Image forming apparatus

Abstract

This enables the reuse of media with wireless tags that have failed to write data. [Solution] Prior to writing arbitrary data to the target wireless tag, which is a wireless tag targeted for data writing by the wireless tag communication device, the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment reads data previously stored in the target wireless tag by the wireless tag communication device to recognize the target wireless tag. If recognition of the target wireless tag fails, the control unit performs at least one of the following: gradually lowering the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the target wireless tag, and gradually increasing the radio wave strength transmitted to the target wireless tag, thereby reading data previously stored by the wireless tag communication device to re-recognize the target wireless tag. For media in which the target wireless tag is recognized during the re-recognition, the control unit notifies the user that it is the re-recognized media in which the target wireless tag was recognized during the re-recognition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus having an RFID reader / writer function that can not only form an image on RFID-tagged media, which is paper embedded with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag, one of the wireless tags, but also write data to the RFID tag.

[0003] The RFID tag has an EPC (Electronic Product Code) area in addition to a user area where the user can write any desired data. Generally, identification data for specifying the use of the RFID tag, that is, data indicating what the data written in the user area represents, is written in the EPC area. The identification data includes, for example, initial data representing the manufacturing manufacturer of the RFID tag, the chip type, and the like. However, depending on the user's RFID usage, the user may write arbitrary user data in the EPC area. Although the following will be described in general use, it is not always necessary to write both the identification data and the user data.

[0004] In the image forming apparatus, when forming an image on the RFID-tagged media, first, identification data and user data are written to the RFID tag, and then an image is formed on the media on which the data has been written.

[0005] In such an image forming apparatus, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes to improve the read / write success rate of the RFID tag by increasing the radio wave intensity transmitted to the RFID tag and executing a read operation when data writing to the RFID tag fails.

[0006] Patent Document 1 determines that an RFID tag is faulty if data writing fails even when the radio wave intensity is increased to the maximum value. Paper with an RFID tag determined to be faulty in this way is ejected from the image forming apparatus as blank paper without image formation and is discarded.

[0007] However, data writing failures can sometimes be caused not by RFID tag malfunction, but by variations in individual tags, resulting in weaker RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) signals than normal tags. In the latter case, the tags were traditionally discarded in the same way as faulty tags. Thus, traditionally, this has led to the problem of mistakenly assuming RFID tag malfunction and unnecessarily consuming expensive RFID-tagged media based on the device's judgment. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-231667 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables the reuse of media having wireless tags that fail to write data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus comprises an image forming unit, a wireless tag communication device, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an arbitrary image on a medium having a target wireless tag, which is a wireless tag to be used for data writing. The wireless tag communication device is positioned at a predetermined location relative to the image forming unit and communicates with the target wireless tag on the medium to write data to the target wireless tag and to read data written to the target wireless tag. The control unit controls the image forming unit and the wireless tag communication device. Prior to the wireless tag communication device writing arbitrary data to the target wireless tag, the control unit recognizes the target wireless tag by reading data previously stored in the target wireless tag by the wireless tag communication device. If recognition of the target wireless tag fails, the control unit performs at least one of the following: gradually lowering the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the target wireless tag, and gradually increasing the radio wave strength transmitted to the target wireless tag, thereby re-recognizing the target wireless tag by reading data previously stored by the wireless tag communication device. For media in which the target wireless tag is recognized in the re-recognition, the control unit notifies the user that it is the re-recognized media in which the target wireless tag was recognized in the re-recognition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the paper discharge section of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the control unit of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the processor configuration in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the first part of a series of flowcharts illustrating an example of RFID processing by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the second part of a series of flowcharts illustrating an example of RFID processing by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows the third part of a series of flowcharts illustrating an example of RFID processing by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the fourth part of a series of flowcharts illustrating an example of RFID processing by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the fifth part of a series of flowcharts illustrating an example of RFID processing by an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in the drawings used in the description of the embodiment below has been appropriately changed. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components have been omitted from the drawings used in the description of the embodiment below.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is a digital multifunction device (MFP, Multi-Functional Peripherals) installed in a workplace such as an office, and includes a scanner 1, a printer 2, an operation panel 4, an RFID reader / writer 5, and a control unit 6.

[0014] Scanner 1 is a device that reads an image from a document and converts it into image data. Scanner 1 is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor that converts an image on the reading surface of the document into image data. Scanner 1 may also have the function of scanning a document placed on the document glass. Scanner 1 may also have the function of reading an image from a document transported by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). Scanner 1 is installed, for example, on top of the main body of an MFP. Scanner 1 is controlled by control unit 6. Scanner 1 outputs the image data of the document to control unit 6.

[0015] Printer 2 is an electrophotographic printer. Printer 2 forms an image on a sheet of paper as a recording medium. Printer 2 has a color printing function for printing a color image on paper and a monochrome printing function for printing a monochrome (e.g., black) image on paper. Printer 2 forms a color image using toners of a plurality of colors (e.g., three colors of yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M)). Also, Printer 2 forms a monochrome image using a monochrome (e.g., black (K)) toner.

[0016] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, Printer 2 has paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C. Paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C are paper feed units that supply sheets of paper for printing. These paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, and 20C store sheets of paper of the types (e.g., size, paper quality) set for each. Further, Printer 2 has a manual feed tray 20D as a paper feed unit. Manual feed tray 20D places sheets of paper of any type (e.g., size, paper quality). The sheets of paper set in these paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, 20C and manual feed tray 20D can be normal paper Pst cut to an arbitrary size or RFID-tagged paper (hereinafter referred to as RFID paper) Prf, which is a medium embedded with an RFID tag. In the example shown in FIG. 1, RFID paper Prf is set in paper feed cassette 20A.

[0017] Each of the paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, 20C has a pickup roller 21A, 21B, 21C, respectively. Pickup rollers 21A, 21B, 21C take out sheets of paper one by one from each of the paper feed cassettes 20A, 20B, 20C. Similarly, for manual feed tray 20D, a pickup roller 21D is provided to take out sheets of paper one by one from manual feed tray 20D. These pickup rollers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D supply the taken-out sheets of paper to a conveyance path (conveyance unit 22) composed of a plurality of conveyance rollers 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, etc.

[0018] The conveyance unit 22 conveys paper within the printer 2. For example, the conveyance unit 22 conveys the paper taken out by the pickup rollers 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D to the registration roller 23. The registration roller 23 corrects the inclination of the paper perpendicular to the conveyance direction by stopping the conveyance of the paper. The registration roller 23 conveys the paper to the transfer position at the timing of transferring an image from the transfer belt 26 to the paper. The conveyance unit 22 conveys the paper that has passed through the registration roller 23 to the transfer position. The conveyance unit 22 conveys the paper that has passed through the transfer position from the transfer position to the fixing unit 28. The conveyance unit 22 conveys the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 28 to either the paper discharge unit 29 or the automatic duplex unit (ADU). Further, the conveyance unit 22 includes a flapper 22E in front of the paper discharge unit 29. The flapper 22E switches the paper discharge destination of the paper between the first paper discharge unit and the second paper discharge unit of the paper discharge unit 29 according to a control signal from the control unit 6.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the paper discharge unit 29 of the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge unit 29 is provided with a lower paper discharge tray 29A that functions as a first paper discharge unit and an upper paper discharge tray 29B that functions as a second paper discharge unit.

[0020] The printer 2 has a plurality of image forming units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K. These plurality of image forming units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K form images to be transferred to the paper. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 24Y forms an image with yellow toner. The image forming unit 24M forms an image with magenta toner. The image forming unit 24C forms an image with cyan toner. The image forming unit 24K forms an image with black toner.

[0021] The image forming units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K each include a photoreceptor drum 30y, 30m, 30c, and 30k, chargers 31y, 31m, 31c, and 31k, developers 32y, 32m, 32c, and 32k, transfer rollers 33y, 33m, 33c, and 33k, and cleaners 34y, 34m, 34c, and 34k. Since the only difference in configuration is color, the image forming unit 24 will be referred to as the photoreceptor drum 30, charger 31, developer 32, transfer rollers 33, and cleaner 34, unless otherwise specified.

[0022] The photoreceptor drum 30 is an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The photoreceptor drum 30 rotates on a rotation axis. The charger 31 charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 30 to a predetermined potential. The charger 31 has a grid (not shown) for adjusting the charge output to the photoreceptor drum 30. The developer 32 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 30 with toner. The transfer roller 33 transfers the toner image developed on the photoreceptor drum 30 to the transfer belt 26. The cleaner 34 cleans the surface of the photoreceptor drum 30 after the transfer.

[0023] The exposure unit 25 forms electrostatic latent images on the photoreceptor drums 30 of each image forming unit 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K using laser light. The exposure unit 25 irradiates the photoreceptor drums 30 with laser light controlled according to the image data, via an optical system such as a polygon mirror. The laser light from the exposure unit 25 forms electrostatic latent images on the surface of each photoreceptor drum 30. The exposure unit 25 controls the laser light according to a control signal from the control unit 6.

[0024] The image forming unit 24 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 30 using the developer unit 32. The developer unit 32 includes a developing container with a developing roller. The developing container stores toner as the developer for the color of the image forming unit 24. The toner becomes charged by being agitated together with the carrier in the developing container. A developing bias is applied to the developing roller. The developing roller, with the developing bias applied, supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 30. The electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 30 is developed as a toner image by the supplied toner.

[0025] The transfer belt 26 is an intermediate transfer body. The image forming unit 24 applies a primary transfer voltage to the transfer belt 26 using the transfer roller 33, thereby transferring (primary transfer) the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 30 onto the transfer belt 26. For example, in the image forming unit 24K, the transfer roller 33k transfers the toner image developed by the developer unit 32k with black toner onto the transfer belt 26. When forming a color image, each image forming unit 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K transfers the toner images developed with their respective color toners onto the transfer belt 26.

[0026] The transfer unit 27 transfers the toner image on the transfer belt 26 to the paper at the secondary transfer position. In other words, the transfer unit 27 prints an image on the paper. The transfer unit 27 can be called the printing unit. The secondary transfer position, which is the printing position, is the position where the toner image on the transfer belt 26 is transferred to the paper. The secondary transfer position is the position where the support roller 27a and the secondary transfer roller 27b face each other.

[0027] The fuser unit 28 fixes the toner to the paper. The fuser unit 28 applies heat to the paper for fixing. In the example shown in Figure 2, the fuser unit 28 consists of a heat roller 28b with a built-in heating unit 28a and a pressure roller 28c that contacts the fixing belt, which is heated by the heat roller 28b, under pressure. The heating unit 28a can be any heater with controllable temperature. For example, the heating unit 28a may consist of a heater lamp such as a halogen lamp, or it may be an induction heating (IH) type heater. The heating unit 28a may also consist of multiple heaters. The fuser unit 28 transports the fixed paper to either the paper discharge unit 29 or the ADU.

[0028] The operation panel 4 is the user interface. The operation panel 4 has various buttons and a display unit 4a equipped with a touch panel 4b. The control unit 6 controls the content displayed on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4. The display unit 4a functions as a notification unit. The operation panel 4 also outputs information entered into the touch panel 4b or buttons to the control unit 6. The user can specify the operating mode and input information such as setting information on the operation panel 4.

[0029] The RFID reader / writer 5 is an example of a wireless tag communication device having a controller called an RFID module 51 and an antenna 52. The RFID module 51 writes data input from the control unit 6 via the antenna 52 to the RFID tag embedded in the RFID paper Prf stopped at the registration roller 23. The RFID module 51 also reads the data written to the RFID tag via the antenna 52 and outputs the read data to the control unit 6. The RFID reader / writer 5 is configured so that it can read and write to the RFID tag of the RFID paper Prf stopped at the registration roller 23, with settings for the placement, orientation and directivity of the antenna 52, the reception threshold of the radio wave intensity (RSSI) returned from the RFID tag, and the transmission power to the RFID tag, i.e., the radio wave intensity transmitted to the RFID tag.

[0030] The RFID tags embedded in the RFID paper Prf are passive types that do not have batteries. They operate using received radio waves and transmit the data written on them. Therefore, if the radio wave strength transmitted from the antenna 52 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is weak, the RFID reader / writer 5 can only acquire data from RFID tags that are close to the antenna 52. Similarly, if the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tags received by the antenna 52 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is high, the RFID reader / writer 5 can only acquire data from RFID tags that are close to the antenna 52. In other words, even if the transmitted radio wave strength is strong, if the reception threshold is high, data cannot be acquired from the RFID tags, and even if the reception threshold is low, if the transmitted radio wave strength is weak, data cannot be acquired from the RFID tags.

[0031] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, the antenna 52 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is positioned, oriented, and directivity such that the standard writable area ER0, which is the specified transmission / reception range of the antenna 52 when the RFID reader / writer 5 is at a specified reception threshold and radio wave intensity, covers the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf stopped by the registration roller 23.

[0032] By lowering the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag, the transmission and reception range of the antenna 52 can be expanded even if the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag remains the same. Furthermore, even if the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag remains the same, increasing the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag will also expand the transmission and reception range of the antenna 52. However, if this transmission and reception range of the antenna 52 is expanded too much, for example, RFID tags on RFID paper Prf set in the paper feed cassette 20A or manual feed tray 20D, or RFID tags on RFID paper Prf ejected to the paper output section 29, will enter the transmission and reception range. Therefore, there is a limit to the transmission and reception range in which such RFID tags on RFID paper Prf should not be included. In this specification, this limiting transmission and reception range is referred to as the access limit area ER1. This access limit area ER1 varies depending on the placement, orientation, and directivity of the antenna 52. For example, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, this access limit area ER1 is the range that does not include the pickup roller 21A of the nearest paper feed cassette 20A.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 100 has a fixed-position tag TG attached to a fixed location on the boundary of the access limit area ER1. The fixed-position tag TG is an RFID tag attached to the antenna 52 of the RFID reader / writer 5 at a predetermined fixed position. The EPC area of ​​this fixed-position tag TG contains a predetermined value as identification data indicating that it is a fixed-position tag TG. Therefore, when the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag is lowered, or the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag is increased, if the RFID reader / writer 5 reads the predetermined value from the RFID tag indicating that the tag is a fixed-position tag TG, it means that the transmission and reception range has expanded to the access limit area ER1. It is desirable that the chip type of the fixed-position tag TG is the same as the chip type of the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf. Therefore, each time the type of RFID paper Prf used is changed, the fixed-position tag TG attached to the fixed position is also replaced.

[0034] An example of the circuit configuration of the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the control unit 6. The control unit 6 includes, as an example, a processor 61, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 63, an auxiliary storage device 64, a scanner interface 65, a printer interface 66, an input / output interface 67, an RFID reader / writer interface 68, a communication interface 69, and an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 70.

[0035] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer that performs calculations and control necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. Based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in ROM 62 or an auxiliary storage device 64, the processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the image forming apparatus 100. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 61 is a combination of several of these.

[0036] ROM 62 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium and corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around the processor 61. ROM 62 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 62 stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 61 in performing various processes.

[0037] RAM63 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around the processor 61. RAM63 is memory used for reading and writing data. RAM63 is used as a so-called work area, where the processor 61 temporarily stores data while performing various processes.

[0038] The auxiliary storage device 64 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium and corresponds to the auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 61. The auxiliary storage device 64 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 64 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data generated by processing by the processor 61, or various setting values.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 100 may also be equipped with an interface that allows the insertion of a removable storage medium such as an optical disc, memory card, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, in place of or in addition to the auxiliary storage device 64.

[0040] The program stored in ROM 62 or auxiliary storage device 64 includes a program for executing the processing described later. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 is transferred to the administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 with the program stored in ROM 62 or auxiliary storage device 64. However, the image forming apparatus 100 may also be transferred to the administrator without the program being stored in ROM 62 or auxiliary storage device 64. The program for executing the processing described later may be transferred separately to the administrator and written to ROM 62 or auxiliary storage device 64 under the operation of the administrator or service technician. The transfer of the program in this case can be achieved, for example, by recording it on a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by downloading it via a network.

[0041] The scanner interface 65 is the interface with the scanner 1. The scanner interface 65 transmits control signals to the scanner 1, which are output from the processor 61, to control the operation of each part within the scanner 1. The scanner interface 65 also receives image data of the document and operation status signals indicating the operating status of each part within the scanner 1 from the scanner 1, and inputs them to the processor 61.

[0042] The printer interface 66 is the interface with printer 2. The printer interface 66 transmits control signals from processor 61 to printer 2 to control the operation of each part inside printer 2. The printer interface 66 also receives operation status signals from printer 2 indicating the operating status of each part inside printer 2 and inputs them to processor 61.

[0043] The input / output interface 67 is an interface with the operation panel 4. The input / output interface 67 transmits to the operation panel 4 the content to be displayed on the display unit 4a output from the processor 61. The input / output interface 67 also receives information entered on the touch panel 4b or buttons from the operation panel 4 and inputs it to the processor 61.

[0044] The RFID reader / writer interface 68 is an interface with the RFID reader / writer 5. The RFID reader / writer interface 68 transmits data to be written to the RFID tags on the RFID paper Prf to the RFID reader / writer 5. The RFID reader / writer interface 68 also receives data read from the RFID tags by the RFID reader / writer 5 and inputs it to the processor 61.

[0045] The communication interface 69 is a wired or wireless interface that communicates with server devices and user terminals via a network or the like, and receives data such as image data indicating images to be printed on paper and data to be written to RFID tags, as well as control information such as the selection of printing paper and the number of copies to be printed.

[0046] RTC70 refers to a clock or a circuit that incorporates a clock function.

[0047] An example of the configuration of the processor 61 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processor 61. The processor 61 includes an RFID paper transport control unit 611, an RFID recognition unit 612, an RFID read / write control unit 613, an RFID write determination unit 614, an RFID paper printing control unit 615, and a notification control unit 616. The processor 61 realizes the functions of each of these units, the RFID paper transport control unit 611, the RFID recognition unit 612, the RFID read / write control unit 613, the RFID write determination unit 614, the RFID paper printing control unit 615, and the notification control unit 616, by executing a program stored in a ROM 62 or an auxiliary storage device 64, etc. Furthermore, these RFID paper transport control unit 611, RFID recognition unit 612, RFID read / write control unit 613, RFID write determination unit 614, RFID paper printing control unit 615, and notification control unit 616 may be implemented by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC, and FPGA, which have functions similar to those of the processor 61 that execute programs.

[0048] The RFID paper transport control unit 611 controls the transport of RFID paper Prf by controlling the drive of each roller in the transport unit 22 of the printer 2 via the printer interface 66.

[0049] The RFID recognition unit 612 controls the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to control the reading of identification data, including initial data, written in the EPC area of ​​the RFID tag or fixed-position tag TG on the RFID paper Prf. The RFID recognition unit 612 then recognizes the RFID tag based on the identification data read from the EPC area, which is input from the RFID reader / writer 5. If the RFID tag cannot be recognized, the RFID recognition unit 612 controls the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to lower the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag or increase the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag, causing the RFID reader / writer 5 to re-read the identification data.

[0050] The RFID read / write control unit 613 controls the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to control the writing of data to the user area of ​​recognized RFID tags on the RFID paper Prf and the reading of data from the user area.

[0051] The RFID write determination unit 614 determines whether the write operation was successful or unsuccessful by comparing the data read by the RFID reader / writer 5 with the data instructed to be written. If the RFID reader / writer 5 itself has a data verification function, the RFID write determination unit 614 may determine the success or failure of the write operation based on the verification result input from the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68, without performing a data comparison.

[0052] The RFID paper printing control unit 615 controls the printer 2 via the printer interface 66, thereby controlling printing on the RFID paper Prf, i.e., image formation.

[0053] The notification control unit 616 notifies the user of the status of the RFID paper Prf depending on the success or failure of data writing to the RFID tag when the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag is lowered or the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag is increased. Specifically, if the writing is successful, the notification control unit 616 instructs the RFID paper transport control unit 611 to eject a blank RFID paper Prf without any image specified by the user into the upper paper ejection tray 29B, which is the second paper ejection unit of the paper ejection unit 29. By ejecting this blank paper, the user can be notified that the status of the RFID paper Prf is that it has an RFID tag that is poorly responsive or difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations. Furthermore, in the event of a write failure, the notification control unit 616 instructs the RFID paper printing control unit 615 to print a predetermined incompatibility mark on the RFID paper Prf, representing the status of the RFID paper Prf rather than an arbitrary image specified by the user, and then instructs the RFID paper transport control unit 611 to eject the RFID paper Prf into the upper paper output tray 29B. By printing this incompatibility mark, the user can be notified that the status of the RFID paper Prf is incompatible with the image forming apparatus 100. The notification control unit 616 also displays the status of the RFID paper Prf on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4 via the input / output interface 67.

[0054] The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Note that the processing described below is merely an example, and various other processes capable of achieving similar effects can be used as appropriate.

[0055] Figures 5 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of RFID processing related to data writing and printing on RFID paper Prf, which is part of the operation of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. The processor 61 executes this processing based on a program stored in the ROM 62 or an auxiliary storage device 64, etc. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of the processor 61 is assumed to transition from ACTx (where x is a natural number) to ACT(x+1).

[0056] When the image forming apparatus 100 receives arbitrary image data representing the image to be printed on the RFID paper Prf and arbitrary user data to be written to the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf from a server device or user terminal via the communication interface 69, it starts the processing shown in Figure 5. The received image data and user data can be stored in the RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64.

[0057] In ACT11, the processor 61 operates as an RFID paper transport control unit 611 and transports the RFID paper Prf by controlling the printer 2 via the printer interface 66. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the processor 61 causes the pickup roller 21A to pick up one sheet of RFID paper Prf set in the paper feed cassette 20A and transport it to the registration roller 23.

[0058] In ACT12, the processor 61 determines whether the RFID paper Prf has reached the light position. In this embodiment, the light position corresponds to the position of the registration roller 23. Therefore, here, the determination is made as to whether the RFID paper Prf being transported in the transport unit 22 has reached the registration roller 23. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may have a detector, such as a mechanical switch or an optical sensor, for detecting when the paper has reached the registration roller 23. The processor 61 can perform this determination in ACT12 by acquiring the output of this detector via the printer interface 66. Based on the determination that the RFID paper Prf has not reached the light position (ACT12, NO), the processor 61 repeats the processing operation of ACT12. In this way, the processor 61 waits for the RFID paper Prf to reach the registration roller 23.

[0059] Based on the determination that the RFID paper Prf has reached the light position (ACT12, YES), the processor 61 temporarily stops the transport of the RFID paper Prf by controlling the transport unit 22 of the printer 2 via the printer interface 66 in ACT13.

[0060] In ACT14, the processor 61 operates as an RFID recognition unit 612 and reads the RFID tag (hereinafter referred to as tag A) on the RFID paper Prf. Specifically, the processor 61 instructs the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to read the data written on tag A. Upon receiving this instruction, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 emits electromagnetic waves from the antenna 52 for a specified time to read the data written on tag A of the RFID paper Prf which is stopped at the light position. Tag A receives these electromagnetic waves and emits the data recorded in its memory area. The RFID module 51 outputs the data received from tag A by the antenna 52 as read data. The processor 61 acquires this read data output from the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68.

[0061] In ACT15, the processor 61 determines whether the reading of the data from tag A on the RFID paper Prf was successful, that is, whether tag A has been recognized. Specifically, the processor 61 determines whether it was able to read the initial data contained in the identification data written in the EPC area of ​​tag A as read data acquired from the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68. If the initial data was read, the processor 61 can recognize what kind of RFID tag tag A is. If the initial data was not read, that is, if the reading of tag A failed (ACT15, NO), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT24, which will be described later.

[0062] Based on the determination that the read of tag A was successful (ACT15, YES), in ACT16, the processor 61 operates as an RFID read / write control unit 613 and writes data to the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf. Specifically, the processor 61 transmits to the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 the user data to be written to the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf, which is stored in the RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64, and identification data related to the user data. Upon receiving this data, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 performs the writing to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, which is stopped in the write position. Specifically, the RFID module 51 emits electromagnetic waves for writing the data, which is the writing information, using the antenna 52. Upon receiving these electromagnetic waves, the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf writes the user data to its user area and the identification data to its EPC area.

[0063] In ACT17, the processor 61 reads the data written to the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf. Specifically, the processor 61 instructs the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to read data from the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf. Upon receiving this instruction, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 emits electromagnetic waves from the antenna 52 for a specified time to read the data written to the RFID tag. The RFID tag receives these electromagnetic waves and emits the data recorded in its memory area. The RFID module 51 outputs the data received from the RFID tag by the antenna 52 as read data. The processor 61 acquires this read data output from the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68.

[0064] In ACT18, the processor 61 operates as an RFID write determination unit 614 to determine whether the data writing from the RFID paper Prf to the RFID tag was successful or not. Specifically, the processor 61 determines whether the data writing was successful or unsuccessful by comparing the read user data input from the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 with the user data instructed to be written stored in the RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64. Based on the determination that the data writing was unsuccessful, i.e., that the data writing was unsuccessful (ACT18, NO), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT21, which will be described later.

[0065] Based on the determination that the data write was successful (ACT18, YES), in ACT19, the processor 61 operates as the notification control unit 616 and causes the RFID paper transport control unit 611 and the RFID paper printing control unit 615 to perform normal printing. Specifically, the processor 61 operates as the RFID paper printing control unit 615 and, via the printer interface 66, causes the image forming unit 24 of the printer 2 to transfer (primary transfer) a toner image corresponding to the image data stored in the RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64 onto the transfer belt 26. At the same time, the processor 61 operates as the RFID paper transport control unit 611 and resumes transporting the RFID paper Prf, which has been temporarily stopped at the position of the registration roller 23, which is the write position. Specifically, the processor 61 resumes driving each roller of the transport unit 22 of the printer 2 via the printer interface 66. As a result, the previously paused RFID paper Prf is transported to the transfer position at the time the image is transferred from the transfer belt 26 to the RFID paper Prf, and the toner image that was transferred on the transfer belt 26 is secondarily transferred to the RFID paper Prf. In this way, the image is printed on the RFID paper Prf on which the data has been written to the RFID tag.

[0066] In ACT20, the processor 61 operates as an RFID paper transport control unit 611 to normally eject the RFID paper Prf on which data has been written to the RFID tag and an image has been printed. Specifically, the processor 61 switches the flapper 22E in the transport unit 22 of the printer 2 to the lower paper output tray 29A, which is the first paper output unit of the paper output unit 29, via the printer interface 66, in order to set a first transport path for the RFID paper Prf. As a result, the RFID paper Prf on which data has been written to the RFID tag and an image has been printed is transported along the first transport path and ejected into the lower paper output tray 29A.

[0067] Then, the processor 61 terminates the process shown in this flowchart. Note that this is the RFID processing when image formation and data writing are specified for one RFID sheet Prf. If the same image formation and data writing are specified for multiple RFID sheets Prf, or if different image formation and data writing are specified for multiple RFID sheets Prf, a completion check is performed, and if there are unformed images or unwritten data stored in the RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64, the process is repeated from ACT 11.

[0068] Based on the determination that the data write in ACT18 failed (ACT18, NO), the processor 61 determines in ACT21 whether the time limit has elapsed. Specifically, the processor 61 uses the RTC 70 to measure the elapsed time from the point in ACT15 when the read of tag A was determined to be successful, and determines whether the elapsed time has exceeded the time limit. Based on the determination that the time limit has not elapsed (ACT21, NO), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT16. In this way, the data write and read operations are retried until the time limit has elapsed.

[0069] Based on the determination that the time limit has elapsed (ACT21, YES), in ACT22, the processor 61 operates as a notification control unit 616 and causes the RFID paper transport control unit 611 and the RFID paper printing control unit 615 to print an error mark on the RFID paper Prf. Specifically, the processor 61 operates as an RFID paper printing control unit 615 and causes the RFID paper transport control unit 611 to perform void paper ejection. In this specification, void paper ejection means ejecting paper to a location different from normal paper ejection. Specifically, in order to set a second transport path as the transport path for the RFID paper Prf, the processor 61 switches the flapper 22E in the transport unit 22 of the printer 2 to the upper paper ejection tray 29B side, which is the second paper ejection unit of the paper ejection unit 29, via the printer interface 66. This restarts the transport of the RFID paper Prf, which was temporarily stopped at the register roller 23, which is the light position. The RFID paper Prf is then transported along the second transport path and ejected into the upper output tray 29B.

[0070] In ACT23, the processor 61 operates as a notification control unit 616 and displays an error on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4. Specifically, the processor 61, via the input / output interface 67, causes the display unit 4a to display the status of the blank RFID paper Prf ejected into the upper paper output tray 29B. One reason why data writing and reading to an RFID tag may fail is a malfunction of the RFID tag itself. However, in ACT15, tag A was recognized. While the EPC area of ​​tag A is fine, the possibility of a problem in the user area cannot be ruled out, but the possibility of an RFID tag malfunction is low. Therefore, the error display should, for example, show an explanation that blank paper ejected has an RFID tag that is less responsive or harder to recognize than usual, which may affect the user's experience using the paper, and that if the user still wishes to use the paper, they should reload it into the paper cassette. Needless to say, the instruction manual for this image forming apparatus 100 should also include an explanation regarding blank paper ejection.

[0071] Then, the processor 61 terminates the process shown in this flowchart. As mentioned above, if the same image formation and data writing are specified for multiple RFID paper Prfs, or if different image formation and data writing are specified for multiple RFID paper Prfs, a completion check will be performed, and the error display in ACT23 may be performed only once when completion is determined, rather than each time ACT22 ejects a void.

[0072] Furthermore, based on the determination that the reading of tag A in ACT15 failed (ACT15, NO), in ACT24, the processor 61 operates as the RFID recognition unit 612 and lowers the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag. Specifically, the processor 61 sends an instruction to the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to lower the reception threshold by one level. Upon receiving this instruction, the RFID module 51 lowers the reception threshold by one level.

[0073] In ACT25, the processor 61 reads tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT14.

[0074] In ACT26, the processor 61 determines whether the data on tag A of the RFID paper Prf was successfully read, that is, whether tag A was recognized, similar to the processing operation in ACT15. Based on the determination that the reading of tag A was successful (ACT26, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT28, which will be described later.

[0075] Based on the determination that the read of tag A failed (ACT26, NO), processor 61 determines in ACT27 whether the read of the fixed-position tag TG (hereinafter referred to as tag B) was successful. Based on the determination that the read of tag B was successful (ACT27, YES), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT39 described later. Also, based on the determination that the read of tag B failed (ACT27, NO), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT24 described above. In this way, the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag is gradually lowered until the read of tag A or tag B is successful.

[0076] Based on the determination that the read of tag A was successful in ACT26 (ACT26, YES), the processor 61 determines in ACT28 whether the read of tag B was successful. If, when attempting to read tag A in ACT25, the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag is such that it achieves the access limit region ER1, then tag B will also be read. Thus, there is a possibility of reading both tag A and tag B simultaneously. Based on the determination that the read of tag B was successful, that is, that both tag A and tag B were successfully read (ACT28, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT43, which will be described later.

[0077] Based on the determination that the read of tag B failed, meaning that only the read of tag A was successful (ACT28, NO), in ACT29, the processor 61 determines whether the identification data contained in the read data obtained from the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 in ACT25 is the same as the identification data stored in RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64 that indicates that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (a manufacturing number or an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order). Based on the determination that they are the same (ACT29, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT38, which will be described later.

[0078] Based on the determination in ACT29 that the user data written to tag A is not identical, meaning that the user data written to tag A is different from the user data that should be written to the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf (ACT29, NO), the processor 61 operates as an RFID read / write control unit 613 in ACT30 and writes data to tag A on the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT16. Specifically, it writes user data to the user area of ​​tag A and identification data to the EPC area. The identification data may include, for example, an ID indicating that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (a manufacturing number or an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order), and threshold data indicating the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag set in ACT24.

[0079] In ACT31, the processor 61 reads the data written to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT17. At this time, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is set as the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag, as set in ACT24.

[0080] In ACT32, the processor 61 operates as an RFID write determination unit 614, similar to the processing operation in ACT18, to determine whether the data writing to tag A of the RFID paper Prf was successful or not. Based on the determination that the data writing was successful (ACT32, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT34, which will be described later.

[0081] Based on the determination that the data write was unsuccessful, i.e., that the data write failed (ACT32, NO), processor 61 determines in ACT33 whether the time limit has elapsed, similar to the processing operation in ACT21. Based on the determination that the time limit has not elapsed (ACT33, NO), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation in ACT30. In this way, data writes and reads are retried until the time limit has elapsed.

[0082] Based on the determination that the time limit in ACT33 has elapsed (ACT33, YES), in ACT34, the processor 61 operates as the notification control unit 616 and causes the RFID paper transport control unit 611 and the RFID paper printing control unit 615 to print an incompatibility mark on the RFID paper Prf. Specifically, the processor 61 operates as the RFID paper printing control unit 615 and, via the printer interface 66, causes the image forming unit 24 of the printer 2 to transfer (primary transfer) a toner image corresponding to the image data of an incompatibility mark indicating that the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf is incompatible with the image forming device 100 onto the transfer belt 26. This incompatibility mark may be, for example, the word "Incompatible" directly, or it may be a diagonal line, etc. At the same time, the processor 61 operates as the RFID paper transport control unit 611 and resumes transporting the RFID paper Prf, which has been temporarily stopped at the position of the registration roller 23, which is the light position. Specifically, the processor 61 restarts the driving of each roller in the transport unit 22 of the printer 2 via the printer interface 66. As a result, the RFID paper Prf, which had been temporarily suspended, is transported to the transfer position at the time when the image is transferred from the transfer belt 26 to the RFID paper Prf, and the toner image that was transferred on the transfer belt 26 is secondarily transferred to the RFID paper Prf. In this way, the image of the incompatible mark is printed on the RFID paper Prf. It is desirable that the printing position of the incompatible mark be one of the four corners of the RFID paper Prf, or a position that does not affect the reuse of the RFID paper Prf.

[0083] In ACT35, the processor 61, similar to ACT22, void-discharges the RFID paper Prf printed with the non-compatible mark image. As a result, the RFID paper Prf printed with the non-compatible mark image is transported along the second transport path and discharged into the upper output tray 29B.

[0084] In ACT36, the processor 61 operates as a notification control unit 616 and displays an incompatibility message on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4. Specifically, the processor 61, via the input / output interface 67, causes the display unit 4a to display that the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf ejected into the upper output tray 29B cannot be used by this image forming apparatus 100, or that the incompatibility mark printed on the RFID paper Prf indicates that the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf is unusable. Needless to say, the instruction manual for this image forming apparatus 100 should also include an explanation regarding the printing of the incompatibility mark.

[0085] One reason why such RFID paper Prf is not supported by the image forming apparatus 100 is that the RFID tag is faulty. However, since tag A is recognized in ACT26, in this case, it is not a fault, but rather the RFID paper Prf has an RFID tag that is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations. Therefore, if the reception threshold is further lowered and data writing and reading are performed, data writing may be successful. However, this will take time, increasing the user's waiting time. Therefore, it is preferable to treat it as unsupported and proceed with processing a different RFID paper Prf.

[0086] Then, the processor 61 terminates the process shown in this flowchart. In this case as well, if the same image formation and data writing are specified for multiple RFID paper sheets Prf, or if different image formation and data writing are specified for multiple RFID paper sheets Prf, a completion determination is made, and the non-support display in ACT36 does not need to be performed each time a void is ejected in ACT36, but only once when completion is determined. Also, in this case, the RFID paper sheets Prf ejected into the upper output tray 29B may contain a mix of blank sheets and sheets with the non-support mark printed on them. In such cases, the error display in ACT23 and the non-support display in ACT36 may be displayed together, with their respective meanings shown only once.

[0087] Furthermore, based on the determination that the data write in ACT32 was successful (ACT32, YES), in ACT37, the processor 61 operates as the RFID recognition unit 612 and resets the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag to a specified value. After that, the processor proceeds to the processing operation of ACT22.

[0088] Thus, if the processor 61 recognizes only tag A during the process of gradually reducing the radio wave intensity, it writes identification data and user data to tag A and then ejects the RFID paper Prf as a blank sheet into the upper output tray 29B. Generally, users who use RFID paper Prf on which data has been written to the RFID tag and an image has been printed use an RFID reader set to a reception threshold smaller than the minimum reception threshold used by the image forming apparatus 100 to read the user data from the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf. Therefore, even if an image is printed on the RFID paper Prf that has been ejected as a blank sheet and provided to the user, there is a high probability that the user will be able to use the user data. Thus, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 does not discard the RFID paper Prf that has been ejected as a blank sheet, but instead sets it again into the paper feed cassette 20A or manual feed tray 20D.

[0089] For the RFID paper Prf that has been set again in this manner, the processor 61 proceeds through the processing operations of ACT11 to ACT15 and ACT24 to ACT28 as described above, and then moves on to the processing operation of ACT29. In ACT29, if it is determined that the identification data written on tag A is not identical, that is, that the identification data written on tag A is different from the identification data that indicates that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (the manufacturing number is an arbitrary ID that represents manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order) (ACT29, NO), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT30. When the RFID paper Prf that has been ejected as blank paper and set again in the paper cassette 20A or manual feed tray 20D is actually used, there may already be user data that other user data should write. In such cases, the processor 61 proceeds to write the specified user data.

[0090] In response to this, in ACT29, if the processor 61 determines that the identification data written to tag A is the same as the identification data indicating that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (a manufacturing number or an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order), then proceeds to the processing operation of ACT38. In ACT38, the processor 61 operates as an RFID read / write control unit 613 and writes data to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation of ACT30.

[0091] In ACT39, the processor 61 reads the data written to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT31. At this time, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is set as the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag, as set in ACT24.

[0092] In ACT40, the processor 61 operates as an RFID write determination unit 614, similar to the processing operation in ACT32, to determine whether the data write to tag A on the RFID paper Prf was successful. Based on the determination that the data write was successful (ACT40, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT42, which will be described later.

[0093] Based on the determination that the data write was unsuccessful, i.e., that the data write failed (ACT40, NO), processor 61 determines in ACT41 whether the time limit has elapsed, similar to the processing operation in ACT33. Based on the determination that the time limit has not elapsed (ACT41, NO), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation in ACT38. In this way, data writes and reads are retried until the time limit has elapsed.

[0094] Based on the determination that the time limit in ACT41 has elapsed (ACT41, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT34. As a result, an incompatible mark is printed on the RFID paper Prf, and it is transported along the second transport path and ejected into the upper output tray 29B.

[0095] Furthermore, based on the determination that the data write in ACT39 was successful (ACT39, YES), in ACT42, the processor 61 operates as the RFID recognition unit 612 and resets the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag to a specified value. After that, the processor proceeds to the processing operation of ACT19. As a result, the image is printed on the RFID paper Prf and ejected into the lower output tray 29A.

[0096] Furthermore, when attempting to read tag A in ACT25, if the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag is such that it achieves the access limit region ER1, then tag B will also be read. In this case, ACT27 determines that the read of tag B was successful (ACT27, YES), or ACT28 determines that the read of tag B was successful (ACT28, YES). Based on this determination that the read of tag B was successful, in ACT43, the processor 61 operates as an RFID recognition unit 612 and resets the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag to a specified value. After that, the processor proceeds to the processing operation of ACT44.

[0097] In ACT44, the processor 61 operates as an RFID recognition unit 612 to increase the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag. Specifically, the processor 61 transmits an instruction to the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 to increase the transmitted radio wave strength by one level. Upon receiving this instruction, the RFID module 51 increases the transmitted radio wave strength by one level.

[0098] In ACT45, the processor 61 reads tag A on the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT25. At this time, the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag in the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is set to a specified value.

[0099] In ACT46, the processor 61 determines whether the data on tag A of the RFID paper Prf was successfully read, that is, whether tag A was recognized, similar to the processing operation in ACT26. Based on the determination that the reading of tag A was successful (ACT46, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT48, which will be described later.

[0100] Based on the determination that the read of tag A failed (ACT46, NO), processor 61 determines in ACT47 whether the read of tag B was successful, similar to the processing operation in ACT27. Based on the determination that the read of tag B was successful (ACT47, YES), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT60, which will be described later. Also, based on the determination that the read of tag B failed (ACT47, NO), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT44. In this way, the radio wave intensity transmitted to the RFID tag is gradually increased until the read of either tag A or tag B is successful.

[0101] Based on the determination in ACT46 that the read of tag A was successful (ACT46, YES), in ACT48, the processor 61 determines whether the read of tag B was successful, similar to the processing operation in ACT28. If, when attempting to read tag A in ACT45, the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag is such that it achieves the access limit region ER1, tag B will also be read. Thus, there is a possibility of reading both tag A and tag B simultaneously. Based on the determination that the read of tag B was successful, that is, that both tag A and tag B were successfully read (ACT48, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT60, which will be described later.

[0102] Based on the determination that the read of tag B failed, meaning that only the read of tag A was successful (ACT48, NO), in ACT49, the processor 61 determines, similar to ACT29, whether the identification data contained in the read data obtained from the RFID reader / writer 5 via the RFID reader / writer interface 68 in ACT45 is the same as the identification data stored in RAM 63 or auxiliary storage device 64 that indicates that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (a manufacturing number or an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order). Based on the determination that they are the same (ACT49, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT55, which will be described later.

[0103] Based on the determination in ACT49 that the identification data written to tag A is not identical, meaning that the identification data written to tag A is different from the identification data that indicates that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (the manufacturing number is an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order) (ACT49, NO), the processor 61 operates as an RFID read / write control unit 613 in ACT50 and writes data to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT30. At this time, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is set to the radio wave strength to be transmitted to the RFID tag as set in ACT44. Specifically, user data is written to the user area of ​​tag A, and identification data is written to the EPC area. The identification data may include, for example, an ID indicating that the RFID tag is a poorly responding tag due to manufacturing variations (a manufacturing number or an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, such as a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order), and radio wave strength data indicating the radio wave strength to be transmitted to the RFID tag set in ACT44.

[0104] In ACT51, the processor 61 reads the data written to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT31. At this time, the reception threshold for the radio wave strength returned from the RFID tag in the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is set to a predetermined value.

[0105] In ACT52, the processor 61 operates as an RFID write determination unit 614, similar to the processing operation in ACT32, to determine whether the data write to tag A on the RFID paper Prf was successful or not. Based on the determination that the data write was successful (ACT52, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT54, which will be described later.

[0106] Based on the determination that the data write was unsuccessful, i.e., that the data write failed (ACT52, NO), processor 61 determines in ACT53 whether the time limit has elapsed, similar to the processing operation in ACT33. Based on the determination that the time limit has not elapsed (ACT53, NO), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation in ACT50. In this way, data writes and reads are retried until the time limit has elapsed.

[0107] Based on the determination that the data write in ACT52 was successful (ACT52, YES), in ACT54, the processor 61 operates as the RFID recognition unit 612 and resets the radio wave intensity to be transmitted to the RFID tag to a specified value. After that, the processor proceeds to the processing operation of ACT22.

[0108] In this way, the processor 61 gradually increases the radio wave intensity transmitted to the RFID tag, and if it recognizes only tag A, it writes identification data and user data to tag A and then ejects the RFID paper Prf as blank paper into the upper output tray 29B. Generally, users who use RFID paper Prf on which data has been written to the RFID tag and an image has been printed use an RFID reader set to a radio wave intensity stronger than the maximum transmission radio wave intensity used by the image forming apparatus 100 to read the user data from the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf. Therefore, even if an image is printed on the RFID paper Prf that has been ejected as blank paper and provided to the user, there is a high possibility that the user will be able to use the user data. Thus, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 does not discard the RFID paper Prf that has been ejected as blank paper, but instead sets it again in the paper cassette 20A or manual feed tray 20D.

[0109] For the RFID paper Prf that has been set again in this manner, the processor 61 proceeds through the processing operations of ACT11 to ACT15, ACT24 to ACT27, and ACT43 to ACT48 as described above, and then moves on to the processing operation of ACT49. In ACT49, if it is determined that the identification data written on tag A is not identical, that is, that the identification data written on tag A is different from the identification data that indicates that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (the manufacturing number is an arbitrary ID that represents manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order) (ACT49, NO), the processor 61 moves on to the processing operation of ACT50.

[0110] In response to this, in ACT49, if the processor 61 determines that the identification data written to tag A is the same as the identification data indicating that the RFID tag is difficult to recognize due to manufacturing variations (a manufacturing number or an arbitrary ID representing manufacturing variations, for example, a sequence of numbers from 1 to 9 repeated in order), then proceeds to the processing operation of ACT55. In ACT55, the processor 61 operates as an RFID read / write control unit 613 and writes data to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation of ACT50.

[0111] In ACT56, the processor 61 reads the data written to tag A of the RFID paper Prf, similar to the processing operation in ACT51. At this time, the RFID module 51 of the RFID reader / writer 5 is set to the radio wave strength to be transmitted to the RFID tag as set in ACT44.

[0112] In ACT57, the processor 61 operates as an RFID write determination unit 614, similar to the processing operation in ACT52, to determine whether the data write to tag A of the RFID paper Prf was successful or not. Based on the determination that the data write was successful (ACT57, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT59, which will be described later.

[0113] Based on the determination that the data write was unsuccessful, i.e., that the data write failed (ACT57, NO), processor 61 determines in ACT58 whether the time limit has elapsed, similar to the processing operation in ACT53. Based on the determination that the time limit has not elapsed (ACT58, NO), processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation in ACT55. In this way, data writes and reads are retried until the time limit has elapsed.

[0114] Based on the determination that the time limit in ACT58 has elapsed (ACT58, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT34. As a result, an incompatible mark is printed on the RFID paper Prf, and it is transported along the second transport path and ejected into the upper output tray 29B.

[0115] Furthermore, based on the determination that the data write in ACT57 was successful (ACT57, YES), in ACT59, the processor 61 operates as the RFID recognition unit 612 and resets the radio wave intensity to be transmitted to the RFID tag to a specified value. After that, the processor proceeds to the processing operation of ACT19. As a result, the image is printed on the RFID paper Prf and ejected into the lower output tray 29A.

[0116] Furthermore, based on the determination that the time limit in ACT53 has elapsed (ACT53, YES), the processor 61 proceeds to the processing operation of ACT34. As a result, the RFID paper Prf, after having the incompatibility mark printed on it, is transported along the second transport path and ejected into the upper paper output tray 29B, and an incompatibility display is shown on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4.

[0117] Furthermore, when attempting to read tag A in ACT45, if the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag is such that it achieves the access limit region ER1, tag B will also be read. In this case, ACT48 determines that the read of tag B was successful (ACT48, YES), or ACT47 determines that the read of tag B was successful (ACT47, YES). Note that if ACT48 determines that both tag A and tag B have been recognized simultaneously, transmitting to tag A with that radio wave strength for data writing would result in data being written to tags other than tag A. Therefore, proceeding to the processing operation of ACT50 should be avoided. Accordingly, based on the determination that the read of tag B was successful, in ACT60, the processor 61 operates as an RFID recognition unit 612 and resets the radio wave strength transmitted to the RFID tag to a specified value. After that, the processor proceeds to the processing operation of ACT34. As a result, after an incompatibility mark is printed on the RFID paper Prf, it is transported along the second transport path and ejected into the upper output tray 29B, and an incompatibility display is shown on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4.

[0118] As described in detail above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment includes a transfer unit 27 that transfers the toner image of the image formed on the transfer belt 26 by the image forming unit 24 to the RFID paper Prf having an RFID tag, i.e., prints an image; an RFID reader / writer 5 that communicates with the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf at a position between the paper feed cassette or manual feed tray 20D and the transfer unit 27, writes data to the RFID tag, and reads the data written on the RFID tag; and a processor 61 of the control unit 6 that controls the transport unit 22, the image forming unit 24, the transfer belt 26 and the transfer unit 27, and the RFID reader / writer 5. Thus, the RFID tag is a target wireless tag, i.e., tag A, which is a wireless tag on which data is to be written, and the RFID paper Prf is a medium having tag A. Furthermore, the image forming unit 24, transfer belt 26, and transfer unit 27 are image forming units that form arbitrary images on a medium having tag A, and the RFID reader / writer 5 is a wireless tag communication device that is positioned in a predetermined location relative to the image forming unit and communicates with tag A to write data to tag A and read data written to tag A. The processor 61 of the control unit 6 is a control unit that controls the image forming unit and the wireless tag communication device. Furthermore, according to the image forming apparatus 100 of one embodiment, prior to the RFID reader / writer 5 writing arbitrary data to the tag A on the RFID paper Prf, the processor 61 recognizes the tag A by having the RFID reader / writer 5 read data pre-stored in the EPC area of ​​the tag A, for example, initial data included in the identification data. If recognition of the tag A fails, the processor 61 performs at least one of the following: gradually lowering the reception threshold of the radio signal strength (RSSI) returned from the tag A, and gradually increasing the radio signal strength transmitted to the tag A, thereby having the RFID reader / writer 5 read the data pre-stored in the EPC area and re-recognizing the tag A on the RFID paper Prf. For RFID paper Prf on which the tag A has been recognized in this re-recognition, the processor 61 notifies the user that it is a re-recognition-specific medium on which the RFID tag has been recognized in the re-recognition.A user who receives this notification can identify media in which tag A was recognized after re-recognition, even if tag A was not initially recognized. In other words, the user can identify media in which data writing would normally fail under normal settings, but which can be written to by changing the settings. Therefore, the user can use the media in which data writing would normally fail without discarding it. Thus, according to one embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that enables the reuse of media having wireless tags that fail to write data.

[0119] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment further includes a transport unit 22 that transports RFID paper Prf having a tag A one sheet at a time from a paper feed cassette (e.g., paper feed cassette 20A) or manual feed tray 20D that can hold one or more sheets of RFID paper Prf having a tag A. The processor 61, which is the control unit, transports the re-recognized media to a predetermined output position in the transport unit without having the image forming unit form an arbitrary image, unlike RFID paper Prf with a tag A recognized in the normal settings. Thus, according to one embodiment, the processor 61 can easily notify the user of the re-recognized media by making it blank and changing the output position. Furthermore, by outputting it as blank paper without printing, that is, by avoiding unnecessary printing, toner can be saved. Also, because it is blank paper, the re-recognized media can be reused as regular paper (paper without RFID).

[0120] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 further comprises at least a lower paper output tray 29A, which is a first paper output section, and an upper paper output tray 29B, which is a second paper output section. The processor, which is a control unit, and the transport unit 22 transport the RFID paper Prf, on which an arbitrary image has been formed and arbitrary data has been written to the tag A, to the lower paper output tray 29A, and transport the re-recognized media to the upper paper output tray 29B, which is a predetermined paper output position. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the processor 61 can easily notify the user of the re-recognized media by ejecting it to the upper paper output tray 29B.

[0121] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment further includes a fixed-position wireless tag TG, which is a fixed-position wireless tag attached at a predetermined position. The processor 61, which is the control unit, recognizes the fixed-position tag TG by reading, for example, initial data pre-stored in the fixed-position tag TG using the RFID reader / writer 5 when re-recognizing tag A. Once the fixed-position tag TG is recognized, the processor notifies the user that the RFID paper Prf having tag A is an incompatible medium with an incompatible RFID tag that cannot be used with the image forming apparatus 100. Upon receiving this notification, the user can find out that even if tag A is not recognized, the RFID paper Prf may be usable with another device. Therefore, according to one embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that enables the reuse of media having a wireless tag that fails to write data.

[0122] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment, the processor 61, which is the control unit, causes the image forming unit to form an image indicating that the RFID paper Prf having an incompatible tag A is incompatible, and then causes the transport unit to transport it to a predetermined paper output position. Thus, according to one embodiment, the processor 61 can easily notify the user of incompatible media by forming an image indicating that it is incompatible and by changing the paper output position.

[0123] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment, a registration roller 23 is positioned in front of the transfer unit 27 to temporarily pause the transported RFID paper Prf. The RFID reader / writer 5 is positioned to communicate with the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf at the position where the RFID paper Prf is temporarily paused by the registration roller 23. The processor 61, which is the control unit, controls the RFID reader / writer 5 to write and read data to the RFID tag when the RFID paper Prf is temporarily paused by the registration roller 23. In this way, since the writing and reading of data to the RFID tag by the RFID reader / writer 5 can be performed while the RFID paper Prf is paused, reliable data writing and reading can be achieved.

[0124] Although one embodiment has been described above, the embodiments are not limited to this.

[0125] For example, in the above embodiment, the first output tray 29A is used to eject the RFID paper Prf with data written on it and an image printed on it, and the second output tray 29B is used to eject the re-recognized media or incompatible media. However, the order may be reversed. Also, if the output destination of the RFID paper Prf is specified by the user, the second output tray can be the output tray that is not specified. If there are three or more output trays, any output tray other than the output tray designated as the first output tray can be designated as the second output tray. Furthermore, if there are three or more output trays, it is also possible to separate the output tray for ejecting the re-recognized media from the output tray for ejecting the incompatible media.

[0126] In one embodiment, the reception threshold for the signal strength (RSSI) returned from tag A is first gradually lowered, and then the signal strength transmitted to tag A is gradually increased. However, the order may be reversed, and the reception threshold and the transmitted signal strength may be changed at the same time instead of separately.

[0127] In one embodiment, data write and read retries to tag A are repeated until a time limit is reached. However, the decision to repeat may be based on the number of retries rather than time.

[0128] In one embodiment, error or non-compliance notifications are displayed on the display unit 4a of the operation panel 4. However, error notifications or non-compliance notifications may also be sent via the communication interface 69 to the server device or user terminal, which is the source of the arbitrary image data indicating the image to be printed on the RFID paper Prf and the arbitrary user data to be written to the RFID tag on the RFID paper Prf.

[0129] Furthermore, the flow of each process described with reference to the flowchart is not limited to the procedures described. For example, the void paper output process in ACT22 and the error display process in ACT23 may be performed in reverse order, or they may be performed simultaneously. In this way, several processes may be performed simultaneously, the order of some processes may be changed, and the processing content of some processes may be modified.

[0130] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an MFP as the image forming apparatus 100, it goes without saying that a printer without a scanner could also be used.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the program is pre-stored in the ROM 62 or auxiliary storage device 64 of the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this regard, programs that are transferred separately from the image forming apparatus may be written to a writable storage device provided by the image forming apparatus 100 in response to operations by an administrator or the like. The transfer of these programs, etc., can be carried out by storing them on a removable computer-readable storage medium or by communication over a network. The computer-readable storage medium can take any form as long as it can store programs and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0132] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 100…Image forming apparatus, 1…Scanner, 2…Printer, 20A,20B,20C…Paper feed cassette, 20D…Manual feed tray, 21A,21B,21C,21D…Pickup roller, 22…Conveyor unit, 22A,22B,22C,22D…Conveyor roller, 22E…Flapper, 23…Registration roller, 24Y,24M,24C,24K…Image forming unit, 25…Exposure unit, 26…Transfer belt, 27…Transfer unit, 28…Fuser, 29…Paper output unit, 29A…Lower paper output tray, 29B…Upper paper output tray, 4…Operation panel 4, 4a…Display unit, 4b…Touch panel, 5…RFID reader / writer, 51…RFID module, 52…Antenna, 6…Control unit, 61…Processor, 611...RFID paper transport control unit, 612...RFID recognition unit, 613...RFID read / write control unit, 614...RFID write determination unit, 615...RFID paper printing control unit, 616...Notification control unit, 62...ROM, 63...RAM, 64...Auxiliary storage device, 65...Scanner interface, 66...Printer interface, 67...Input / output interface, 68...RFID reader / writer interface, 69...Communication interface, 70...RTC, ER0...Standard writable area, ER1...Access limit area, Prf...RFID paper, Pst...Normal paper, TG...Position fixed tag.

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms an arbitrary image on a medium having a target wireless tag, which is a wireless tag to be written to; A wireless tag communication device is positioned in a predetermined location relative to the image forming unit and communicates with the target wireless tag on the medium to write data to the target wireless tag and to read data written to the target wireless tag. A control unit that controls the image forming unit and the wireless tag communication device, Prior to writing arbitrary data to the target wireless tag by the wireless tag communication device, the target wireless tag is recognized by reading data previously stored in the target wireless tag by the wireless tag communication device. If the recognition of the target wireless tag fails, the wireless tag communication device reads the pre-stored data by gradually lowering the reception threshold of the radio wave strength returned from the target wireless tag and gradually increasing the radio wave strength transmitted to the target wireless tag, thereby re-recognizing the target wireless tag. For media that have recognized the target wireless tag in the aforementioned re-recognition, the user will be notified that it is the re-recognition target wireless tag media that has been recognized in the aforementioned re-recognition. Control unit and An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The system further comprises a transport unit for transporting the media having the target wireless tag, The control unit causes the re-recognized media to be transported to a predetermined paper output position by the transport unit without causing the image forming unit to form the arbitrary image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises at least first and second paper output sections, The control unit controls the transport unit. The media on which the arbitrary image is formed and the arbitrary data is written to the target wireless tag is transported to the first paper output unit. The aforementioned re-recognized media is transported to the second paper output section, which is the predetermined paper output position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. It also includes a display unit, The control unit, The display unit is made to display an indication that the re-recognized media is to be transported to the specified paper output position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. It is further equipped with a position-fixed wireless tag that is attached to a predetermined location, The control unit, During the re-recognition of the target wireless tag, the wireless tag communication device further reads data previously stored in the fixed-position wireless tag to recognize the fixed-position wireless tag. If the fixed-position wireless tag is recognized, the user is notified that the media having the target wireless tag is a media having a wireless tag that cannot be used with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images