Sheet conveyance device

Abstract

To provide a sheet conveyance device which can suppress occurrence of errors related to reading / writing of information on a wireless tag.SOLUTION: A sheet conveyance device has a reading part, a detection part, and an instruction part. When a sheet passes through a predetermined position on a conveyance path, the reading part reads / writes information on a wireless tag provided on the sheet. The detection part is arranged on the upstream side in a sheet conveyance direction of the predetermined position, and detects the sheet. The instruction part performs an instruction related to reading / writing on the information on the wireless tag, on the basis of a timing at which the sheet is detected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sheet conveying apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as printers and multifunction printers, sheets with wireless tags may be used. Various types of information are written into the wireless tags. Writing information to the wireless tags is performed, for example, on the conveyance path along which the sheets are conveyed.

[0003] The image forming apparatus reads and writes information to and from the wireless tag. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus writes information to the wireless tag, it then reads information from the wireless tag. Here, in the prior art, depending on the positional relationship between the sheet and the wireless tag communication device, the radio waves of both may be blocked, and it may not be possible to appropriately write information to the wireless tag or read information from the wireless tag.

[0004] Specifically, for example, depending on the timing of writing information to the wireless tag, the positional relationship may be such that the radio waves of both the wireless tag and the wireless tag communication device are blocked when reading information from the wireless tag, and as a result, it may not be possible to appropriately read information from the wireless tag. For this reason, in the prior art, many errors may occur in reading and writing information to and from the wireless tag.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sheet conveying device capable of suppressing the occurrence of errors related to reading and writing information to and from a wireless tag.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The sheet conveying device according to the embodiment includes a reading / writing unit, a detection unit, and an instruction unit. The reading / writing unit reads and writes information to and from a wireless tag provided on the sheet when the sheet passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path. The detection unit is disposed upstream of the predetermined position in the sheet conveyance direction and detects the sheet. The instruction unit gives an instruction related to reading and writing information to and from the wireless tag based on the timing at which the sheet is detected by the detection unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the sheet conveying device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same or similar functions. Also, the description of overlapping configurations may be omitted.

[0010] First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration example of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP). The image forming apparatus 100 is arranged, for example, in a workplace such as an office. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a display 110, a control panel 120, a printer 130, a sheet storage unit 140, and an image reading unit 150.

[0011] The display 110 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The display 110 displays various information. Further, the display 110 receives various input operations from the user. The display 110 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the various input operations received from the user.

[0012] The control panel 120 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The control panel 120 receives various input operations from the user. The control panel 120 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the various input operations received from the user.

[0013] The printer 130 performs a series of printing operations using various information output from the display 110, the control panel 120, the image reading unit 150, and the like. The series of printing operations includes an operation of inputting image information, an operation of forming an image, an operation of transferring the formed image onto a sheet, and an operation of conveying the sheet.

[0014] The sheet storage unit 140 includes a plurality of sheet cassettes. Each sheet cassette stores sheets according to the type of sheet. The type of sheet includes a sheet size and a sheet type. For example, the sheet sizes are A5 size, A4 size, and A3 size. Also, the sheet types include ordinary copy paper, a sheet provided with a wireless tag, and the like. The wireless tag is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag. Also, the sheet types include, among others, photo sheets, label sheets, and polyester film sheets.

[0015] In this embodiment, the plurality of sheet cassettes shall include a sheet cassette containing ordinary copy paper and a sheet cassette containing wireless tags. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 stores in association with each other a sheet cassette and the type of sheet to be accommodated. This association can be set by an operation of an operator such as a user or an inspection staff. When the image forming apparatus 100 acquires information indicating the type of sheet to be printed, it can identify the type of sheet based on the information and identify the sheet cassette in which the identified sheet is accommodated.

[0016] The image reading unit 150 includes an automatic document feeder and a scanner device. The automatic document feeder feeds the document placed on the document tray to the scanner device. The scanner device optically reads the document fed by the automatic document feeder or the document placed on the document glass table. Then, the scanner device forms an image of the reflected light from the document on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. Thereby, the scanner device can read the document image. The image reading unit 150 generates image information (image data) using the reading result read by the scanner device.

[0017] (Internal Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 (printer 130) is a so-called four-color tandem type image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an input image processing unit 10, an image forming unit 20 (20a to 20d), an intermediate transfer unit 30, a fixing device 40, a sheet conveyance unit 50, and a wireless tag communication device 60. Hereinafter, the symbols a to d will be appropriately omitted in the description.

[0018] (Input Image Processing Unit 10) The input image processing unit 10 inputs image information. The image information to be input is the image information generated by the image reading unit 150 or the image information transmitted from another device such as a personal computer. The input image processing unit 10 performs digital image processing to process the input image information according to initial settings or user settings. For example, the digital image processing includes tone correction based on tone correction data. In addition to tone correction, the digital image processing also includes various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction for the image data, as well as processes such as compression.

[0019] (Image forming unit 20) Next, the image forming unit 20 (image forming units 20a to 20d) will be described. The four image forming units 20a to 20d are provided in parallel. The image forming units 20a to 20d each correspond to a color. Specifically, the image forming unit 20a corresponds to Y (yellow). The image forming unit 20b corresponds to M (magenta). The image forming unit 20c corresponds to C (cyan). The image forming unit 20d corresponds to K (black).

[0020] Each image forming unit 20 (20a to 20d) includes a photosensitive drum 21 (21a to 21d), a charger 22 (22a to 22d), an exposure device 23, a developing device 24 (24a to 24d), and a drum cleaning device (not shown), etc.

[0021] The photosensitive drum 21 is, for example, a charge-type organic photoreceptor (OPC: Organic Photo-conductor). Specifically, the photosensitive drum 21 is a charge-type organic photoreceptor in which an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer are sequentially laminated on the peripheral surface of an aluminum conductive cylinder. The photosensitive drum 21 has photoconductivity.

[0022] The charger 22 generates corona discharge. The charger 22 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0023] The exposure device 23 is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The exposure device 23 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to the images of each color component. When the laser light is irradiated by the exposure device 23, the potential of the area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 where the laser light is irradiated changes. Due to this change in potential (potential difference), an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0024] The developing device 24 accommodates the developer. The developing device 24 attaches toner of each color component to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Thereby, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21. That is, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is visualized.

[0025] For example, a two-component developer is used as the developer. The two-component developer includes a non-magnetic toner and a carrier. The carrier is, for example, iron powder with a particle size of several tens of μm or polymer ferrite particles. The carrier is mixed with the toner in the developing device 24 and triboelectrically charged to give the toner a charge (for example, a negative charge). Further, the carrier transports the toner to the electrostatic latent image portion by magnetic force.

[0026] The drum cleaning device (not shown) includes a cleaning blade and a toner storage portion. The cleaning blade contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and removes the residual toner. The residual toner is the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after primary transfer. The removed residual toner is collected in the toner storage portion.

[0027] (Intermediate transfer unit 30) Next, the intermediate transfer unit 30 will be described. The intermediate transfer unit 30 includes an intermediate transfer body 31, a primary transfer roller 32, a plurality of support rollers 33, a secondary transfer roller 34, a belt cleaning device 35, and the like.

[0028] The intermediate transfer member 31 is, for example, an endless belt (transfer belt). For example, the intermediate transfer member 31 is a belt made of polyimide. The intermediate transfer member 31 may or may not have conductivity and elasticity.

[0029] The support rollers 33a to 33c support the intermediate transfer member 31 so that tension is applied to the intermediate transfer member 31. Thereby, the intermediate transfer member 31 is formed in a loop shape. Among the plurality of support rollers 33a to 33c, any one of the rollers (for example, the support roller 33a) is a driving roller. The rollers other than the driving roller are driven rollers. When the driving roller rotates, the intermediate transfer member 31 travels at a predetermined speed in the A direction in the figure at a predetermined cycle.

[0030] The direction in which the intermediate transfer member 31 moves can be defined as an upstream direction and a downstream direction. Specifically, the direction in which the intermediate transfer member 31 moves can be defined with the image forming unit 20a as the most upstream and the belt cleaning device 35 as the most downstream.

[0031] The primary transfer roller 32 is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 21 via the intermediate transfer member 31. Specifically, the primary transfer roller 32 is disposed so as to apply pressure to the photosensitive drum 21 with the intermediate transfer member 31 interposed therebetween. Thereby, a primary transfer portion that nips the intermediate transfer member 31 is formed by the primary transfer roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0032] When the intermediate transfer member 31 passes through the primary transfer portion, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the portion that has passed through. When the intermediate transfer member 31 passes through the primary transfer portion, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 32. Specifically, the primary transfer roller 32 is given a charge of the opposite polarity (positive polarity) to the toner. Thereby, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer member 31.

[0033] The secondary transfer roller 34 is disposed to face the support roller 33a via the intermediate transfer member 31. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 34 is disposed so as to apply pressure to the support roller 33a with the intermediate transfer member 31 interposed therebetween. Thus, a secondary transfer portion 38 is formed by the secondary transfer roller 34 and the support roller 33a to nip the intermediate transfer member 31 and the sheet.

[0034] When the sheet passes through the secondary transfer portion 38, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 31 is transferred to the passed portion of the sheet. When the sheet passes through the secondary transfer portion 38, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the support roller 33a. Specifically, the support roller 33a is given a charge of the same polarity (negative polarity) as the toner. Thereby, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 31 is electrostatically transferred to the sheet.

[0035] Note that the secondary transfer roller 34 and the support roller 33a are configured to be separable. Thereby, when the sheet jams in the secondary transfer portion 38, the user can remove the sheet.

[0036] The belt cleaning device 35 includes a cleaning blade and a toner storage portion. The cleaning blade contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer member 31 to remove residual toner. The residual toner here is the toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer member 31 after secondary transfer. The residual toner removed by the cleaning blade is collected in the toner storage portion.

[0037] (Fixing device 40) The fixing device 40 heats and presses the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred. The fixing device 40 includes, for example, an endless heating belt that heats the sheet and a pressure roller that presses against the heating belt. A heating heater is provided inside the heating belt. When the heating belt is heated and a nip region is formed between the heating belt and the pressure roller, the toner on the sheet melts and is fixed to the sheet when the sheet passes through the nip region.

[0038] (Sheet Conveying Unit 50) Next, the sheet conveying unit 50 will be described. The sheet conveying unit 50 includes a pickup roller 51, a conveyance sensor 52a, a conveyance roller 52, a registration sensor 53a, a registration roller 53, a first guide portion 54a, a second guide portion 54b, and a paper discharge portion 55. The sheets stored in the sheet storage unit 140 are conveyed from the pickup roller 51 toward the paper discharge portion 55. Hereinafter, regarding the sheet conveyance direction, the side of the pickup roller 51 may be referred to as the "upstream side", and the side of the paper discharge portion 55 may be referred to as the "downstream side".

[0039] The pickup roller 51 picks up the sheets stored in the sheet storage unit 140 one by one, and conveys the picked-up sheets to the downstream side (conveyance roller 52) in the sheet conveyance direction. The conveyance sensor 52a detects the sheets sent out from the pickup roller 51. The conveyance roller 52 conveys the sheets sent out from the pickup roller 51 to the downstream side (registration roller 53) based on the detection result of the conveyance sensor 52a.

[0040] The registration sensor 53a detects that the sheets sent out from the conveyance roller 52 reach the registration roller 53. The conveyance sensor 52a and the registration sensor 53a may be contact sensors or non-contact sensors (for example, optical sensors).

[0041] The registration roller 53 (an example of the registration portion) aligns the sheet feeding timing when sending the sheet to the secondary transfer portion 38. Specifically described, the registration roller 53 stops the sheets conveyed from the conveyance roller 52 based on the detection result of the registration sensor 53a, and sends them out toward the secondary transfer portion 38 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is the timing at which the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 31 is secondarily transferred at the secondary transfer portion 38.

[0042] Further, the registration roller 53 forms a nip. After aligning the leading edge of the sheet conveyed from the conveyance roller 52 at the nip, the registration roller 53 conveys the sheet downstream. The image forming apparatus 100 aligns the sheet. Alignment is a process of abutting the leading edge of the sheet against the registration roller 53 to adjust the orientation of the sheet. That is, the registration roller 53 is a part where the leading edge of the conveyed sheet is abutted to align the sheet.

[0043] The first guide portion 54a regulates the conveyance direction of the sheet sent out from the registration roller 53 to the secondary transfer portion 38. A toner image is transferred to the sheet whose conveyance direction is regulated by the first guide portion 54a by the secondary transfer portion 38. Further, the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent out by the secondary transfer portion 38 toward the second guide portion 54b and the fixing device 40.

[0044] The second guide portion 54b regulates the conveyance direction of the sheet sent out from the secondary transfer portion 38 and sends it out to the fixing device 40. The fixing device 40 heats and presses the sheet whose conveyance direction is regulated by the second guide portion 54b and sends it out to the paper discharge portion 55. The paper discharge portion 55 sends out the sheet to the discharge tray.

[0045] (Wireless tag communication device 60) The wireless tag communication device 60 includes a communication control circuit (control unit) and an antenna (not shown). The wireless tag in the present embodiment is, for example, an RFID tag. The wireless tag communication device 60 transmits radio waves in the direction of arrow K in the figure, for example. The wireless tag communication device 60 communicates with the wireless tag provided on the sheet via the antenna. Specifically, the wireless tag communication device 60 has a function of writing information to the wireless tag (write function) and a function of reading the information written in the wireless tag (read function).

[0046] Specifically, the wireless tag communication device 60 performs a writing process of writing information to the wireless tag of the sheet taken out from the sheet storage unit 140, and a reading process of reading information from the wireless tag to confirm that information has been written to the wireless tag. When the sheet passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path (on the sheet conveyance unit 50), the wireless tag communication device 60 performs the writing process and the reading process. The predetermined position is, for example, between when the sheet is taken out by the pickup roller 51 and when the sheet reaches the secondary transfer unit (secondary transfer roller 34). That is, the communication range is the area from the arrangement position of the pickup roller 51 to the arrangement position of the secondary transfer roller 34. In other words, the areas not included in the communication range are the area inside the sheet storage unit 140 and the area downstream of the secondary transfer unit (secondary transfer roller 34).

[0047] The information written to the wireless tag includes, for example, information indicating the contents, information indicating the destination, and the contents printed on the sheet if the sheet is used for logistics or the like. The wireless tag communication device 60 uses, for example, a radio wave system (UHF) in the 900 MHz band. Note that the frequency band is not limited to this, and other frequency bands can also be adopted. Also, the system of the wireless tag is not limited to the RFID system, and other systems can also be adopted.

[0048] Note that the wireless tag communication device 60 is not limited to being arranged at the position shown in the figure. For example, the wireless tag communication device 60 may be arranged on the side of the paper feeding unit (sheet storage unit 140) or on the side of the paper discharging unit 55 compared to the position shown in the figure. Also, the communication range may be set according to the position where the wireless tag communication device 60 is arranged.

[0049] (Regarding the occurrence of errors related to reading and writing information to the wireless tag) Here, when the image forming apparatus 100 writes information to the wireless tag, it reads information from the wireless tag. Conventionally, depending on the positional relationship between the sheet and the wireless tag communication device 60, the radio waves of both may be blocked, and it may not be possible to appropriately write information to the wireless tag or read information from the wireless tag.

[0050] Specifically, for example, depending on the timing of writing information to the wireless tag, there may be a positional relationship in which the radio waves of both the wireless tag and the wireless tag communication device 60 are blocked when reading information from the wireless tag, and as a result, it may not be possible to appropriately read information from the wireless tag. For this reason, conventionally, many errors related to reading and writing information to the wireless tag may have occurred.

[0051] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of such errors is suppressed. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the sheet conveyance device 300 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0052] (Functional Configuration of Sheet Conveyance Device 300) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sheet conveyance device 300 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the sheet conveyance device 300 includes an image formation control unit 310, a detection unit 320, and a wireless tag communication device 60. The image formation control unit 310 (instruction unit 311 and processing unit 312) controls the wireless tag communication device 60 according to a sheet conveyance program stored in a storage device (not shown). The image formation control unit 310 controls the wireless tag communication device 60 by communication. The communication may be performed by wire or wirelessly (for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy)).

[0053] The image formation control unit 310 is implemented by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like. Also, a storage device (not shown) is implemented by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

[0054] The sheet St is provided with a wireless tag Tg. The wireless tag Tg is provided at the leading end (the head side in the conveyance direction) of the sheet St. The leading end of the sheet St is a region of the leading portion in the conveyance direction of the sheet St. Note that the arrangement position of the wireless tag Tg is not limited to the leading end of the sheet St, and may be the trailing end of the sheet St or an outer peripheral portion excluding the leading end and the trailing end.

[0055] (Reading unit) The wireless tag communication device 60 is an example of a reading unit. As described above, when the sheet passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path, the wireless tag communication device 60 reads and writes information to and from the wireless tag Tg. In particular, the predetermined position is the position where the sheet is aligned by the registration roller 53 (hereinafter referred to as the "registration position").

[0056] (Detection unit 320) The detection unit 320 detects the leading end of the sheet St. The detection unit 320 is arranged on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction from a transfer unit (for example, the secondary transfer unit 38) that transfers an image to the sheet St. Also, the detection unit 320 detects the leading end of the sheet St sent out from the sheet storage unit 140. For example, the detection unit 320 is at least one of the conveyance sensor 52a and the registration sensor 53a. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 320 is the registration sensor 53a.

[0057] (Instruction unit 311) The image forming control unit 310 includes an instruction unit 311 and a processing unit 312. The instruction unit 311 gives an instruction regarding reading and writing of information stored in the wireless tag Tg based on the timing at which the sheet St is detected by the detection unit 320 (hereinafter referred to as "detection timing"). The instruction regarding reading and writing includes a write instruction for causing the wireless tag communication device 60 to write information to the wireless tag Tg and a read instruction for causing the wireless tag communication device 60 to read information from the wireless tag Tg. When there is a write instruction, the wireless tag communication device 60 performs a write process of writing information to the wireless tag Tg. Also, when there is a read instruction, the wireless tag communication device 60 performs a read process of reading information from the wireless tag Tg.

[0058] (Specific examples of write instruction and read instruction) The instruction unit 311 gives a write instruction at the detection timing by the detection unit 320. Specifically, the instruction unit 311 gives a write instruction when the sheet St is aligned by the resist roller 53. Thereby, the wireless tag communication device 60 performs a write process when the sheet St is aligned by the resist roller 53.

[0059] The instruction unit 311 gives a read instruction at a predetermined timing after giving the write instruction. The predetermined timing may be the timing at which information indicating that the information has been written from the wireless tag communication device 60 after the write instruction is received, or the timing at which a certain time has elapsed after the write instruction. In the present embodiment, the read instruction is given when the sheet St is aligned by the resist roller 53, similarly to the write instruction. Thereby, the wireless tag communication device 60 performs a read process when the sheet St is aligned by the resist roller 53.

[0060] (Other examples of write instruction and read instruction) Note that the read instruction may be issued at the detection timing by the detection unit 320. In other words, the instruction unit 311 may issue a read instruction at the detection timing of the sheet St by the detection unit 320. However, the read instruction is issued after the write instruction. Specifically, the instruction unit 311 issues a read instruction to the wireless tag communication device 60 after issuing the write instruction. For example, the instruction unit 311 may issue a write instruction at the timing when the sheet St is detected by the conveyance sensor 52a, and then issue a read instruction at the timing when the sheet St moves to the downstream side and is detected by the resist sensor 53a. In other words, the write instruction and the read instruction may be issued triggered by the detection timings of different sensors. Even in this case, the instruction unit 311 can issue a read instruction after the write instruction.

[0061] (Processing unit 312) The processing unit 312 acquires a read / write result (hereinafter referred to as "read result") corresponding to the read instruction from the wireless tag communication device 60. The read result indicates either one of "normal" and "abnormal". "Normal" indicates that both the writing of information to the wireless tag Tg and the reading of information from the wireless tag Tg have been performed normally. In the case of "normal", in the read process, the wireless tag communication device 60 receives a response signal indicating that the reading and writing of information to and from the wireless tag Tg are normal.

[0062] On the other hand, "abnormal" indicates that at least one of the writing and the reading has not been performed normally. In the case of "abnormal", in the read process, the wireless tag communication device 60 does not receive a response signal indicating normality from the wireless tag Tg. Note that "abnormal" may occur when appropriate writing to the wireless tag Tg cannot be performed due to communication failure or the like, or when appropriate reading from the wireless tag Tg cannot be performed.

[0063] The processing unit 312 performs processing based on the reading result. For example, when the reading result indicates normal, the processing unit 312 performs processing to form an image on the sheet St. That is, the processing unit 312 sends out the sheet St from the resist roller 53 to the secondary transfer unit 38, and at the secondary transfer unit 38, transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 31 onto the sheet St.

[0064] Also, when the reading result indicates an abnormality, the processing unit 312 performs processing not to form an image on the sheet St. The processing of not forming an image is processing related to so-called void printing. In void printing, the sheet St is discharged to the paper discharge unit 55 as a blank sheet. Further, when the reading result indicates an abnormality, the processing unit 312 performs processing to notify that fact (error). The notification is performed via the display 110 or the speaker provided in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0065] (Processing related to reading and writing information to and from the wireless tag Tg) Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 and related to reading and writing information to and from the wireless tag Tg will be described.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing related to reading and writing information to and from the wireless tag Tg. In FIG. 4, when an instruction to start printing is received from the control panel 120 or another device, the image forming control unit 310 (image forming apparatus 100) starts printing (ACT401). Upon starting printing, the pickup roller 51 takes out the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit 140 and conveys the taken-out sheet downstream in the sheet conveyance direction.

[0067] Thereafter, the registration sensor 53a (an example of the detection unit 320) turns ON by detecting the sheet St (ACT402). Note that the conveyance sensor 52a also turns ON before the registration sensor 53a turns ON.

[0068] Then, the image formation control unit 310 issues a write instruction to the wireless tag communication device 60 (ACT403). When the wireless tag communication device 60 receives the write instruction from the image formation control unit 310, it starts detecting the wireless tag Tg and determines whether the wireless tag Tg has been detected (ACT404). Specifically, in ACT404, the wireless tag communication device 60 issues a transmission request for a response signal related to writing to the wireless tag Tg at a predetermined interval.

[0069] In ACT404, when the wireless tag Tg is detected (ACT404: YES), that is, when a response signal related to writing is received from the wireless tag Tg, the wireless tag communication device 60 transmits write information to the wireless tag Tg and writes the information to the wireless tag Tg (ACT405). When the information is being written to the wireless tag Tg, the sheet St is aligned at the resist roller 53.

[0070] After that, the image formation control unit 310 issues a read instruction to the wireless tag communication device 60 (ACT406). When the wireless tag communication device 60 receives the read instruction from the image formation control unit 310, it reads information from the wireless tag Tg. Specifically, the wireless tag communication device 60 issues a transmission request for a response signal indicating that the reading and writing of information to the wireless tag Tg are normal. The wireless tag communication device 60 transmits the reading result based on the reception result in the response signal to the image formation control unit 310.

[0071] Then, the image formation control unit 310 determines whether the reading result received from the wireless tag communication device 60 indicates normality (ACT407). When the reading result indicates normality (ACT407: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on the sheet St (ACT408). Then, the sheet St is discharged from the paper discharge unit 55 (ACT409), and a series of processes is terminated.

[0072] In the case where the wireless tag Tg is not detected in ACT404 (ACT404: NO), that is, when the response wave is not received from the wireless tag Tg, or in the case where the reading result indicates an abnormality in ACT407 (ACT407: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 executes error processing (ACT410). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 performs void printing (ACT411) and proceeds to ACT409.

[0073] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless tag communication device 60 that reads and writes information to and from the wireless tag Tg when the sheet St passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path (sheet conveyance unit 50). Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a detection unit 320 that is disposed upstream of the predetermined position in the sheet conveyance direction and detects the sheet St. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 gives an instruction regarding reading and writing of information stored in the wireless tag Tg based on the detection timing of the sheet St by the detection unit 320. Thereby, it is possible to write and read information to and from the wireless tag Tg at an appropriate position where the sheet St approaches the wireless tag communication device 60. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the shielding of the radio waves of both due to the positional relationship between the sheet St and the wireless tag communication device 60, and appropriately write information to the wireless tag Tg and read information from the wireless tag Tg. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an error related to reading and writing of information to and from the wireless tag Tg.

[0074] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment gives a writing instruction to the wireless tag Tg at the detection timing of the sheet St. Thereby, it is possible to write information to the wireless tag Tg at an appropriate timing when the sheet St approaches the wireless tag communication device 60. Therefore, information can be stably written to the wireless tag Tg. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an error related to writing of information to the wireless tag Tg.

[0075] In addition, after giving a write instruction to the wireless tag communication device 60, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment gives a read instruction. As a result, information of the wireless tag Tg can be read at an appropriate timing when the sheet St approaches the wireless tag communication device 60. Therefore, information can be stably read from the wireless tag Tg. Thus, occurrence of an error related to reading of information from the wireless tag Tg can be suppressed.

[0076] In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the detection unit 320 detects the leading edge of the sheet St. Further, the wireless tag Tg is attached to the leading edge of the sheet St. Thereby, by detecting the leading edge of the sheet St, a position close to the wireless tag Tg can be detected. For this reason, the detection accuracy of the wireless tag Tg can be improved. Therefore, more stable writing and reading can be performed.

[0077] In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the detection unit 320 is a conveyance sensor 52a or a registration sensor 53a. In other words, the detection unit 320 is disposed upstream of the transfer unit (secondary transfer unit 38) that transfers an image to the sheet St in the sheet conveyance direction, and detects the sheet sent out from the sheet storage unit 140. Thereby, a write instruction and a read instruction can be given at an optimal timing after the sheet St is sent out from the sheet storage unit 140. Therefore, writing of information to the wireless tag Tg and reading of information from the wireless tag Tg can be stably performed.

[0078] In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the detection unit 320 is a registration sensor 53a that detects that the sheet St has reached the registration roller 53. Thereby, a write instruction and a read instruction can be given at a more optimal timing after the sheet St is sent out from the sheet storage unit 140. Therefore, writing of information to the wireless tag Tg and reading of information from the wireless tag Tg can be performed more stably.

[0079] Further, when the sheet St is aligned by the registration roller 53, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment gives a write instruction to the wireless tag communication device 60. As a result, when the sheet is stopped, information can be written to the wireless tag Tg. Therefore, since the positional relationship between the sheet St and the wireless tag communication device 60 can be made invariant, it is possible to suitably suppress the shielding of the radio waves of both during the writing process. Thus, information can be written to the wireless tag Tg more stably.

[0080] Further, when the sheet St is aligned by the registration roller 53, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment gives a read instruction to the wireless tag communication device 60. As a result, when the sheet is stopped, information can be written to the wireless tag Tg. Therefore, since the positional relationship between the sheet St and the wireless tag communication device 60 can be made invariant, it is possible to suitably suppress the shielding of the radio waves of both during the reading process. Therefore, information can be read from the wireless tag Tg more stably.

[0081] Further, when the read / write result according to the instruction regarding reading / writing is not normal, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs a process of not forming an image on the sheet St. Thereby, when there is an abnormality in the reading / writing of information to / from the wireless tag Tg, it is possible not to use the sheet St.

[0082] Further, when the reading result is not normal, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs a process of notifying the user to that effect. Thereby, the user can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the reading / writing of information to / from the wireless tag Tg. Further, the user can take measures according to the abnormality.

[0083] (Modification example) Next, a modification example of the embodiment will be described. In each of the following modification examples, the description of the content described in the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, it is also possible to combine each of the following modification examples with the above-described embodiment.

[0084] (Modification Example 1) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which reading and writing to the wireless tag Tg shown in FIG. 4 is performed based on instructions (ACT403, ACT406) from the image formation control unit 310 has been described. In Modification Example 1, an example in which the reading and writing is performed based on the control of a control unit (hereinafter referred to as the "reading control unit") provided in the wireless tag communication device 60 without being based on the instructions from the image formation control unit 310 will be described.

[0085] In Modification Example 1, as a process corresponding to ACT402, the reading control unit acquires a detection result indicating that the resist sensor 53a has turned ON. In other words, the resist sensor 53a outputs the detection result of the sheet St to the reading control unit. When the reading control unit acquires the detection result, it starts detecting the wireless tag Tg (ACT404: YES), and performs writing by transmitting write information to the wireless tag Tg (ACT405).

[0086] Then, the wireless tag communication device 60 reads information from the wireless tag Tg on the condition that write information has been transmitted to the wireless tag Tg. Then, the wireless tag communication device 60 obtains a reading result (normal or abnormal) based on the reception result of a response signal indicating that the reading and writing of information to the wireless tag Tg is normal. The wireless tag communication device 60 transmits the reading result to the image formation control unit 310.

[0087] In this way, it is also possible to perform reading and writing to the wireless tag Tg based on the control of the reading control unit instead of the instructions from the image formation control unit 310. In Modification Example 1, an example in which neither the write instruction (ACT403) nor the read instruction (ACT406) from the image formation control unit 310 is performed has been described. However, at least one of these instructions may not be performed.

[0088] (Modification Example 2) Next, Modification 2 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the same processes (ACT410 and ACT411) are performed when the wireless tag Tg is not detected in ACT404 (ACT404: NO) and when the reading result is abnormal in ACT407 (ACT407: NO). In Modification 2, an example will be described in which different processes are performed in the cases of ACT404: NO and ACT407: NO, respectively.

[0089] In Modification 2, when the wireless tag Tg is not detected in ACT404 (ACT404: NO), the processing unit 312 notifies, for example, an error indicating that the wireless tag Tg has not been detected. Alternatively, in this case, the processing unit 312 may notify an error indicating that writing to the wireless tag Tg is not possible.

[0090] On the other hand, when the reading result indicates an abnormality in ACT407 (ACT407: NO), the processing unit 312 notifies, for example, an error indicating that the reading result is abnormal (at least one of writing and reading is abnormal). Alternatively, in this case, the processing unit 312 may notify an error indicating that reading is not possible.

[0091] Note that, in the cases of ACT404: NO and ACT407: NO, different printing may be performed so that the user can recognize each error (type of abnormality). For example, the processing unit 312 may print a mark indicating that the wireless tag Tg has not been detected and a mark indicating that the reading result is abnormal, respectively.

[0092] According to Modification 2, processing can be performed according to the type of abnormality. Thereby, the type of the occurred abnormality can be presented to the user. Therefore, the user can take measures according to the type of abnormality.

[0093] Some functions of the image forming apparatus 100 (sheet conveyance apparatus 300) in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, the program recorded on the recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded may be read into a computer system and executed to realize it.

[0094] Some functions of the image forming apparatus 100 (sheet conveyance apparatus 300) in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize it. Here, the "computer system" shall include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., and a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to something that dynamically holds a program for a short time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and also includes something that holds a program for a certain time, like a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client in that case. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and may further be realizable in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system for the above-described functions.

[0095] The following discloses the appendices according to this embodiment. (Appendix 1) A reading / writing unit that reads and writes information to / from a wireless tag provided on the sheet when the sheet passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path, A detection unit that is disposed upstream of the predetermined position in the sheet conveyance direction and detects the sheet, An instruction unit that issues an instruction regarding reading and writing of information to the wireless tag based on the timing when the sheet is detected by the detection unit; A sheet conveying device comprising the same. (Appendix 2) The instruction unit issues a writing instruction to cause the reading and writing unit to write information to the wireless tag at the timing. The sheet conveying device according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) After issuing the writing instruction, the instruction unit issues a reading instruction to cause the reading and writing unit to read information from the wireless tag. The sheet conveying device according to Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The detection unit detects the leading edge of the sheet. The sheet conveying device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The detection unit is disposed upstream of the transfer unit that transfers an image to the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction, and detects the sheet sent out from the sheet storage unit. The sheet conveying device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 6) When sending the sheet to the transfer unit, a registration unit for matching the sheet sending timing is provided. The detection unit detects that the sheet has reached the registration unit. The sheet conveying device according to Appendix 5. (Appendix 7) When the sheet is aligned by the registration unit, the instruction unit issues a writing instruction to cause the reading and writing unit to write information to the wireless tag. The sheet conveying device according to Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) When the sheet is aligned by the registration unit, the instruction unit issues a reading instruction to cause the reading and writing unit to read information from the wireless tag. The sheet conveying device according to Appendix 6. (Appendix 9) A processing unit that performs processing based on the result of reading and writing according to the instruction regarding reading and writing is provided. When the result of the reading and writing is not normal, the processing unit performs a process of not forming an image on the sheet. The sheet conveyance device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 10) When the result of the reading and writing is not normal, the processing unit performs a process of notifying that fact. The sheet conveyance device according to Appendix 9. (Appendix 11) A reading / writing unit that reads and writes information to / from a wireless tag provided on the sheet when the sheet passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path, A detection unit that is disposed upstream of the predetermined position in the sheet conveyance direction and detects the sheet, A program that causes a computer to function as a sheet conveyance device including: The computer, An instruction means for giving an instruction regarding reading and writing of information to / from the wireless tag based on the timing at which the sheet is detected by the detection unit, A program for causing the computer to function as such.

[0096] 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0097] 50... Sheet conveyance unit, 52a... Conveyance sensor, 52... Conveyance roller, 53a... Registration sensor, 53... Registration roller, 55... Paper discharge unit, 60... Wireless tag communication device, 100... Image forming device, 300... Sheet conveyance device, 310... Image forming control unit, 311... Instruction unit, 312... Processing unit, 320... Detection unit, St... Sheet, Tg... Wireless tag

Claims

1. A reading / writing unit that reads and writes information to / from a wireless tag provided on the sheet when the sheet passes through a predetermined position on the conveyance path; A detection unit that is disposed upstream of the predetermined position in the sheet conveyance direction and detects the sheet; An instruction unit that gives an instruction regarding reading and writing of information to / from the wireless tag based on the timing at which the sheet is detected by the detection unit; A sheet conveyance device comprising the above.

2. The detection unit is disposed upstream of a transfer unit that transfers an image to the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction and detects the sheet sent out from the sheet storage unit. The sheet conveyance device according to Claim 1.

3. A registration unit that matches the sheet sending timing when sending the sheet to the transfer unit is provided; The detection unit detects that the sheet has reached the registration unit. The sheet conveyance device according to Claim 2.

4. When the sheet is aligned by the registration unit, the instruction unit gives a writing instruction to cause the reading / writing unit to write information to the wireless tag. The sheet conveyance device according to Claim 3.

5. A processing unit that performs processing based on the result of reading and writing according to the instruction regarding reading and writing is provided; When the result of reading and writing is not normal, the processing unit performs processing to prevent an image from being formed on the sheet. The sheet conveyance device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

Images