Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that mitigates the detrimental effects of impaired heat radiation and effectively prevents erroneous writing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a control unit, an image forming unit, a radio communication unit, a receiving unit, and a shielding member. The control unit controls supply and ejection of a medium with a radio tag, which is to be housed in a housing unit. The image forming unit forms an image in the supplied medium. The radio communication unit transmits a radio wave for writing information to the radio tag of the supplied medium. The receiving unit receives the ejected medium. The shielding member is formed in a part of the receiving unit and blocks radio waves transmitted from the radio communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, media with wireless tags using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier) technology have been used. An image forming apparatus corresponding to such media forms an image on the media conveyed inside the apparatus body and radiates radio waves from an antenna to write information to the wireless tag of the media at a predetermined timing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An image forming apparatus includes a tray that receives media discharged from inside the apparatus body, and the tray receives media with a wireless tag to which information has been written. There is a demand to prevent information from being accidentally written to the wireless tag of the media received in the tray. For example, a technique of shielding radio waves radiated from an antenna with a conductor is known, but pasting an excessive amount of conductor for radio wave shielding not only increases costs but may also lead to deterioration of heat dissipation.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses the adverse effects of deteriorated heat dissipation and is excellent in preventing miswriting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment comprises a control unit, an image forming unit, a wireless communication unit, a receiving unit, and a shielding member. The control unit controls the supply and discharge of media with wireless tags attached, which are stored in a storage unit. The image forming unit forms an image on the supplied media. The wireless communication unit transmits radio waves to write information to the wireless tags on the supplied media. The receiving unit receives the discharged media. The shielding member is provided in a part of the receiving unit and shields the radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows a first example of the laminated configuration of the shielding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows a second example of the laminated configuration of the shielding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows a third example of the laminated configuration of the shielding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the surface resistance of the conductive layer of the shielding member according to the first embodiment and the effect of preventing miswriting. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows a first example of media processed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a second example of media processed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a media receiving section of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8A]Figure 8A shows an example of a shielding member provided on the first tray located in the lower part of the media receiving section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows an example of a shielding member provided on the second tray located in the upper part of the media receiving section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the tray shielding member and the wireless tag of the media on the tray according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a media receiving section of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing in an image forming apparatus according to the second and third embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes the image forming apparatus installed in the workplace or the like in each embodiment. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction printer. The image forming apparatus 100 comprises an image reading unit 110, a control panel 120, a display 121, a printer unit 130, a media storage unit 140, an RFID processing unit 150, and a media receiving unit 200.

[0009] For example, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet-like medium M using a developer such as toner. The medium M is paper or label paper. Also, the medium M is paper or label paper with a wireless tag T attached. The medium M may be in any form capable of having an image formed on its surface. Note that the medium M with the wireless tag T attached may mean that the wireless tag T is attached to the surface of the medium M, or that the wireless tag T is embedded inside the medium M. The wireless tag T in each embodiment is a tag using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier) technology and is also referred to as an RFID tag.

[0010] The display 121 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display 121 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0011] The control panel 120 has a plurality of buttons. The control panel 120 receives user operations. The control panel 120 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the processor of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the control panel 120 and the display 121 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0012] The printer unit 130 forms an image on the supplied medium M based on the image information generated by the image reading unit 110 or the image information received via the communication path. The printer unit 130 forms an image by, for example, the following processing. The printer unit 130 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum based on the image information. The printer unit 130 forms a visible image by attaching a developer to the electrostatic latent image. A specific example of the developer is toner. The printer unit 130 transfers the visible image onto the medium M. The printer unit 130 fixes the visible image onto the medium M by heating and pressurizing the medium M.

[0013] The medium M on which an image is formed may be the medium M stored in the medium storage unit 140 or the medium M pointed at by a finger. The medium M on which an image is formed is discharged to the medium receiving unit 200.

[0014] The medium storage unit 140 stores the medium M used for image formation in the printer unit 130. For example, cassettes C1, C2, C3, and C4 are provided in the medium storage unit 140. For example, the cassette C1 stores the medium M with the wireless tag T attached.

[0015] The image reading unit 110 reads the image information of the reading target as the light and shade of light. The image reading unit 110 records the read image information. The recorded image information may be transmitted to other information processing devices via a network. The recorded image information may be used by the printer unit 130 to form an image on the medium M.

[0016] Next, the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 141, a discharge unit 156, and a reverse path 157. The reverse path 157 includes a resist unit 158.

[0017] The printer unit 130 includes an image forming unit 131 and a fixing unit 132. The image forming unit 131 has one or more types of toner. For example, the image forming unit 131 has yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toner from the upstream side (the left side in the figure). Also, a predetermined toner may be a special toner such as a colorless toner. The image forming unit 131 has a developing device, a photoconductor drum, and a charging unit for each toner

[0018] The charging unit uniformly charges the surface (photoconductor layer) of the photoconductor drum. The photoconductor drum is irradiated with laser light and carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface. The developing device adds toner to the electrostatic latent image and develops a visible image from the electrostatic latent image.

[0019] Furthermore, the image forming unit 131 has a transfer belt. Images developed by each toner are sequentially transferred onto the transfer belt. The transferred images are then transferred to the media M by a transfer roller.

[0020] In this embodiment, the printer unit 130 was described as using an intermediate transfer method for image formation, but other transfer methods such as a direct transfer method may also be used.

[0021] The fixing unit 132 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller applies heat to the media M from one side of the media M. The pressure roller applies pressure to the media M from the other side of the media M. The fixing unit 132 fixes the toner transferred to the media M by applying heat and pressure to the media M.

[0022] The supply unit 141 supplies the media M stored in the media storage unit 140. The supply unit 141 is composed of, for example, a supply roller.

[0023] The discharge section 156 discharges the media M that has been transported inside the image forming apparatus 100. The discharge section 156 is composed of discharge rollers.

[0024] The inversion path 157 is a path that inverts the front and back sides of the media M and is used when forming images on both sides of the media M. The inversion path 157 is a path that inverts the media M that has been transported to the discharge unit 156 by switchback and then transports it.

[0025] The resist section 158 is provided in the reversal path 157. In the first embodiment, the resist section 158 is described as the resist roller located furthest downstream in the reversal path 157. The resist section 158 temporarily suspends the transport of the media M. By suspending the transport of the media M, the resist section 158 corrects the inclination of the media M to be perpendicular to the transport direction. Note that the location of the resist section 158 is not limited to the furthest downstream in the reversal path 157. The resist section 158 may be located anywhere among the resist rollers provided in the path between the discharge section 156 and the reversal path 157.

[0026] The RFID processing unit 150 is a wireless communication unit and is located outside the inversion path 157. The RFID processing unit 150 includes a controller called an RFID module 153, an antenna board 154, and an interface unit. The antenna formed on the antenna board 154 transports the media M loaded in the media storage unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the resist unit 158, and while it is temporarily stopped, it writes information to the wireless tag T attached to the media M using radio waves emitted from the antenna.

[0027] The media receiving unit 200 receives media M discharged from the discharge unit 156. The media receiving unit 200 includes a first tray 210, which includes a shielding member 211. The shielding member 211 is provided in a part of the media receiving unit 200 and is a conductive member that shields radio waves emitted from the antenna formed on the antenna substrate 154. The shielding member 211 prevents erroneous writing to the wireless tag T attached to the media M loaded in the media receiving unit 200.

[0028] For example, the shielding member 211 is in the form of a sheet and is provided on a part of the first tray 210, which is the bottom surface of the media receiving section 200. The shielding member 211 is attached along the ribs of the first tray 210. The antenna substrate 154 is provided below the plane P that includes the shielding member 211. That is, the shortest distance L1 from the plane P to the upper end ED of the antenna provided on the antenna substrate 154 has a predetermined length (>0).

[0029] A portion of the media receiving section 200 is included in the writable area ER, which is determined according to the intensity of the radio waves emitted from the antenna provided on the antenna substrate 154. In other words, a portion of the shielding member 211 that is close to the discharge section 156 is included in the writable area ER. The shielding member 211 shields the radio waves that reach a portion of the media receiving section 200. On the other hand, the area of ​​the wireless tag T of the media M housed in the cassette C1 of the media housing section 140 is also included in the writable area ER.

[0030] The distance L2 from the antenna provided on the antenna substrate 154 to a portion of the shielding member 211 that is far from the discharge section 156 is longer than the distance L3 from the antenna provided on the antenna substrate 154 to the wireless tag T of the media M housed in the cassette C1. In this way, the shielding member 211 extends from the inside to the outside of the writable area ER and covers the entire writable area ER, thereby reliably preventing erroneous writing to the wireless tag T attached to the media M loaded in the media receiving section 200.

[0031] Furthermore, the shielding member 211 does not cover the entire media receiving section 200, but only a portion of it, which does not hinder heat dissipation and can reduce costs. The configuration in which the shielding member 211 covers a portion of the media receiving section 200 will be explained in detail later.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 110, a control panel 120, a display 121, a printer unit 130, a supply unit 141, an output unit 156, an RFID module 153, a storage device 161, a memory 162, a processor 163, and an external interface 164.

[0033] The supply unit 141 is a mechanism that feeds media M placed in the media storage unit 140 and the manual feed tray to the printer unit 130. The RFID module 153, storage device 161, memory 162, processor 163, and external interface 164 will be described below. Each functional unit is connected via the system bus 170 to enable data communication.

[0034] The storage device 161 is, for example, a hard disk or an SSD (solid state drive) and stores various types of data. These types of data include print jobs received from an external communication device and software programs for controlling the operation of each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 100. A print job may be a job for double-sided printing or a job for printing multiple sheets. A print job may also include image information relating to an image to be printed on media M.

[0035] Memory 162 temporarily stores data used by each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 100. Memory 162 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 162 may also store digital data generated by the image reading unit 110. Memory 162 may also temporarily store print jobs being printed by the printer unit 130 or write information written to wireless tags.

[0036] The processor 163 is a control unit that controls the operation of each functional part of the image forming apparatus 100. The processor 163 loads a software program stored in the storage device 161 onto the memory 162 and executes the software program to perform processing. Here, an example of the specific processing performed by the processor 163 will be explained.

[0037] The processor 163 controls printing to the wirelessly tagged media M based on print jobs received via an external communication device or control panel 120. When the processor 163 receives a print job for the wirelessly tagged media M, it obtains the write information specified in the print job and the image information associated with the write information from a write information server or the like. The image information associated with the write information is information about the image formed on the media M. Note that the image information does not necessarily need to be associated with the write information. In this case, the image information only needs to be included in the print job.

[0038] The processor 163 controls the supply unit 141 to supply media M. Based on the control of the processor 163, the supply unit 141 supplies media M to each unit. The processor 163 also controls the discharge unit 156 to discharge media M. Based on the control of the processor 163, the discharge unit 156 discharges media M to the media receiving unit 200.

[0039] The processor 163 controls the printer unit 130. The printer unit 130 forms the image indicated by the image information onto the media M. The media M on which the image has been formed is ejected to the media receiving unit 200.

[0040] The processor 163 controls the RFID module 153. The RFID module 153 includes an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The RFID module 153 writes information to the wireless tag attached to the media M. The RFID module 153 also reads information from the wireless tag attached to the media M. The information that the RFID module 153 reads from the wireless tag is, for example, identification information that uniquely identifies the wireless tag (e.g., UID: Unique Identifier).

[0041] The external interface 164 transmits and receives data with other devices. These other devices include, for example, personal computers, tablet computers, or smart devices. The external interface 164 operates as an input interface, receiving data or instructions transmitted from other devices. Instructions transmitted from other devices include print jobs, etc. Data transmitted from other devices includes write information and image information associated with that information. The external interface 164 also operates as an output interface, transmitting data to other devices.

[0042] Figure 3A shows a first example of the laminated configuration of the shielding member according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3A, the shielding member 211 comprises, in order from the contact surface with the discharged media M, a conductive layer 211a, a base layer 211b, and an adhesive layer 211c.

[0043] Figure 3B shows a second example of the laminated configuration of the shielding member according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3B, the shielding member 211 comprises, in order from the contact surface with the discharged media M, a base layer 211b, a conductive layer 211a, and an adhesive layer 211c.

[0044] Figure 3C shows a third example of the laminated configuration of the shielding member according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3C, the shielding member 211 comprises, in order from the contact surface with the discharged media M, a base layer 211b, a conductive layer 211a, another base layer 211b, and an adhesive layer 211c.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an example of the surface resistance of the conductive layer of the shielding member according to the first embodiment and the effect of preventing miswriting. The surface resistance of the conductive layer 211a of the shielding member 211 shown in Figures 3A to 3C is within a predetermined range (see Figure 4). If the surface resistance [Ω / □] (ohms per square) of the conductive layer 211a is 1000 or less, it is possible to prevent erroneous writing. For example, the surface resistance [Ω / □] of the conductive layer 211a may be set to 500 or less.

[0046] The shielding member 211 can reliably prevent erroneous writing due to its surface resistance and attachment position. The relationship between resistance and transmission output is such that the higher the resistance, the higher the probability of erroneous writing occurring even at low transmission output.

[0047] Figure 5A shows a first example of media processed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 5B shows a second example of media processed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the wireless tag T attached to the media M comprises an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip CP and an antenna AT. The IC chip CP writes or reads tag information. The antenna AT is connected to the IC chip CP and receives tag information written to the IC chip CP and transmits tag information read from the IC chip CP.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5A, the transport direction of the media M corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wireless tag T. In an image forming apparatus 100 that processes such media M, the discharge direction (transport direction) of the media M corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the shielding member 211 of the first tray 210. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the wireless tag T of the media M loaded on the first tray 210 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the shielding member 211 of the first tray 210, thereby providing an efficient shielding effect by the shielding member 211 attached to a part of the first tray 210.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5B, the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the media M corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the wireless tag T. In an image forming apparatus 100 that processes such media M, the direction perpendicular to the discharge direction (transport direction) of the media M corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the shielding member 211 of the first tray 210. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the wireless tag T of the media M loaded on the first tray 210 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the shielding member 211 of the first tray 210, thereby providing an efficient shielding effect by the shielding member 211 attached to a part of the first tray 210.

[0050] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The processor 163 of the image forming apparatus 100 accepts a print job (ACT101). For example, an external information processing device such as a personal computer transmits a print job related to double-sided printing to the image forming apparatus 100 via a network. The external interface 164 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print job, and the processor 163 accepts the received print job.

[0051] Processor 163 acquires the write information and the image information associated with the write information (ACT102). For example, when the processor 163 receives a print job, it requests the write information and the image information associated with the write information from the write information server via the external interface 164. The write information server transmits the requested write information and the image information associated with the write information to the image forming apparatus 100. The external interface 164 receives the write information and the image information associated with the write information, and the processor 163 acquires the write information and the image information associated with the write information.

[0052] The printer unit 130 forms an image based on image information on one side (surface) of the transported media M (ACT103). For example, the processor 163, upon receiving a print job, requests media supply from the supply unit 141. Based on the media supply request from the processor 163, the supply unit 141 supplies the media M stored in the media storage unit 140. The printer unit 130 develops the image based on the acquired image information and fixes the developed image onto the fed media M.

[0053] The antenna board 154 writes information to the wireless tag T (ACT104). For example, when the media M on which the image is formed is transported, the antenna board 154 emits electromagnetic waves for writing information. When the wireless tag T attached to the media M receives the electromagnetic waves, the information is written to the memory area of ​​the wireless tag T.

[0054] The antenna board 154 reads the information written to the wireless tag T (ACT105). For example, the antenna board 154 emits electromagnetic waves to read the information written to the wireless tag T. When the wireless tag T attached to the media M receives the electromagnetic waves, the information written to the memory area of ​​the wireless tag T is sent to the antenna board 154. The antenna board 154 outputs the information received from the wireless tag T as read information to the processor 163.

[0055] Processor 163 determines whether the information written to the wireless tag T is valid (ACT106). For example, the processor 163 determines whether the read information satisfies predetermined conditions (writing conditions) regarding the correctness of the information. For example, if the write information obtained from the write information server matches the read information read from the wireless tag T, the processor 163 determines that the information written to the wireless tag T is correct and satisfies the predetermined conditions. If the write information obtained from the write information server does not match the read information read from the wireless tag T, the processor 163 determines that the information written to the wireless tag T is not correct and does not satisfy the predetermined conditions.

[0056] If the information written to the wireless tag T is correct (ACT106, YES), the printer unit 130 forms an image on the back of the media M based on the image information obtained from the written information server (ACT107). For example, the processor 163 controls the image formation apparatus 100 to form an image on the other side of the media M on which the image was formed by ACT 103, based on the image information acquired in accordance with the print job it received. The printer unit 130 forms the image on the back side of the media M.

[0057] If the information written to the wireless tag T is not valid (ACT106, NO), the printer unit 130 forms a void image on the back surface of the media M (ACT108). For example, the processor 163 controls the printer unit 130 to remove the developer that was intended to form an image on the back surface of the media M from the developer carrier. The processor 163 controls the printer unit 130 so that a void image or a blank image is formed. The printer unit 130 forms a void image on the back surface of the media M.

[0058] The discharge unit 156 discharges the media M into the first tray 210 of the media receiving unit 200 (ACT 109). The wireless tags T of the discharged media M are loaded facing the shielding member 211 provided on the first tray 210. The wireless tags T of the loaded media M are contained within the area vertically above the shielding member 211.

[0059] This section provides additional information on how to handle situations where the information written to the wireless tag T is incorrect. The antenna board 154 reads the information written to the wireless tag T attached to the transported media M. The timing of the reading may be immediately after the media M is temporarily paused in the resist section 158 and the information is written to the wireless tag T, or it may be after the information has been written to the wireless tag T and the transport of the media M has resumed.

[0060] The printer unit 130 forms at least one of the following on the media M: an image specified in the received print job and an image indicating that the information written to the wireless tag T is not normal.

[0061] If the information read from the wireless tag T satisfies predetermined conditions regarding the accuracy of the information, the processor 163 controls the printer unit 130 so that the image specified in the print job is formed on the media M or the next media M that is transported after media M.

[0062] If the information read from the wireless tag T does not meet predetermined conditions regarding the accuracy of the information, the processor 163 controls the printer unit 130 to remove the developer supported on the photoreceptor drum according to the print job. Next, the processor 163 controls the printer unit so that an image indicating that the information written to the wireless tag T is not normal is formed on the media M. In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 prints a void image or a white image on the media M if writing to the wireless tag T fails. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to process multiple media M consecutively.

[0063] According to the first embodiment, the shielding member 211 is provided on a part of the first tray 210, which is the bottom surface of the media receiving section 200. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses the negative effects of poor heat dissipation and has excellent protection against erroneous writing.

[0064] [Second Embodiment] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a media receiving section of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The configuration other than the media receiving section 200 is as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The media receiving unit 200 includes a plurality of trays. For example, the media receiving unit 200 includes a first tray 210 located on the lower level and a second tray 220 located on the upper level. The first tray 210 includes a shielding member 211. The second tray 220 also includes a shielding member 221.

[0065] Furthermore, the distance from the antenna substrate 154 of the RFID processing unit 150 to the first tray 210 is shorter than the distance from the antenna substrate 154 of the RFID processing unit 150 to the second tray 220. The configurations of the shielding members 211 and 221 are as shown in Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4. The configuration of the media M processed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is as shown in Figure 5A or Figure 5B.

[0066] The shielding member 211 is provided on a part of the first tray 210 and is a conductive member that shields radio waves emitted from the antenna formed on the antenna substrate 154. The shielding member 211 prevents erroneous writing to the wireless tag T attached to the media M loaded on the first tray 210.

[0067] The shielding member 221 is provided on a part of the second tray 220 and is a conductive member that shields radio waves emitted from the antenna formed on the antenna substrate 154. The shielding member 221 prevents erroneous writing to the wireless tag T attached to the media M loaded on the second tray 220.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the relationship between the shielding member 211 and the writable area ER, and the relationship between the distance from the antenna to the shielding member 211 and the distance from the antenna to the wireless tag T of the media M housed in the cassette C1 were described. In the second embodiment, both the shielding members 211 and 221 satisfy these relationships.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the discharge unit 156 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a flap. The flap switches the discharge destination of the media M based on a signal from the processor 163. That is, the flap, The output destination of the media M is switched to either the first tray 210 or the second tray 220, and the output unit 156 outputs the media M to either the first tray 210 or the second tray 220. For example, the processor 163 outputs media M that meets the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T to the first tray 210, and outputs media M that does not meet the writing conditions to the second tray 220.

[0070] The processor 163 detects that information has been successfully written to the wireless tag T when the write information obtained from the write information server matches the read information read from the wireless tag T. In this way, the processor 163 determines that the conditions for writing have been met when it detects that the information has been successfully written to the wireless tag T.

[0071] Conversely, the processor 163 detects that information was not correctly written to the wireless tag T if the write information obtained from the write information server does not match the read information read from the wireless tag T. In this way, the processor 163 determines that the conditions for writing are not met when it detects that writing information to the wireless tag T has failed. The processor 163 may also eject media M that do not meet the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T to the first tray 210, and media M that meet the writing conditions to the second tray 220.

[0072] Figure 8A shows an example of a shielding member provided on the first tray located in the lower part of the media receiving section according to the second embodiment. Figure 8B shows an example of a shielding member provided on the second tray located in the upper part of the media receiving section according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8A, the shielding member 211 is provided on the first tray 210, positioned closer to the discharge section 156. Also, as shown in Figure 8B, the shielding member 221 is provided on the second tray 220, positioned closer to the discharge section 156.

[0073] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the shielding member and the wireless tag T of the media M on the tray according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the media M discharged to the media receiving unit 200 is loaded onto the first tray 210, but the wireless tag T of the loaded media M faces the shielding member 211 of the first tray 210. At least a portion of the wireless tag T of the loaded media M, including the IC chip CP (see Figure 5A), is contained within the area vertically above the shielding member 211.

[0074] Similarly, the media M discharged to the media receiving unit 200 is loaded onto the second tray 220, but the wireless tag T of the loaded media M faces the shielding member 221 of the second tray 220. At least a portion of the wireless tag T of the loaded media M, including the IC chip CP (see Figure 5A), is contained within the area vertically above the shielding member 221.

[0075] According to the second embodiment, a shielding member 211 is provided on a part of the first tray 210, and a shielding member 221 is provided on a part of the second tray 220. The shielding member 211 is attached along the ribs of the first tray 210. The shielding member 221 is attached along the ribs of the second tray 220. Media M that meet the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T are loaded on the first tray 210, and media M that do not meet the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T are loaded on the second tray 220. This makes it possible to use different trays for loading media M while suppressing the negative effects of poor heat dissipation and providing an image forming apparatus that is excellent at preventing erroneous writing.

[0076] [Third Embodiment] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a media receiving section of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The configuration other than the media receiving section 200 is as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The configuration of the shielding member 211 provided in the media receiving section 200 is as shown in Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4. The configuration of the media M processed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment is as shown in Figure 5A or Figure 5B.

[0077] The media receiving unit 200 includes multiple trays. For example, the media receiving unit 200 includes a first tray 210 located on the lower level and a second tray 230 located on the upper level. The first tray 210 is equipped with a shielding member 211. The second tray 230 is not equipped with a shielding member. The positional relationship between the shielding member 211 of the first tray 210 and the wireless tag T of the media M on the first tray 210 is as shown in Figure 9.

[0078] In the third embodiment, the discharge unit 156 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a flap. The flap switches the discharge destination of the media M based on a signal from the processor 163. That is, the flap, The output destination of the media M is switched to either the first tray 210 or the second tray 220, and the output unit 156 outputs the media M to either the first tray 210 or the second tray 220. For example, the processor 163 outputs media M that meets the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T to the first tray 210, and outputs media M that does not meet the writing conditions to the second tray 220.

[0079] Alternatively, the shielding member may not be provided on the first tray 210, but on the second tray 230. In this case, the processor 163 ejects media M that meet the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T to the second tray 230, and ejects media M that do not meet the writing conditions to the first tray 210. The positional relationship between the shielding member 221 of the second tray 220 and the wireless tag T of the media M on the second tray 220 is as shown in Figure 9.

[0080] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing in an image forming apparatus according to the second and third embodiments. ACT101 to ACT108 are the same as the media processing described in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0081] In the second and third embodiments, the discharge unit 156 is equipped with a flap, which switches the discharge destination based on a signal from the processor 163, and discharges the media M to the first tray 210 or the second tray 220. For example, the processor 163 discharges media M that meets the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag T to the first tray 210, and discharges media M that do not meet the writing conditions to the second tray 220.

[0082] That is, if the information written to the wireless tag T is correct (ACT106, YES), the printer unit 130 forms an image on the back of the media M based on the image information obtained from the written information server (ACT107). Furthermore, the ejection unit 156 ejects the media M to the first tray 210 of the media receiving unit 200 (ACT109).

[0083] If the information written to the wireless tag T is not valid (ACT106, NO), the printer unit 130 forms a void image on the back of the media M (ACT108). Furthermore, the ejection unit 156 ejects the media M to the second tray 220 of the media receiving unit 200 (ACT110).

[0084] According to the third embodiment, a shielding member 211 is provided on a portion of the first tray 210, which is close to the antenna substrate 154 and where information may be rewritten by radio waves emitted from the antenna substrate 154, while a shielding member is not provided on the second tray 220, which is far from the antenna substrate 154. This reduces costs and provides an image forming apparatus with excellent protection against erroneous writing. Furthermore, by loading media M that have failed to be written to the wireless tag T onto the second tray 220, which does not have a shielding member, malfunctions that may occur in the event of erroneous writing can be eliminated.

[0085] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A control unit that controls the supply and ejection of media with wireless tags attached to a storage unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the supplied media, A wireless communication unit that transmits radio waves to write information to the wireless tag of the supplied media, A receiving unit that receives the media being ejected, A shielding member is provided in a part of the receiving section to shield radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication section, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The receiving unit comprises a first and a second tray, The first tray is an image forming apparatus as described in Appendix 1, which includes the shielding member. [Note 3] The image forming apparatus as described in Appendix 2, wherein the first distance from the wireless communication unit to the first tray is shorter than the distance from the wireless communication unit to the second tray. [Note 4] The control unit discharges the media that satisfies the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag into the first tray provided with the shielding member, and discharges the media that does not satisfy the writing conditions into the second tray not provided with the shielding member, as described in Appendix 2 of the image forming apparatus. [Note 5] The writing area, which is determined according to the intensity of the radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication unit, includes the wireless tag of the media housed in the storage unit and a part of the receiving unit. The shielding member is an image forming apparatus as described in Appendix 1, which shields radio waves that reach a part of the receiving section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100…Image forming apparatus 120... Control Panel 121…Display 130...Printer section 131…Image forming unit 132... Fixing part 140…Media containment section 141...Supply section 150…RFID Processing Unit 153…RFID module 154…Antenna board 156…Discharge section 157…Reversal path 158... Resist section 161...Storage device 162...memory 163… Processor 164…External Interface 170... System bus 200... Media Reception Department 210...First tray 211... Shielding member 211a...conductive layer 211b…Base layer 211c…adhesive layer 220, 230... Second tray 221...Shielding member M...Media T... Wireless tag

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the supply and ejection of media with wireless tags stored in the storage compartment, An image forming unit that forms an image on the supplied medium, A wireless communication unit that transmits radio waves to write information to the wireless tag of the supplied media, A receiving unit that receives the media being ejected, A shielding member is provided on a part of the bottom surface of the receiving section to shield radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication section, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

2. The receiving unit comprises a first and a second tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first tray comprises the shielding member.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first distance from the wireless communication unit to the first tray is shorter than the distance from the wireless communication unit to the second tray.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit discharges the media that satisfies the conditions for writing information to the wireless tag into the first tray provided with the shielding member, and discharges the media that does not satisfy the writing conditions into the second tray not provided with the shielding member.

5. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shielding member extends from the inside to the outside of a writing area determined according to the intensity of radio waves transmitted from the wireless communication unit, and covers the writing area from the inside to the outside.

6. The writing area includes the wireless tag of the media housed in the housing and a part of the bottom surface of the receiving unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the shielding member shields radio waves that reach a part of the bottom surface of the receiving portion.

Images