a registration roller.

[0027] The ejection section 156 ejects the medium M that has been transported inside the image forming apparatus 100. The ejection section 156 is constituted by ejection rollers.

[0028] The inversion path 157 is a path that inverts the medium M, and is used when forming images on both sides of the medium M. The inversion path 157 is a path that inverts the medium M that has been transported to the discharge section 156 by a switchback and transports it.

[0029] The registration unit 158 ​​is provided on the reversing path 157. In the embodiment, the registration unit 158 ​​will be described as a registration roller provided at the most downstream position of the reversing path 157. The registration unit 158 ​​temporarily stops the transport of the media M. By stopping the transport of the media M, the registration unit 158 ​​corrects the inclination of the media M to be perpendicular to the transport direction. Note that the location of the registration unit 158 ​​is not limited to the most downstream position of the reversing path 157. The registration unit 158 ​​may be located anywhere as long as it is a registration roller provided on the path between the discharge unit 156 and the reversing path 157.

[0030] The RFID processing unit 150 is a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag T of the medium M that is supplied by the supply unit 141 and passes through the wireless communication area. For example, the RFID processing unit 150 is provided outside the inversion path 157. The RFID processing unit 150 includes a controller called an RFID module 153, an antenna board 154, and an interface unit. For example, an antenna formed on the antenna board 154 receives information from the wireless tag T of the medium M1 that is sent out from the media storage unit 140 or the manual feed tray and passes through the wireless communication area, and transmits information to be written to the wireless tag T. For example, the antenna wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag T of the medium M1 that passes through the supply roller of the supply unit 141. The radio wave intensity sent from the antenna is adjusted so that it can communicate with the wireless tag T in the wireless communication area described above, but cannot communicate with the wireless tag T in the media storage unit 140 or the manual feed tray.

[0031] The media receiving section 200 receives the media M discharged from the discharge section 156. The media receiving section 200 includes a tray 210.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 110, a control panel 120, a display 121, a printer unit 130, a media storage unit 140, a supply unit 141, a discharge unit 156, an RFID module 153, a storage device 161, a memory 162, a processor 163, and an external interface 164.

[0033] The media accommodation unit 140 includes a cassette open / close detection unit that detects whether each cassette is open or closed. When media M is inserted into a cassette, and the cassette is pulled out toward the front, the cassette open / close detection unit outputs a signal (cassette open signal) indicating that the cassette has been pulled out toward the front. When insertion of media M into the cassette is complete and the cassette is pushed back in, the cassette open / close detection unit outputs a signal (cassette closed signal) indicating that the cassette has been returned to its original position. The processor 163 detects a cassette reset based on receiving the cassette open signal and the cassette closed signal. A cassette reset indicates that a media M may have been added to the cassette, or that the media M contained in the cassette may have been replaced.

[0034] The supply unit 141 is a mechanism that supplies the media M placed on the media storage unit 140 or the manual feed tray to the printer unit 130. Below, we will explain the RFID module 153, the storage device 161, the memory 162, the processor 163, and the external interface 164. Note that each functional unit is connected via a system bus 170 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0035] The storage device 161 is, for example, a hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various data. The various data are print jobs received from an external communication device, and software programs for controlling the operation of each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The print job may be a job relating to double-sided printing, or a job relating to printing multiple sheets. The print job may include image information relating to an image to be printed on the medium M.

[0036] The memory 162 temporarily stores data used by each functional unit included in the image forming apparatus 100. The memory 162 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 162 may store digital data generated by the image reading unit 110. The memory 162 may temporarily store a print job being printed by the printer unit 130 and write information to be written to a wireless tag.

[0037] Processor 163 is a control unit that controls the operation of each functional unit of image forming apparatus 100. Processor 163 loads a software program stored in storage device 161 onto memory 162 and executes the software program to perform processing. Here, an example of specific processing by processor 163 will be described.

[0038] Processor 163 controls printing on medium M1 with a wireless tag attached, based on a print job received via an external communication device or control panel 120. When processor 163 receives a print job for medium M1 with a wireless tag attached, processor 163 acquires writing information specified in the print job and image information associated with the writing information from a writing information server or the like. The image information associated with the writing information is information about an image to be formed on medium M1. Note that image information does not necessarily need to be associated with writing information. In this case, it is sufficient that image information is included in the print job.

[0039] The processor 163 controls the supply unit 141 to supply media M. The supply unit 141 supplies media M to each unit under the control of the processor 163. The processor 163 also controls the discharge unit 156 to discharge media M. Under the control of the processor 163, the discharge unit 156 discharges media M to the media receiving unit 200.

[0040] The processor 163 controls the printer unit 130. The printer unit 130 forms an image indicated by the image information on the medium M. The medium M on which the image has been formed is discharged to the medium receiving unit 200.

[0041] The processor 163 controls the RFID module 153. The RFID module 153 includes an arithmetic unit and a storage unit. The RFID module 153 writes information to a wireless tag attached to the medium M1. The RFID module 153 also reads information from the wireless tag attached to the medium M1. The information read by the RFID module 153 from the wireless tag includes, for example, identification information (e.g., UID: Unique Identifier) ​​that uniquely identifies the wireless tag.

[0042] The external interface 164 is an image acquisition unit that acquires image information, and transmits and receives data to and from an external device. The external device is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, or a smart device. The external interface 164 operates as an input interface, and receives data or instructions transmitted from the external device. The instructions transmitted from the external device are, for example, a print job. The data transmitted from the external device are, for example, writing information and image information associated with the writing information. The external interface 164 also operates as an output interface, and transmits data to the external device.

[0043] Next, various settings will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a first menu displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a second menu displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. For example, a setting will be described in which the user intends to store media M1 with a wireless tag in cassette C1 and media M2 without a wireless tag in cassettes C2, C3, and C4.

[0044] The display 121 of the control panel 120 displays a first menu. The first menu includes icons for cassettes C1, C2, C3, and C4. For example, the control panel 120 accepts the selection of cassette C1 via the first menu. In response to the selection of cassette C1, the display 121 displays a second menu. The second menu is a setting related to cassette C1, and accepts settings for media to be stored in cassette C1. For example, the second menu includes icons for media M1 (cardboard) with a wireless tag and media M2 (plain paper) without a wireless tag. The control panel 120 accepts the selection of media M1 with a wireless tag via the second menu. This completes the setting for storing media M1 with a wireless tag in cassette C1.

[0045] Furthermore, the control panel 120 accepts the selection of cassette C2 via the first menu. In response to the selection of cassette C2, the display 121 displays a second menu. The second menu is for settings related to cassette C2, and accepts settings for the media to be stored in cassette C2. The control panel 120 accepts the selection of media M2 without a wireless tag via the second menu. This completes the settings for storing media M2 without a wireless tag in cassette C2.

[0046] Similarly, the settings for storing media M2 without a wireless tag in cassettes C3 and C4 are completed.

[0047] When a cassette containing media M2 without a wireless tag is selected, the processor 163 controls the speed at which the media M2 is transported by the supply unit 141, etc. to a first speed (for example, processing 50 sheets (A4) per unit time) and controls the fixing unit 132 to a first fixing temperature (170 degrees).

[0048] In addition, when a cassette containing a media M1 with a wireless tag is selected, the processor 163 controls the speed at which the media M1 is transported by the supply unit 141, etc. to a second speed slower than the first speed (for example, processing 25 sheets (A4) per unit time), and controls the fixing unit 132 to a second fixing temperature (180 degrees) that is higher than the first fixing temperature.

[0049] Alternatively, the user or a service person may set the processing speed and fixing temperature for each type of media M via the control panel 120.

[0050] Next, media processing will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing (overall) by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The control panel 120 accepts condition settings for the cassettes C1, C2, C3, and C4, and condition settings related to operations, via a menu displayed on the display 121 (ACT1).

[0051] In this embodiment, it is assumed that cassette C1 is set as the source of media M1 with a wireless tag, and cassettes C2, C3, and C4 are set as the source of media M2 without a wireless tag, for example, via a menu. In other words, with correct operation, cassette C1 contains media M1 with a wireless tag, and cassettes C2, C3, and C4 contain media M2 without a wireless tag.

[0052] It is possible that media M2 without a wireless tag will be placed in cassette C1 due to an incorrect operation, and media M2 with wireless tags will be placed in cassettes C2, C3, and C4 due to an incorrect operation.

[0053] When control panel 120 accepts the selection of cassette C1 via the menu, processor 163 sets a second speed for feeding media M and a second fixing temperature for heating media M. When control panel 120 accepts the selection of cassette C2, C3, or C4 via the menu, processor 163 sets a first speed for feeding media M and a first fixing temperature for heating media M.

[0054] Alternatively, if the control panel 120 receives via the menu the selection of the medium M1 with a wireless tag, the processor 163 selects the cassette C1 and sets the second speed and the second fixing temperature. If the control panel 120 receives via the menu the selection of the medium M2 without a wireless tag, the processor 163 selects the cassette C2, C3, or C4 and sets the first speed and the first fixing temperature.

[0055] A user of the image forming apparatus 100 selects a start key via a menu displayed on the display 121. The control panel 120 accepts a request to execute a print job corresponding to the selection of the start key. Alternatively, the external interface 164 accepts a request to execute a print job transmitted from an external device.

[0056] The processor 163 detects an execution request received by the control panel 120 or an execution request received by the external interface 164 (ACT2, YES). The processor 163 selects a source of the media M in response to the execution request, and executes a first or second media process in accordance with the source of the media M (ACT3 to ACT5).

[0057] For example, when cassette C1 is selected via a menu displayed on display 121 and the start key is selected, processor 163 selects cassette C1 as the supply source of media M. Alternatively, when media M1 with a wireless tag is selected via the menu and the start key is selected, processor 163 selects cassette C1 as the supply source of media.

[0058] Furthermore, when cassette C2, C3, or C4 is selected via the menu and the start key is selected, processor 163 selects cassette C2, C3, or C4 as the supply source of media M. Alternatively, when media M2 without a wireless tag is selected via the menu and the start key is selected, processor 163 selects cassette C2, C3, or C4 as the supply source of media M.

[0059] Furthermore, if the print job includes a specification for cassette C1, the processor 163 selects cassette C1 as the supply source of media M. Alternatively, if the print job includes a specification for media M1 with a wireless tag, the processor 163 selects cassette C1 as the supply source of media M.

[0060] Furthermore, if the print job includes a specification for cassette C2, C3, or C4, the processor 163 selects cassette C2, C3, or C4 as the supply source of media M. Alternatively, if the print job includes a specification for media M2 without a wireless tag, the processor 163 selects cassette C2, C3, or C4 as the supply source of media M.

[0061] If the processor 163 selects the cassette C1 as the supply source of media M (ACT3, YES), that is, if the processor 163 selects the cassette C1 that should contain media M1 with a wireless tag, the processor 163 executes a first media process (ACT4). The first media process is a process that assumes that media M1 with a wireless tag will be supplied. Note that media M2 without a wireless tag may be contained in the cassette C1 due to an erroneous operation, in which case media M2 without a wireless tag will be supplied in the first media process.

[0062] If the processor 163 selects cassette C2, C3, or C4 as the supply source of media M (ACT3, NO), that is, if the processor 163 selects cassette C2, C3, or C4 which should contain media M2 without a wireless tag, it executes a second media process (ACT5). The second media process is a process which assumes that media M2 without a wireless tag will be supplied. Note that, due to an erroneous operation, media M1 with a wireless tag may be contained in cassette C2, C3, or C4, in which case media M1 with a wireless tag will be supplied in the second media process.

[0063] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first media process performed by the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first media process is performed assuming that a wireless tagged media M1 is supplied from a cassette C1.

[0064] The supply unit 141 starts supplying media M from cassette C1 based on the print job. The processor 163 executes a leading edge determination process (ACT401). The processor 163 detects a cassette reset based on receipt of a cassette open signal and a cassette closed signal from the cassette open / close detection unit. In other words, when the cassette is pulled out and then pushed back in, a cassette reset is detected based on receipt of these signals. A cassette reset indicates that media M may have been added to the cassette, or that the media M contained in the cassette may have been replaced.

[0065] For example, after a cassette reset is detected, the processor 163 determines that the first medium M supplied from that cassette is the leading medium (first sheet) (ACT402, YES). Alternatively, the processor 163 receives a request to execute a print job, which is an instruction to form an image, and determines that the first medium M supplied is the leading medium based on the print job (ACT402, YES).

[0066] The supply unit 141 temporarily stops or decelerates a specific supply roller, thereby temporarily stopping or decelerating the media M when it passes through the wireless communication area (ACT403).

[0067] In processing a piece of media M supplied from cassette C1 and determined to be the first to pass through the wireless communication area, if the RFID processing unit 150 detects a wireless tag on the media M passing through the wireless communication area, it determines that the media M is media M1 with a wireless tag. For example, if the RFID processing unit 150 can correctly read the identification information of the wireless tag from the media M passing through the wireless communication area, it determines that the media M is media M1 with a wireless tag.

[0068] When a wireless tag is detected during processing of the media M determined to be the first (ACT404, YES), the processor 163 controls the media M1 to perform wireless tag processing (ACT405), controls the media M1 to perform image formation processing (ACT406), and controls the media M1 to be ejected (ACT407).

[0069] In the wireless tag processing, the RFID processing unit 150 writes data to the wireless tag of the medium M1 and reads data from the wireless tag (ACT405). In the image forming processing, the printer unit 130 forms an image on at least one side of the medium M1 (ACT406). In addition, the ejection unit 156 ejects the medium M1 that has undergone the wireless tag processing and image forming processing to the medium receiving unit 200 (ACT407).

[0070] If the medium M1 processed in ACT405 and ACT406 is the final one (ACT408, YES), the processor 163 ends the first image forming process. In other words, if processing has been completed for all the media M specified by the print job (ACT408, YES), the processor 163 ends the first image forming process. If the medium M1 processed in ACT405 and ACT406 is not the final one (ACT408, NO), the processor 163 continues the processing from ACT401 onwards.

[0071] Furthermore, in the process of determining that the media M is the first media M supplied from the cassette in the media storage unit 140 and passing through the wireless communication area, if the media M is media M2 without a wireless tag, the RFID processing unit 150 cannot read the identification information of the wireless tag from the media M passing through the wireless communication area. If the identification information of the wireless tag cannot be correctly read from the media M, the processor 163 does not detect a wireless tag from the media M passing through the wireless communication area (ACT404, NO), and determines that this media M is media M2 without a wireless tag.

[0072] If no wireless tag is detected in the processing of the media M determined to be the first media M (ACT404, NO), the processor 163 controls the media M2 to be ejected. The ejection unit 156 ejects the media M2 to the media receiving unit 200 (ACT417).

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 163 performs control so as to suspend or terminate the subsequent processing of the media M (ACT 418).

[0074] Furthermore, the processor 163 executes error processing (ACT419). In response to the error processing, the control panel 120 performs control so as to output error information or a confirmation message, and the display 121 displays the error information or the confirmation message. For example, the display 121 displays that the media M1 with a wireless tag has not been supplied from the cassette C1, which is the supply source of the media M1 with a wireless tag, and that the media M2 without a wireless tag has been supplied instead, or that the media M1 is defective.

[0075] In the above case, image forming apparatus 100 prevents unintended media M from being processed by interrupting or terminating processing of the subsequent media M. Also, in the above case, image forming apparatus 100 can avoid unintended heating of media M due to the second fixing temperature that is higher than the first fixing temperature by interrupting or terminating processing of the subsequent media M, thereby reducing damage to media M and unnecessary strain on the device. Also, image forming apparatus 100 can notify of an unexpected situation by executing error processing.

[0076] Next, a case where the processor 163 determines that the medium M supplied from the cassette is the second or subsequent medium (ACT402, NO) will be described.

[0077] The supply unit 141 temporarily stops or slows down the media M when passing through the wireless communication area (ACT423).

[0078] When a wireless tag is detected during processing of media M determined to be the second or subsequent media (ACT424, YES), the processor 163 controls the media M1 to perform wireless tag processing (ACT425), controls the media M1 to perform image formation processing (ACT426), and controls the media M1 to be ejected (ACT427).

[0079] In the wireless tag processing, the RFID processing unit 150 writes data to the wireless tag of the medium M1 and reads data from the wireless tag (ACT425). In the image forming processing, the printer unit 130 forms an image on at least one side of the medium M1 (ACT426). In addition, the ejection unit 156 ejects the medium M1 that has undergone the wireless tag processing and image forming processing to the medium receiving unit 200 (ACT427).

[0080] If the media M1 processed in ACT425 and ACT426 is the last (ACT428, YES), the processor 163 ends the first image forming process. If the media M1 processed in ACT405 and ACT406 is not the last (ACT428, NO), the processor 163 continues the process from ACT401 onwards.

[0081] Furthermore, in processing a piece of media M determined to be the second or subsequent piece of media passing through the wireless communication area, if the media M is media M2 without a wireless tag, the RFID processing unit 150 cannot read the identification information of the wireless tag from the media M passing through the wireless communication area. If the identification information of the wireless tag cannot be correctly read from the media M, the processor 163 does not detect a wireless tag from the media M passing through the wireless communication area (ACT424, NO), and determines that this media M is media M2 without a wireless tag.

[0082] If no wireless tag is detected in the processing of the media M determined to be the second or subsequent media (ACT424, NO), the processor 163 controls the media M2 to be ejected. The ejection unit 156 ejects the media M2 to the media receiving unit 200 (ACT427).

[0083] If no wireless tag is detected in the processing of media M determined to be the second or subsequent media M, processor 163 controls so as to continue, without interrupting or terminating, the processing of the subsequent media M. In other words, if media M2 is the last (ACT428, YES), processor 163 ends the first image forming process, but if media M2 is not the last (ACT428, NO), processor 163 continues the processing from ACT401 onwards.

[0084] In cases where the wireless tag of the second or subsequent media M2 is damaged, or where an unintended media M has been mixed in with the second or subsequent media M, image forming apparatus 100 can avoid processing such media M2. Furthermore, in such cases, image forming apparatus 100 continues processing the subsequent media M without interrupting or terminating it, thereby preventing a decrease in processing efficiency for the second or subsequent media.

[0085] It is not essential to temporarily stop or slow down the media M in ACT403 and ACT423. For example, if the wireless tag processing in ACT405 and ACT425 can be executed normally, it is not necessary to temporarily stop or slow down the media M.

[0086] Moreover, the RFID tag processing in ACT 405 and ACT 425 is not essential. After the RFID tag T is detected, it is not essential to further read information from the RFID tag T or to write information to the RFID tag T.

[0087] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second media process performed by the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second media process assumes that media M2 without a wireless tag is supplied from cassette C2, C3, or C4.

[0088] The supply unit 141 starts supplying media M from cassette C2, C3, or C4 based on the print job. The processor 163 executes a leading edge determination process (ACT 501).

[0089] First, a case where the processor 163 determines that the media M supplied from cassette C2, C3, or C4 is the leading media (first media) (ACT502, YES) will be described.

[0090] In processing the media M determined to be the first one, if a wireless tag is not detected (ACT504, NO), the processor 163 controls the media M2 to perform an image forming process (ACT506) and controls the media M2 to be ejected (ACT507).

[0091] If the medium M2 processed in ACT506 is the last (ACT508, YES), the processor 163 ends the second image forming process. In other words, if processing has been completed for all the media M specified by the print job (ACT508, YES), the processor 163 ends the second image forming process. If the medium M2 processed in ACT506 is not the last (ACT508, NO), the processor 163 continues the processing from ACT501 onwards.

[0092] When a wireless tag is detected in the processing of the media M determined to be the first media M (ACT504, YES), the processor 163 controls the media M1 to be ejected. The ejection unit 156 ejects the media M1 to the media receiving unit 200 (ACT517).

[0093] Furthermore, the processor 163 performs control so as to suspend or terminate the subsequent processing of the media M (ACT 518).

[0094] Furthermore, the processor 163 executes error processing (ACT 519). In response to the error processing, the control panel 120 performs control so as to output error information or a confirmation message, and the display 121 displays the error information or the confirmation message. For example, the display 121 displays that the media M2 without a wireless tag has not been supplied from the cassette C2, C3, or C4 that was the supply source of the media M2 without a wireless tag, and instead the media M1 with a wireless tag has been supplied.

[0095] In the above case, image forming apparatus 100 prevents unintended media M from being processed by interrupting or terminating processing of the subsequent media M.

[0096] Next, a case will be described where the processor 163 determines that the media M supplied from cassette C2, C3, or C4 is the second or subsequent media (ACT502, NO).

[0097] When processing media M determined to be the second or subsequent media, if a wireless tag is not detected (ACT524, NO), the processor 163 controls to perform image formation processing on media M2 (ACT526) and controls to eject media M1 (ACT527).

[0098] If the medium M2 processed in ACT526 is the last one (ACT528, YES), the processor 163 ends the second image forming process. If the medium M2 processed in ACT526 is not the last one (ACT528, NO), the processor 163 continues the process from ACT501 onwards.

[0099] If a wireless tag is detected during processing of the media M determined to be the second or subsequent media M (ACT 524, YES), the processor 163 controls the media M1 to be ejected. The ejection unit 156 ejects the media M1 to the media receiving unit 200 (ACT 527).

[0100] If a wireless tag is detected during processing of a media M determined to be the second or subsequent media M, processor 163 controls so as to continue, without interrupting or terminating, the processing of the subsequent media M. In other words, if media M1 is the last (ACT528, YES), processor 163 ends the second image forming process, but if media M1 is not the last (ACT528, NO), processor 163 continues the processing from ACT501 onwards.

[0101] In the case where an unintended media M has been mixed in with the second or subsequent media, image forming apparatus 100 can avoid processing such media M2. Furthermore, image forming apparatus 100 prevents a decrease in processing efficiency for the second or subsequent media by continuing processing the subsequent media M without interrupting or terminating the processing in such a case.

[0102] As in the first media processing, in the second media processing, the media M may be temporarily stopped or decelerated before ACT 504 or ACT 524. For example, if the transport speed of the media M is fast or the wireless communication area of ​​the RFID processing unit 150 is narrow, and the wireless tag of the mixed-in media M1 cannot be detected in time in ACT 504 or ACT 524, the media M is temporarily stopped or decelerated before ACT 504 or ACT 524.

[0103] The program according to the present embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in an electronic device such as the image forming apparatus 100, or may be transferred in a state not stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing a program and is computer-readable.

[0104] 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 novel 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 and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 100...Image forming apparatus 110...Image reading unit 120…Control panel 121…Display 130…Printer section 131...Image forming unit 132…Fixation section 140…Media storage section 141...Supply section 150…RFID processing unit 153…RFID module 154…Antenna board 156…Discharge section 157…Reverse route 158…Resist section 161...Storage device 162…Memory 163…Processor 164…External interface 170…System bus 200…Media Reception Section 210…Tray C1, C2, C3, C4...Cassette M…Media M1…Radio-tagged media M2: Media without radio tag T: Radio tag

Claims

1. an image acquisition unit that acquires image information; a supply unit that supplies media from one or more cassettes; a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a wireless tag of the medium that is supplied by the supply unit and passes through a wireless communication area; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image information on the medium supplied by the supply unit; a control unit that, in processing a first medium supplied from the cassette, controls the first medium to be ejected and interrupts processing of subsequent media if the wireless tag is not detected from the first medium through wireless communication by the wireless communication unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when processing a second or subsequent piece of media supplied from the cassette, controls the control unit to eject the second or subsequent piece of media and continue processing the subsequent media if the wireless tag is not detected from the second or subsequent piece of media through wireless communication by the wireless communication unit.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus of claim 2, wherein when processing the first or second or subsequent piece of media supplied from the cassette, the control unit controls the image forming unit to form the image on the first or second or subsequent piece of media and eject the first or second or subsequent piece of media if the wireless tag is detected from the first or second or subsequent piece of media.

4. The image forming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the apparatus so as to output error information when the wireless tag is not detected from the first medium.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the first piece of media is a medium that is first supplied based on an instruction to form an image, or a medium that is first supplied after resetting of the cassette is detected.

Images