Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing retry processing according to a user's intention when information cannot be written in a wireless tag of a medium.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a supply unit, a communication unit, an image forming unit, a control unit, and an input / output unit. The supply unit supplies one or more media to which a predetermined number of two or more wireless tags are attached based on a print job. The communication unit communicates with a predetermined number of wireless tags of one or more media to be supplied based on the print job. The image forming unit forms an image in a predetermined number of printing areas corresponding to a predetermined number of wireless tags of one or more media to be supplied based on the print job. The control part instructs output of necessity confirmation information of retry processing to be executed according to failure of writing of tag information to one or more radio tags of one or more supplied media, and executes the retry processing on the basis of reception of a request of the retry processing. The input / output unit outputs the necessity confirmation information and receives a request for the retry processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, wireless tags using RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​technology have become widespread, and various proposals have been made for wireless tag-compatible image forming apparatuses that process media with wireless tags. The image forming apparatus is equipped with a reader / writer that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags of the media. The image forming apparatus also stores media with wireless tags in a cassette, and the reader / writer reads and writes information from and to the wireless tags of the media as it is transported through the apparatus. The image forming apparatus also forms images on the media with wireless tags and ejects the media with the images onto an ejection tray. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-321073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the image forming device cannot write information to the wireless tag of the medium through communication with the wireless tag, the image forming device does not form an image on that medium. In this case, the image forming device supplies a new medium, writes information to the wireless tag of the new medium, and executes a retry process to form an image.

[0005] When multiple wireless tags are attached to a single piece of media, a retry process using a new piece of media due to a failure to write information to one wireless tag may be contrary to the user's wishes.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables a retry process according to the user's wishes when information cannot be written to a wireless tag of a medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes an input unit, a supply unit, a communication unit, an image forming unit, a control unit, and an input / output unit. The input unit inputs a print job. The supply unit supplies one or more media with a predetermined number of wireless tags (two or more) attached thereto based on the print job. The communication unit communicates with the predetermined number of wireless tags on the one or more media supplied based on the print job. The image forming unit forms images in a predetermined number of print areas corresponding to the predetermined number of wireless tags on the one or more media supplied based on the print job. The control unit instructs output of confirmation information regarding the necessity of a retry process to be executed in response to a failure in writing tag information to one or more wireless tags on the one or more media supplied, and executes the retry process based on receipt of a request for the retry process. The input / output unit outputs the confirmation information and receives the request for the retry process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of writing information to a predetermined number of wireless tags on a medium according to the embodiment and printing an image in a print area according to the writing results. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]6 is a diagram showing an example of retry processing according to the embodiment. Note that the retry processing is also called retry printing. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job and a retry process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of retry process necessity confirmation information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state transition depending on whether or not the retry process according to the embodiment needs to be executed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the criteria for determining the execution timing of the retry process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the criteria for determining the execution timing of the retry process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. [composition] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral, and includes an image reading unit 110, a control panel 120, a display 121, an image forming unit 130, a media storage unit 140, an RFID processing unit 150, and a media receiving unit 200.

[0011] For example, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet-like medium M using a developer such as toner. The medium M is paper or label paper. The medium M may be in any form as long as an image can be formed on its surface.

[0012] For example, two or more predetermined number of RFID tags T are attached to one side of the medium M. The RFID tags T are tags that use RFID technology and are also called RFID tags. The RFID tags T include identification information and the like.

[0013] The display 121 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display 121 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 100. The display 121 is an example of an input / output unit.

[0014] Control panel 120 has a plurality of buttons. Control panel 120 accepts operations from a user. Control panel 120 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to a processor of image forming apparatus 100. Control panel 120 is an example of an input / output unit.

[0015] The control panel 120 and the display 121 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0016] The image forming unit 130 forms an image on the supplied medium M based on image information generated by the image reading unit 110 or image information received via the external interface 164. For example, the image forming unit 130 forms images in a predetermined number of printing areas corresponding to a predetermined number of RFID tags T (two or more) on the supplied medium M. The image forming unit 130 forms images, for example, by the following process: The image forming unit 130 forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum based on the image information. The image forming unit 130 forms a visible image by attaching a developer to the electrostatic latent image. A specific example of the developer is toner. The image forming unit 130 transfers the visible image onto the medium M. The image forming unit 130 fixes the visible image on the medium M by applying heat and pressure to the medium M.

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

[0018] The media storage section 140 stores media M used for image formation in the image forming section 130. The media storage section 140 includes one or more cassettes. In this embodiment, the media storage section 140 includes cassettes C1, C2, and C3. For example, cassettes C1, C2, and C3 store media M each having a predetermined number of RFID tags T, two or more of which are attached.

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

[0020] Next, the interior of image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 141, a discharge unit 156, and a reversing path 157. The reversing path 157 includes a registration unit 158.

[0022] The image forming unit 130 includes an image transfer unit 131 and a fixing unit 132. The image transfer unit 131 has one or more types of toner. For example, the image transfer unit 131 has yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toner from the upstream side (left side of the figure). The predetermined toner may also be a special toner such as a decolorizing toner. The image transfer unit 131 has a developing unit, a photosensitive drum, and a charging unit for each toner.

[0023] The charging unit uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum (photosensitive layer). The photosensitive drum is irradiated with laser light and carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface. The developing unit adds toner to the electrostatic latent image, developing it into a visible image.

[0024] The image transfer unit 131 also has a transfer belt. Images developed with each toner are transferred onto the transfer belt in order, one on top of the other. The transferred images are then transferred onto the medium M by a transfer roller.

[0025] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 130 has been described as forming an image by the intermediate transfer method as described above, but it may also be possible to use, for example, a direct transfer method or other transfer methods.

[0026] The fixing unit 132 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller applies heat to the medium M from one side of the medium M. The pressure roller applies pressure to the medium M from the other side of the medium M. The fixing unit 132 fixes the toner transferred to the medium M by applying heat and pressure to the medium M.

[0027] The supply unit 141 supplies media M from a cassette in the media storage unit 140. The supply unit 141 has multiple supply rollers that transport the media M. The media M supplied by the supply unit 141 also passes through a first communication area. For example, the supply unit 141 temporarily stops or slows down a specific supply roller, thereby temporarily stopping or slowing down the media M as it passes through the first communication area. For example, the specific supply roller is a registration roller.

[0028] Discharge section 156 discharges media M that has been conveyed inside image forming apparatus 100. Discharge section 156 is configured with discharge rollers.

[0029] The reversing path 157 is a path that reverses the front and back of the medium M, and is used when forming images on both sides of the medium M. The reversing path 157 is a path that reverses the medium M that has been transported to the discharge section 156 by switchback and then transports it.

[0030] The registration unit 158 ​​is provided on the reversing path 157. In the embodiment, the registration unit 158 ​​is described as a registration roller provided at the most downstream position of the reversing path 157. The registration unit 158 ​​temporarily stops the transport of the media M. By stopping the transport of the media M, the registration unit 158 ​​corrects the inclination of the media M so that it is perpendicular to the transport direction. Note that the location of the registration unit 158 ​​is not limited to the most downstream position of the reversing path 157. The registration unit 158 ​​may be located anywhere as long as it is a registration roller provided on the path between the discharge unit 156 and the reversing path 157.

[0031] The RFID processing unit 150 is a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the RFID tag T of a medium M that passes through a first communication area located between the supply unit 141 and the media receiving unit 200. For example, the RFID processing unit 150 is provided outside the reverse path 157. The RFID processing unit 150 includes a controller called an RFID module 153, an antenna board 154, and an interface unit. For example, an antenna formed on the antenna board 154 wirelessly receives information from the RFID tag T of a medium M that is fed from the media storage unit 140 or the manual feed tray and passes through the first communication area, and transmits information to be written to the RFID tag T. For example, the antenna wirelessly communicates with the RFID tag T of a medium M that passes through the supply roller of the supply unit 141. The center of the first communication area is located a first distance from the center of the antenna formed on the antenna board 154, and the antenna transmits radio waves with a first output to communicate with the RFID tag T in the first communication area.

[0032] The media receiving section 200 receives media M discharged from the discharge section 156. The media receiving section 200 includes a tray 210. The media receiving section 200 also includes a second communication area located a second distance from the antenna formed on the antenna substrate 154. For example, the second distance is the distance from the center of the second communication area to the center of the antenna. The second distance is longer than the first distance. The antenna transmits radio waves with a second output power higher than the first output power to communicate with the RFID tag T in the second communication area.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 110, a control panel 120, a display 121, an image forming unit 130, a media storage unit 140, a supply unit 141, an ejection unit 156, an RFID module 153, a storage device 161, a memory 162, a processor 163, and an external interface 164.

[0035] The media storage unit 140 stores media M with RFID tags T attached thereto.

[0036] The supply unit 141 is a mechanism that supplies the media M stored in the media storage unit 140 to the image forming unit 130. The RFID module 153, storage device 161, memory 162, processor 163, and external interface 164 will be described below. Note that each functional unit is connected via a system bus 170 so that data communication is possible.

[0037] The storage device 161 is, for example, a hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD) and stores various types of data. The various types of data include print jobs received from an external communication device and software programs for controlling the operation of each functional unit of the image forming device 100. The print jobs include image information to be printed on the medium M. The storage device 161 also stores retry data. The retry data includes tag information that failed to be written and image information that was not printed due to the failure to write the tag information.

[0038] The memory 162 temporarily stores data used by each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The memory 162 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 162 may store digital data generated by the image reading unit 110. The memory 162 may also temporarily store a print job being printed by the image forming unit 130 and write information to be written to a wireless tag.

[0039] Processor 163 is a control unit that controls the operation of each functional unit of image forming apparatus 100. Processor 163 loads a software program stored in storage device 161 onto memory 162 and executes the software program to perform processing. Here, an example of processing executed by processor 163 will be described.

[0040] The processor 163 controls printing on a medium M with a wireless tag attached, based on a print job received via an external communication device. When the processor 163 receives a print job for a medium M with a wireless tag attached, it acquires the writing information specified in the print job and the image information associated with the writing information from a writing information server or the like. The image information associated with the writing information is information about an image to be formed on the medium M. Note that the image information does not necessarily have to be associated with the writing information. In this case, it is sufficient that the image information is included in the print job.

[0041] The processor 163 controls the supply unit 141 to supply media M. The supply unit 141 supplies media M to each unit under the control of the processor 163. The processor 163 also controls the discharge unit 156 to discharge media M. Under the control of the processor 163, the discharge unit 156 discharges media M to the media receiving unit 200.

[0042] The processor 163 controls the image forming unit 130. The image forming unit 130 forms an image indicated by the image information on the medium M. The medium M on which the image has been formed is discharged to the medium receiving unit 200.

[0043] The processor 163 controls the RFID module 153. The RFID module 153 includes an arithmetic unit and a storage unit. The RFID module 153 writes information to a wireless tag attached to the medium M. The RFID module 153 also reads information from the wireless tag attached to the medium M. The information that the RFID module 153 reads from the wireless tag includes, for example, identification information (e.g., UID: Unique Identifier) ​​that uniquely identifies the wireless tag.

[0044] The external interface 164 transmits and receives data to and from an external device. The external device is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, or a smart device. The external interface 164 operates as an input interface and receives data or instructions transmitted from the external device. The instructions transmitted from the external device are, for example, a print job. The data transmitted from the external device is, for example, writing information and image information associated with the writing information. The external interface 164 also operates as an output interface and transmits data to the external device. The external device stores application software that transmits writing information and image information associated with the writing information, and transmits a print job including the writing information and image information.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a predetermined number of wireless tags and a predetermined number of print areas on a medium according to an embodiment.

[0046] The medium M has two or more predetermined number of RFID tags T on one side, and two or more predetermined number of printing areas E on the other side corresponding to the two or more predetermined number of RFID tags T. In other words, the medium M has a predetermined number of RFID tags T on one side corresponding to the front and back, and a predetermined number of printing areas E on the other side.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the medium M has four RFID tags T1, T2, T3, and T4 on one side, and four print areas E1, E2, E3, and E4 on the other side.

[0048] The processor 163 instructs writing of tag information to a predetermined number of RFID tags T based on the print job, and instructs image formation in a predetermined number of printing areas E. The RFID module 153 writes tag information to a predetermined number of RFID tags T based on instructions from the processor 163. The image forming unit 130 forms images in a predetermined number of printing areas E based on instructions from the processor 163. The tag information written to a predetermined RFID tag T and the image formed in the predetermined printing area E are corresponding product information, etc. For example, the tag information written to a predetermined RFID tag T is product code data, and the image formed in the predetermined printing area E is the product barcode. A predetermined number of printing areas E are cut out from one medium M, and each cut out piece is used as a product label.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of writing information to a predetermined number of wireless tags on a medium according to the embodiment and printing an image in a print area according to the writing results.

[0050] If the RFID module 153 has successfully written the tag information to the wireless tags T1, T2, and T4, the image forming unit 130 forms an image corresponding to the tag information in the print areas E1, E2, and E4.

[0051] If the RFID module 153 fails to write tag information to the wireless tag T3, the image forming unit 130 does not form an image in the print area E3, or forms a warning image corresponding to the failure of the writing.

[0052] [Operation] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing according to the embodiment. The external interface 164 inputs one or more print jobs output from an external device such as a personal computer, and the processor 163 performs media processing based on the one or more input print jobs. For example, the processor 163 performs media processing based on the input first and second print jobs.

[0053] First, processor 163 executes media processing based on the first print job. Based on the first print job, processor 163 controls supply unit 141 to supply one or more media M requested by the first print job. Supply unit 141 starts supplying one or more media M (ACT101). Based on the first print job, processor 163 also controls image forming unit 130 to start preparations for printing on the multiple print areas E of the leading media M.

[0054] Next, the processor 163 controls the RFID module 153 based on the first print job. The RFID module 153 transmits radio waves of a predetermined output power and wirelessly communicates with multiple wireless tags T of media M passing through a communication area located between the supply unit 141 and the media receiving unit 200. The RFID module 153 writes tag information to the multiple wireless tags T at the write position or write timing detected by the processor 163 (ACT102, YES).

[0055] Furthermore, the RFID module 153 reads the tag information written to the RFID tag T and outputs the read result. If the writing is successful, the read result includes RFID tag identification information unique to each RFID tag T and the written tag information.

[0056] If the read result includes RFID tag identification information unique to each RFID tag T and correct tag information, the processor 163 determines that the tag information has been successfully written (ACT104, YES).

[0057] The processor 163 causes the image forming unit 130 to form an image in the printing area E corresponding to the RFID tag T to which the writing was successful. For example, if the tag information has been successfully written to the RFID tags T1, T2, and T4, the image forming unit 130 prints an image in the printing areas E1, E2, and E4 (ACT105).

[0058] If the read result includes the wireless tag identification information but does not include the correct tag information, the processor 163 determines that the writing of the tag information has failed (ACT104, NO). Also, if the read result does not include the wireless tag identification information, the processor 163 determines that the writing of the tag information has failed (ACT104, NO).

[0059] The processor 163 outputs data for forming an image for failed writing in the printing area E corresponding to the RFID tag T for which writing has failed (ACT109). Alternatively, the processor 163 masks the output of image data for forming a white image in the printing area E corresponding to the RFID tag T for which writing has failed (ACT109). The image forming unit 130 prints an image for failed writing or a white image in the printing area E3 (ACT105). In response to detection of a failure in writing tag information to the RFID tag T3, the image forming unit 130 replaces the image for successful writing in the printing area E3 with an image for failed writing to form an image for failed writing in the printing area E3. For example, the image for failed writing includes information indicating a failure in writing. In addition, in response to detection of a failure in writing tag information to the RFID tag T3, the image forming unit 130 forms a white image in the printing area E3 by masking the exposure process of the image for successful writing in the printing area E3. Note that forming a white image is synonymous with not forming an image.

[0060] The storage device 161 stores tag information that was not written due to a failure and image information that was not printed due to a failure, for example, tag information that was not written to the wireless tag T3 and image information that was not printed in the print area E3.

[0061] The supply unit 141 transports the medium M that has undergone the image formation process, and the discharge unit 156 discharges the medium M to the medium receiving unit 200 (ACT106). When the discharge of the medium M is complete (ACT107, YES) and the processor 163 determines that the supply of the next medium M based on the first print job is necessary (ACT108, YES), the processor 163 causes the supply unit 141 to supply the next medium M.

[0062] After the processor 163 has finished supplying one or more media M required by the first print job and has completed image formation and ejection of the media M, it executes media processing based on the second print job. The media processing based on the second print job is the same as the media processing based on the first print job, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] When the media processing based on the first and second print jobs is completed, there is no need to supply the next media M (ACT108, NO), and the processor 163 ends the media processing. As described above, in response to a failure in writing tag information to an RFID tag T, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image for failed writing or a white image in the printing area E corresponding to the RFID tag T. This printing makes it easy to distinguish between an RFID tag T for which writing was successful and an RFID tag T for which writing was unsuccessful. Furthermore, printing a white image has the effect of saving toner.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a retry process according to the embodiment. The processor 163 determines the timing to execute the retry process based on a first determination criterion for determining the timing to execute the retry process (ACT201). For example, the processor 163 executes media processing based on the first print job, and, in response to detection of a failure in writing tag information to one or more wireless tags, determines that it is the timing to execute the retry process after the first print job is completed (ACT201, YES).

[0065] The processor 163 instructs the output of information to confirm whether or not a retry process is required, and the display 121 outputs the information to confirm whether or not a retry process is required (ACT202). When the control panel 120 or the display 121 receives a request to execute the retry process (ACT203, YES), the processor 163 executes the retry process (ACT204).

[0066] When the control panel 120 or the display 121 receives a signal indicating that the retry process is not required (ACT203, NO), the processor 163 skips the retry process and instructs the processor 163 to output the information confirming whether the retry process is required again at the timing of the next retry process.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job and a retry process according to the embodiment. For example, assume that one medium M includes four RFID tags T, and the first print job is a job for 40 RFID tags T included in 10 media M (precondition 1). The image forming apparatus 100 sequentially supplies the 10 media M in response to the execution of the first print job. The image forming apparatus 100 sequentially writes tag information 0001 to 0040 to the 40 RFID tags T of the 10 media M, and forms images in the 40 print areas of the 10 media M.

[0068] When the image forming apparatus 100 fails to write tag information to a predetermined RFID tag T, the image forming apparatus 100 stores retry data including the tag information that failed to be written and the image information that was not printed due to the failure to write the tag information in the storage device 161. For example, assume that the image forming apparatus 100 fails to write tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, 0022, and 0038 (precondition 2).

[0069] The image forming apparatus 100 executes the retry process based on a first determination criterion for determining the timing of the retry process. For example, if a failure occurs in writing tag information in a first print job, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the retry process after executing media processing based on the first print job. The retry process is a process of sequentially supplying one or more required sheets of media M, writing the tag information that failed to be written in the first print job to a predetermined number of RFID tags T on the one or more required sheets of media M that are supplied, and forming images in the print areas E corresponding to the RFID tags T into which the tag information was written. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 sequentially writes tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, 0022, and 0038 to the five RFID tags T on two sheets of media M based on the retry data, and forms images in the five print areas corresponding to the five RFID tags T on the two sheets of media M.

[0070] If the number of RFID tags T to which tag information has failed to be written is not an integer multiple of the number of RFID tags T included in the medium M, the retry process will result in one or more surplus RFID tags S on one medium M. At this point, the surplus RFID tags S will not be used as product tags or the like.

[0071] Therefore, before executing the retry process, the image forming apparatus 100 instructs the output of information to confirm whether the retry process is necessary or not, which is executed in response to a failure in writing tag information, and executes the retry process if a request for the retry process is received, or postpones the retry process if a request for the retry process is not received. This makes it possible to prevent the generation of surplus wireless tags S.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of retry process necessity confirmation information according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the control panel 120 and the display 121 display information for confirming whether a retry is required. The information for confirming whether a retry is required includes information indicating that, if the number of RFID tags T that failed to be written in a print job is not an integer multiple of a predetermined number, the retry will result in one or more redundant RFID tags on one medium. For example, the information for confirming whether a retry is required includes the message, "If a retry is performed, redundant RFID tags will be generated on the final sheet," and "Do you want to perform a retry?" The control panel 120 and the display 121 accept a request to perform a retry via a "Yes" option, and accept a request not to perform a retry via a "No" option.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state transition depending on whether or not the retry process according to the embodiment needs to be executed. A case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 100 inputs first and second print jobs, executes the first print job, and then executes the second print job. Assume that one medium M includes four RFID tags T, and the first and second print jobs are jobs for 40 RFID tags T included in 10 media M.

[0074] The processor 163 executes the first print job. If a failure occurs in writing tag information in the first print job, the storage device 161 stores retry data including the tag information that failed to be written and the image information that was not printed due to the failure to write the tag information. After the first print job is executed and before the second print job is executed, the processor 163 instructs the output of information to confirm whether a retry is required. The control panel 120 and the display 121 display the information to confirm whether a retry is required. For example, assume that writing tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, 0022, and 0038 fails.

[0075] When the control panel 120 and the display 121 accept a request to execute the retry process via the "Yes" option, the processor 163 executes the retry process. The supply unit 141 sequentially supplies the required number of media M (two media), the RFID module 153 sequentially writes tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, 0022, and 0038 to the five wireless tags T on the two media M based on the retry data, and the image forming unit 130 forms images in the five print areas corresponding to the five wireless tags T on the two media M.

[0076] The processor 163 may execute the retry process in units of the number of RFID tags T included in the medium M. In other words, the processor 163 may execute the retry process in units of a predetermined number. If writing to five RFID tags T has failed, the processor 163 executes the retry process and writes the tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, and 0022 in order to the four RFID tags included in one piece of medium M. The processor 163 temporarily suspends writing of the remaining tag information 0038.

[0077] When a new failure occurs in writing to three RFID tags T, the processor 163 executes a retry process and writes the tag information (including tag information 0038) that failed to be written to the four RFID tags T included in one piece of media M in order. This allows the RFID tags T of the media M to be used without waste.

[0078] When the control panel 120 and the display 121 accept the "No" option to indicate that the retry process does not need to be executed, the storage device 161 continues to hold the retry data, and the processor 163 executes the second print job.

[0079] If no failure in writing tag information occurs in the second print job and the second print job is completed, processor 163 instructs the output of information to confirm whether a retry is required. Control panel 120 and display 121 display the information to confirm whether a retry is required. If control panel 120 and display 121 accept a request to execute a retry via the "Yes" option, processor 163 executes the retry. The retry executed here is the writing of tag information and image formation that were not executed due to the failure in writing tag information that occurred in the first print job.

[0080] Furthermore, if a failure occurs in writing tag information in the second print job, storage device 161 stores retry data including the tag information that failed to be written and the image information that was not printed due to the failure to write the tag information. After the second print job is executed, processor 163 instructs output of necessity confirmation information. Control panel 120 and display 121 display the retry processing necessity confirmation information.

[0081] Here, when the control panel 120 and the display 121 accept a request to execute the retry process via the option "Yes," the processor 163 executes the retry process. The retry process executed here is the writing of tag information and image formation that were not executed due to failures in writing tag information that occurred in the first and second print jobs. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 collectively executes the writing of tag information and image formation that were not executed due to failures in writing tag information that occurred in multiple print jobs. This makes it possible to reduce the generation of surplus wireless tags S.

[0082] The processor 163 may select whether or not to output the necessity confirmation information depending on whether or not surplus wireless tags S have occurred. That is, if no surplus wireless tags S have occurred, the processor 163 executes the retry process without outputting the necessity confirmation information, and if surplus wireless tags S have occurred, the processor 163 outputs the necessity confirmation information, accepts a request to execute the retry process, and executes the retry process. This reduces the effort required to confirm whether or not the retry process is necessary, and also enables the wireless tags T of the media M to be used efficiently.

[0083] Next, we will explain modified examples of the criteria for determining when to execute the retry process. In the above explanation, as shown in Figure 7, after media processing based on a first print job is executed, a retry process is executed, including writing tag information and forming images that were not executed due to a failure to write tag information that occurred in the first print job. The execution timing of the retry process is not limited to this, and the retry process may be executed at the following times:

[0084] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the criteria for determining the execution timing of the retry process according to the embodiment. The processor 163 executes a first print job for a plurality of media. Based on a second determination criterion for determining the timing to execute a retry process, the processor 163 determines that it is time to execute a retry process when it detects a failure in writing tag information to a predetermined number of RFID tags T at the time when it has finished writing tag information and forming images on the Nth piece of media M (N is a natural number). The predetermined number is the number of RFID tags T included in the media M.

[0085] A first modified example will be described by applying preconditions 1 and 2 described in FIG. 7. In this case, the predetermined number is four. The processor 163 executes media processing based on the first print job, and if the number of RFID tags T for which writing failed reaches four at the time of completing writing of tag information and image formation on the predetermined media M, the processor 163 executes retry processing. That is, in response to detecting failure in writing tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, and 0022, the processor 163 executes retry processing.

[0086] The supply unit 141 supplies one medium M, the RFID module 153 writes tag information 0003, 0010, 0021, and 0022 in order to the four wireless tags T on the one medium M based on the retry data stored in the storage device 161, and the image forming unit 130 forms images in the four print areas corresponding to the four wireless tags T on the one medium M. After the retry process is completed, the processor 163 executes the remaining processing of the first print job.

[0087] After the retry process is completed, the retry data may be deleted from the storage device 161. This increases the utilization efficiency of the RFID tag T of the medium M and reduces the storage area of ​​the retry data secured in the storage device 161.

[0088] In the first modified example described here, when processor 163 determines that it is time to execute the retry process, it may instruct the output of information confirming whether or not the retry process is necessary, and execute the retry process based on the acceptance of the request for the retry process. This allows the retry process to be executed after confirming the user's intention.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the criteria for determining the execution timing of the retry process according to the embodiment. The processor 163 executes the first print job. Based on a third criterion for determining the timing to execute the retry process, the processor 163 determines that it is time to execute the retry process if it detects a failure in writing tag information to one or more RFID tags T at the time when writing of tag information to the Nth piece of media M (N is a natural number) and image formation are completed.

[0090] The second modified example will be described by applying the preconditions 1 and 2 described in Fig. 7. When the processor 163 executes media processing based on the first print job and detects a failure in writing tag information 0003 at the time when it has finished writing tag information and forming an image on the first sheet of media M, it executes a retry process and continues to execute the remaining media processing based on the first print job.

[0091] The supply unit 141 supplies one piece of media M, and the RFID module 153 writes tag information 0003, 0005, 0006, and 0007 in order to the four wireless tags T on the one piece of media M based on the retry data stored in the memory device 161, and the image forming unit 130 forms images in the four printing areas corresponding to the four wireless tags T on the one piece of media M.

[0092] Furthermore, if the processor 163 detects a failure in writing tag information 0021 and 0022 at the time of completing writing tag information and image formation on the sixth media M, it executes a retry process and continues to execute the remaining media processing based on the first print job.

[0093] The supply unit 141 supplies one piece of media M, and the RFID module 153 writes tag information 0021, 0022, 0023, and 0024 in sequence to the four wireless tags T on the one piece of media M based on the retry data stored in the memory device 161, and the image forming unit 130 forms images in the four printing areas corresponding to the four wireless tags T on the one piece of media M.

[0094] After the retry process is completed, the retry data may be deleted from the storage device 161. This makes it possible to reduce the storage area for the retry data secured in the storage device 161 without reducing the utilization efficiency of the RFID tag T of the medium M.

[0095] For example, if writing of first tag information to a first RFID tag T of a first medium M fails, the second tag information that failed to be written is written to a second RFID tag of a second medium M that is supplied immediately after the first medium M. This makes it possible to obtain a second RFID tag T in place of the first RFID tag T from the second medium M that is supplied immediately after. When RF tags are used in consecutive numbers, convenience can be improved.

[0096] In the second modified example described here, when processor 163 determines that it is time to execute the retry process, it may instruct the output of information confirming whether or not the retry process is necessary, and execute the retry process based on the acceptance of the request for the retry process. This allows the retry process to be executed after confirming the user's intention.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that enables retry processing according to the user's wishes when information cannot be written to the wireless tag of the media.

[0098] 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 novel embodiments can be embodied 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, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100...Image forming apparatus 110...Image reading unit 120…Control Panel 121...Display 130...Image forming unit 131...Image transfer unit 132...Fixing part 140...Media storage section 141...Supply section 150...RFID processing unit 153...RFID module 154...Antenna board 156…Discharge section 157...Reverse route 158...Resist section 161...Storage device 162...Memory 163...Processor 164...External interface 170...System bus 200...Media Receiving Section 210…Tray

Claims

1. an input unit for inputting a print job; a supply unit that supplies one or more media to which a predetermined number of wireless tags (two or more) are attached based on the print job; a communication unit that communicates with a predetermined number of wireless tags of one or more media supplied based on the print job; an image forming unit that forms images in a predetermined number of print areas corresponding to a predetermined number of wireless tags on one or more supplied media based on the print job; a control unit that instructs output of confirmation information on whether a retry process is required, which is executed in response to a failure in writing tag information to one or more wireless tags of one or more media that is supplied, and executes the retry process based on the acceptance of a request for the retry process; an input / output unit that outputs the necessity confirmation information and receives a request for the retry process; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the input unit inputs first and second print jobs; 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit instructs output of the necessity confirmation information after execution of the first print job and before execution of the second print job when a failure occurs in writing tag information in the first print job.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the necessity confirmation information includes information indicating that if the number of wireless tags that failed to be written in the print job is not an integer multiple of a predetermined number, the retry process will result in one or more surplus wireless tags on one medium.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retry process is a process of supplying one or more media, writing tag information that failed to be written in the print job to a predetermined number of wireless tags on the one or more supplied media, and forming an image in a printing area corresponding to the wireless tag to which the tag information was written.

5. when the control unit detects a failure in writing tag information to a predetermined number of wireless tags at the time when writing tag information to a predetermined medium and image formation are completed in the print job for a plurality of media, the control unit instructs output of the necessity confirmation information and executes the retry process based on the acceptance of the request for the retry process; 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retry process is a process of supplying one medium, writing tag information that failed to be written to a predetermined number of wireless tags on the supplied medium, and forming an image in a printing area corresponding to the wireless tag to which the tag information was written.

Images