Image forming apparatus, image forming processing system, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device, an image forming processing system, and an information processing program that do not need to provide a dedicated device for detecting the proximity of a user, and reduce the possibility of erroneously detecting the proximity of a person who is not a user to be detected as detection of the user.SOLUTION: An image forming device of an embodiment includes a forming unit, a communication unit, a reading / writing unit, a reading unit, and a determination unit. When an image is formed on a print medium by the forming unit, the reading / writing unit uses the communication unit to write data to a wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is formed, or to read data from the wireless tag. If the communication unit becomes able to communicate with the wireless tag that stores a user's identifier when image formation involving data writing or data reading by the reading / writing unit is not performed, the reading unit reads the identifier from the wireless tag using the communication unit. The determination unit determines that the user is in close proximity if the identifier read by the reading unit is an identifier that satisfies a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming processing system, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Many image forming devices perform power-saving operations to reduce power consumption during standby. However, there are cases where image forming operations cannot be performed for a while after the power-saving operation is canceled. Therefore, image forming devices are known that cancel the power-saving operation when a person approaches and prepare to perform the image forming operation. However, it is necessary to provide a motion sensor or the like to detect the proximity of a person. Furthermore, a typical motion sensor such as an infrared sensor will determine that a person who is not using the image forming device is approaching even if they simply pass through the detection range. Given these circumstances, it was desirable to have a function for detecting the proximity of a user, without the need for a dedicated device for that detection, and to reduce the possibility of mistakenly detecting the proximity of a person who is not the user to be detected as a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-234106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming processing system, and an information processing program that have a function for detecting the proximity of a user, but do not require a dedicated device for that detection, and that can reduce the possibility of mistakenly detecting the proximity of a person who is not the user to be detected as the detection of a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a forming unit, a communication unit, a read / write unit, a reading unit, and a determination unit. The forming unit forms an image on a print medium. The communication unit wirelessly communicates with a wireless tag. When the forming unit forms an image on a print medium, the reading / writing unit uses the communication unit to write data to a wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed or read data from the wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed. When image formation involving at least one of data writing and data reading by the read / write unit is not being performed, the reading unit uses the communication unit to read an identifier from a wireless tag that stores a user's identifier when communication between the wireless tag and the communication unit becomes possible. The determination unit determines that a user is in proximity if the identifier read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mechanical configuration of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration related to control of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the server shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a control process by the processor shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a control process by the processor shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a control process by the processor shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sequence of communication performed between a server and a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, an image forming processing system including a multifunction peripheral having the functions of an image forming apparatus will be described as an example.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming processing system according to this embodiment. 1 is an example of an image forming processing system including a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100 installed in a workplace such as an office. This image forming processing system is configured so that the plurality of multifunction peripherals 100, a server 200, and a plurality of user terminals 300 can communicate with each other via a communication network 400.

[0009] The multifunction peripheral 100 is a device that realizes multiple functions that involve image formation operations, such as a print function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The multifunction peripheral 100 may also realize functions that do not involve image formation operations, such as a scan function and a data failure management function. The multifunction peripheral 100 has at least a function for printing in response to a print request from the user terminal 300 (hereinafter referred to as a network print function) and a function for forming an image on print paper while communicating with an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag attached to the same print paper (hereinafter referred to as an RFID print function), and may have any other functions. The multifunction peripheral 100 is also called an MFP (multi function peripheral).

[0010] The server 200 functions as a print server that manages and mediates print requests from the user terminal 300 to the multifunction peripheral 100. In this embodiment, the server 200 is a local server. However, the server 200 may also be a web server or a cloud server.

[0011] The user terminal 300 manages various types of data and requests printing by the multifunction peripheral 100 based on that data via the communication network 400. The user terminal 300 is an information processing device used by a user of the multifunction peripheral 100 in the workplace. As the user terminal 300, any of various types of information processing devices may be used, such as a desktop computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone.

[0012] The communication network 400 may be the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like, either singly or in appropriate combination. As an example, a LAN is used as the communication network 400.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the mechanical configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100. Note that Fig. 2 does not strictly represent the mechanical configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100, and the shapes and positional relationships of some elements may differ from the actual configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a scanner 101, a printer 102, and a tag reader / writer 103.

[0014] The scanner 101 reads an image of an original document and generates corresponding image data. The scanner 101 uses an image sensor, such as a line sensor using a CCD (charge-coupled device), to generate image data according to a reflected light image from the surface of the original document to be read. The scanner 101 scans an original document placed on a platen using an image sensor that moves along the original document. Alternatively, the scanner 101 scans an original document transported by an ADF (auto document feeder) using a fixed image sensor.

[0015] The printer 102 forms an image on a print medium, which is the target of image formation, using an electrophotographic method. The print medium is typically print paper such as cut paper. Therefore, the following description will be given assuming that print paper is used as the print medium. However, the print medium may be a paper sheet other than cut paper, or a sheet material made of a material other than paper, such as resin, may also be used. The printer 102 has a color printing function for printing color images on print paper and a monochrome printing function for printing monochrome images on print paper. The printer 102 forms color images by overlaying elemental images using toner of three colors, for example, yellow, magenta, and cyan, or four colors, including these, plus black. The printer 102 also forms monochrome images using, for example, black toner. However, the printer 102 may have only one of the color printing function and the monochrome printing function.

[0016] The tag reader / writer 103 is provided, for example, as an optional unit separate from the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100, and is attached to the side of the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the tag reader / writer 103 may be attached to another position, such as the front of the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100. The tag reader / writer 103 may also be built into the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100. The tag reader / writer 103 is a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an RFID tag, which is an example of a wireless tag. The tag reader / writer 103 reads data stored in the RFID tag. The tag reader / writer 103 writes arbitrary data to the RFID tag. The RFID tag is attached to a print sheet that is transported in the printer 102 for image formation. Alternatively, the RFID tag may be built into, for example, an ID (identification) card carried by the user.

[0017] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the printer 102 includes a paper feed unit 1, a print engine 2, a fixing unit 3, an ADU (automatic duplexing unit) 4, and a paper discharge tray 5. The paper feed unit 1 includes paper feed cassettes 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3, pickup rollers 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3, conveyance rollers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3, a conveyance roller 13, and a registration roller 14. The paper feed cassettes 10-1 to 10-3 store stacked sheets of printing paper. The printing paper stored in each of the paper feed cassettes 10-1 to 10-3 may be of different types of printing paper with different sizes and materials, or may be of the same type of printing paper. The paper feed unit 1 may also include a manual feed tray.

[0018] Pickup rollers 11-1 to 11-3 pick up print sheets one by one from each of paper feed cassettes 10-1 to 10-3, and then feed the picked-up print sheets to transport rollers 12-1 to 12-3. Conveying rollers 12-1 to 12-3 feed the print paper fed from pickup rollers 11-1 to 11-3 to conveying roller 13 via a conveying path formed by a guide member or the like (not shown).

[0019] The transport rollers 13 further transport the print paper fed from any of the transport rollers 12-1 to 12-3, and feed it to the registration rollers 14.

[0020] The registration rollers 14 correct the skew of the print paper and adjust the timing at which the print paper is fed into the print engine 2. The number of sets of paper feed cassettes, pickup rollers, and transport rollers is not limited to three, and any number of sets may be provided. Also, if a manual feed tray is provided, it is not necessary to provide any set of paper feed cassettes and their corresponding pickup rollers and transport rollers.

[0021] The print engine 2 includes a belt 20, support rollers 21, 22, 23, and 24, image forming units 25-1, 25-2, 25-3, and 25-4, supply units 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and 26-4, an exposure unit 27, a transfer roller 28, and a belt cleaner 29. Belt 20 is endless and is supported by support rollers 21, 22, 23, and 24 so as to maintain the state shown in FIG. 2. Belt 20 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2 as support roller 21 rotates. Belt 20 temporarily carries a toner image to be formed on print paper on its outer surface (hereinafter referred to as the image bearing surface). In other words, belt 20 is an example of an image carrier. For example, semiconductive polyimide is used for belt 20 in terms of heat resistance and abrasion resistance. The movement of the image bearing surface as belt 20 rotates achieves so-called sub-scanning, and the movement direction of the image bearing surface is also called the sub-scanning direction.

[0022] Each of the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 includes a photosensitive element, a charger, a developer, a transfer device, and a cleaner, and forms an image by electrophotography in cooperation with the exposure unit 27. The transfer device may not be included in the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 but may be included in another unit, such as the unit including the belt 20, or may exist independently of any unit. The image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 are arranged along the belt 20 with the axial directions of their photosensitive elements parallel to each other. The image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 have the same structure and operation, except for the toner colors they use. The image forming unit 25-1 forms, for example, black element images. The image forming unit 25-2 forms, for example, cyan element images. The image forming unit 25-3 forms, for example, magenta element images. The image forming unit 25-4 forms, for example, yellow element images. Image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 make the elemental images of each color overlap one another on the image bearing surface of belt 20. As a result, image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 form a color image, in which the elemental images of each color are overlapped, on the image bearing surface of belt 20 at the time when belt 20 has passed image forming unit 25-1.

[0023] Supply units 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and 26-4 can detachably mount toner bottles containing toner, and supply the toner contained in the attached toner bottles to image forming units 25-1 to 25-4, respectively. The toner bottles may contain toner alone, i.e., a so-called single-component developer, or may contain toner mixed with other substances such as carrier, i.e., a so-called multi-component developer. When the toner bottles contain multi-component developers, supply units 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and 26-4 supply toner together with substances such as carrier. However, the passages through which the toner passes when supplied from supply units 26-1 to 26-4 to image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 are not shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] The exposure unit 27 exposes the photoconductors of the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 to light in accordance with image data representing elemental images of each color. The exposure unit 27 may be a laser scanner or an LED (light emitting diode) head. If a laser scanner is used, the exposure unit 27 may include, for example, a semiconductor laser element, a polygon mirror, an imaging lens system, and a mirror. In this case, the exposure unit 27 selectively applies a laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser element in accordance with the image data to the photoconductors of the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 by switching the emission direction using a mirror. The exposure unit 27 also scans the laser beam in the axial direction of the photoconductor (the depth direction in FIG. 2 ) using a polygon mirror. This laser beam scanning is called main scanning, and the scanning direction is called the main scanning direction.

[0025] Transfer roller 28 is disposed parallel to support roller 24, and holds belt 20 between it and support roller 24. Transfer roller 28 holds the print paper sent out from registration roller 14 between it and the image bearing surface of belt 20. Transfer roller 28 then transfers the toner image formed on the image bearing surface of belt 20 onto the print paper using electrostatic force. The belt cleaner 29 removes any toner that has not been completely transferred to the print paper and remains on the image bearing surface of the belt 20.

[0026] Thus, the print engine 2 forms an image by electrophotography on the print paper fed by the registration rollers 14. In other words, the print engine 2 is an example of a forming section.

[0027] The fixing unit 3 includes a fixing roller 30 and a pressure roller 31 . The fixing roller 30 is, for example, a heat-resistant metal roller that houses a heater inside. The heater is, for example, an induction heater (IH) heater, but any other type of heater can be used as appropriate. The fixing roller 30 melts the toner adhering to the print paper sent out from the print engine 2, thereby fixing the toner to the print paper.

[0028] The pressure roller 31 is provided parallel to the fixing roller 30 and is pressed against the fixing roller 30. The pressure roller 31 sandwiches the print paper sent out from the print engine 2 between itself and the fixing roller 30 and presses it against the fixing roller 30.

[0029] The ADU 4 includes multiple rollers and selectively performs the following two operations. In the first operation, the print paper that has passed through the fixing unit 3 is sent directly toward the paper output tray 5. This first operation is performed when single-sided or double-sided printing is completed. In the second operation, the print paper that has passed through the fixing unit 3 is transported toward the paper output tray 5, and then switched back and sent to the print engine 2. This second operation is performed when image formation on only one side of double-sided printing is completed. The paper discharge tray 5 receives the print paper on which an image has been formed and discharged.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram that schematically shows the main circuit configuration related to the control of the multifunction peripheral 100. In Fig. 3, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The multifunction peripheral 100 includes a scanner 101, a printer 102, a tag reader / writer 103, a communication unit 104, a system controller 105, and a control panel .

[0031] The communication unit 104 performs processing for communicating with the server 200 and the like via the communication network 400. A well-known communication device that complies with the communication method applied to the communication network 400 can be used as the communication unit 104. In other words, if a LAN is used as the communication network 400, a communication device that complies with the LAN can be used as the communication unit 104.

[0032] The system controller 105 comprehensively controls each component of the multifunction peripheral 100 in order to realize the desired operation of the multifunction peripheral 100. The desired operation of the multifunction peripheral 100 includes, for example, various well-known functions realized by existing MFPs and operations for realizing functions described below.

[0033] The control panel 106 includes an input device and a display device. An operator inputs instructions to the control panel 106 using the input device. The control panel 106 displays various information to be notified to the operator using the display device. The control panel 106 may be, for example, a touch panel, various switches, various lamps, etc., used alone or in appropriate combination.

[0034] The tag reader / writer 103 includes a signal processing unit 1031 , a transmitting unit 1032 , an antenna duplexer 1033 , an antenna 1034 , a receiving unit 1035 , a control unit 1036 , and an interface unit 1037 .

[0035] The signal processing unit 1031 generates a baseband transmission signal for emitting a predetermined radio wave and provides it to the transmitting unit 1032. The signal processing unit 1031 extracts transmission data from the tags 501 and 502 from the baseband reception signal provided by the receiving unit 1035. The tag 501 is an RFID tag attached to a print sheet, and the tag 502 is an RFID tag built into an ID card.

[0036] The transmitting unit 1032 converts the baseband transmission signal provided from the signal processing unit 1031 into a radio band transmission signal. The transmitting unit 1032 has a function of adjusting the transmission intensity of the radio wave from the antenna 1034 by changing the level of the transmission signal. The antenna duplexer 1033 supplies the transmission signal provided from the transmission unit 1032 to the antenna 1034. The antenna duplexer 1033 provides the reception signal output from the antenna to the reception unit 1035.

[0037] The antenna 1034 radiates into space radio waves corresponding to the transmission signal supplied from the antenna duplexer 1033. The antenna 1034 receives response waves radiated from the tags 501 and 502 and outputs an electrical reception signal to the antenna duplexer 1033. The receiving unit 1035 converts the radio band received signal provided from the antenna duplexer 1033 into a baseband received signal and outputs it to the signal processing unit 1031. The receiving unit 1035 has a function of measuring RSSI (received signal strength indicator). The receiving unit 1035 has a function of outputting a received signal only when the measured RSSI is equal to or greater than a predetermined receiving threshold. Furthermore, the receiving unit 1035 has a function of changing the threshold in response to an instruction from the control unit 1036. Thus, the receiving unit 1035 has a function of changing the receiving sensitivity.

[0038] The control unit 1036, under the control of the system controller 105, controls the signal processing unit 1031 so that data is written to and read from the tags 501 and 502 at required timings. The control unit 1036, under the control of the system controller 105, controls the start / stop of operations of the signal processing unit 1031, the transmitting unit 1032, and the receiving unit 1035. The control unit 1036, under the control of the system controller 105, controls the operating states of the transmitting unit 1032 and the receiving unit 1035 so as to change the transmission output and receiving sensitivity. The interface unit 1037 mediates the exchange of data with the system controller 105 .

[0039] The system controller 105 includes a processor 1051 , a main memory 1052 , an auxiliary storage unit 1053 , an interface unit 1054 , and a transmission path 1055 . The processor 1051, main memory 1052, and auxiliary storage unit 1053 are connected via a transmission line 1055 to form a computer that performs information processing for overall control of the components that make up the MFP 100. The processor 1051 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 1051 executes information processing (described later) in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs. The processor 1051 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) and an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0040] The main memory 1052 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 1052 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory 1052 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory 1052 may also store data necessary for the processor 1051 to execute processes for controlling each unit in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory 1052 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 1051.

[0041] The auxiliary storage unit 1053 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 1053 may be, for example, a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), or an SSD (solid state drive), either singly or in combination. The auxiliary storage unit 1053 stores data used by the processor 1051 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 1051. The auxiliary storage unit 1053 may also store an information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 1053 stores a control program PRA. The control program PRA is an information processing program that describes information processing for controlling the MFP 100. The interface unit 1054 mediates the exchange of data between the scanner 101, the printer 102, the tag reader / writer 103, the communication unit 104, the control panel 106, and the like. The transmission path 1055 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0042] Generally, the multifunction peripheral 100 is transferred with the control program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 1053. However, the control program PRA may be transferred separately from the hardware without the control program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 1053, or with a different version of the same application program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 1053. The multifunction peripheral 100 may then be configured by writing the control program PRA to the auxiliary storage unit 1053 in response to an operator's operation. This is the case, for example, when a tag reader / writer 103, which is provided as an optional unit separate from the main body of the multifunction peripheral 100, is attached and a control program that is not compatible with the tag reader / writer 103 is replaced with the control program PRA. The control program PRA may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes a processor 2001, a main memory 2002, an auxiliary storage unit 2003, a communication unit 2004, and a transmission path 2005. The processor 2001, the main memory 2002, the auxiliary storage unit 2003, and the communication unit 2004 are capable of communicating with each other via the transmission path 2005.

[0044] The processor 2001, main memory 2002, and auxiliary storage unit 2003 are connected via a transmission line 2005 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the server 200.

[0045] The processor 2001 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 2001 executes information processing for controlling each unit to realize various functions of the server 200 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system and application programs.

[0046] The main memory 2002 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 2002 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory 2002 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory 2002 may also store data necessary for the processor 2001 to execute processes for controlling each unit in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory 2002 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 2001.

[0047] The auxiliary storage unit 2003 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 2003 may be, for example, an EEPROM, a HDD, an SSD, or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 2003 stores data used by the processor 2001 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 2001. The auxiliary storage unit 2003 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 2003 stores a server program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The server program PRB is an application program that describes the processing procedures described below for realizing operation as a printer server. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 2003 is used as an area for storing a user database DBA. The user database DBA is a database for managing users of the multifunction peripheral 100. The user database DBA is a collection of data records associated with each user of the multifunction peripheral 100. One data record links a first identifier for identifying the associated user in the multifunction device 100 with a second identifier for identifying the same user in the user terminal 300. The first identifier is stored in a tag 502 embedded in an ID card held by the user. The second identifier is determined independently of the first identifier.

[0048] The communication unit 2004 executes communication processing for performing data communication via the communication network 400. A well-known communication device that complies with the communication method applied to the communication network 400 can be used as the communication unit 2004. In other words, if a LAN is used as the communication network 400, a communication device that complies with the LAN can be used as the communication unit 2004. The transmission path 2005 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0049] The hardware of server 200 may be, for example, a general-purpose server device. Server 200 is generally transferred in a state in which the server program PRB is stored in auxiliary storage unit 2003 but the user database DBA is not. However, the server program PRB may be transferred separately from the hardware in a state in which the server program PRB is not stored in auxiliary storage unit 2003, or in which a different version of the same application program is stored in auxiliary storage unit 2003. Server 200 may be configured by writing the server program PRB to auxiliary storage unit 2003 in response to an operator's operation. The server program PRB may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0050] Next, the operation of the image forming processing system configured as described above will be described. The various operations and processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the operations and processes, omit some of the operations and processes, or add other operations and processes as appropriate. For example, in the following description, in order to clearly explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, explanation of some of the processes will be omitted. For example, if some kind of error occurs, processing may be performed to deal with the error, but a description of such processing will be omitted.

[0051] When multiple multifunction peripherals 100 are in an operating state to provide various functions to users, the processor 1051 in the system controller 105 executes information processing (hereinafter referred to as control processing) based on the control program PRA for each of them. That is, the multiple multifunction peripherals 100 operate in the same manner under the control processing described below. Therefore, the operation of one multifunction peripheral 100 will be described below. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processing steps of the processor 1051 in the control processing.

[0052] In ACT1, the processor 1051 checks whether or not the user has performed any operation on the control panel 106. If the processor 1051 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 1051 checks whether or not a standby instruction has been issued from the server 200, as will be described later. If the processor 1051 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT1. Thus, processor 1051 waits for a user operation or a standby instruction.

[0053] When a user wishes to use some of the functions of the multifunction device 100, such as a copy function, the user approaches the corresponding multifunction device 100 and starts a predetermined operation on the control panel 106 to specify the function to be used. When such an operation is notified from the control panel 106 to the system controller 105, the processor 1051 determines YES in ACT1 and proceeds to ACT3. The processor 1051 executes function control processing as ACT3, which is processing for causing each unit to execute a job for executing a function that the user desires to use.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the processor 1051 in the function control processing. In ACT 31, the processor 1051 waits for the user to specify the function to be executed. If the user has performed the operation to specify the function as described above, the processor 1051 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 32.

[0055] In ACT32, the processor 1051 checks whether the jobs to be performed to execute the specified function include a job that involves communication with the tag 501. If a predetermined function such as an RFID print function is specified, the processor 1051 determines YES as it involves communication with the tag 501 and proceeds to ACT33. As ACT33, processor 1051 instructs tag reader / writer 103 to start communication in the narrow range mode. Processor 1051 outputs a predetermined command for this instruction from interface unit 1054 to tag reader / writer 103, for example.

[0056] The tag reader / writer 103 stops the operation of the signal processing unit 1031, the transmitting unit 1032, and the receiving unit 1035 and does not transmit or receive data until it is instructed to start communication. When it is instructed to start communication, the control unit 1036 activates the signal processing unit 1031, the transmitting unit 1032, and the receiving unit 1035, transitioning to a state in which transmission and reception are possible. Since the narrow-range mode is specified here, the control unit 1036 sets the operating state of the transmitting unit 1032 to set the transmission intensity to a predetermined first transmission intensity and sets the operating state of the receiving unit 1035 to use the first reception threshold as the reception threshold. The first transmission intensity is predetermined to an intensity suitable for a tag 501 located within a predetermined range while being transported within the printer 102 for image formation in the printer 102 to receive radio waves radiated from the antenna 1034 at a required intensity. The above-mentioned range is, for example, from the registration roller 14 to the fixing unit 3. The first reception threshold is determined, for example, as approximately the minimum value expected for the RSSI obtained from the reflected wave from the tag 501 located within the above range. The first transmission strength and the first reception threshold are determined as appropriate by the designer of the multifunction peripheral 100, taking into consideration the communication characteristics between the tag reader / writer 103 and the tag 501 located within the above range. The distance between the tag 501 located within the above range and the antenna 1034 is, for example, several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. The first transmission strength and the first reception threshold are determined to accommodate this communication distance. Thus, the communication range in the narrow range mode is a narrow range that does not deviate significantly from the multifunction peripheral 100.

[0057] As ACT34, the processor 1051 instructs each unit to start one or more jobs to execute a specified function. For example, if an RFID print function is specified that writes data to a tag 501 attached to a print sheet in conjunction with image formation on the same print sheet, the processor 1051 instructs the printer 102 to start an image formation job and instructs the tag reader / writer 103 to start a data writing job to the tag 501. In response to this instruction, each unit that receives the instruction executes a predetermined job. Thus, the processor 1051 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 1051 as its central part functions as a read / write unit.

[0058] In ACT 35, the processor 1051 waits for the execution of the function by one or more jobs started as described above to end. If the execution of the function has ended, the processor 1051 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 36. In ACT36, processor 1051 instructs tag reader / writer 103 to stop communication. In response to this instruction, control unit 1036 in tag reader / writer 103 stops the operation of signal processing unit 1031, transmitting unit 1032, and receiving unit 1035, returning to a state in which no transmission or reception is performed. Processor 1051 then ends the function control process and returns to the standby state of ACT1 and ACT2 in FIG.

[0059] However, if a function other than the predetermined function is specified, the processor 1051 determines NO in ACT32 since it does not involve communication with the tag 501, and proceeds to ACT37. In ACT37, the processor 1051 issues an instruction to start the job in the same manner as in ACT34. In ACT 38, the processor 1051 waits for the function execution to finish. If the function execution finishes, the processor 1051 determines YES, ends the function control process, and returns to the standby state of ACT 1 and ACT 2 in FIG. That is, while a function that does not involve communication with the tag 501 is being executed, the tag reader / writer 103 stops the operation of the signal processing unit 1031, the transmitting unit 1032, and the receiving unit 1035, and remains in a state where no transmission or reception is performed.

[0060] When the user wishes to print a document managed by the user terminal 300 using the multifunction peripheral 100, the user can issue a print instruction through a predetermined operation on the user terminal 300.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sequence of communications that are carried out among the multifunction peripheral 100, the server 200, and the user terminal 300 in response to a print instruction from the user terminal 300. In FIG. In response to the print instruction, the user terminal 300 makes a print request to the server 200 as an event EA. When making the print request, the user terminal 300 notifies the server 200 of print data related to the document to be printed. When making the print request, the user terminal 300 also notifies the server 200 of the user's first identifier, which the user terminal 300 has acquired by receiving input from the user when signing in, for example. The server 200 saves the notified print data and first identifier in the main memory 2002 or the auxiliary storage unit 2003. Thus, the main memory 2002 or the auxiliary storage unit 2003 corresponds to a storage unit that stores print data in association with the first identifier, which is the user's identifier.

[0062] When the server 200 receives a print request, it selects some or all of the multiple multifunction peripherals 100 as standby devices that wait for the approach of a user according to predetermined rules. The server 200 then issues a standby instruction to the multifunction peripherals 100 selected as standby devices as an event EB. When issuing the standby instruction, the server 200 notifies the selected multifunction peripherals 100 of a second identifier that is linked in the user database DBA to the first identifier notified at the time of the print request to the multifunction peripherals 100 selected as standby devices. Note that the processing performed by the server 200 here and the processing performed by the server 200 as described below are actually realized by the processor 2001 executing information processing based on the server program PRB. Thus, by the processor 2001 executing information processing based on the server program PRB, the computer with the processor 2001 as its core functions as an instruction unit.

[0063] An example of the selection rule is "the MFP 100 that is located within a specified distance from the user terminal 300 when the print request is made is designated as the standby device." In this case, for example, a location database representing three-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinates indicating the installation locations of the MFP 100 and the user terminal 300 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 2003 of the server 200. The processor 2001 then, for example, refers to the location database to determine the MFP 100 located within a specified distance from the user terminal 300 that made the print request, and designates the corresponding MFP 100 as the standby device. Note that if the user terminal 300 is a mobile terminal, the location of the user terminal 300 may be determined, for example, by the location of a wireless access point used to access the communication network 400 to make the print request. Note that the selection rule may be arbitrarily determined, for example, by the creator of the server program PRB or the administrator of the server 200. Other examples of the selection rule are "a predetermined multifunction peripheral 100 for each user terminal 300 is set as a standby device" or "all multifunction peripherals 100 are set as standby devices unconditionally."

[0064] Now, in the multifunction peripheral 100 that has received the above standby instruction, the processor 1051 in the system controller 105 determines YES in ACT2 in FIG. 5 and proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 1051 instructs the tag reader / writer 103 to start communication in the wide range mode.

[0065] When the tag reader / writer 103 is instructed to start communication, the control unit 1036 activates the signal processing unit 1031, the transmitting unit 1032, and the receiving unit 1035, transitioning to a state in which transmission and reception are possible. Since the wide-range mode is specified here, the control unit 1036 sets the operating state of the transmitting unit 1032 to a predetermined second transmission strength and sets the operating state of the receiving unit 1035 to use the second reception threshold as the reception threshold. The second transmission strength is predetermined to an appropriate strength for tags 502 located within a predetermined detection range around the multifunction peripheral 100 to receive radio waves radiated from the antenna 1034 at a required strength. The detection range is assumed to be, for example, a range of several meters to approximately 10 meters from the multifunction peripheral 100. The second reception threshold is determined to be approximately the minimum expected value of the RSSI obtained from the reflected waves from tags 502 located within the detection range. The second transmission strength and the second reception threshold are determined as appropriate by the designer of the multifunction device 100, taking into consideration the communication characteristics between the tag reader / writer 103 and the tag 502 located within the detection range. The size of the detection range may be set arbitrarily by an administrator of the multifunction device 100, and the second transmission strength and the second reception threshold may be changed depending on the size of the set detection range. Thus, the communication range in the wide range mode is a range that includes the periphery of the multifunction device 100, up to positions several meters to 10 meters away, which is a wider range than in the narrow range mode. Therefore, the second transmission strength and the second reception threshold are greater than the first transmission strength and the first reception threshold. The size of the communication range is changed by changing the transmission strength and the reception threshold depending on whether the processor 1051 specifies the narrow-range mode or the wide-range mode. Thus, the processor 1051 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 1051 as its core functions as a communication control unit.

[0066] In ACT5, the processor 1051 checks whether or not the user has performed any operation on the control panel 106. If the processor 1051 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 1051 checks whether a cancellation instruction has been issued as described below from the server 200. If the processor 1051 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 1051 checks whether or not a predetermined time limit has expired for the standby state that began in ACT4 when the tag reader / writer 103 was made to start communication. If the processor 1051 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 1051 checks whether or not the user has approached. If the processor 1051 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT5. Thus, the processor 1051 waits for a user operation, a release instruction, a timeout, or for the user to approach. The operating state of the multifunction peripheral 100 when the processor 1051 is in the standby state of ACT5 to ACT8 is called a standby state.

[0067] Even if the tag reader / writer 103 reads the second identifier from the tag 502, if the second identifier does not match the second identifier notified in ACT4, the processor 1051 does not make a YES determination in ACT8. Furthermore, if the user approaching the multifunction peripheral 100 does not have an ID card, the second identifier is not read from the tag 502, and the processor 1051 does not make a YES determination in ACT8. In other words, in these cases, the processor 1051 does not determine that a user has approached in ACT8, even if the user has approached. If a user approaching the multifunction peripheral 100 in this manner operates the control panel 106 to use a function of the multifunction peripheral 100, the processor 1051 makes a YES determination in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT9.

[0068] As ACT9, the processor 1051 instructs the tag reader / writer 103 to stop communication. In response to this instruction, the control unit 1036 in the tag reader / writer 103 stops the operation of the signal processing unit 1031, the transmitting unit 1032, and the receiving unit 1035, and returns to a state in which no transmission or reception is performed. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 is no longer in the standby state.

[0069] In ACT10, processor 1051 executes the function control process in the procedure shown in Fig. 7, similar to ACT3. However, once processor 1051 has completed the function control process here, instead of returning to the standby state of ACT1 and ACT2 in Fig. 5, processor 1051 returns to the standby state of ACT5 to ACT8 via ACT4, returning multifunction device 100 to the standby state. In other words, when multifunction device 100 is in the standby state and a user other than the user identified by the second identifier notified at the time of the standby instruction starts using multifunction device 100, it temporarily stops the operation of tag reader / writer 103 and cancels the standby state, but returns to the standby state after the user has finished using the multifunction device.

[0070] When the user who requested printing or another user approaches the multifunction peripheral 100 with an ID card, and the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 1034 reach the tag 502 embedded in the ID card sufficiently, the tag 502 responds to the transmitted radio waves and emits a response wave including the stored second identifier. This response wave is then received by the receiving unit 1035 via the antenna 1034 and the antenna duplexer 1033, and the second identifier is extracted by the signal processing unit 1031. The extracted second identifier is then notified to the system controller 105 by the control unit 1036. The processor 1051 in the system controller 105 then compares the notified second identifier with the second identifier notified in ACT4, and if they match, the processor 1051 determines that the user who requested printing is approaching (YES) in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 6. In addition, if a user other than the user who instructed the printing is approaching, the second identifier notified to the system controller 105 by the control unit 1036 does not match the second identifier notified in ACT4, so the processor 1051 does not determine that a user is approaching.

[0071] Thus, processor 1051 determines that a user is approaching when the second identifier read from tag 502 using tag reader / writer 103 is an identifier that satisfies the condition that it matches the second identifier notified at the time of the standby instruction. Thus, processor 1051 executes information processing based on control program PRA, and the computer with processor 1051 as its central part functions as a determination unit.

[0072] In ACT21, processor 1051 instructs tag reader / writer 103 to stop communication. In response to this instruction, control unit 1036 in tag reader / writer 103 stops the operation of signal processing unit 1031, transmitting unit 1032, and receiving unit 1035, and returns to a state in which no transmission or reception is performed. In other words, processor 1051 cancels the standby state when it confirms that the user who has been waiting is approaching.

[0073] As ACT22, the processor 1051 starts a preparatory operation for starting image formation. For example, the processor 1051 starts warming up the printer 102. In this way, the processor 1051 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 1051 as its central part functions as a preparatory control unit.

[0074] As ACT23, the processor 1051 downloads print data from the server 200. The processor 1051 accesses the server 200, for example, via the communication network 400, and issues a download request as an event EC in FIG. 8. In response to this download request, the server 200 transmits the print data, which has been saved as described above, to the requesting multifunction peripheral 100 as an event ED. In this way, the processor 1051 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 1051 as its central part functions as an acquisition unit.

[0075] As ACT24, the processor 1051 instructs the printer 102 to start image formation based on the downloaded print data. In response to this instruction, the printer 102 waits for the warm-up to finish and then starts image formation. Thus, the processor 1051 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 1051 as its central part functions as a print control unit.

[0076] In ACT 25, the processor 1051 waits for the image formation to finish. If the image formation has finished, the processor 1051 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT26, the processor 1051 notifies the server 200 of the completion of printing. Then, the processor 1051 returns to the standby state of ACT1 and ACT2 in FIG.

[0077] The completion notification from the multifunction device 100 to the server 200 is sent as event EE in ACT 8. Upon receiving this completion notification, the server 200 sends a release instruction as event EF to the multifunction device 100 that was given a standby instruction in event EB but is different from the multifunction device that sent the completion notification.

[0078] 5, if the above-mentioned cancellation instruction is issued from the server 200, the processor 1051 determines YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT 11. Furthermore, if the cancellation instruction is issued from the server 200 while the processor 1051 is executing ACT9 and ACT10, the processor 1051 determines YES in ACT6 when the processor returns to the standby state of ACT5 to ACT8 after the end of ACT10.

[0079] Furthermore, when processor 1051 is in standby mode in ACT5 to ACT8 in Figure 5, if the time limit elapses without determining YES as described above in ACT5, ACT6 or ACT8, it will determine YES in ACT7 as a timeout and proceed to ACT11. In ACT11, processor 1051 instructs tag reader / writer 103 to stop communication. In response to this instruction, control unit 1036 in tag reader / writer 103 stops the operation of signal processing unit 1031, transmitting unit 1032, and receiving unit 1035, returning to a state in which no transmission or reception is performed. Processor 1051 then returns to a standby state for ACT1 and ACT2. Thus, processor 1051 cancels the standby state in response to a release instruction or timeout.

[0080] As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 uses the tag reader / writer 103 to perform communication for reading data from and writing data to the tag 501 attached to the print paper, and communication with the tag 502 carried by the user for detecting the user's proximity. This eliminates the need for a dedicated device for detection, even though the multifunction peripheral 100 has a function for detecting the user's proximity. Moreover, because it does not detect people who do not carry the tag 502 as users, it reduces the possibility of erroneously detecting the proximity of a person who is not the intended user as a user.

[0081] Furthermore, the multifunction device 100 changes the size of the communication range of the tag reader / writer 103 depending on whether it needs to read or write to the tag 501 or whether it needs to detect the approach of a user. This allows the multifunction device 100 to detect the approach of a user at a position some distance away from the multifunction device 100, and when reading or writing to the tag 501, it is possible to prevent communication from being performed with a tag 501 that is not the target of reading or writing, such as a tag located outside the multifunction device 100.

[0082] Furthermore, when the multifunction device 100 is in a state of waiting for a user to approach, it starts preparatory operations such as warming up the printer 102. In this way, the preparatory operations can be carried out while the user is moving to the multifunction device 100, and the waiting time from when the user approaches the multifunction device 100 until image formation can begin can be shortened.

[0083] Furthermore, in the image forming processing system of this embodiment, the server 200 selects a multifunction peripheral 100 to be a standby peripheral from among the multiple multifunction peripherals 100, and only the standby multifunction peripheral 100 waits for a user to approach in response to an instruction from the server 200. In this way, for example, it is possible to have only the multifunction peripheral 100 that is expected to be used by the user perform a standby operation, thereby eliminating waste caused by the execution of unnecessary standby operations.

[0084] Furthermore, in the image forming processing system of this embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 100 in the vicinity of the user who has issued the print instruction downloads the print data that is the subject of the print instruction from the server 200. Thus, there is no unnecessary transfer of print data within the image forming processing system.

[0085] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. Server 200 may also receive user instructions other than print instructions. For example, server 200 may receive a user instruction that the user intends to use the copy function. In this case, downloading of print data is not necessary, but server 200 issues a standby instruction to multifunction device 100, which starts preparatory operations of multifunction device 100. This means that the preparatory operations are already underway when the user approaches the multifunction device to use the copy function, thereby reducing the user's waiting time for using the copy function.

[0086] In the multifunction device 100, the tag reader / writer 103 may be caused to communicate continuously or intermittently in the wide range mode during periods when communication with the tag 501 is not necessary. Then, when any second identifier is read by the tag reader / writer 103, the preparatory operation may be started. In this way, the preparatory operation can be started in response to a user carrying an ID card approaching the multifunction device 100, and when the user starts to use the multifunction device 100 they have approached, the preparatory operation will already be underway, thereby shortening the user's waiting time for using various functions.

[0087] The conditions for determining proximity can be changed as appropriate, such as storing data representing a list of second identifiers in the multifunction device 100 or the server 200, and detecting a user when the second identifier read by the tag reader / writer 103 is included in the list.

[0088] The functions of the server 200 may be provided in the multifunction peripheral 100 .

[0089] The same implementation as above is possible for various devices other than MFPs, such as copying machines, printers, and facsimile machines, as long as they are devices that form images.

[0090] The number of image forming units is not limited to four, as long as there is at least one.

[0091] For example, the image forming apparatus may be an image forming apparatus that forms images by a method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method.

[0092] Some or all of the functions realized by processor 1051 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the above logic circuit with software control.

[0093] 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]

[0094] 100...multifunction peripheral, 101...scanner, 102...printer, 103...tag reader / writer, 1031...signal processing unit, 1032...transmitting unit, 1033...antenna duplexer, 1034...antenna, 1035...receiving unit, 1036...control unit, 1037...interface unit, 104...communication unit, 105...system controller, 1051...processor, 1052...main memory, 1053...auxiliary storage unit, 1054...interface unit, 1055...transmission path, 106...control panel, 200...server, 2001...processor, 2002...main memory, 2003...auxiliary storage unit, 2004...communication unit, 2005...transmission path, 300...user terminal, 400...communication network, 501, 502...tags.

Claims

1. a forming section for forming an image on a print medium; a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag; a read / write unit that, when forming an image on a print medium by the forming unit, uses the communication unit to write data to a wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed, or read data from the wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed; a reading unit that, when communication between a wireless tag storing a user identifier and the communication unit becomes possible when image formation involving at least one of data writing and data reading by the reading / writing unit is not being performed, reads the identifier from the wireless tag by using the communication unit; a determination unit that determines that a user is in proximity when the identifier read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that a communication range of the communication unit is increased when the reading unit reads an identifier from a wireless tag that stores a user identifier, compared to when the reading / writing unit writes data to a wireless tag attached to a print medium or reads data from a wireless tag attached to a print medium; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. a preparation control unit that controls the forming unit to start a preparation operation for image formation by the forming unit in response to the determination unit determining that a user is approaching; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. a plurality of image forming devices and a server; Each of the plurality of image forming devices includes: a forming section for forming an image on a print medium; a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag; a read / write unit that, when forming an image on a print medium by the forming unit, uses the communication unit to write data to a wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed, or read data from the wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed; a reading unit that, when communication between a wireless tag storing a user identifier and the communication unit becomes possible when image formation involving at least one of data writing and data reading by the reading / writing unit is not being performed, reads the identifier from the wireless tag by using the communication unit; a determination unit that determines that a user is in proximity when the identifier read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition; Equipped with The server an instruction unit that, when a predetermined condition is met, selects one or more of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and instructs the selected image forming apparatuses to wait for a user to approach; Equipped with Image forming processing system.

5. a plurality of image forming devices and a server; The server a storage unit that stores print data relating to an image to be formed by the image forming device in association with a user identifier; Equipped with Each of the plurality of image forming devices includes: a forming section for forming an image on a print medium; a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag; a read / write unit that, when forming an image on a print medium by the forming unit, uses the communication unit to write data to a wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed, or read data from the wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed; a reading unit that, when communication between a wireless tag storing a user identifier and the communication unit becomes possible when image formation involving at least one of data writing and data reading by the reading / writing unit is not being performed, reads the identifier from the wireless tag by using the communication unit; a determination unit that determines that a user is in proximity when the identifier read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition; an acquisition unit provided in each of the plurality of image forming devices, which acquires the corresponding print data from the server when print data is stored in the storage unit in association with an identifier previously linked to the identifier read by the reading unit; a print control unit provided in each of the plurality of image forming devices, the print control unit controlling the forming unit to form an image according to the print data acquired by the acquisition unit; An image forming processing system comprising:

6. a forming section for forming an image on a print medium; a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag; A computer that controls an image forming apparatus including: a read / write unit that, when forming an image on a print medium by the forming unit, uses the communication unit to write data to a wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed, or read data from the wireless tag attached to the print medium on which the image is to be formed; a reading unit that, when communication between a wireless tag storing a user identifier and the communication unit becomes possible when image formation involving at least one of data writing and data reading by the reading / writing unit is not being performed, reads the identifier from the wireless tag by using the communication unit; a determination unit that determines that a user is in proximity when the identifier read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

Images