Printer device and program

Abstract

To provide a printer device and a program capable of efficiently perform various settings depending on a type of sheet with a wireless tag.SOLUTION: The printer device of the embodiment includes a read / write unit, a reading unit, and a setting unit. The read / write unit reads and writes information stored in the wireless tag the sheet includes. The reading unit reads identification information that identifies the type of sheet. The setting unit sets setting information based on the identification information read by the reading unit in the read / write unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a printer device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printer devices have been widely used that transport sheets in a paper feed cassette or sheets placed on a manual feed tray and form images on the sheets. Printer devices perform printing according to the type of sheet. In recent years, sheets equipped with wireless tags that store information have been used. Printer devices are equipped with a wireless tag communication device for reading and writing information to the wireless tag, and perform printing on the sheets and reading and writing information to the wireless tag. The wireless tag communication device communicates with the wireless tag on the sheet to be printed and reads and writes information from the wireless tag.

[0003] If the RFID tag communication device communicates with other sheets in the printer, it will no longer be able to communicate with the RFID tag of the sheet being printed on. Therefore, the printer needs to be configured to communicate only with the RFID tag of the sheet being printed on, depending on the type of sheet. These settings can be configured manually by the user or automatically by calibration using the first sheet after refilling.

[0004] However, manually configuring various settings is time-consuming for the user, and performing calibration wastes one sheet, which can make it difficult to efficiently configure various settings according to the type of sheet equipped with a wireless tag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-290508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer device and a program that can efficiently perform various settings according to the type of sheet equipped with a wireless tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The printer device of the embodiment has a read / write unit, a reading unit, and a setting unit. The read / write unit reads and writes information stored in a wireless tag attached to a sheet. The reading unit reads identification information that identifies the type of the sheet. The setting unit sets setting information based on the identification information read by the reading unit in the read / write unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration of a parameter setting system St according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cloud server 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of wireless tags on a sheet. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of wireless tags on a sheet. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of wireless tags on a sheet. [Figure 9] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of packaging of the sheet 600. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a development view of the sheet packing material 900 when opened. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a development view of the sheet packing material 900 after the sheet 600 has been removed. [Figure 12]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of parameter information stored in a parameter DB 6. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 (printer apparatus 130) according to a first embodiment. [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a parameter setting process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to parameter transmission by the cloud server 1. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 (printer apparatus 130) according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a parameter setting process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A printer device and a program according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printer device according to the embodiment is capable of efficiently setting various parameters according to the type of sheet equipped with a wireless tag. An image forming apparatus and a parameter setting system equipped with the printer device according to the embodiment will be described in detail below. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Also, descriptions of duplicated components may be omitted. First and second embodiments of the printer device will be described below.

[0010] (First embodiment) (Example of configuration of parameter setting system St) First, the configuration of a parameter setting system St according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the network configuration of a parameter setting system St according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the parameter setting system St includes a cloud server 1 and an image forming apparatus 10. Each apparatus is communicably connected via a network 5. Each apparatus is a computer device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory (ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.), a communication unit, etc.

[0011] The cloud server 1 includes a parameter DB (database) 6 (see FIG. 12) and manages information required for various settings in the image forming device 10. The image forming device 10 is a multifunction peripheral installed in an office, factory, store, etc. Specifically, the image forming device 10 has various functions such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing. Although the figure shows multiple image forming devices 10, there may be only one.

[0012] (Example of overall configuration of image forming apparatus 10) 2 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a display 110, a control panel 120, a printer device 130, a sheet storage unit 140, and an image reading unit 150.

[0013] The display 110 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The display 110 displays various types of information. The display 110 also accepts operations from the user. The display 110 outputs operation signals in response to various input operations accepted from the user.

[0014] The control panel 120 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, etc. The control panel 120 accepts various input operations from the user. The control panel 120 outputs operation signals in response to the various input operations accepted from the user.

[0015] The printer device 130 performs a series of printing operations using various information output from the display 110, the control panel 120, the image reading unit 150, etc. The series of printing operations includes an operation of inputting image information, an operation of forming an image, an operation of transferring the formed image onto a sheet, an operation of transporting the sheet, etc.

[0016] The sheet storage unit 140 includes a plurality of sheet cassettes. Each sheet cassette stores sheets of a different type. The sheet type includes a sheet size and a sheet type. For example, the sheet sizes are A5, A4, and A3. The sheet types include ordinary copy paper and sheets with wireless tags. The wireless tags are, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tags. The sheet types also include photo sheets, label sheets, polyester film sheets, and the like.

[0017] In this embodiment, the multiple sheet cassettes include a paper feed cassette that stores regular copy paper and a paper feed cassette that stores wireless tags. The image forming apparatus 10 also stores a correspondence between the paper feed cassette and the type of sheets stored therein. This correspondence can be set by an operator, such as a user or an inspection staff member. When the type of sheets to be printed is specified, the image forming apparatus 10 can identify the sheet cassette that stores the specified sheets.

[0018] The image reading unit 150 includes an automatic document feeder and a scanner. The automatic document feeder sends documents placed on a document tray to the scanner. The scanner optically scans the document on the document glass and forms an image of the light reflected from the document on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. In this way, the scanner reads the document image on the document glass. The image reading unit 150 generates image information (image data) using the results of reading by the scanner. The scanner is not limited to reading documents on the document glass sent from the automatic document feeder, but can also read documents placed on the document glass by a user.

[0019] (Internal configuration of image forming apparatus 10) Next, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 has a printer device 130. The printer device 130 includes a main controller 100, paper feed cassettes 16 (16a, 16b), a wireless tag communication device 201, etc. The main controller 100 controls the control panel 13, the wireless tag communication device 201, and the printer device 130. The main controller 100 controls sheet transport in the printer device 130. Controlling the sheet transport means controlling the timing of sheet transport, the sheet stopping position, the sheet transport speed, etc.

[0021] (About storing the seat) The paper feed cassette 16 stores sheets equipped with a wireless tag. However, the paper feed cassette 16 can also store sheets that do not have a wireless tag. The sheets are made of materials such as paper or plastic film. In the following description, the sheets are generally sheets equipped with a wireless tag.

[0022] The paper feed cassette 16 is equipped with an open / close detector that detects whether the cassette is open or closed, and a sheet detector 17 that detects whether a sheet is present inside the cassette. The sheet detector 17 is, for example, an optical sensor. The optical sensor shines light onto the printable surface of the sheet and receives the reflected light. If the printable surface of the sheet is a light color, such as white, the light reflectance is high, so the optical sensor detects strong reflected light. On the other hand, if there is no sheet in the paper feed cassette 16, the optical sensor detects weak reflected light. In this way, it is possible to determine whether a sheet is present in the paper feed cassette 16 based on the strength of the reflected light.

[0023] (Image formation) The printer device 130 performs an operation of forming an image. For example, the printer device 130 forms an image indicated by image data on a sheet. In the following description, forming an image on a sheet is also referred to as "printing." Note that in this embodiment, the printer device 130 is a toner type that adheres toner to a sheet, but is not limited to this, and may be an inkjet type that sprays ink onto a sheet.

[0024] The printer device 130 includes an intermediate transfer belt 21. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is supported by a driven roller 41, a backup roller 40, and the like. The intermediate transfer belt 21 rotates in the direction of arrow m. The printer device 130 also includes four sets of image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K. The image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K correspond to Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), respectively. The image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are arranged below the intermediate transfer belt 21 in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

[0025] The following description will be made taking the image forming station 22Y as an example among the image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K. Note that the image forming stations 22M, 22C, and 22K for the other colors have the same configuration as the image forming station 22Y.

[0026] The image forming station 22Y includes a photosensitive drum 24, a charging charger 26, an exposure scanning head 27, a developing device 28, a photosensitive cleaner 29, and a primary transfer roller 30. The photosensitive drum 24 rotates in the direction of arrow n. The charging charger 26, the exposure scanning head 27, the developing device 28, and the photosensitive cleaner 29 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 24. The primary transfer roller 30 is arranged opposite the photosensitive drum 24 with the intermediate transfer belt 21 interposed therebetween.

[0027] The electrostatic charger 26 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 24. The exposure scanning head 27 exposes the uniformly charged photosensitive drum 24 to light, forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 24. The developing device 28 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 24 using, for example, a two-component developer formed from toner and carrier.

[0028] The primary transfer rollers 30 primarily transfer the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 24 onto the intermediate transfer belt 21. The primary transfer rollers 30 of the image forming stations 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K primarily transfer the toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 21, thereby forming color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 21. The color toner images are formed by sequentially overlaying toner images of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The photosensitive cleaner 29 removes any toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 24 after the primary transfer.

[0029] The printer device 130 includes a secondary transfer roller 32. The secondary transfer roller 32 is disposed opposite the backup roller 40 across the intermediate transfer belt 21. The secondary transfer roller 32 performs secondary transfer of the color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 21 onto the sheet all at once. In the following description, the term "toner image" may refer to either a color toner image using multiple colors or a toner image using only one color. The toner image may also be a toner image using a decolorizable toner.

[0030] (About sheet transport) The conveying path 33 is a path along which a sheet is conveyed by a plurality of conveying rollers (for example, conveying roller 330, etc.). The conveying path 33 includes a first conveying path 33a, a second conveying path 33b, and a third conveying path 33c. The first conveying path 33a is a conveying path from the junction 44a to the branching portion 44b. The second conveying path 33b is a conveying path that passes through the inside of the double-sided printing device 38, and is a conveying path from the branching portion 44b to the junction 44a. The third conveying path 33c is a conveying path from the branching portion 44b to the sheet output tray 20.

[0031] A sheet is taken out from one of the sheet storage sections, paper feed cassette 16a, paper feed cassette 16b, and manual feed tray 16c. The sheet taken out from the sheet storage section is temporarily stopped at the point where the two stopped registration rollers 31 are in contact. At this time, the leading edge of the sheet abuts against the registration rollers 31, and the skew of the sheet is corrected. The main controller 100 starts the rotation of the registration rollers 31 in accordance with the position of the toner image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 21, and moves the sheet to the position of the secondary transfer rollers 32.

[0032] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is secondarily transferred onto a sheet by a secondary transfer roller 32. Furthermore, the secondarily transferred toner image is fixed onto the sheet by a fixing device 34. In this way, an image is formed on the sheet under the control of the main controller 100. The main controller 100 transports the sheet on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34 to a third transport path 33c and discharges the sheet.

[0033] (Regarding the wireless tag communication device 201) The wireless tag communication device 201 includes a controller, a storage device, and an antenna (not shown). The wireless tag in this embodiment is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag. The wireless tag communication device 201 transmits radio waves in the direction of arrow k, for example. The wireless tag communication device 201 communicates with a wireless tag provided on a sheet via the antenna. Specifically, the wireless tag communication device 201 reads information from the wireless tag and writes information to the wireless tag.

[0034] For example, if the information written to the wireless tag is a sheet used for logistics, the information includes information indicating the contents, information indicating the destination, and information to be printed on the sheet. In this embodiment, the wireless tag communication device 201 uses, for example, a radio wave system (UHF) in the 900 MHz band. However, the RFID system and frequency band are not limited to this, and other systems and frequency bands can also be adopted.

[0035] (Cloud Server 1 hardware configuration) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of cloud server 1. As shown in Fig. 4, cloud server 1 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a communication I / F (interface) 403, and a storage medium I / F 404. Each component is connected to the other via a bus 420.

[0036] The CPU 401 is the main controller 100 and is responsible for overall control of the cloud server 1. The memory 402 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash ROM. For example, the flash ROM and the ROM store various programs. The various programs include the parameter transmission program according to this embodiment. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 401. The programs stored in the memory 402 are loaded into the CPU 401, causing the CPU 401 to execute the coded processes.

[0037] The communication I / F 403 is connected to a network 5 such as the Internet via a communication line, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network 5. The communication I / F 403 also serves as an interface between the network 5 and the inside of the apparatus itself, and controls input and output of data from other apparatuses.

[0038] Under the control of the CPU 401, the storage medium I / F 404 controls reading and writing of data from and to storage media (not shown), such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0039] (Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 10) Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. In Fig. 5, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a memory 502, a communication unit 503, and a speaker 504. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0040] The CPU 501 (main controller) controls the entire image forming apparatus 10. The memory 502 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash ROM. For example, the flash ROM and the ROM store various programs. The various programs include a parameter setting program according to this embodiment. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The programs stored in the memory 502 are loaded into the CPU 501, causing the CPU 501 to execute the coded processes.

[0041] The communication I / F 503 is connected to a network 5 such as the Internet via a communication line, and is connected to the cloud server 1 via the network 5. The communication I / F 503 also manages the interface between the network 5 and the inside of the device itself, and controls the input and output of data from other devices. The speaker 504 outputs sound.

[0042] (Example of wireless tag placement on a sheet) Next, examples of the arrangement of wireless tags on a sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of arrangement of wireless tags on a sheet. In Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the size of the sheet 600 (600a to 600c) is, for example, A4 size. The arrangement position of the wireless tag 601 (601a to 601d) differs depending on the type of sheet.

[0043] For example, a wireless tag 601a is placed in the center of a longitudinal side of a sheet 600a in Fig. 6. A wireless tag 601b is placed in the center of a widthwise side of a sheet 600b in Fig. 7. A wireless tag 601c and a wireless tag 601d are placed in the center of a longitudinal side of a sheet 600c in Fig. 8 and at the lower side of a widthwise side of a sheet 600c in Fig. 8.

[0044] Although three arrangement examples of the wireless tag 601 are shown in the figure, the arrangement is not limited to these examples. For example, the arrangement position of the wireless tag 601 varies depending on the type of sheet 600. Furthermore, the size and thickness of the sheet 600 also differ depending on the type of sheet 600.

[0045] (About seat packaging) Next, the packaging of the sheet 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of packaging of the sheet 600. As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet 600 is packaged in a paper sheet packaging material 900. A sheet identification code 901 (sheet identification information) that identifies the type of the sheet 600 is printed on the surface of the sheet packaging material 900. The sheet identification code 901 is represented by a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). However, the sheet identification code 901 may also be represented by a one-dimensional code (barcode).

[0046] For example, after loading sheets 600 removed from the sheet packing material 900 into a paper feed cassette, the user places the sheet packing material 900 on the document glass and has the scanner device (image reading unit 150) read the sheet identification code 901. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to obtain sheet identification information. Note that the sheet packing material 900 may have a notch (perforation) formed therein that allows the user to cut out the area including the sheet identification code 901. This allows the user to cut out the area including the sheet identification code 901 and have the scanner device read the sheet identification code 901.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a development view of the sheet packing material 900 when it is opened. As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet packing material 900 packs a sheet stack 610. In the drawing, the Z direction, X direction, and Y direction of the Cartesian coordinate system are defined as follows: The Z direction is the stacking direction of the sheets 600 in the sheet stack 610. For example, the Z direction is the vertical direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction. The X direction is the longitudinal direction of the sheets 600. The Y direction is the lateral direction of the sheets 600. For example, the X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a development view of the sheet packaging material 900 after the sheet 600 has been removed. As shown in Fig. 11, the sheet packaging material 900 has a conductive sheet 910 formed on the area of ​​the lower surface (-Z direction) that comes into contact with the sheet stack 610. The base material of the conductive sheet 910 is made of paper, a resin material, or the like.

[0049] In the sheet packing material 900, a slit 920 is formed around the periphery of the conductive sheet 910. The slit 920 allows the conductive sheet 910 to be easily separated from the sheet packing material 900. With the sheet stack 610 and the conductive sheet 910 overlapping each other, the user removes the conductive sheet 910 from the sheet packing material 900 and stores it in the paper feed cassette 16.

[0050] The conductive sheet 910 has a conductive area formed on its entire surface in the -Z direction (the back side in the figure), and a light reflectance adjusting area 911 formed on its entire surface in the +Z direction. The conductive area is an area for preventing erroneous reading and writing from / to sheets 600 other than those to be printed. The light reflectance adjusting area 911 is an area for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet 600 in the paper feed cassette 16. The conductive area and the light reflectance adjusting area 911 will be described in detail below.

[0051] (Conductive area) The conductive area is formed of a conductive material, for example, a metal material such as aluminum. When multiple sheets 600 are present in the paper feed cassette 16, the wireless tags 601 of the sheets 600 overlap in the Z direction. At this time, the impedance of the antenna of the wireless tag 601 decreases, causing a loss of matching with the chip, making it difficult for the wireless tag 601 to communicate with the wireless tag communication device 201. This prevents erroneous reading and writing from and to the multiple sheets 600 in the paper feed cassette 16.

[0052] On the other hand, when the sheet 600 in the paper feed cassette 16 is consumed and only one sheet 600 remains, the wireless tag 601 does not overlap in the Z direction. The conductive area prevents erroneous reading and writing from and to this sheet 600. Specifically, the remaining sheet 600 and the conductive area of ​​the conductive sheet 910 overlap in the Z direction with the wireless tag 601. This reduces the impedance of the antenna of the wireless tag 601, making it difficult for the wireless tag 601 to communicate with the wireless tag communication device 201. Therefore, erroneous reading and writing from and to the one remaining sheet 600 in the paper feed cassette 16 is prevented.

[0053] (Regarding the light reflectance adjustment area 911) The light reflectance adjustment region 911 may have any lightness that is different from the printable surface of the sheet 600. For example, if the printable surface of the sheet 600 is a light color such as white, the color of the light reflectance adjustment region 911 is a dark color such as black. If the light reflectance adjustment region 911 is a dark color, the light reflectance will be lower than that of the printable surface. On the other hand, if the printable surface of the sheet 600 is a dark color, the color of the light reflectance adjustment region 911 is a light color. If the light reflectance adjustment region 911 is light, the light reflectance of the light reflectance adjustment region 911 will be higher than that of the printable surface.

[0054] When viewed from the Z direction, the light reflectance adjustment region 911 overlaps with the detection position of the sheet 600 by the sheet detection unit 17. When the sheet 600 is not present in the paper feed cassette 16, the sheet detection unit 17 detects the light reflected by the light reflectance adjustment region 911 of the conductive sheet 910. Because the reflectance (light intensity) of the light reflectance adjustment region 911 differs from the light reflectance of the sheet 600, the absence of the sheet 600 is determined.

[0055] The conductive sheet 910 is not limited to being a part of the sheet packaging material 900. The conductive sheet may be packed in the sheet bundle 610 in the same manner as the sheets 600. In this case, the conductive sheet may be packed by being placed on the surface of the sheet bundle 610 that contacts the sheet packaging material 900 (-Z direction: lowest position).

[0056] (Parameter information stored in parameter DB6) Next, an example of parameter information stored in the parameter DB 6 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of parameter information stored in the parameter DB 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the parameter DB 6 includes the following items: "model identification information," "seat identification information," and "parameters."

[0057] "Model identification information" is information that identifies the type of image forming apparatus 10. "Sheet identification information" is information that identifies the type of sheet 600 equipped with a wireless tag 601. "Parameters" are setting information that corresponds to the "model identification information" and "sheet identification information." Specifically, the "parameters" include the items "sheet size," "sheet thickness," "conveying speed," "antenna polarization," "radio wave output," and "RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) threshold."

[0058] "Sheet size" indicates the size of the sheet 600, such as A3 or A4. "Sheet thickness" indicates the thickness of the sheet 600. "Conveying speed" indicates the conveying speed of the sheet 600 conveyed on the conveying path 33. "Antenna polarization" indicates the direction of radio waves with respect to the wireless tag 601 attached to the sheet 600 moving on the conveying path 33. "Radio wave output" indicates the radio wave output required to communicate with the wireless tag 601 of the target sheet 600. "RSSI threshold" indicates the threshold of radio wave strength. Specifically, the "RSSI threshold" indicates the threshold of radio wave strength at which data can be written to the wireless tag 601 of the target sheet 600, while preventing data from being written to the wireless tag 601 of other sheets 600 in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0059] Note that the "parameters" are not limited to the above items. For example, the "parameters" may include information that enables distinction between sheet 600 being transported within image forming apparatus 10 and sheet 600 that is not moving, and specifically, may include a phase change pattern or an RSSI change pattern.

[0060] (Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10 According to First Embodiment) Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 (printer device 130) according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 13, the RFID tag communication device 201 provided in the printer device 130 includes a read / write unit 1311. The read / write unit 1311 is realized by a controller (CPU) provided in the RFID tag communication device 201. In other words, the controller provided in the RFID tag communication device 201 executes a predetermined program to realize the functions of each unit.

[0061] 13, the printer device 130 includes a reading unit 1301, a request unit 1302, a setting unit 1303, a transport control unit 1304, an acquisition unit 1305, and a notification unit 1306. Each unit is realized by the CPU 501 (main controller 100). That is, the CPU 501 executes a parameter setting program stored in the memory 502 to realize the function of each unit.

[0062] Note that each functional unit of the printer device 130 is not necessarily realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). For example, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (a storage device with a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

[0063] The read / write unit 1311 reads and writes information stored in the wireless tag 601 provided on the sheet 600. The read / write unit 1311 may be provided in the main controller 100.

[0064] (About reading the seat identification code 901) The reading unit 1301 is, for example, a scanner device provided in the image reading unit 150. The reading unit 1301 reads a sheet identification code 901 (sheet identification information) that identifies the type of the sheet 600. The reading unit 1301 reads the sheet identification code 901 printed on a sheet packaging material 900 placed on the document glass in response to a user operation. Note that the reading unit 1301 is not limited to a scanner device provided in the image reading unit 150, and may be, for example, a dedicated scanner device that is separately provided in the printer device 130 and is capable of reading the sheet identification code 901.

[0065] (Request to send parameters) The request unit 1302 requests the cloud server 1 (external device) to transmit setting information based on the sheet identification code 901. The setting information is a parameter stored in the parameter DB 6. The transmission request includes model identification information that identifies the device itself and sheet identification information obtained by reading the sheet identification code 901 with the reading unit 1301.

[0066] (About parameter settings) The setting unit 1303 sets the parameters received from the cloud server 1 in response to the transmission request in the read / write unit 1311. As a result, the "antenna polarization," "radio wave output," and "RSSI threshold" are set in the read / write unit 1311 as parameters according to the sheet 600 to be used.

[0067] The conveyance control unit 1304 performs control related to the conveyance of the sheet 600. The control related to the conveyance is, for example, control of the conveyance speed of the sheet 600 on the conveyance path 33. The setting unit 1303 sets the setting information received from the cloud server 1 in response to a transmission request in the conveyance control unit 1304. As a result, the "sheet size," "sheet thickness," and "conveyance speed" are set in the conveyance control unit 1304 as parameters according to the sheet 600 to be used. Note that it is sufficient that at least the "conveyance speed" is set in the conveyance control unit 1304.

[0068] (Regarding the notification prompting you to read the seat identification code 901) The acquiring unit 1305 acquires information regarding the replenishment of sheets 600 in the sheet storage unit 140. The sheet storage unit 140 is the paper feed cassette 16 (16a, 16b) or the manual feed tray 16c. The information regarding replenishment is, for example, information indicating that the open state of the paper feed cassette 16 has been detected.

[0069] However, the information regarding replenishment is not limited to this, and may be information indicating that sheet detection unit 17 has detected the absence of sheets 600 in sheet cassette 16. In the case of manual feed tray 16c, the information regarding replenishment may be information indicating that a detection unit that detects sheets 600 on manual feed tray 16c has detected the absence of sheets 600 on manual feed tray 16c, or information indicating that replenishment of sheets 600 on manual feed tray 16c has been detected.

[0070] In response to the acquisition unit 1305 acquiring information related to replenishment, the notification unit 1306 notifies the user to prompt the user to read the sheet identification code 901. The notification may be, for example, a display on the display 110. However, the notification may be a sound from the speaker 504 instead of or in addition to a display on the display 110.

[0071] (Parameter setting process performed by image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment) Next, a process relating to parameter setting performed by the image forming apparatus 10 (printer apparatus 130) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a parameter setting process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] 14, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not it has detected that the sheet feed cassette 16 has been opened (ACT1401). The image forming apparatus 10 waits until it detects that the sheet feed cassette 16 has been opened (ACT1401: NO), and when it detects that the sheet feed cassette 16 has been opened (ACT1401: YES), it displays a notification on the display 110 prompting the user to read the sheet identification code 901 (ACT1402).

[0073] Next, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the sheet identification code 901 has been read by the image reading unit 150 (ACT1403). The image forming apparatus 10 waits until the sheet identification code 901 has been read (ACT1403: NO), and when the sheet identification code 901 has been read (ACT1403: YES), the image forming apparatus 10 makes a parameter transmission request to the cloud server (ACT1404).

[0074] Then, the image forming apparatus 10 receives the parameters from the cloud server 1 (ACT1405). Next, the image forming apparatus 10 sets the received parameters in the read / write unit 1311 and the conveyance control unit 1304 (ACT1406), and ends the series of processes.

[0075] (Processing related to sending parameters by cloud server 1) Next, the process of the cloud server 1 for transmitting parameters will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to parameter transmission by the cloud server 1.

[0076] 15, the cloud server 1 determines whether or not it has received a parameter transmission request from the image forming apparatus 10 (ACT1501). The transmission request includes model identification information and sheet identification information. The cloud server 1 waits until it receives the parameter transmission request (ACT1501: NO), and upon receiving the parameter transmission request (ACT1501: YES), it extracts parameters corresponding to the model identification information and sheet identification information from the parameters stored in the parameter DB 6 (ACT1502).

[0077] Then, the cloud server 1 transmits the extracted parameters to the image forming apparatus 10 that sent the transmission request (ACT1503), and ends the series of processes.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 10 (printer device 130) sets setting information (parameters) based on the sheet identification code 901 read by the image reading unit 150 in the read / write unit 1311. This allows the user to easily set various settings for the read / write unit 1311 simply by having the sheet identification code 901 read. This reduces the user's effort in setting various settings for the read / write unit 1311, and also makes it possible to use the first sheet for printing after refilling the paper feed cassette 16 with sheets 600. This allows various settings for the read / write unit 1311 to be set efficiently according to the type of sheet 600.

[0079] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment sets setting information based on the sheet identification code 901 read by the image reading unit 150 in the conveyance control unit 1304. This allows the user to easily set various settings for the conveyance control unit 1304 simply by having the sheet identification code 901 read. This reduces the user's effort in setting various settings for the conveyance control unit 1304, and also makes it possible to use the first sheet 600 for printing after refilling the sheet feed cassette 16 with sheets 600. This allows various settings for the conveyance control unit 1304 according to the type of sheet 600 to be efficiently set.

[0080] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment requests the cloud server 1 to transmit setting information based on the sheet identification code 901, and sets the setting information received in response to the transmission request. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to obtain setting information from the cloud server 1 without having to store setting information for each type of sheet 600. Furthermore, even if the image forming apparatus 10 reads the sheet identification code 901 of the latest sheet 600 that is not stored, it can obtain the latest setting information from the cloud server 1. Therefore, it is possible to obtain and set setting information regardless of the type of sheet 600.

[0081] Furthermore, in response to obtaining information regarding the replenishing of sheets 600 in the paper feed cassette 16, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment notifies the user to prompt the user to read the sheet identification code 901. This allows even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 to easily perform various settings of the read / write unit 1311 and the conveyance control unit 1304 simply by reading the sheet identification code 901 in response to the notification.

[0082] In this embodiment, the sheet identification information is a sheet identification code 901 provided on the sheet packaging material 900. This allows the user to have the image reading unit 150 read the sheet identification code 901 corresponding to the sheet 600 to be used, and in other words, prevents the user from accidentally reading the sheet identification code 901 of another sheet 600.

[0083] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the contents explained in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the second embodiment and the first embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0084] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the image forming apparatus 10 acquires setting information from the cloud server 1. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the image forming apparatus 10 acquires setting information from the memory 502 of its own apparatus.

[0085] (Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10 According to Second Embodiment) 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 (printer device 130) according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 16, the printer device 130 includes a storage unit 1601. The storage unit 1601 is realized by the memory 502.

[0086] The storage unit 1601 stores setting information (parameters) corresponding to identification information (sheet identification code 901). For example, the storage unit 1601 stores a parameter DB6 (see FIG. 12). However, the storage unit 1601 does not need to store model identification information among the information included in the parameter DB6. Furthermore, when one type of sheet 600 is determined in advance as the sheet 600 to be used, the storage unit 1601 only needs to store setting information corresponding to that one type of sheet 600.

[0087] The setting unit 1303 extracts parameters corresponding to the sheet identification information from the parameters stored in the storage unit 1601 based on the sheet identification information (sheet identification code 901) read by the reading unit 1301, and sets the extracted parameters in the read / write unit 1311. The setting unit 1303 also sets the extracted parameters in the conveyance control unit 1304.

[0088] (Parameter Setting Process Performed by Image Forming Apparatus 10 According to Second Embodiment) Next, a process relating to parameter setting performed by the image forming apparatus 10 (printer apparatus 130) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a parameter setting process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0089] 17, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not it has detected that the sheet feed cassette 16 has been opened (ACT1701). The image forming apparatus 10 waits until it detects that the sheet feed cassette 16 has been opened (ACT1701: NO), and when it detects that the sheet feed cassette 16 has been opened (ACT1701: YES), it displays a notification on the display 110 prompting the user to read the sheet identification code 901 (ACT1702).

[0090] Next, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the sheet identification code 901 has been read by the image reading unit 150 (ACT1703). The image forming apparatus 10 waits until the sheet identification code 901 has been read (ACT1703: NO), and when the sheet identification code 901 has been read (ACT1703: YES), the image forming apparatus 10 extracts parameters corresponding to the sheet identification information from the parameters stored in the storage unit 1601 (ACT1704).

[0091] Then, when the image forming apparatus 10 extracts the parameters, it sets the extracted parameters in the read / write unit 1311 and the conveyance control unit 1304 (ACT 1705), and ends the series of processes.

[0092] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment sets the setting information stored in the storage unit 1601 based on the sheet identification code 901. This allows the image forming apparatus 10 to set the setting information without making a request to the cloud server 1 to transmit the setting information. Therefore, for example, even if the communication environment is not good, the setting information can be set.

[0093] The functions of the printer device 130 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable storage medium" refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable storage medium" may also include media that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or media that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may also be a program that implements part of the above-described functions, or may be a program that can be implemented in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0094] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] St...parameter setting system, 1...cloud server, 6...parameter DB, 10...image forming apparatus, 16...paper feed cassette, 130...printer apparatus, 140...sheet storage section, 150...image reading section, 201...wireless tag communication device, 600...sheet, 601...wireless tag, 900...sheet packaging material, 901...sheet identification code, 1301...reading section, 1302...request section, 1303...setting section, 1304...conveyance control section, 1305...acquisition section, 1306...notification section, 1311...read / write section, 1601...storage section

Claims

1. a read / write unit that reads and writes information stored in a wireless tag provided on the sheet; a reading unit that reads identification information that identifies the type of the sheet; a setting unit that sets setting information based on the identification information read by the reading unit to the read / write unit; A printer device comprising:

2. a conveyance control unit that controls conveyance of the sheet; the setting unit sets setting information based on the identification information read by the reading unit in the transport control unit.

2. The printer device according to claim 1.

3. a request unit that requests an external device to transmit the setting information based on the identification information; the setting unit sets the setting information received in response to the transmission request.

3. The printer device according to claim 1.

4. a storage unit for storing setting information corresponding to the identification information; the setting unit sets the setting information to be stored in the storage unit based on the identification information read by the reading unit.

3. The printer device according to claim 1.

5. an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding replenishment of the sheets in a sheet storage unit; a notification unit that notifies a user to prompt the user to read the identification information in response to the acquisition unit acquiring the information regarding the replenishment; Equipped with 3. The printer device according to claim 1.

6. The identification information is provided on a packaging material for the sheet.

3. The printer device according to claim 1.

7. a read / write unit that reads and writes information stored in a wireless tag provided on the sheet; a reading unit that reads identification information that identifies the type of the sheet; A program that causes a computer to function as a printer device comprising: The computer a setting unit that sets setting information based on the identification information read by the reading unit in the read / write unit; A program that functions as a

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