Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and a program that can prevent damage to a wireless tag.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus of an embodiment has a fixing unit and a fixing control unit. The fixing unit applies pressure to a sheet to fix an image to the sheet. The fixing control unit performs, on the fixing unit, first control of applying pressure with a first load to a first sheet not including a wireless tag, and second control of applying pressure with a second load lower than the first load to a second sheet including the wireless tag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices such as printers and multifunction peripherals have used sheets equipped with wireless tags. Various types of information are written to the wireless tags. The information is written to the wireless tags, for example, on the transport path along which the sheets are transported.

[0003] The image forming apparatus also includes a fixing unit that heats the toner on the sheet. The fixing unit includes, for example, a heating unit and a pressure unit. The pressure unit forms a nip area. When the sheet passes through the nip area, the toner on the sheet is heated and fixed. Here, when a sheet equipped with a wireless tag passes through the fixing unit, there is a risk that the wireless tag may be damaged by the pressure in the nip area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-56786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program that can prevent damage to a wireless tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes a fixing unit and a fixing control unit. The fixing unit applies pressure to a sheet to fix an image to the sheet. The fixing control unit performs a first control on the fixing unit to apply pressure to a first sheet that does not include a wireless tag with a first load, and a second control on the fixing unit to apply pressure to a second sheet that includes the wireless tag with a second load that is lower than the first load. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sheet conveying device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing control process performed by an image forming apparatus according to a first modification. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing control process performed by an image forming apparatus according to a third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An image forming apparatus and a program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, descriptions of duplicated components may be omitted.

[0009] First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration 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 placed, 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.

[0010] The display 110 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The display 110 displays various information. The display 110 also accepts various input operations, such as selection of a sheet type, from an operator. The display 110 outputs operation signals in response to the various input operations accepted from the user.

[0011] The control panel 120 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, etc. The control panel 120 accepts various input operations such as selection of a sheet type from an operator. The control panel 120 outputs operation signals in response to the various input operations accepted from the user.

[0012] 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, etc. 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, an operation of transporting the sheet, etc.

[0013] The sheet storage unit 140 includes a plurality of sheet cassettes. Each sheet cassette stores sheets of a different type. The sheet type includes a sheet size and a sheet type. For example, the sheet sizes are A5, A4, and A3. The sheet types include ordinary copy paper and sheets with wireless tags. The wireless tags are, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tags. The sheet types also include photo sheets, label sheets, polyester film sheets, and the like.

[0014] In this embodiment, the multiple sheet cassettes include a sheet cassette containing regular copy paper and a sheet cassette containing sheets with wireless tags. Furthermore, image forming apparatus 100 stores the sheet cassettes in association with the types of sheets they contain. This association can be set by an operator, such as a user or an inspection staff member. When image forming apparatus 100 acquires information indicating the type of sheets to be printed, it can identify the sheet type based on the information and identify the sheet cassette containing the identified sheets.

[0015] The image reading unit 150 includes an automatic document feeder and a scanner. The automatic document feeder sends documents placed on a document tray to the scanner. The scanner optically reads documents sent by the automatic document feeder and documents placed on a document glass platen. The scanner then forms an image of the light reflected from the document on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. This enables the scanner to read the document image. The image reading unit 150 generates image information (image data) using the results of reading by the scanner.

[0016] In the following, a sheet equipped with a wireless tag will be referred to as a "wireless tag sheet," and other sheets (sheets without a wireless tag) will be referred to as a "normal sheet." Furthermore, when there is no particular distinction between a wireless tag sheet and a normal sheet, these sheets will simply be referred to as a "sheet."

[0017] (Internal configuration of image forming apparatus 100) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 2, image forming apparatus 100 (printer 130) is a so-called four-tandem image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus 100 includes an input image processing unit 10, image forming units 20 (20a to 20d), an intermediate transfer unit 30, a fixing device 40, a sheet conveying unit 50, and a wireless tag communication device 60. Note that in the following description, the reference numerals a to d in the figure may be omitted as appropriate.

[0018] (Input image processing unit 10) The input image processing unit 10 inputs image information. The input image information may be image information generated by the image reading unit 150 or 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, digital image processing includes gradation correction based on gradation correction data. In addition to gradation correction, digital image processing also includes various correction processes for image data, such as color correction and shading correction, as well as compression.

[0019] (Image forming unit 20) Next, the image forming units 20 (image forming units 20a to 20d) will be described. The four image forming units 20a to 20d are arranged in parallel. The image forming units 20a to 20d correspond to respective colors. 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 unit 23, a developing unit 24 (24a to 24d), and a drum cleaning device (not shown).

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

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

[0023] The exposure unit 23 is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The exposure unit 23 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to an image of each color component. When the exposure unit 23 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light, the potential of the area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 that is irradiated with the laser light changes. This change in potential (potential difference) forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0024] The developing unit 24 contains a developer. The developing unit 24 deposits toner of each color component onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. This forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21. In other words, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is visualized.

[0025] The developer used may be, for example, a two-component developer. The two-component developer contains non-magnetic toner and a carrier. The carrier may be, for example, iron powder or polymer ferrite particles with a particle size of several tens of micrometers. The carrier is mixed with the toner in the developing unit 24 and imparts an electric charge (for example, a negative charge) to the toner by frictional charging. The carrier also 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 unit. The cleaning blade comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and removes residual toner. The residual toner is toner that remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after primary transfer. The removed residual toner is collected in the toner storage unit.

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

[0028] The intermediate transfer body 31 is, for example, an endless belt (transfer belt). For example, the intermediate transfer body 31 is a belt made of polyimide. The intermediate transfer body 31 may or may not be conductive and elastic.

[0029] Support rollers 33a to 33c support intermediate transfer body 31 so that tension is applied to intermediate transfer body 31. As a result, intermediate transfer body 31 is formed in a loop shape. Of the multiple support rollers 33a to 33c, one roller (for example, support roller 33a) is a drive roller. The rollers other than the drive roller are driven rollers. As the drive roller rotates, intermediate transfer body 31 runs in the direction A in the figure at a predetermined speed and with a predetermined cycle.

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

[0031] The primary transfer roller 32 is disposed opposite the photosensitive drum 21 via the intermediate transfer body 31. Specifically, the primary transfer roller 32 is disposed so as to apply pressure to the photosensitive drum 21 across the intermediate transfer body 31. As a result, the primary transfer roller 32 and the photosensitive drum 21 form a primary transfer portion that nips the intermediate transfer body 31.

[0032] When intermediate transfer body 31 passes through the primary transfer section, the toner image formed on photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the portion that it passes through. When intermediate transfer body 31 passes through the primary transfer section, a primary transfer bias is applied to primary transfer roller 32. Specifically, a charge of the opposite polarity (positive polarity) to that of the toner is applied to primary transfer roller 32. As a result, the toner image formed on photosensitive drum 21 is electrostatically transferred to intermediate transfer body 31.

[0033] The secondary transfer roller 34 is disposed opposite the support roller 33a across the intermediate transfer body 31. Specifically, the secondary transfer roller 34 is disposed so as to apply pressure to the support roller 33a across the intermediate transfer body 31. As a result, the secondary transfer roller 34 and the support roller 33a form a secondary transfer section 38 that nips the intermediate transfer body 31 and the sheet.

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

[0035] The secondary transfer roller 34 and the support roller 33a are configured to be able to be separated from each other, so that when a sheet becomes jammed in the secondary transfer unit 38, the user can remove the jammed sheet.

[0036] The belt cleaning device 35 includes a cleaning blade and a toner storage unit. The cleaning blade comes into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer body 31 and removes residual toner. The residual toner here refers to toner that remains on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 31 after secondary transfer. The residual toner removed by the cleaning blade is collected in the toner storage unit.

[0037] (fixing device 40) The fixing device 40 is an example of a fixing section. The fixing device 40 applies heat and pressure to a sheet onto which a toner image has been transferred in order to fix the toner image. 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 heater is provided inside the heating belt. When the heating belt is heated, a nip region is formed between the heating belt and the pressure roller, and as the sheet passes through the nip region, the toner on the sheet melts and is fixed to the sheet.

[0038] When pressing a sheet, the fixing device 40 presses the sheet with a predetermined load (pressure). The fixing device 40 makes the load variable. For example, the fixing device 40 makes the load variable depending on the type of sheet. Furthermore, when pressing a sheet, the fixing device 40 heats the sheet at a predetermined fixing temperature. The fixing device 40 makes the fixing temperature variable. For example, the fixing device 40 makes the fixing temperature variable depending on the type of sheet.

[0039] (sheet conveying section 50) Next, the sheet conveying unit 50 will be described. The sheet conveying unit 50 includes a pickup roller 51, a conveying roller 52, a registration sensor 53a, a registration roller 53, a first guide unit 54a, a second guide unit 54b, and a paper discharge unit 55. Sheets stored in the sheet storage unit 140 are conveyed from the pickup roller 51 toward the paper discharge unit 55. Hereinafter, with respect to the sheet conveyance direction, the pickup roller 51 side may be referred to as the "upstream side," and the paper discharge unit 55 side may be referred to as the "downstream side."

[0040] The pickup roller 51 picks up the sheets stored in the sheet storage unit 140 one by one, and transports the picked-up sheets downstream in the sheet transport direction (to the transport roller 52). The transport roller 52 transports the sheets sent out from the pickup roller 51 downstream (to the registration roller 53).

[0041] The registration sensor 53a detects when the sheet sent out from the transport roller 52 reaches the registration roller 53. The registration sensor 53a may be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor (for example, an optical sensor).

[0042] The registration rollers 53 (an example of a registration unit) adjust the timing of sheet delivery when delivering the sheet to the secondary transfer unit 38. Specifically, the registration rollers 53 stop the sheet delivered from the delivery rollers 52 based on the detection result of the registration sensor 53a, and deliver the sheet toward the secondary transfer unit 38 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is the timing at which the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 31 is secondarily transferred in the secondary transfer unit 38.

[0043] Furthermore, the registration rollers 53 form a nip. The registration rollers 53 align the leading edge of the sheet conveyed from the conveyance rollers 52 at the nip, and then convey the sheet downstream. The image forming apparatus 100 aligns the sheet. The aligning is a process in which the leading edge of the sheet is brought into contact with the registration rollers 53 to adjust the orientation of the sheet. In other words, the registration rollers 53 are the parts against which the leading edge of the conveyed sheet is brought into contact, thereby aligning the sheet.

[0044] The first guide portion 54a regulates the conveying direction of the sheet sent from the registration roller 53 to the secondary transfer portion 38. A toner image is transferred onto the sheet whose conveying direction is regulated by the first guide portion 54a by the secondary transfer portion 38. Furthermore, the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent by the secondary transfer portion 38 toward the second guide portion 54b and the fixing device 40.

[0045] The second guide portion 54b regulates the conveying 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 applies heat and pressure to the sheet whose conveying direction has been regulated by the second guide portion 54b, and sends it out to the paper discharge portion 55. The paper discharge portion 55 sends the sheet out to a discharge tray.

[0046] (Radio tag communication device 60) The RFID tag communication device 60 includes a communication control circuit (control unit) and an antenna, both of which are not shown. The RFID tag in this embodiment is, for example, an RFID tag. The RFID tag communication device 60 transmits radio waves, for example, in the direction of arrow K in the figure. The RFID tag communication device 60 communicates with the RFID tag attached to the RFID tag sheet via the antenna. Specifically, the RFID tag communication device 60 performs a write process (write function) for writing information to the RFID tag and a read process (read function) for reading information written in the RFID tag.

[0047] The write process is a process of writing information to the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet taken out from the sheet storage section 140. The read process is a process of reading information from the wireless tag to confirm that the information has been written to the wireless tag. The wireless tag communication device 60 performs the write process and the read process when the wireless tag sheet passes a predetermined position on the conveyance path (on the sheet conveyance section 50). The predetermined position is, for example, the period from when the wireless tag sheet is taken out by the pickup roller 51 until the sheet reaches the secondary transfer section (secondary transfer roller 34).

[0048] For example, in the case of a wireless tag sheet used in logistics, the information written to the wireless tag includes information indicating the contents, information indicating the destination, and information to be printed on the sheet. For communication in the wireless tag communication device 60, for example, a radio wave system (UHF) in the 900 MHz band is used. Note that the frequency band is not limited to this, and other frequency bands can also be used. Furthermore, the wireless tag system is not limited to the RFID system, and other systems can also be used.

[0049] The position of the RFID tag communication device 60 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, the RFID tag communication device 60 may be located closer to the paper feed unit (sheet storage unit 140) or closer to the paper discharge unit 55 than the position shown in the figure. The communication range may also be set according to the position where the RFID tag communication device 60 is located.

[0050] (Regarding damage to wireless tags) Here, when the wireless tag sheet passes through the fixing device 40, there is a risk that the wireless tags provided on the wireless tag sheet may be damaged due to pressure in the nip area. Therefore, in this embodiment, an attempt is made to prevent such damage to the wireless tags. The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0051] (Functional configuration of image forming apparatus 100) Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment. In Fig. 3, image forming apparatus 100 includes image formation control unit 300 and fixing device 40. Image formation control unit 300 includes input unit 301 and fixing control unit 302. Image formation control unit 300 (input unit 301 and fixing control unit 302) controls fixing device 40 in accordance with a fixing control program stored in a storage device (not shown).

[0052] The image forming control unit 300 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The storage device (not shown) is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0053] (Input unit 301) The input unit 301 inputs a print job (print instruction). The print job includes various information. The various information includes, for example, the sheet type, the type of printing (black and white or color), the number of copies, whether double-sided printing is required, enlargement / reduction, and finishing method (whether or not stapling is required). The above sheet types include RFID sheets MS and normal sheets TS. The print job is set by operation input from the display 110 or the control panel 120. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an external device such as a personal computer, the print job is set in the external device. The input unit 301 inputs a print job output from the display 110, the control panel 120, or the external device.

[0054] (Regular sheet TS and RFID sheet MS) The normal sheet TS is an example of the first sheet. The normal sheet TS does not include a wireless tag Tg. For example, the normal sheet TS is normal copy paper. The RFID tag sheet MS is an example of a second sheet. The RFID tag Tg is provided on the RFID tag sheet MS. The RFID tag Tg is provided at the leading edge of the RFID tag sheet MS. The leading edge of the RFID tag sheet MS is the region at the front in the sheet conveyance direction. The position of the RFID tag Tg is not limited to the leading edge of the RFID tag sheet MS, but may be the rear edge of the RFID tag sheet MS or the outer peripheral portion (regions on both sides) excluding the leading and rear edges. The normal sheet TS and the RFID tag sheet MS are each conveyed to the fixing device 40, where the toner images formed on the surface of each sheet are fixed.

[0055] (Fixing control unit 302) The fixing control unit 302 controls the fixing device 40. When pressing the RFID tag sheet MS, the fixing control unit 302 controls the load (pressure) to be lower than that of the normal sheet TS. Specifically, the fixing control unit 302 performs a first control and a second control. The first control is a control for pressing the normal sheet TS with a first load. The second control is a control for pressing the RFID tag sheet MS with a second load. Note that, hereinafter, the first load may be referred to as a "normal load" and the second load may be referred to as a "low load."

[0056] (Control timing) The timing at which the first control and the second control are performed is the timing at which the sheet is conveyed to the registration rollers 53. That is, the fixing control unit 302 performs the first control or the second control when the sheet is detected by the registration sensor 53a.

[0057] (Fixing Control Process Performed by Image Forming Apparatus 100 According to the Embodiment) Next, an example of the fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 (fixing control unit 302) will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a print job from the control panel 120 or an external device (ACT401). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether information indicating the sheet type included in the print job indicates a wireless tag sheet MS (ACT402).

[0058] If the information indicating the sheet type does not indicate a wireless tag sheet MS (ACT402: NO), that is, if the information indicating the sheet type indicates a normal sheet TS, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a first load (normal load) as a first control (ACT403) and proceeds to ACT405.

[0059] On the other hand, if the information indicating the sheet type indicates a wireless tag sheet MS (ACT402: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a second load (low load) as a second control (ACT404). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image at the set load (ACT405). After printing is completed, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the paper to a discharge tray (ACT406), and the series of processes ends.

[0060] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the first control of pressing the normal sheet TS with a normal load and the second control of pressing the RFID tag sheet MS with a low load on the fixing device 40. This reduces the load on the fixing device 40 when printing the RFID tag sheet MS. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag Tg from being damaged by the load of the fixing device 40.

[0061] If the fixing device 40 were controlled in accordance with the area on the sheet depending on whether or not there is a wireless tag Tg (in area units), the control would be complicated. Furthermore, there is a risk of image unevenness occurring. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment controls the fixing device 40 in sheet units. Therefore, control can be simplified, and the occurrence of image unevenness can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the first control or the second control at the timing when the sheet is conveyed to the registration rollers 53. This allows the first control or the second control to be performed at the optimal timing for each conveyed sheet.

[0063] (Variation) Next, modified examples of the embodiment will be described. Note that in each of the following modified examples, the content described in the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Also, each of the following modified examples can be combined with the above-described embodiment.

[0064] (Modification 1: Second control when print rate is below a predetermined value) In Modification 1, the second control based on the image density of the RFID tag sheet MS will be described. The image density is the ratio of the printed area to the sheet area. The fixing control unit 302 performs the second control based on the image density printed on the RFID tag sheet MS.

[0065] In the first modification, the image density is, for example, a printing rate. The printing rate is the ratio of the cumulative area of ​​the printed characters to the area of ​​the sheet. A higher printing rate indicates a larger amount of printed characters. In other words, a higher printing rate indicates a higher image density. The fixing control unit 302 acquires the printing rate from, for example, the input image processing unit 10.

[0066] When the printing rate is low, even if the load of the fixing device 40 is lower than normal, the image quality (fixing efficiency) is unlikely to deteriorate. Therefore, when the printing rate of the RFID tag sheet MS is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, i.e., when the printing rate is low, the fixing control unit 302 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a low load as a second control. The predetermined value is a value that is set in advance. The predetermined value may be changeable.

[0067] On the other hand, when the printing rate is high, there is a concern that a decrease in image quality (fixing efficiency) may occur if the load of the fixing device 40 is lower than normal. Therefore, the fixing control unit 302 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to normal load as a first control when the printing rate of the RFID tag sheet MS exceeds a predetermined value.

[0068] (Fixing Control Process Performed by Image Forming Apparatus 100 According to Modification 1) Next, an example of the fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 (fixing control unit 302) according to the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to Modification 1. In Fig. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a print job from the control panel 120 or an external device (ACT 501). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether information indicating the sheet type included in the print job indicates the wireless tag sheet MS (ACT 502).

[0069] If the information indicating the sheet type does not indicate a wireless tag sheet MS (ACT502: NO), that is, if the information indicating the sheet type indicates a normal sheet TS, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a first load as a first control (ACT503) and proceeds to ACT506.

[0070] On the other hand, if the information indicating the sheet type indicates a wireless tag sheet MS (ACT502: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the printing rate is equal to or lower than the predetermined position (ACT504). If the printing rate is not equal to or lower than the predetermined position (ACT504: NO), in other words, if the printing rate is high, the process proceeds to ACT503, and the load of the fixing device 40 is set to a first load (normal load) as a first control.

[0071] On the other hand, if the printing rate is below the predetermined level (ACT504: YES), in other words, if the printing rate is low, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a second load (low load) as a second control (ACT505). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image at the set load (ACT506). When printing is complete, the image forming apparatus 100 ejects the paper onto an ejection tray (ACT507), and the series of processes ends.

[0072] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first modification performs the second control (low load) when the printing rate of the RFID tag sheet MS is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This makes it possible to reduce the load caused by the load of the fixing device 40 while suppressing degradation of image quality when the printing rate of the RFID tag sheet MS is low. This makes it possible to prevent the RFID tag Tg from being damaged by the load of the fixing device 40.

[0073] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first modification performs the first control when the printing rate of the RFID tag sheet MS exceeds a predetermined value. In other words, when the printing rate of the RFID tag sheet MS is high, the load of the fixing device 40 is set to the normal load. This makes it possible to prevent degradation of image quality when the printing rate is high.

[0074] (Variation 2: Second control when the amount of secondary color is equal to or less than a predetermined value) Next, we will explain Modification 2. In the above-mentioned Modification 1, we have explained an example in which the image density is the printing rate. In Modification 2, we will explain an example in which the image density is the amount of secondary color instead of or in addition to such a configuration.

[0075] The secondary color is a color generated by combining each color (YMCK). The higher the amount of the secondary color, the greater the amount of toner used, i.e., the higher the image density. The fixing control unit 302 acquires the printing rate from the input image processing unit 10, for example.

[0076] When the amount of secondary color is small, even if the load of the fixing device 40 is lower than normal, a decrease in image quality (fixing efficiency) is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the fixing control unit 302 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a low load as a second control when the amount of secondary color on the wireless tag sheet MS is equal to or less than a predetermined value. This makes it possible to reduce the load caused by the load of the fixing device 40 while suppressing a decrease in image quality when the amount of secondary color on the wireless tag sheet MS is small. Note that this predetermined value is a value that is set in advance. The predetermined value may be changeable.

[0077] Furthermore, when the amount of secondary color on the RFID tag sheet MS exceeds a predetermined value, the fixing control unit 302 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a normal load as the first control, thereby preventing a decrease in image quality when the amount of secondary color is large.

[0078] (Variation 3: Control during double-sided printing) Next, Modification 3 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which single-sided printing of the wireless tag sheet MS is performed has been described. In Modification 3, an example in which double-sided printing of the wireless tag sheet MS is performed will be described. In addition, in Modification 3, an example in which the fixing temperature of the fixing device 40 is also controlled will be described.

[0079] (Load control according to the printing surface) In Modification 3, the fixing control unit 302 performs first control (normal load) when printing one side of the RFID tag sheet MS on both sides, and performs second control (low load) when printing the other side. One side is, for example, the first side on which printing is performed the first time. The other side is the second side on which printing is performed the second time.

[0080] (Control of fixing temperature) Furthermore, the fixing efficiency of the fixing device 40 depends on the load and fixing temperature in the nip region. Therefore, in Modification 3, the fixing control unit 302 performs temperature control such that the fixing temperature (first temperature) under the first control (normal load) is different from the fixing temperature (second temperature) under the second control (low load). Specifically, the fixing control unit 302 controls the fixing temperature under the second control to be higher than the fixing temperature under the first control, for example.

[0081] (Temperature control according to the printing surface) In particular, in double-sided printing, heat from the fixing device 40 may be absorbed by the sheet when printing (fixing) the first side. This may result in a drop in the fixing temperature of the fixing device 40 when printing the second side. Therefore, in Modification 3, in double-sided printing of the RFID tag sheet MS, the fixing control unit 302 controls the fixing temperature when printing the second side to a temperature higher than the temperature when printing the first side. For this reason, in Modification 3, the first control is a "normal load and normal temperature" control, and the second control is a "low load and high temperature" control.

[0082] (Fixing Control Process Performed by Image Forming Apparatus 100 According to Modification 3) Next, an example of the fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 (fixing control unit 302) according to the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a fixing control process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to Modification 3. In Fig. 6, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a print job from the control panel 120 or an external device (ACT601). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether information indicating the sheet type included in the print job indicates the wireless tag sheet MS (ACT602).

[0083] If the information indicating the sheet type does not indicate a wireless tag sheet MS (ACT602: NO), that is, if the information indicating the sheet type indicates a normal sheet TS, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a first load (normal load) as a first control (ACT603). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the fixing temperature of the fixing device 40 to a first temperature (normal temperature) as a first control (ACT604), proceeds to ACT612, and performs single-sided printing.

[0084] On the other hand, if the information indicating the sheet type indicates the wireless tag sheet MS (ACT602: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the printing is double-sided (ACT605). If the printing is not double-sided (ACT605: NO), that is, if the wireless tag sheet MS is single-sided, the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to ACT603 and performs the first control (ACT603, ACT604).

[0085] On the other hand, if double-sided printing is selected in ACT605 (ACT605: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not this is the first printing (ACT606). If this is the first printing (ACT606: YES), the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a first load (normal load) as a first control (ACT607). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the fixing temperature of the fixing device 40 to a first temperature (normal temperature) as a first control (ACT608). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on the first side (ACT609) and returns to ACT606.

[0086] On the other hand, in ACT606, if it is not the first printing (ACT606: NO), that is, if it is the second printing, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the load of the fixing device 40 to a second load (low load) as a second control (ACT610). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the fixing temperature of the fixing device 40 to a second temperature (high temperature) as a second control (ACT611). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on the second side (ACT612). When printing is complete, the image forming apparatus 100 ejects the paper to an ejection tray (ACT613), and the series of processes ends.

[0087] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third modification performs the first control when printing one side of the RFID tag sheet MS during double-sided printing, and performs the second control when printing the other side. This reduces the load of the fixing device 40 when printing one side during double-sided printing of the RFID tag sheet MS. In other words, it is possible to prevent a high load due to the normal load from being applied during double-sided printing. This makes it possible to prevent the RFID tag Tg from being damaged by the load of the fixing device 40.

[0088] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third modification controls the fixing temperature in the first control to be different from the fixing temperature in the second control in double-sided printing of the RFID tag sheet MS. This allows the fixing temperature to be optimized according to the load on the fixing device 40, thereby preventing degradation of image quality.

[0089] Furthermore, in double-sided printing of the RFID tag sheet MS, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third modification performs a first control in which the fixing temperature is set to a normal temperature when printing the first side, and a second control in which the fixing temperature is set to a temperature higher than the normal temperature when printing the second side. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the image quality of the second side even if the heat of the fixing device 40 is absorbed by the sheet during printing (fixing) of the first side.

[0090] In the third modification, the second control is set to "low load and high temperature," but this is not limiting. The second control may be set to "low load and normal temperature" as in the embodiment. In other words, it is also possible not to perform temperature control in the second control according to the third modification.

[0091] (Variation 4: Second control when printing on the first side of double-sided printing) Next, we will explain Modification 4. In the above Modification 3, we have explained an example in which the first control is performed when printing the first side, and the second control is performed when printing the second side. Here, in double-sided printing, the sheet is heated by printing (fixing) the first side, so there are cases in which it is not necessary to increase the fixing temperature when printing the second side.

[0092] Therefore, in Modification 4, the second control is performed when printing the first side, and the first control is performed when printing the second side. That is, the fixing control unit 302 according to Modification 4 performs "low load and high temperature" control as the second control when printing the first side, and performs "normal load and normal temperature" control as the first control when printing the second side.

[0093] According to the fourth modification, in double-sided printing of the RFID tag sheet MS, the load caused by the weight of the fixing device 40 can be reduced when printing the first side. In other words, it is possible to prevent a high load caused by a normal load from being applied when printing on each side. This makes it possible to prevent the RFID tag Tg from being damaged by the weight of the fixing device 40. Furthermore, according to the fourth modification, it is possible to prevent a decrease in image quality on the first side, and the sheet is heated by printing (fixing) the first side. Therefore, the fixing temperature can be set to an optimal temperature for the second side as well, making it possible to prevent a decrease in image quality.

[0094] (Variation 5: Second control for single-sided printing) Next, a description will be given of Modification 5. In the above-mentioned Modification 3, an example has been described in which the first control (normal load and normal temperature) is performed when printing on one side of the wireless tag sheet MS (ACTs 602 to 605 in FIG. 6). In Modification 5, an example will be described in which the second control (low load and high temperature) is performed when printing on one side of the wireless tag sheet MS in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Modification 3.

[0095] If the image forming apparatus 100 of variant example 5 determines in ACT605 of Figure 6 that double-sided printing is not being performed (ACT605: NO), that is, if it determines that the wireless tag sheet MS is being printed on one side, it proceeds to ACT610 and performs the second control (low load and high temperature).

[0096] This reduces the load on the fixing device 40 when printing on one side of the RFID tag sheet MS. Furthermore, since the fixing temperature is set to the second temperature (high temperature), it is possible to prevent degradation of image quality when printing on one side of the RFID tag sheet MS.

[0097] (Second control according to print ratio when printing on one side) In addition, in the fifth modified example, when printing on one side of the wireless tag sheet MS, the second control (low load and high temperature) may be performed when the printing rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. In other words, when printing on one side of the wireless tag sheet MS, when the printing rate exceeds a predetermined value, the fixing control unit 302 may perform the first control (normal load and normal temperature).

[0098] (Variation 6: Second control for both the first and second sides in double-sided printing) In the above-described modified examples 3 and 4, examples were described in which the second control is performed on one side in double-sided printing. In modified example 6, an example in which the second control is performed on the first and second sides in double-sided printing will be described. That is, in modified example 6, the fixing control unit 302 performs "low load and high temperature" control on the first and second sides.

[0099] This reduces the load of the fixing device 40 when printing on both sides of the RFID tag sheet MS on the first and second sides. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent damage to the RFID tag Tg due to the load of the fixing device 40. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the image quality on both the first and second sides.

[0100] (Variation 7: Example of slowing down the conveying speed in the second control) In the above-described modified example 3, an example in which the fixing temperature is set to a high temperature in the second control has been described. Instead of or in addition to such a configuration, in modified example 7, an example in which the transport speed of the RFID tag sheet MS is set to a low speed in the second control will be described.

[0101] In the seventh modification, the image formation control unit 300 includes a conveyance control unit. The conveyance control unit controls the sheet conveying unit 50 to make the conveyance speed in the second control slower than the conveyance speed in the first control. This makes it possible to lengthen the passage time (fixing time) when the RFID tag sheet MS passes through the fixing device 40. In other words, by slowing down the conveyance speed, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the fixing temperature is set high. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality.

[0102] (Variation 8: Example of providing a sheet conveyance interval in the second control) In the above-described modified example 3, an example in which the fixing temperature is set to a high temperature in the second control has been described. Instead of or in addition to such a configuration, in modified example 8, an example in which a sheet conveyance interval is increased in the second control will be described.

[0103] In the eighth modification, the image forming control unit 300 includes a conveyance control unit. The conveyance control unit controls the sheet conveying unit 50 so that the sheet conveyance interval in the second control is longer than the sheet conveyance interval in the first control. This allows the interval at which the RFID tag sheet MS enters the fixing device 40 to be longer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the degree of decrease in the fixing temperature caused by the sheet passing through the fixing device 40. In other words, by increasing the sheet conveyance interval, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the fixing temperature is set high. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in image quality.

[0104] (Variation 9: Controlling the Low Load or Fixing Temperature in Multiple Stages in the Second Control) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a single-stage load is set in the second control has been described. In Modification 9, an example in which the load (or fixing temperature) related to the second control can be set in multiple stages (for example, two stages) will be described. Note that the multiple stages are not limited to two stages, and three or more stages are also possible.

[0105] In the ninth modification, the low load control associated with the second control has two levels: a first low load (weak low load) and a second low load (very low load) weaker than the first low load. The fixing control unit 302 sets either the first low load or the second low load, for example, depending on the temperature of the fixing device 40. Specifically, the fixing control unit 302 may set the second low load (very low load) when the temperature of the fixing device 40 is normal (above a predetermined temperature), and may set the first low load (weak low load) when the temperature of the fixing device 40 is low (below the predetermined temperature). This allows the "low load" associated with the second control to be a load according to the fixing temperature, thereby preventing damage to the RFID tag Tg and maintaining image quality. Furthermore, the fixing control unit 302 may set the first load (weak low load) when the sheet thickness of the RFID tag sheet MS is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and may set the second low load (very low load) when the sheet thickness is less than the predetermined value. This allows the "low load" according to the second control to be set to a load that corresponds to the sheet thickness, making it possible to prevent damage to the RFID tag Tg and maintain image quality.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described modification 9, the fixing temperature related to the second control may be set in multiple stages (for example, two stages). Specifically, the high temperature control related to the second control may be set in two stages: a first high temperature (low high temperature) and a second high temperature (high high temperature) higher than the first high temperature. For example, the fixing control unit 302 may set the second high temperature (high high temperature) when the sheet thickness of the RFID tag sheet MS is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and may set the first high temperature (low high temperature) when the sheet thickness is less than the predetermined value. This allows the "high temperature" related to the second control to be set to a temperature according to the sheet thickness, thereby preventing damage to the RFID tag Tg and maintaining image quality.

[0107] Some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The program may then be read into a computer system and executed.

[0108] The functions of the image forming apparatus 100 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include media that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or media that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may also be a program that implements part of the above-described functions, or may be a program that can be implemented in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0109] The following discloses additional notes related to this embodiment. (Appendix 1) a fixing unit that applies pressure to the sheet to fix the image on the sheet; a fixing control unit that performs a first control on the fixing unit to apply a first load to a first sheet that does not include a wireless tag, and a second control on the fixing unit to apply a second load that is lower than the first load to a second sheet that includes the wireless tag; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Appendix 2) the fixing control unit performs the second control when the image density of the second sheet is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. (Appendix 3) the fixing control unit performs the first control when printing one side of the second sheet during double-sided printing, and performs the second control when printing the other side of the second sheet. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. (Appendix 4) the fixing control unit performs the first control on a first side to be printed first and the second control on a second side to be printed later in double-sided printing of the second sheet. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) the fixing unit presses the sheet at a predetermined fixing temperature when pressing the sheet, the fixing control unit controls the fixing temperature in the second control to be higher than the fixing temperature in the first control. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) the fixing control unit performs the first control when the image density of the second sheet exceeds the predetermined value. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. (Appendix 7) the fixing control unit performs the first control or the second control at a timing when the sheet is conveyed to a registration unit that is disposed upstream of the fixing unit in a sheet conveying direction. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. (Appendix 8) a conveyance control unit that controls the conveyance speed of the sheet; the conveyance control unit controls the conveyance speed in the second control to be slower than the conveyance speed in the first control. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. (Appendix 9) the fixing control unit performs the second control when printing one side and the other side of the second sheet in double-sided printing. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. (Appendix 10) A computer of an image forming apparatus 100 having a fixing unit that pressurizes a sheet to fix an image on the sheet, a fixing control unit that performs a first control on the fixing unit to apply a first load to a first sheet that does not include a wireless tag, and a second control on the fixing unit to apply a second load that is lower than the first load to a second sheet that includes the wireless tag; A program that functions as a (Appendix 11) An image forming apparatus including a fixing unit that applies pressure to a sheet in order to fix an image on the sheet, a fixing control step of performing, on the fixing unit, a first control for pressing a first sheet not including a wireless tag with a first load and a second control for pressing a second sheet including the wireless tag with a second load lower than the first load; An image forming method that performs a process including the steps of:

[0110] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 40...fixing device, 60...wireless tag communication device, 100...image forming apparatus, 300...image formation control section, 301...input section, 302...fixing control section, MS...wireless tag sheet, TS...normal sheet, Tg...wireless tag

Claims

1. a fixing unit that applies pressure to the sheet to fix the image on the sheet; a fixing control unit that performs a first control on the fixing unit to apply a first load to a first sheet that does not include a wireless tag, and a second control on the fixing unit to apply a second load that is lower than the first load to a second sheet that includes the wireless tag; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the fixing control unit performs the second control when the image density of the second sheet is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the fixing control unit performs the first control when printing one side of the second sheet during double-sided printing, and performs the second control when printing the other side of the second sheet; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the fixing control unit performs the first control on a first side to be printed first and the second control on a second side to be printed later in double-sided printing of the second sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the fixing unit presses the sheet at a predetermined fixing temperature when pressing the sheet, the fixing control unit controls the fixing temperature in the second control to be higher than the fixing temperature in the first control. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer of an image forming apparatus 100 including a fixing unit that applies pressure to a sheet to fix an image on the sheet, a fixing control unit that performs a first control on the fixing unit to apply a first load to a first sheet that does not include a wireless tag, and a second control on the fixing unit to apply a second load that is lower than the first load to a second sheet that includes the wireless tag; A program that functions as a

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