Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and computer program

Abstract

To distinguish between a sheet normally processed and a sheet not normally processed with higher accuracy.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first conveyance driving unit, a second conveyance driving unit, an image forming unit, a tag communication unit, and a control unit. The first conveyance driving unit conveys the sheet in a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first surface of the sheet. The second conveyance driving unit conveys the sheet in a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second surface of the sheet. The image forming portion forms an image on the sheet conveyed through the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path. The tag communication portion writes data to or reads data from a wireless tag of a sheet located in the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path. The control unit reads data from the wireless tag of the sheet after writing data to the wireless tag, and determines whether or not the data has been normally written to the wireless tag based on the read data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are sheets equipped with wireless tags (RF (Radio Frequency) tags). There are image forming devices that can write information to the wireless tags while forming an image on such sheets. Among such image forming devices, there are devices that eject the sheets equipped with the wireless tags to a predetermined ejection destination when it is determined that writing or reading has been performed successfully.

[0003] However, in such image forming devices, the processing (writing or reading) may not be properly performed on the wireless tag targeted for processing, and the processing may be performed on another wireless tag that was not the intended target. For example, the processing may be performed erroneously on the wireless tag of a sheet that has already been discharged to the output destination or on the wireless tag of a sheet that is stored in the paper feed section. Some image forming devices check whether the processing was performed properly by performing a read process on the wireless tag after the writing process. However, even during this check, there is a possibility that information may be mistakenly read from a wireless tag that was not the intended target, leading to the erroneous determination that the writing process was performed properly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-191147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a computer program that make it possible to distinguish with higher accuracy between sheets that have been processed normally and sheets that have not been processed normally, among sheets that have wireless tags attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first transport drive unit, a second transport drive unit, an image forming unit, a tag communication unit, and a control unit. The first transport drive unit transports a sheet to be processed, which has a wireless tag attached thereto, along a first transport path for forming an image on a first side of the sheet. The second transport drive unit transports the sheet along a second transport path for forming an image on a second side of the sheet. The image forming unit forms an image on the first side of the sheet transported along the first transport path or on the second side of the sheet transported along the second transport path. The tag communication unit writes data to or reads data from a wireless tag of a sheet positioned along the first transport path or the second transport path. The control unit writes data to the wireless tag of the sheet along the first transport path, and then reads the data from the wireless tag of the sheet, and determines whether the data was successfully written to the wireless tag based on the read data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming apparatus 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a flowchart illustrating processing content. [Figure 4] 4 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the image forming apparatus 100 in a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is capable of forming an image on a sheet provided with a wireless tag. The image forming apparatus 100 is a multi-function peripheral (MFP), a printer, a copier, or the like. The sheet conveyed by the image forming apparatus 100 is

[0009] In FIG. 1, an original table (not shown) is provided on the top of the image forming apparatus 100, and an automatic document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 12 is provided on the original table so that it can be opened and closed. Furthermore, a control panel 13 is provided on the top of the image forming apparatus 100. The control panel 13 includes an operation unit 14 having various keys, and a touch panel display unit 15. The display unit 15 is a specific example of an output unit that outputs in a form that can be recognized by the user. Instead of the display unit 15, the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with an output unit of another type that outputs in a form that can be recognized by the user. For example, a speaker that outputs sound may be provided.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner unit 16. The scanner unit 16 reads a document fed by the ADF 12 or a document placed on a document table. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a wireless tag unit 300 and a printer unit 18. The printer unit 18 includes an image formation control unit 50 and paper feed cassettes 16a, 16b, etc. The image formation control unit 50 controls the control panel 13, the wireless tag unit 300, and the printer unit 18. The image formation control unit 50 controls the transport of sheets in the printer unit 18. The wireless tag in this embodiment is, for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag. Note that the installation position of the wireless tag unit 300 shown in FIG. 1 is merely one specific example. Unless otherwise specified in the following description, the installation position of the wireless tag unit 300 does not need to be limited to the specific position shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] The paper feed cassette 16a stores a stack of sheets. The paper feed cassette 16a may store a stack of sheets having a wireless tag (hereinafter referred to as "wireless tag sheets"). The paper feed cassette 16a may store a stack of sheets not having a wireless tag (hereinafter referred to as "normal sheets"). The paper feed cassette 16a stores sheets that are to be subsequently processed by the image forming apparatus 100. The paper feed cassette 16b is configured similarly to the paper feed cassette 16a.

[0012] The printer unit 18 forms an image. For example, the printer unit 18 forms an image indicated by image data. In the following description, forming an image is also referred to as printing. The printer unit 18 includes an intermediate transfer belt 21. The printer unit 18 supports the intermediate transfer belt 21 with a driven roller 41, a backup roller 40, and the like. The printer unit 18 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of arrow m.

[0013] The printer unit 18 includes four sets of image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K. The image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are devices for forming images of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), respectively. The image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are arranged below the intermediate transfer belt 21 along the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

[0014] The following description will be given taking the Y (yellow) image forming station 22Y as an example among the image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K. Note that the image forming stations 22M, 22C, and 22K have the same configuration as the image forming station 22Y, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0015] The image forming station 22Y includes a charger 26, an exposure scanning head 27, a developing device 28, and a photosensitive drum cleaner 29. The charger 26, the exposure scanning head 27, the developing device 28, and the photosensitive drum cleaner 29 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 24 that rotates in the direction of arrow n.

[0016] The image forming station 22Y includes a primary transfer roller 30. The primary transfer roller 30 faces the photosensitive drum 24 via the intermediate transfer belt 21. The image forming station 22Y charges the photosensitive drum 24 with a charger 26, and then exposes the photosensitive drum 24 with an exposure scanning head 27. The image forming station 22Y forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 24. The developing device 28 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 24 using a two-component developer made of toner and carrier.

[0017] The primary transfer roller 30 performs the primary transfer of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 24 onto the intermediate transfer belt 21. The image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K form color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 21 using the primary transfer roller 30. The color toner images are formed by sequentially overlapping toner images of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The photosensitive cleaner 29 removes toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 24 after the primary transfer.

[0018] The printer unit 18 includes a secondary transfer roller 32. The secondary transfer roller 32 faces the backup roller 40 across the intermediate transfer belt 21. The secondary transfer roller 32 performs secondary transfer of the color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto the sheet all at once.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 100 has transport paths 33a, 33b, and 33c. Each transport path has a space through which the sheet is transported and a transport drive unit that rotates to move the sheet within the transport path. The transport drive unit includes, for example, transport rollers that rotate to sandwich and move the sheet, and a motor (corresponding to a first transport drive unit and a second transport drive unit) that rotates the transport rollers. The image formation control unit 50 controls the rotation of the motor to control the transport of the sheet. The transport path 33a is a transport path from the junction 44a to the branching point 44b (corresponding to a first transport path). The transport path 33b is a transport path for double-sided printing (corresponding to a second transport path) that is a transport path from the branching point 44b to the junction 44a. The motor that rotates the transport rollers provided in the transport path 33a corresponds to a first transport drive unit. The motor that rotates the transport rollers provided in the transport path 33b corresponds to a second transport drive unit.

[0020] As the sheet is transported along transport path 33b, the front and back of the sheet are reversed when passing through transport path 33a. Transport path 33c is a transport path from branching portion 44b to upper discharge tray 81 or lower discharge tray 82. Image forming apparatus 100 has at least two discharge sections (first discharge section and second discharge section). The first discharge section is a discharge destination for wireless tag sheets whose information has been properly recorded on their wireless tags. The second discharge section is a discharge destination for wireless tag sheets whose information has not been properly recorded on their wireless tags. In this embodiment, upper discharge tray 81 is a specific example of the first discharge section, and lower discharge tray 82 is a specific example of the second discharge section.

[0021] The image formation control unit 50 operates in both a normal sheet mode and a wireless tag sheet mode. In the normal sheet mode, the image formation control unit 50 takes out a sheet to be processed from the paper feed cassette 16a or 16b. The sheet taken out at this time is preferably a normal sheet, but a wireless tag sheet may also be taken out. However, if a wireless tag sheet is used in the normal sheet mode, the effects of the wireless tag sheet mode cannot be obtained. The image formation control unit 50 transports the taken out sheet toward the transport path 33a and forms an image on the sheet by fixing the toner image with the fixing device 34. The image formation control unit 50 transports the sheet with the image formed to the transport path 33c and discharges the sheet.

[0022] In the RFID sheet mode, the image formation control unit 50 retrieves the RFID sheet to be processed from the paper feed cassette 16a or 16b. The image formation control unit 50 transports the retrieved RFID sheet toward the transport path 33a. The image formation control unit 50 writes information to the RFID sheet using the RFID unit 300. Next, the image formation control unit 50 performs a first reading process on the RFID sheet using the RFID unit 300. In the first reading process, information is read from the RFID tag of the RFID sheet positioned on the transport path 33a. The image formation control unit 50 fixes the toner image using the fixing device 34 to form an image on the RFID sheet. The image formation control unit 50 transports the RFID sheet with the image formed toward the transport path 33b, and in the transport path 33b, the RFID unit 300 performs a second reading process. In the second reading process, information is read from the RFID tag of the RFID sheet positioned on the transport path 33b.

[0023] The image formation control unit 50 determines the paper output destination according to the read results of the first reading process and the second reading process. For example, the image formation control unit 50 may determine whether information has been properly recorded on the wireless tag sheet based on the read results. For example, the image formation control unit 50 may determine that information has been properly recorded if the read results of the first reading process and the second reading process match. For example, the image formation control unit 50 may determine that information has been properly recorded if the read results of the first reading process and the second reading process match and the read results match the information (tag information) written in the write process executed on the wireless tag. For example, the image formation control unit 50 may determine that information has been properly recorded if the read result of the first reading process matches the tag information and the read result of the second reading process matches the tag information. For a wireless tag sheet determined to have information properly recorded on it, the image formation control unit 50 determines the upper paper output tray 81 as the paper output destination. For a wireless tag sheet determined not to have information properly recorded on it, the image formation control unit 50 determines the lower paper output tray 82 as the paper output destination. The image formation control unit 50 ejects the wireless tag sheet to the determined destination via the transport path 33a and the transport path 33c.

[0024] The wireless tag unit 300 includes a wireless tag unit control unit 301, a switching unit 302, a reading unit 303, and a writing unit 304. The wireless tag unit 300 corresponds to a tag communication unit. The wireless tag unit 300 may be configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 100. The wireless tag unit 300 wirelessly communicates with a wireless tag of a wireless tag sheet located on the transport path 33a or the transport path 33b.

[0025] The wireless tag unit control unit 301 includes a calculation device and a storage device. The wireless tag unit control unit 301 controls the reading unit 303 and the writing unit 304. The wireless tag unit control unit 301 can also communicate with the image formation control unit 50. In response to a notification from the image formation control unit 50, the wireless tag unit control unit 301 can know in advance that a wireless tag sheet is located on the transport path 33a or the transport path 33b.

[0026] The reading unit 303 reads information from the wireless tag. The information read by the reading unit 303 (hereinafter referred to as "read information") is transmitted to the image formation control unit 50 by the wireless tag unit control unit 301. The writing unit 304 writes information (hereinafter also referred to as "tag information") to the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet. The writing unit 304 writes tag information to the wireless tag according to, for example, an instruction from the image formation control unit 50. The writing unit 304 can disable the wireless tag and can also delete the information from the wireless tag.

[0027] The developing method of the image forming apparatus 100 described above is a tandem developing method, but it is not limited to this, and the number of developing devices 28 is not limited either.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. 2, the image forming control unit 50 includes an arithmetic unit 51 and a storage device 52. The arithmetic unit 51 controls the ADF 12, the control panel 13, the scanner unit 16, the printer unit 18, and the wireless tag unit 300 in accordance with various programs stored in the storage device 52. The printer unit 18 includes a printer control unit 181 and a printer mechanism 182. The printer control unit 181 controls the printer mechanism 182 in accordance with instructions from the arithmetic unit 51 of the image forming control unit 50. The printer control unit 181 may be configured using firmware (specifically, engine F / W, etc.), for example. The printer mechanism 182 is a mechanism that operates the printer unit 18 described above, and includes, for example, four sets of image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K, the intermediate transfer belt 21, a driven roller 41, and a backup roller 40.

[0029] The arithmetic device 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The storage device 52 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Each of the ADF 12, the control panel 13, the scanner unit 16, the printer unit 18, and the wireless tag unit 300 may also include an arithmetic device and a storage device.

[0030] Next, the control contents of the image forming control unit 50 and the wireless tag unit 300 in the wireless tag sheet mode will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of a flowchart showing the processing contents. First, the image forming control unit 50 takes out one wireless tag sheet from a stack of wireless tag sheets to be processed and conveys it (ACT101). For example, the stack of wireless tag sheets to be processed is stored in the paper feed cassette 16a or the paper feed cassette 16b. Which paper feed cassette the wireless tag sheet is to be taken out from may be specified in advance by the user or may be set in advance in the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming control unit 50 conveys the taken out wireless tag sheet to the conveying path 33a. The image forming control unit 50 notifies the wireless tag unit 300 of the timing when the wireless tag sheet to be processed will be conveyed along the conveying path 33a.

[0031] The wireless tag unit 300 operates the writing unit 304 at the timing when the wireless tag sheet is conveyed along the conveying path 33a, and writes tag information to the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet via wireless communication (ACT102). Next, the wireless tag unit 300 operates the reading unit 303 and performs a first reading process via wireless communication on the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet (ACT103). Thereafter, the image formation control unit 50 performs an image formation process on the wireless tag sheet to be processed (ACT104). Next, the image formation control unit 50 conveys the wireless tag sheet to be processed to the conveying path 33b. The wireless tag unit 300 performs a second reading process via wireless communication on the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet positioned on the conveying path 33b (ACT105).

[0032] The wireless tag unit 300 determines the discharge destination based on the results of the first reading process and the second reading process. In this embodiment, the discharge destination is determined based on whether a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as a "normal recording condition") indicating that information has been normally recorded on the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet to be processed is satisfied. For example, if the read results of the first reading process and the second reading process match, it may be determined that the normal recording condition is satisfied. For example, if the read results of the first reading process and the second reading process match and the read result matches the information (tag information) written in the write process executed on the wireless tag, it may be determined that the normal recording condition is satisfied. If the read result of the first reading process matches the tag information and the read result of the second reading process matches the tag information, it may be determined that the normal recording condition is satisfied. Note that the specific example of the normal recording condition described above is merely an example. The normal recording condition may be defined as a condition different from the above.

[0033] If the normal recording conditions are met (ACT106-YES), the image formation control unit 50 determines the first paper discharge unit (e.g., upper paper discharge tray 81) as the paper discharge destination (ACT107). If the normal recording conditions are not met (ACT106-NO), the image formation control unit 50 determines the second paper discharge unit (e.g., lower paper discharge tray 82) as the paper discharge destination (ACT108).

[0034] 4 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment. First, the printer control unit transmits a paper feed start signal for the first wireless tag sheet to the image forming control unit 50 (ACT201). In response to the paper feed start signal, the image forming control unit 50 transmits a TV command for the first wireless tag sheet to the wireless tag unit 300 (ACT202). The TV command is a signal for instructing writing of tag information to a wireless tag. At this time, the image forming control unit 50 may specify the content of the tag information. The wireless tag unit 300 writes the tag information to the wireless tag of the first wireless tag sheet (first page) in accordance with the TV command for the first sheet (ACT203). When the wireless tag unit 300 completes the writing process, it transmits a response indicating this to the image forming control unit 50 (ACT204).

[0035] Next, the image forming control unit 50 transmits a TR command for the first wireless tag sheet to the wireless tag unit 300 (ACT205). The TR command is a signal instructing to read information from the wireless tag. The wireless tag unit 300 reads information from the wireless tag of the first wireless tag sheet (first page) in accordance with the TR command for the first sheet (ACT206). When the wireless tag unit 300 completes the reading process, it transmits a response indicating this to the image forming control unit 50 (ACT207). The response may include reading information. When the image forming control unit 50 receives the response regarding the reading process for the first sheet, it transmits an instruction to start image formation for the first sheet to the printer control unit (ACT208).

[0036] Next, the printer control unit transmits a paper feed start signal for the second wireless tag sheet to the image formation control unit 50 (ACT209). In response to the paper feed start signal, the image formation control unit 50 transmits a TV command for the second wireless tag sheet to the wireless tag unit 300 (ACT210). The wireless tag unit 300 writes tag information to the wireless tag of the second wireless tag sheet (second page) in accordance with the TV command for the second sheet (ACT211). When the wireless tag unit 300 completes the writing process, it transmits a response indicating this to the image formation control unit 50 (ACT212).

[0037] Next, the image forming control unit 50 transmits a TR command for the second wireless tag sheet to the wireless tag unit 300 (ACT213). The wireless tag unit 300 reads information from the wireless tag of the second wireless tag sheet (second page) in accordance with the TR command for the second sheet (ACT214). When the wireless tag unit 300 completes the reading process, it transmits a response indicating this to the image forming control unit 50 (ACT215). When the image forming control unit 50 receives the response regarding the reading process for the second sheet, it transmits an instruction to start image formation for the second sheet to the printer control unit (ACT216).

[0038] After transmitting the instruction to start image formation for the second sheet, the image formation control unit 50 transmits a TR command for the second side of the first wireless tag sheet to the wireless tag unit 300 (ACT217). The wireless tag unit 300 reads information from the wireless tag of the first (first page) wireless tag sheet in accordance with the TR command for the second side of the first sheet (ACT218). When the wireless tag unit 300 completes the reading process, it transmits a response indicating this to the image formation control unit 50.

[0039] According to the embodiment described above, the image formation control unit 50 executes the reading process twice on the RFID tag sheet to be processed. Then, based on the results of the first reading process (first reading process) and the second reading process (second reading process), it determines whether the tag data was recorded normally. This allows for a more accurate determination than when the determination is based only on the result of a single reading process.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the position of the wireless tag sheet when the first reading process is performed (conveyance path 33a) is different from the position of the wireless tag sheet when the second reading process is performed (conveyance path 33b). Therefore, even if an incorrect reading occurs due to position-specific circumstances, it is possible to make a determination with higher accuracy.

[0041] 1, when the installation position of the wireless tag unit 300 is physically close to the transport path 33b, there is a high possibility that the reading process will be performed with higher accuracy when the wireless tag sheet is located on the transport path 33b. Therefore, by configuring the installation position of the wireless tag unit 300 in this way, it becomes possible to make a determination with higher accuracy than when the determination is made based only on the read result of the first reading process.

[0042] (Variation) In the image forming apparatus 100 operating as shown in FIG. 4 , the image forming control unit 50 determines whether the normal recording conditions are satisfied for each page of multiple RFID tag sheets processed consecutively. When multiple RFID tag sheets are processed consecutively, the image forming control unit 50 may count up the number of RFID tag sheets to be processed. This configuration allows the image forming control unit 50 to determine the number of RFID tag sheets currently being processed, counting from the first sheet. When a RFID tag sheet is encountered that does not satisfy the normal recording conditions, the image forming control unit 50 may display on the display unit 15 information indicating the occurrence of an error and the number of the RFID tag sheet on which the error occurred. This information indicating the number of the RFID tag sheet is one specific example of information indicating the RFID tag sheet to be processed. In another aspect, information indicating the page number may be used instead of information indicating the number of the sheet.

[0043] (First Modification) Next, a first modified example of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. In the first modified example, the installation position of the wireless tag unit 300 is limited to a position physically close to the transport path 33b. A physically close position may be, for example, a position that is relatively closer in physical distance than other transport paths (e.g., transport paths 33a and 33c). A physically close position may be, for example, the inside or outside of a wall surface of the housing of the image forming apparatus 100 that is closest to the transport path 33b. When performing a reading process (second reading process) that is performed when the wireless tag sheet is located on the transport path 33b, the image formation control unit 50 performs wireless communication with relatively weaker wireless power than when performing the first reading process.

[0044] By performing the process in this manner, in the first modified example, when the second reading process is performed, the reading process is performed with weaker wireless power than when the first reading process is performed. Therefore, when the second reading process is performed, the range over which the wireless signal can reach is physically narrower, and the wireless signal is only received in an area physically closer to the wireless tag unit 300. This increases the likelihood that the reading process can be performed on the wireless tag of the wireless tag sheet being processed. Therefore, by configuring as in the first modified example, more accurate determination is possible.

[0045] (Second Modification) Next, a second modified example of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. In the second modified example, the installation position of the wireless tag unit 300 is limited to a position physically close to the conveyance path 33b, as in the first modified example. Furthermore, when performing a reading process (second reading process) when a wireless tag sheet is positioned on the conveyance path 33b, wireless communication is performed using weak wireless power. The weak wireless power may be, for example, a wireless power that is relatively weaker than the wireless power used by the wireless tag unit 300 when performing other reading processes. The weak wireless power may be, for example, a wireless power that is relatively weaker than the wireless power used by the wireless tag unit 300 when performing a writing process. The weak wireless power may be, for example, a power that does not allow the wireless signal used by the wireless tag unit 300 to reach areas where other wireless tag sheets may be located, such as the conveyance path 33a, the upper paper output tray 81, the lower paper output tray 82, the paper feed cassette 16a, and the paper feed cassette 16b, sufficiently to enable communication, but does reach the conveyance path 33b sufficiently to enable communication. Such a power value may be acquired and set in advance through analysis.

[0046] Furthermore, in the second modified example, the first reading process is not performed. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the image forming apparatus 100 in the second modified example configured as described above. First, the processes in ACT101 and ACT102 are performed. Then, the image forming process is performed (ACT104) without performing the process in ACT103 (first reading process). Next, the image forming control unit 50 conveys the target RFID tag sheet to the conveying path 33b. The RFID tag unit 300 performs a reading process on the RFID tag of the RFID tag sheet located on the conveying path 33b using a predetermined weak wireless power (ACT301). For example, if the read result of the reading process matches the information (tag information) written in the write process executed on the RFID tag, it may be determined that the normal recording condition is satisfied. Note that the specific example of the normal recording condition described above is merely an example. The normal recording condition may be defined as a condition different from the above.

[0047] If the normal recording conditions are met (ACT302-YES), the image formation control unit 50 determines the first paper discharge unit (e.g., upper paper discharge tray 81) as the paper discharge destination (ACT107). If the normal recording conditions are not met (ACT302-NO), the image formation control unit 50 determines the second paper discharge unit (e.g., lower paper discharge tray 82) as the paper discharge destination (ACT108).

[0048] By performing the process in this manner, in the second modified example, when a reading process is performed on a radio tag sheet positioned on the transport path 33b, the reading process is performed at a predetermined weak radio power. Therefore, when a reading process is performed, the range over which the radio signal can reach is physically narrowed, and the radio signal is only received in an area physically closer to the radio tag unit 300. This increases the likelihood that the reading process can be performed on the radio tag of the radio tag sheet being processed. Therefore, by configuring as in the second modified example, more accurate determination is possible. Furthermore, in the second modified example, a process equivalent to the first reading process described above is not performed. This allows for faster processing.

[0049] The functions of the image formation control unit 50 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" herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, 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 it may be a program that can be implemented in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The following discloses additional notes relating to the above-described embodiments. (Appendix 1) a first conveyance driving unit that conveys a sheet to be processed, to which a wireless tag is attached, along a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first surface of the sheet; a second conveyance drive unit that conveys the sheet along a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second surface of the sheet; an image forming unit that forms an image on a first surface of the sheet transported through the first transport path or a second surface of the sheet transported through the second transport path; a tag communication unit that writes data to or reads data from a wireless tag of a sheet located on the first transport path or the second transport path; a control unit that writes data to the wireless tag of the sheet on the first transport path, reads the data from the wireless tag of the sheet, and determines whether the data has been successfully written to the wireless tag based on the read data; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Appendix 2) The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein the control unit writes data to the wireless tag of the sheet on the first transport path, then reads data from the wireless tag of the sheet located on the first transport path, and then reads data from the wireless tag of the sheet located on the second transport path, and determines whether the data was successfully written to the wireless tag based on the data read on the first transport path and the data read on the second transport path. (Appendix 3) An image forming apparatus as described in Appendix 1, wherein the tag communication unit is installed at a position relatively closer to the second conveying path than an area where a sheet with a wireless tag attached may be located and which is different from the second conveying path. (Appendix 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tag communication unit is installed at a position relatively closer to the second conveying path than a paper feed cassette in which the sheets are accumulated and a paper discharge unit. (Appendix 5) 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tag communication unit is installed at a position relatively closer to the second transport path than to the first transport path. (Appendix 6) The image forming apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tag communication unit uses wireless power that is relatively lower than the wireless power used in other processes when reading data from the wireless tag of the sheet located in the second conveying path. (Appendix 7) The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein the control unit controls the sheet on which it is determined that data could be written successfully to be discharged from the first paper discharge unit, and the sheet on which it is determined that data could not be written successfully to be discharged from the second paper discharge unit. (Appendix 8) An output unit that outputs information in a manner that can be recognized by a user is further provided, The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein the control unit outputs information indicating the sheet to which the wireless tag to be processed is attached from the output unit when processing multiple sheets consecutively and determines that data could not be written to the wireless tag successfully. (Appendix 9) An image forming apparatus comprising: a first conveyance drive unit that conveys a target sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto along a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first side of the sheet; a second conveyance drive unit that conveys the sheet along a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second side of the sheet; an image forming unit that forms an image on the first side of the sheet conveyed along the first conveyance path or on the second side of the sheet conveyed along the second conveyance path; and a tag communication unit that writes data to or reads data from the wireless tag of a sheet positioned along the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path, writing data to the wireless tag of the sheet in the first transport path; reading data from the wireless tag of the sheet; The image forming method further comprises determining whether or not the data has been written correctly to the wireless tag based on the read data. (Appendix 10) a first conveyance drive unit that conveys a processing target sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto along a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first side of the sheet; a second conveyance drive unit that conveys the sheet along a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second side of the sheet; an image forming unit that forms an image on the first side of the sheet conveyed along the first conveyance path or the second side of the sheet conveyed along the second conveyance path; and a tag communication unit that writes data to or reads data from the wireless tag of a sheet positioned along the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path, a process of writing data to a wireless tag of the sheet on the first conveying path; A process of reading data from a wireless tag of the sheet; and a computer program for executing a process of determining whether or not data was successfully written to the wireless tag based on the read data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100...image forming apparatus, 12...ADF, 13...control panel, 14...operation unit, 15...display unit, 16...scanner unit, 16a-16b...paper feed cassette, 18...printer unit, 181...printer control unit, 182...printer mechanism, 21...intermediate transfer belt, 22Y-22K...image forming station, 24...photosensitive drum, 26...electric charger, 27...exposure scanning head, 28...developing device, 29...photosensitive cleaner, 30...primary transfer roller, 32...secondary transfer roller, 33a-33c...conveyance path, 34...fixing device, 40...backup roller, 41...driven roller, 44a...junction, 44b...branching unit, 50...image forming control unit, 81...upper paper output tray, 82...lower paper output tray, 300...wireless tag unit, 301...wireless tag unit control section, 302...switching section, 303...reading section, 304...writing section

Claims

1. a first conveyance driving unit that conveys a sheet to be processed, to which a wireless tag is attached, along a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first surface of the sheet; a second conveyance drive unit that conveys the sheet along a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second surface of the sheet; an image forming unit that forms an image on a first surface of the sheet transported through the first transport path or a second surface of the sheet transported through the second transport path; a tag communication unit that writes data to or reads data from a wireless tag of a sheet located on the first transport path or the second transport path; a control unit that writes data to the wireless tag of the sheet on the first conveying path, reads the data from the wireless tag of the sheet, and determines whether the data has been successfully written to the wireless tag based on the read data; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit writes data to the wireless tag of the sheet on the first transport path, then reads data from the wireless tag of the sheet located on the first transport path, and then reads data from the wireless tag of the sheet located on the second transport path, and determines whether the data was successfully written to the wireless tag based on the data read on the first transport path and the data read on the second transport path.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tag communication unit is installed at a position relatively closer to the second transport path than an area where a sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto may be located and which is different from the second transport path.

4. An output unit that outputs information in a manner that can be recognized by a user is further provided, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs information indicating the sheet to which the wireless tag to be processed is attached from the output unit when the control unit determines that data could not be written successfully to the wireless tag when processing multiple sheets consecutively.

5. An image forming apparatus comprising: a first conveyance drive unit that conveys a target sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto along a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first side of the sheet; a second conveyance drive unit that conveys the sheet along a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second side of the sheet; an image forming unit that forms an image on the first side of the sheet conveyed along the first conveyance path or on the second side of the sheet conveyed along the second conveyance path; and a tag communication unit that writes data to or reads data from the wireless tag of a sheet positioned along the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path, writing data to the wireless tag of the sheet in the first transport path; reading data from the wireless tag of the sheet; The image forming method further comprises determining whether or not the data has been written correctly to the wireless tag based on the read data.

6. a first conveyance drive unit that conveys a processing target sheet having a wireless tag attached thereto along a first conveyance path for forming an image on a first side of the sheet; a second conveyance drive unit that conveys the sheet along a second conveyance path for forming an image on a second side of the sheet; an image forming unit that forms an image on the first side of the sheet conveyed along the first conveyance path or the second side of the sheet conveyed along the second conveyance path; and a tag communication unit that writes data to or reads data from the wireless tag of a sheet positioned along the first conveyance path or the second conveyance path, a process of writing data to a wireless tag of the sheet on the first conveying path; A process of reading data from a wireless tag of the sheet; and a computer program for executing a process of determining whether or not data was successfully written to the wireless tag based on the read data.

Images