Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus that can reduce the effort of a user required to confirm tag information written in a wireless tag.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes a sheet feeding unit, a conveyance unit, an image formation unit, and a control unit. A print medium attached with a wireless tag is placed on the sheet feeding unit. The conveyance unit conveys the print medium placed on the sheet feeding unit. The image formation unit forms an image on the print medium. The control unit controls an antenna that emits radio waves to a first region located downstream of the sheet feeding unit in a region on a conveyance path through which the print medium passes with the conveyance by the conveyance unit, and a second region in the region where the print medium is placed in the sheet feeding unit and also controls the conveyance unit and the image formation unit. When the print medium is placed on the sheet feeding unit and no conveyance is being performed by the conveyance unit, the control unit controls the antenna in response to a received operation and reads tag information written in the wireless tag from the wireless tag located in the second region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a printed medium with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag attached thereto is known.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in the image forming apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, after the conveyance of the printed medium to the position where the tag information is written to the RFID tag, the tag information is written to the RFID tag. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus performs a verification process for detecting whether or not the tag information to the RFID tag has been appropriately completed, and then forms an image on the printed medium after the tag information has been written. However, for the user to confirm whether or not the desired tag information has been written to the RFID tag after the tag information has been written, a reading device for reading the tag information written to the RFID tag has been used. The introduction of such a reading device means that, in addition to the operation of the image forming apparatus, the operation of the reading device must be performed, which may cause new labor for the user, such as familiarity with the operation method of the reading device and preparation of the reading device.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the labor of the user required for confirming the tag information written to the wireless tag.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image forming apparatus of this embodiment includes a paper feeding unit, a transport unit, an image forming unit, and a control unit. A printing medium with a wireless tag attached is placed on the paper feeding unit. The transport unit transports the printing medium placed on the paper feeding unit. The image forming unit forms an image on the printing medium. The control unit controls an antenna that radiates radio waves to a first region located downstream of the paper feeding unit on the transport path through which the printing medium passes by the transport unit, and a second region in the area where the printing medium is placed on the paper feeding unit, as well as the transport unit and the image forming unit. When a printing medium is placed on the paper feeding unit and transport by the transport unit is not taking place, the control unit controls the antenna in response to an operation received and reads the tag information written on the wireless tag from the wireless tag located in the second region. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a printed medium with a wireless tag attached. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the appearance of the wireless tag communication device 13. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the radiation surface of radio waves emitted from antenna 131. [Figure 5] This is a simplified diagram showing a simple example of the configuration of the printer unit 11. [Figure 6] This figure shows a specific example of the positional relationship between the first region RA and the second region RB. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 110. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the process flow for writing tag information to wireless tags in the first area RA. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the process flow for reading tag information from wireless tags in the second area RB. [Figure 10]This figure shows an example of a display image containing tag information read by ACT220. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the process flow for writing tag information to a wireless tag in the second area RB. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the interaction between the image forming apparatus 1 and other information processing devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. As an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an example.

[0009] (Configuration of an image forming apparatus) Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment.

[0010] Image forming apparatus 1 is a device that forms an image on a printing medium, such as a multifunction printer, copier, or printer. Image forming apparatus 1 is placed, for example, in a workplace. The printing medium is the medium on which image forming and other processing are performed by image forming apparatus 1. The printing medium can be any sheet-like medium on which an image can be formed on at least one of its two sides. For example, printing mediums can be printing paper, plastic film, etc.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 identifies the type of printing medium to be processed according to the operation received from the user. Printing media are classified according to their size, thickness, material, and the presence or absence of wireless tags. Printing media with wireless tags are those to which wireless tags have been attached. Printing media without wireless tags are those to which wireless tags have not been attached.

[0012] Wireless tags are, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, but are not limited to these. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a printed medium with a wireless tag attached. The arrows in Figure 2 indicate the transport direction in which the printed medium is transported in the image forming apparatus 1. The printed medium PPA shown in Figure 2 is an example of a printed medium with a wireless tag attached. The wireless tag TG shown in Figure 2 is an example of a wireless tag attached to the printed medium PPA. The wireless tag TG has an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip CP and an antenna AT. The IC chip CP is an IC chip on which tag information is written / read. The antenna AT is connected to the IC chip CP and is an antenna that receives tag information written to the IC chip CP and transmits tag information read from the IC chip CP.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a pre-specified type of printing medium in response to an operation received from the user. For example, if the type of printing medium pre-specified in response to an operation received from the user is a printing medium with a wireless tag, the image forming apparatus 1 writes tag information to the wireless tag attached to the printing medium. After writing the tag information to the wireless tag, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a verification process to detect whether the writing of the tag information to the wireless tag was completed successfully. The verification process is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 reading the tag information written to the wireless tag and determining whether the read tag information matches the written tag information. If the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the read tag information matches the written tag information, it detects that the writing was completed successfully. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the read tag information does not match the written tag information, it detects that the writing was not completed successfully. If the image forming apparatus 1 detects that the writing was not completed successfully during the verification process, it displays information indicating that the writing failed. Meanwhile, if the image forming apparatus 1 detects that the writing process has been completed successfully during the verification process, it forms an image on the printing medium to which the wireless tag on which the tag information has been written is attached. After forming the image on the printing medium, the image forming apparatus 1 heats the printing medium on which the image has been formed to fix the image to the printing medium. After fixing the image to the printing medium, the image forming apparatus 1 discharges the printing medium on which the image has been fixed.

[0014] After the image forming apparatus 1 discharges the print medium having the wireless tag with the tag information written therein in this manner, it reads the tag information written in the wireless tag of the discharged print medium in accordance with the received operation. After reading the tag information, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the read tag information. As a result, the user can confirm whether the tag information written in the wireless tag of the print medium is the desired tag information or not, using the image forming apparatus 1 separately from the verification process. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to prepare other devices such as a reading device that reads tag information from the wireless tag for such confirmation of tag information for the user. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 can reduce the labor of the user required for confirming the tag information written in the wireless tag. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 can easily cause the user to perform such confirmation of tag information. Further, since the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to prepare such other devices for the user, it is also possible to suppress an increase in the introduction cost of the system including the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, a printer unit 11, a control panel 12, a wireless tag communication device 13, an image reading device 14, a manual tray TA, and a paper discharge tray TB. The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to include other members, other devices, etc. in addition to the printer unit 11, the control panel 12, the wireless tag communication device 13, the image reading device 14, the manual tray TA, and the paper discharge tray TB. The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured not to include the wireless tag communication device 13. In this case, the wireless tag communication device 13 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1 from the outside. The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured not to include the image reading device 14. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured such that the image reading device 14 is communicably connected from the outside, or may be configured such that the image reading device 14 is not connected.

[0016] The printer unit 11 conveys the print medium and forms an image on the print medium. Details of the configuration of the printer unit 11 will be described later. In FIG. 1, in order to prevent the figure from becoming complicated, the printer unit 11 provided inside the image forming apparatus 1 is shown as a rectangular parallelepiped object.

[0017] The control panel 12 includes an operation reception unit and a display unit.

[0018] The operation reception unit receives operations from the user. The operation reception unit is an input device, for example, a touch pad, input keys, etc. The operation reception unit outputs information indicating the operation received from the user to a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 1.

[0019] The display unit displays an image corresponding to the operation received via the operation reception unit. The display unit is an image display device, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. Note that the display unit may be configured integrally with the operation reception unit as a touch panel.

[0020] The wireless tag communication device 13 radiates radio waves to a predetermined first region RA in a region on the conveyance path where the print medium is conveyed in the image forming apparatus 1 and a second region RB located upstream of the first region RA in the region on the conveyance path. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the wireless tag communication device 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless tag communication device 13 has a housing in the shape of a flat plate as a whole, and inside the housing, an antenna 131 that radiates radio waves to the first region RA and the second region RB is provided. Therefore, in FIG. 3, the antenna 131 is hidden behind the housing and not visible. The wireless tag communication device 13 radiates radio waves in the radiation direction from one of the two surfaces orthogonal to the direction of the two surfaces of the housing to the other. For convenience of explanation, the surface in the radiation direction of the two surfaces is referred to as the front surface of the wireless tag communication device 13 for explanation. For convenience of explanation, the surface in the direction opposite to the radiation direction of the two surfaces is referred to as the rear surface of the wireless tag communication device 13 for explanation.

[0021] The wireless tag communication device 13 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 by a predetermined method and powered by the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the wireless tag communication device 13 operates under control from the image forming apparatus 1. The predetermined method is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, but is not limited to this. The wireless tag communication device 13 may also be attached to the image forming apparatus 1 via a spacer. In this case, the relative position of the wireless tag communication device 13 with respect to the first region RA and the second region RB of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted by this spacer. This means that the reception sensitivity of radio waves from the wireless tag communication device 13 in the first region RA and the second region RB can be adjusted by the spacer.

[0022] Antenna 131 is, for example, a single antenna that radiates radio waves into a first region RA and a second region RB. Antenna 131 may be composed of multiple antennas instead of a single antenna. Antenna 131 may be a type of antenna whose direction of radiation can be changed electromagnetically, or it may be a type of antenna whose direction of radiation cannot be changed electromagnetically.

[0023] Figure 4 shows an example of the radiation surface of radio waves emitted from antenna 131. The arrows in Figure 4 indicate the direction of radiation from antenna 131. The origin of the coordinate axes shown in Figure 4 indicates the position of antenna 131. As shown in Figure 4, radio waves emitted from antenna 131 are also emitted in directions perpendicular to the radiation direction, and in directions opposite to the radiation direction. Therefore, depending on the installation location, the wireless tag communication device 13 can emit radio waves to multiple predetermined areas in the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the wireless tag communication device 13 can emit radio waves to the first area RA and the second area RB.

[0024] The polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 is switched by a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit may switch the polarization direction automatically or in response to an operation received from the user. In this embodiment, the details of the polarization direction used for writing tag information to a wireless tag and reading tag information from a wireless tag are omitted from the explanation.

[0025] The wireless tag communication device 13 radiates radio waves from its antenna 131 toward the first region RA and the second region RB in response to control from the control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 1. This allows the wireless tag communication device 13 to write tag information to a wireless tag attached to a printing medium having a wireless tag, and to read tag information from the wireless tag. The method for writing tag information to the wireless tag may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. Therefore, the method for writing tag information to the wireless tag will not be explained. The method for reading tag information from the wireless tag may also be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. Therefore, the method for reading tag information from the wireless tag will not be explained.

[0026] The image reading device 14 is a device that reads image data representing an image formed on a sheet-like medium such as a printing medium from the medium, and is, for example, a scanner provided in the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, a detailed explanation of the configuration of the image reading device 14 is omitted.

[0027] (Printer unit configuration)

[0028] The configuration of the printer unit 11 will be explained below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printer unit 11. In the simplified diagram of Figure 5, the position of the control panel 12 is depicted differently from the position of the control panel 12 in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The printer unit 11 comprises a control unit 110, a paper feed cassette 111, a paper feed cassette 112, and an image forming unit 113.

[0030] The control unit 110 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the control unit 110 controls the printer unit 11, the control panel 12, the wireless tag communication device 13, and the image forming unit 113. The control unit 110 is an example of a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 1.

[0031] The paper feed cassette 111 stores the type of printing medium desired by the user. As an example, we will describe a case where the paper feed cassette 111 stores printing medium that has a wireless tag.

[0032] The paper feed cassette 112 stores the type of printing medium desired by the user. As an example, we will describe the case where the paper feed cassette 112 stores printing medium that does not have a wireless tag.

[0033] The image forming unit 113, in response to control from the control unit 110, transports the printing medium and forms the image indicated by the image data acquired from the control unit 110 onto the printing medium. The image forming unit 113 is an example of an image forming unit. The image data is, for example, image data acquired from an information processing device or the like that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 1, or image data read by the image reading device 14.

[0034] The image forming unit 113 includes an intermediate transfer belt 20. The image forming unit 113 includes a driven roller 21, a backup roller 22, a secondary transfer roller 23, two registration rollers 24, and a manual feed roller 25. The image forming unit 113 includes four sets of image forming stations: image forming station 31, image forming station 32, image forming station 33, and image forming station 34. The image forming unit 113 includes a fuser AD and a duplex printer DF.

[0035] The intermediate transfer belt 20 is the belt to which the toner image is primarily transferred by four sets of image forming stations. The intermediate transfer belt 20 is supported by driven rollers 21 and backup rollers 22, etc. The intermediate transfer belt 20 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow m in Figure 5. More specifically, the image forming unit 113 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 20 in this direction using a motor (not shown) in response to control from the control unit 110.

[0036] Image forming station 31 is an image forming station for yellow (Y) image formation. Image forming station 32 is an image forming station for magenta (M) image formation. Image forming station 33 is an image forming station for cyan (C) image formation. Image forming station 34 is an image forming station for black (K) image formation. In the image forming unit 113, these four sets of image forming stations are arranged below the intermediate transfer belt 20, along the rotational direction of the intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0037] The image forming station 31 comprises a photoreceptor drum 311, a charging charger 312, an exposure scanning head 313, a developing device 314, a photoreceptor cleaner 315, and a primary transfer roller 316. In the image forming station 31, the charging charger 312, the exposure scanning head 313, the developing device 314, the photoreceptor cleaner 315, and the primary transfer roller 316 are arranged around the photoreceptor drum 311, which rotates in the direction indicated by arrow n in Figure 5. The primary transfer roller 316 faces the photoreceptor drum 311 via an intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0038] The configurations of image forming stations 32, 33, and 34 are the same as those of image forming station 31. Therefore, the configurations of image forming stations 32, 33, and 34 will not be explained below.

[0039] The secondary transfer roller 23 faces the backup roller 22 via the intermediate transfer belt 20. The secondary transfer roller 23 transfers the toner image that was primary transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the printing medium that passes between the secondary transfer roller 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0040] The two registration rollers 24 transport the printing media, which has been taken out from the paper feed cassette 111, paper feed cassette 112, and manual feed tray TA respectively by a transport mechanism (not shown), between the secondary transfer roller 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0041] The manual feed roller 25 takes the printing medium from the manual feed tray TA and transports it to the two registration rollers 24.

[0042] The fixing device AD ​​is a device that fixes the toner image onto the printing medium after the toner image has been secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roller 23. More specifically, the fixing device AD ​​heats the printing medium while transporting it with the roller, thereby fixing the toner image that has been secondarily transferred onto the printing medium to the printing medium.

[0043] The duplex printing device DF is a device that transports the printing medium, after the toner image has been fixed to the surface by the fuser device AD, to two registration rollers 24. The printing medium is transported to the duplex printing device DF after it has been flipped over to its front and back sides. As a result, the printing medium transported between the two registration rollers 24 via the duplex printing device DF has an image formed on its back side via the secondary transfer roller 23 and the fuser device AD.

[0044] (Operation of the image forming unit) The operation of the image forming unit 113 will be described below.

[0045] First, we will explain the operation of the four sets of image forming stations, using the operation of image forming station 31 as an example.

[0046] The image forming station 31 charges the photoreceptor drum 311 with the charger 312, and then exposes it with the exposure scanning head 313. This causes the image forming station 31 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 311. The image forming station 31 then causes the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 311 to be developed by the developing device 314. The developing device 314 uses a two-component developer formed from toner and carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 311 as a toner image. The primary transfer roller 316 then transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 311 to the intermediate transfer belt 20. After this primary transfer, the photoreceptor cleaner 315 removes any remaining toner from the photoreceptor drum 311.

[0047] Each of the image forming stations 31, 32, 33, and 34 forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 using a primary transfer roller 316. The color toner image is formed by sequentially layering toner images of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black).

[0048] Next, the operation of the secondary transfer roller 23 will be described. The secondary transfer roller 23 transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 all at once to the printing medium passing between the secondary transfer roller 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 20. In the following description, the term "toner image" may refer to either a color toner image or a toner image of only one color. The toner image may also be a toner image using decolorized toner.

[0049] Next, we will describe the operation of the image forming unit 113 in which the printing medium is transported. For the sake of explanation, the end of a printing medium that is in the transport direction will be referred to as the leading edge of the printing medium. For the sake of explanation, the end of a printing medium that is in the opposite direction to the transport direction will be referred to as the trailing edge of the printing medium.

[0050] The nip of the two registration rollers 24 is bent by a transport mechanism (not shown) that allows the printing medium taken from the paper feed cassette 111, paper feed cassette 112, and manual feed tray TA to bend. This aligns the leading edge of the printing medium. Subsequently, the two registration rollers 24 transport the printing medium between the secondary transfer roller 23 and the intermediate transfer belt 20 in accordance with the timing of the image forming unit 113 transferring the toner image to the printing medium. The transport paths from the paper feed cassette 111, paper feed cassette 112, and manual feed tray TA to the two registration rollers 24 converge at the junction PA shown in Figure 5.

[0051] Within the image forming unit 113, three transport paths—transport path LA, transport path LB, and transport path LC—are formed by two registration rollers 24, the fuser unit AD, and multiple rollers within the duplex printing unit DF. Transport path LA is the transport path from the merging section PA to the branching section PB shown in Figure 5. Transport path LB is the transport path that passes through the duplex printing unit DF, and is the transport path from the branching section PB to the merging section PA. Transport path LC is the transport path from the branching section PB to the output tray TB.

[0052] The two registration rollers 24 begin rotating in accordance with the position of the toner image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 20, moving the printing medium to the position of the secondary transfer roller 23. As a result, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is secondarily transferred to the printing medium by the secondary transfer roller 23. After the toner image has been secondarily transferred to the printing medium, the secondary transfer roller 23 transports the printing medium along the transport path LA to the fuser AD.

[0053] The fuser unit AD heats and pressurizes the toner image, which has been secondarily transferred to the printing medium conveyed from the secondary transfer roller 23, while the printing medium is being conveyed. In this way, the fuser unit AD fixes the toner image to the printing medium. The fuser unit AD performs this heating and pressurizing by the fuser member ADA and the pressurizing member ADB.

[0054] The fixing member ADA is a member having an endless circumferential surface. For example, the fixing member ADA is a belt-shaped member. The fixing member ADA abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the pressurizing member ADB. The fixing member ADA rotates together with the pressurizing member ADB with which it abuts. A heating section is provided inside the fixing member ADA. A support member is provided inside the fixing member ADA to rotatably support the fixing member ADA. In Figure 5, the heating section and the support member are omitted for the sake of simplification of the diagram.

[0055] The pressure member ADB is a roller that contacts the outer surface of the fixing member ADA. The motor's driving force is transmitted to the pressure member ADB via gears or the like. In other words, the pressure member ADB rotates due to the motor's drive. This causes the pressure member ADB to rotate the fixing member ADA, which is in contact with the pressure member ADB.

[0056] The pressurizing member ADB is pressed against the outer surface of the fixing member ADA by a biasing member such as a spring. By being pressed against the fixing member ADA, the pressurizing member ADB forms a nip with the fixing member ADA. In other words, the pressurizing member ADB forms a nip with the fixing member ADA by contacting it. In the fixing device AD, instead of the configuration in which the pressurizing member ADB is pressed against the outer surface of the fixing member ADA by a biasing member, the fixing member ADA may be pressed against the outer surface of the pressurizing member ADB by a biasing member.

[0057] With the above configuration, the fuser AD heats and pressurizes the printing medium, fixing the toner image onto the printing medium. As a result, the toner image that was secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer roller 23 is formed as an image on the printing medium. After the image is formed on the printing medium, the fuser AD transports the printing medium to the transport path LC. The printing medium transported to the transport path LC is then discharged by a roller (not shown).

[0058] In the case of double-sided printing, after the image is formed on the front surface and the entire printing medium passes through the branching section PB, a roller (not shown) transports the printing medium to the transport path LB via a switchback. This reverses the front and back surfaces of the printing medium. Subsequently, multiple rollers within the double-sided printing device DF transport the printing medium along the transport path LB to the nips of two registration rollers 24. The printing medium, with its front and back surfaces reversed, is then transported along the transport path LA via the two registration rollers 24, where the toner image is fixed by the fuser unit AD. As a result, an image is formed on the back surface of the printing medium. The fuser unit AD then transports the printing medium with the image formed on the back surface to the transport path LC and discharges it.

[0059] Thus, the secondary transfer roller 23, the two resist rollers 24, the fixing device AD, and the various rollers in the duplex printing device DF constitute the transport section H for transporting the printing medium in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0060] (The difference between the first and second domains) The following explains the difference between the first area RA and the second area RB. For the sake of explanation, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the paper feed cassette 111, paper feed cassette 112, and manual feed tray TA, they will be collectively referred to as the paper feed section. This is because the paper feed cassette 111, paper feed cassette 112, and manual feed tray TA all feed the printing medium to the printer unit 11, that is, they supply the printing medium to the printer unit 11.

[0061] The first region RA is the region on the transport path through which the printing medium passes as it is transported by the transport unit H, located downstream of the paper feed unit. More specifically, the first region RA is the region in which the printing medium is in contact with the two registration rollers 24. For example, the control unit 110 controls the transport unit H so that the printing medium taken out from the paper feed unit is bent by the nips of the two registration rollers 24, and then the two registration rollers 24 transport the printing medium a predetermined distance in the transport direction. The predetermined distance is, for example, about half the length of the printing medium in the transport direction as it is bent by the nips. After the two registration rollers 24 have transported the printing medium a predetermined distance, the control unit 110 temporarily stops the transport of the printing medium by the transport unit H. As a result, the control unit 110 controls the antenna 131 to write tag information to the wireless tag attached to the printing medium while the transport by the transport unit H is temporarily stopped, and to perform verification processing on the writing. In this case, the first region RA is the region including the printing medium in that state. In other words, the first region RA is the region where the printing medium is in contact with the two registration rollers 24. In Figure 5, the first region RA is shown as the region enclosed by the dotted line. The predetermined distance may be any distance less than half the length of the printing medium in the transport direction that is bent by the nip, instead of approximately half the length of that length. The predetermined distance may also be 0 mm. When the predetermined distance is 0 mm, the first region RA is the region that includes the printing medium that is bent by the nip. In this case as well, the first region RA is the region where the printing medium is in contact with the two registration rollers 24.

[0062] On the other hand, the second region RB is a predetermined region in the paper feeding section where the printing medium is placed. Therefore, the second region RB is a region where the printing medium does not come into contact with the two registration rollers 24. The second region RB may be predetermined in part or all of the paper feeding cassette 111, paper feeding cassette 112, and manual feed tray TA. As an example, the case in which the second region RB is predetermined as a region on the manual feed tray TA will be described. In this case, the second region RB is a region on the manual feed tray TA that intersects with the radiation surface of the radio waves from the antenna 131, and when viewed in the direction of gravity, overlaps with the antenna 131. In Figure 5, the second region RB is shown as a region enclosed by a dotted line located above the manual feed tray TA.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a specific example of the positional relationship between the first region RA and the second region RB. The arrows in Figure 6 indicate the direction of gravity. For the sake of explanation, the end of the manual feed tray TA that faces the direction in which the printing medium is inserted into the manual feed tray TA will be referred to as the tip of the manual feed tray TA. The printing medium PPB and printing medium PPC shown in Figure 6 are examples of printing mediums placed on the manual feed tray TA, and are also examples of printing mediums with wireless tags. The wireless tag TGA shown in Figure 6 is an example of a wireless tag attached to the printing medium PPB. The wireless tag TGB shown in Figure 6 is an example of a wireless tag attached to the printing medium PPC. The radiating surface RM shown in Figure 6 shows an example of the portion of the radiating surface of radio waves emitted from antenna 131 that intersects with the printing medium placed on the manual feed tray TA. As shown in Figure 6, the second region RB intersects with the radiating surface RM of radio waves from antenna 131 on the manual feed tray TA, and when viewed in the direction of gravity, it overlaps with antenna 131. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second region RB intersects the radiating surface RM on the tip side of the manual tray TA, rather than on the antenna 131, when viewed in the direction of gravity. In this case, the second region RB may also be configured to intersect the radiating surface RM below the antenna 131, or it may be configured to intersect the radiating surface RM on the opposite side of the tip of the manual tray TA from the antenna 131.

[0064] In this second region RB, the wireless tag of the print medium placed on the manual feed tray TA is located on the front end side of the manual feed tray TA, relative to the radiation surface RM of the radio waves emitted from the antenna 131. Therefore, the control unit 110 can control the antenna 131 and read the tag information written to the wireless tag of the print medium placed on the manual feed tray TA from the wireless tag itself. In the example shown in Figure 6, the wireless tag TGA of the print medium PPB placed on the manual feed tray TA is located on the front end side of the manual feed tray TA, relative to the radiation surface RM, in the second region RB. In this example, the wireless tag TGB of the print medium PPC placed on the manual feed tray TA is located on the front end side of the manual feed tray TA, relative to the radiation surface RM, in the second region RB.

[0065] (Functional configuration of the control unit) Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 110 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 110.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 110 is connected to the printer unit 11, the control panel 12, and the wireless tag communication device 13 in a communicative manner. The control unit 110 includes an arithmetic unit 1101, a storage device 1102, a data receiving unit 1103, and an image data decompression unit 1104.

[0067] The arithmetic unit 1101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The arithmetic unit 1101 controls the printer unit 11, the control panel 12, and the wireless tag communication device 13 according to the image processing program stored in the memory device 1102.

[0068] The storage device 1102 may be a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage device 1102 may be separate from the control unit 110.

[0069] The data receiving unit 1103 receives print data (for example, data written in a page description language) indicating the image to be printed from a host such as a PC (Personal Computer), and stores the received print data in the storage device 1102.

[0070] The image data expansion unit 1104 determines printing conditions from the print data stored in the storage device 1102 by the data receiving unit 1103, expands it into printable data (for example, raster data) for the printer unit 11, and stores it in the storage device 1102.

[0071] (Process for writing tag information to wireless tags in the first area) Referring to Figure 8, the process of writing tag information to a wireless tag in the first area RA will be explained. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the process of writing tag information to a wireless tag in the first area RA. In the flowchart shown in Figure 8, as an example, the process of writing tag information to a wireless tag in the first area RA is performed together with the process of forming an image on a printing medium. The image forming apparatus 1 performs the process of writing tag information to a wireless tag together with the formation of an image on a printing medium in response to a request from another information processing device that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1. As an example, the case in which the image forming apparatus 1 receives the request at a time before the process of ACT110 shown in Figure 8 is performed will be explained. As an example, the case in which the request is a request for the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the process on a single sheet of printing medium will be explained. For the sake of explanation, the request will be referred to as a print job. For the sake of explanation, the single sheet of printing medium will be referred to as the target printing medium. The target printing medium is an example of a printing medium having a wireless tag. As an example, we will describe the case where the target printing medium is placed in the paper feed cassette 111 at that time.

[0072] After receiving a print job, the control unit 110 controls the transport unit H and starts transporting the target printing medium placed on the paper feed cassette 111 (ACT110).

[0073] Next, the control unit 110 waits until the target printing medium being transported by the transport unit H flexes at the nip of the two registration rollers 24 (ACT 120). In Figure 8, the process of ACT 120 is indicated by "Registration Roller ?". In ACT 120, the method by which the control unit 110 detects that the target printing medium has flexed at the nip may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0074] If the control unit 110 determines that the target printing medium being transported by the transport unit H has bent at the nip of the two registration rollers 24 (ACT120-YES), it controls the two registration rollers 24 of the transport unit H to transport the target printing medium a predetermined distance (ACT130).

[0075] Next, the control unit 110 controls the transport unit H and temporarily stops the transport of the target printing medium by the transport unit H (ACT 140). This allows the control unit 110 to position the target printing medium within the first region RA.

[0076] Next, the control unit 110 controls the antenna 131 and writes the tag information specified by the received print job to the wireless tag of the target print medium whose transport has been temporarily stopped in ACT 140 (ACT 150). This tag information is, for example, an EPC (Electronic Product Code) represented by a combination of hexadecimal numbers, but is not limited to this. In ACT 150, the control unit 110 may be configured to switch the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to a polarization direction suitable for writing tag information to the wireless tag in the first region RA, or it may be configured not to switch from a predetermined polarization direction. In ACT 150, the control unit 110 may be configured to sequentially switch the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to each of a plurality of predetermined polarization directions. The control unit 110 may change these polarization directions in response to an received operation, based on information included in the print job, or automatically as a predetermined process. In ACT150, the control unit 110 may be configured to switch the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to an intensity suitable for writing tag information to the wireless tag in the first area RA, or it may be configured not to switch from a predetermined intensity. The control unit 110 may change these intensities in response to an received operation, based on information included in the print job, or automatically as a predetermined process.

[0077] Next, the control unit 110 performs a verification process in ACT 150 to detect whether the writing of the tag information specified by the received print job to the wireless tag has been successfully completed (ACT 160). Since the verification process performed by the image forming apparatus 1 is a well-known process, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0078] Next, the control unit 110 controls the transport unit H and restarts the transport of the target printing medium, which had been temporarily stopped in ACT 140 (ACT 170).

[0079] Next, the control unit 110 controls the image forming unit 113 to form an image on the target printing medium that is transported by the transport unit H (ACT180).

[0080] Next, the control unit 110 controls the transport unit H and discharges the target printing medium, after the image has been formed in ACT180, into the output tray TB (ACT190), thus ending the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0081] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 can write tag information to the wireless tag of the target printing medium within the first region RA.

[0082] (Process for reading tag information from wireless tags in the second area) Referring to Figure 9, the process of reading tag information from a wireless tag in the second area RB will be explained. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the process flow for reading tag information from a wireless tag in the second area RB. The image forming apparatus 1, for example, in response to an received operation, performs a process in the second area RB to read tag information from a wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag on which certain tag information is written. The printing medium having a wireless tag on which the tag information is written is, for example, the target printing medium on which the tag information is written by the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8. The target printing medium from which the tag information is read in the second area RB is a printing medium that has been discharged to the output tray TB after an image has been formed by the image forming unit 113, and is an example of a printing medium on which tag information is written to a wireless tag in the first area RA. By reading the tag information from the wireless tag of a printing medium having a wireless tag on which tag information is written in this way, the image forming apparatus 1 can assist the user in confirming the tag information written to the wireless tag. In other words, the user can use the image forming apparatus 1 to verify, separately from the verification process, whether the tag information written to the wireless tag on the printed medium is the desired tag information. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can reduce the effort required of the user to verify the tag information written to the wireless tag. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 can suppress an increase in the introduction cost of the system including the image forming apparatus 1.

[0083] As an example, we will describe the case where the second area RB is predetermined as an area on the manual feed tray TA, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. As an example, we will describe the case where the image forming apparatus 1 receives a read start operation to begin reading tag information from the wireless tag of the print medium placed in the second area RB at a timing prior to the processing of ACT210 shown in Figure 9. As an example, we will describe the case where multiple print media having wireless tags on which tag information has been written are stacked in the second area RB on the manual feed tray TA.

[0084] After receiving a read start operation, the control unit 110 determines whether predetermined read conditions are met (ACT210). In Figure 9, the process of ACT210 is shown by "Read Conditions". The read conditions, when met, prevent the reading of tag information from wireless tags of printing media located in areas other than the second area RB on the transport path. Specifically, the read conditions are, for example, that the received read start operation was received when printing media is placed on the manual feed tray TA and transport by the transport unit H is not being performed. In this embodiment, the fact that transport by the transport unit H is not being performed does not mean that the transport of printing media by the transport unit H has been temporarily stopped. Therefore, the fact that transport by the transport unit H is not being performed also means that printing media is not located in the first area RA. More specifically, the fact that transport by the transport unit H is not being performed means that printing media is not located in any area on the transport path except for the area above the paper feed unit. Alternatively, the reading conditions may be other conditions that, when met, prevent the reading of tag information from wireless tags of printed materials located in areas other than the second area RB on the transport path.

[0085] If the control unit 110 determines that the reading conditions are not met (ACT210-NO), it displays information indicating that the reading conditions are not met on the display unit of the control panel 12, and then terminates the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9. This allows the user of the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the reading start operation again after the reading conditions are met.

[0086] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the reading conditions are met (ACT210-YES), it controls the antenna 131 to read tag information from each of the wireless tags on the multiple printing media placed in the second area RB (ACT220). In ACT220, the control unit 110 may be configured to switch the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to a polarization direction suitable for reading tag information from the wireless tags in the second area RB, or it may be configured not to switch from a predetermined polarization direction. In ACT220, the control unit 110 may be configured to sequentially switch the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to each of a plurality of predetermined polarization directions. The control unit 110 may change these polarization directions in response to an operation received, or it may be done automatically as a predetermined process. As an example, the case in ACT220 in which the control unit 110 sequentially switches the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to each of a plurality of predetermined polarization directions will be described. In ACT220, the control unit 110 may be configured to switch the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to an intensity suitable for reading tag information from wireless tags in the second area RB, or it may be configured not to switch from a predetermined intensity. The control unit 110 may change these intensities in response to an received operation, or it may be done automatically as a predetermined process. As an example, the case in which the control unit 110 switches the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to an intensity corresponding to a previously received operation will be described. The intensity corresponding to the operation is, for example, stronger than the intensity of the radio waves that the control unit 110 has the antenna 131 radiate in the flowchart process shown in Figure 8. In this case, the control unit 110 can suppress failures in reading tag information from wireless tags in the second area RB.

[0087] Next, the control unit 110 displays each of the tag information read by ACT220 on the display unit of the control panel 12 (ACT230). Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image including the tag information read by ACT220. Image G shown in Figure 10 is an example of a display image. In the example shown in Figure 10, image G includes area RRA, button BA, button BB, button BC, and button BD.

[0088] The RRA region is an area in ACT220 where, for each piece of tag information read by the control unit 110, the tag information and the radio wave strength information, which indicates the strength of the radio waves reflected by the wireless tag on which the tag information was written, are displayed in association. "EPC" shown in Figure 10 is an example of tag information. "Radio wave strength" shown in Figure 10 is an example of radio wave strength information. Tag information and radio wave strength information are not displayed in the RRA region before the processing of ACT220 is performed. In other words, tag information and radio wave strength information are displayed in the RRA region after the processing of ACT220 has been performed.

[0089] Button BA is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that accepts the input to start loading. When a selection operation such as tapping or clicking is performed on button BA, the control unit 110 starts processing the flowchart shown in Figure 9. In other words, image G is also one of the images on the control panel 12 that the image forming apparatus 1 accepts input from the user.

[0090] Button BB is a GUI that accepts an operation to delete the tag information and radio wave strength information displayed in the area RRA from the area RRA. When a selection operation such as tapping or clicking is performed on Button BB, the control unit 110 deletes the tag information and radio wave strength information in the area RRA.

[0091] Button BC is a GUI that accepts operations to store the tag information and radio wave strength information displayed in area RRA into the storage device 1102. When a selection operation such as tapping or clicking is performed on button BC, the control unit 110 stores the tag information and radio wave strength information displayed in area RRA into the storage device 1102.

[0092] Button BD is a GUI that accepts an operation to terminate the display of image G on the display unit of the control panel 12. When a selection operation such as tapping or clicking is performed on button BC, the control unit 110 terminates the display of image G on that display unit.

[0093] Image G may not include some or all of buttons BA to BD. Area RRA may not display radio wave strength information. Each tag information read by ACT220 is displayed on the control panel 12 display unit in ACT230, allowing the user to easily confirm whether the tag information written on the wireless tags of each of the multiple printing media is the desired tag information. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 can allow the user to confirm the tag information written on the wireless tags of each of the multiple printing media all at once, and as a result, the effort required of the user to confirm the tag information written on the wireless tags can be more reliably reduced.

[0094] In ACT230, the control unit 110 may be configured to display each of the tag information read in ACT220 on the display unit of another information processing device, in place of, or in addition to, the display unit of the control panel 12. This other information processing device is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 1. This other information processing device may be, but is not limited to, a multifunction mobile phone terminal (smartphone), a mobile phone terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a desktop PC, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. This other information processing device may be an information processing device owned by the user of the image forming apparatus 1, or it may be an information processing device owned by another person, another company, etc. In ACT230, the control unit 110 may be configured to display each of the tag information read in ACT220 on a display device attached externally to the image forming apparatus 1, in place of, or in addition to the display unit of the control panel 12.

[0095] Image G may also include a GUI that accepts operations to rewrite tag information. However, the rewriting of tag information performed by the image forming apparatus 1 in response to such operations is performed when there is one print medium placed in the second area RB, or when the same tag information is written to each of multiple print mediums placed in the second area RB, etc. This is because, when multiple print mediums are placed in the second area RB, it is not possible to radiate radio waves only to a desired print medium among the multiple print mediums. When the control unit 110 receives such an operation, it controls the antenna 131 and writes the tag information specified by the operation to the wireless tag of the print medium placed in the second area RB. At this time, the control unit 110 controls the antenna 131 and also performs verification processing. As a result, even if the tag information written to the wireless tag is not the desired tag information, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can easily overwrite the desired tag information to the wireless tag by operating the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the user can easily rewrite the tag information of the wireless tag. The tag information can be specified by, for example, a software key displayed on the control panel 12, or by a hardware key included in the control panel 12.

[0096] After the processing of ACT230 is completed, the control unit 110 waits until it can receive an operation via the display image shown by the processing (ACT240).

[0097] If the control unit 110 determines that it has received an operation via the display image (ACT240-YES), it determines whether the operation received via the display image was an operation to terminate the display of the display image (ACT250). In Figure 9, the process of ACT250 is indicated by "End display?". For example, if the control unit 110 receives a selection operation for button BD in image G, it determines in ACT250 that the operation received via the display image was an operation to terminate the display of the display image. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 receives a selection operation for a GUI other than button BD in image G, it determines in ACT250 that the operation received via the display image was not an operation to terminate the display of the display image.

[0098] If the control unit 110 determines that the operation received via the display image was an operation to end the display of the display image (ACT250-YES), it ends the display of the display image on the display unit of the control panel 12 and terminates the process of the flowchart shown in Figure 9.

[0099] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the operation received via the display image was not an operation to terminate the display of the display image (ACT250-NO), it performs processing corresponding to the operation received via the display image (ACT260). For example, if the control unit 110 determines that the operation received via the display image was an operation to rewrite tag information, it rewrites the tag information written on the wireless tag of the printing medium placed in the second area RB according to the operation received via the display image.

[0100] After the processing of ACT260 is completed, the control unit 110 transitions to ACT240 and waits again until it can accept an operation via the displayed image.

[0101] As described above, when a printing medium is placed on the manual feed tray TA and transport is not being performed by the transport unit H, the image forming apparatus 1 controls the antenna 131 in response to a received read start operation and reads the tag information written on the wireless tag of the printing medium located in the second area RB. This reduces the effort required of the user to verify the tag information written on the wireless tag.

[0102] (Process of writing tag information to wireless tags in the second area) The process of writing tag information to a wireless tag in the second area RB will be explained below with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the process of writing tag information to a wireless tag in the second area RB. The control unit 110 performs the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 11 when, for example, an operation to rewrite tag information is performed via a display image displayed on the display unit of the control panel 12, or when an operation to rewrite the tag information of a wireless tag of a printing medium placed in the second area RB is received by other means. For the sake of explanation, these operations will be referred to as write start operations. As an example, the case in which the image forming apparatus 1 receives a write start operation at a timing prior to the processing of ACT310 shown in Figure 11 will be explained. As an example, the case in which one printing medium is placed in the second area RB will be explained. The printing medium is a printing medium having a wireless tag. Tag information may or may not be written to this wireless tag. As an example, the case in which, at that timing, the tag information to be written to this wireless tag is specified by the write start operation will be explained.

[0103] After receiving a write start operation, the control unit 110 determines whether predetermined write conditions are met (ACT310). The write conditions, when met, prevent the writing of tag information to wireless tags of printing media located in areas other than the second area RB on the transport path. Specifically, the write conditions are, for example, that the received write start operation was received when a printing medium is placed on the manual feed tray TA and transport by the transport unit H is not being performed. Alternatively, the write conditions may be other conditions, when met, that prevent the writing of tag information to wireless tags of printing media located in areas other than the second area RB on the transport path.

[0104] If the control unit 110 determines that the writing conditions are not met (ACT310-NO), it displays information indicating that the writing conditions are not met on the display unit of the control panel 12, and then terminates the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 11. This allows the user of the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the read start operation again after the writing conditions are met.

[0105] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the writing conditions are met (ACT310-YES), it controls the antenna 131 and writes the tag information specified by the received write start operation to the wireless tag of the printing medium placed in the second area RB (ACT320). In ACT320, the control unit 110 may be configured to switch the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to a polarization direction suitable for writing tag information to the wireless tag in the second area RB, or it may be configured not to switch from a predetermined polarization direction. In ACT320, the control unit 110 may be configured to sequentially switch the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to each of a plurality of predetermined polarization directions. The control unit 110 may change these polarization directions in response to an received operation, or it may be done automatically as a predetermined process. As an example, the case in ACT320 in which the control unit 110 sequentially switches the polarization direction of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to each of a plurality of predetermined polarization directions will be described. In ACT320, the control unit 110 may be configured to switch the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to an intensity suitable for writing tag information to the wireless tag in the second area RB, or it may be configured not to switch from a predetermined intensity. The control unit 110 may change these intensities in response to an received operation, or it may be done automatically as a predetermined process. As an example, the case in which the control unit 110 switches the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 131 to an intensity corresponding to a previously received operation will be described. The intensity corresponding to the operation is, for example, stronger than the intensity of the radio waves that the control unit 110 has the antenna 131 radiate in the flowchart process shown in Figure 8. In this case, the control unit 110 can suppress failures in writing tag information to the wireless tag in the second area RB.

[0106] Next, the control unit 110 performs a verification process (ACT330) to detect whether the writing of tag information to the wireless tag in ACT320 has been completed successfully.

[0107] After the processing of ACT330 is completed, the control unit 110 terminates the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 11.

[0108] As described above, when a printing medium is placed on the manual feed tray TA and is not being transported by the transport unit H, the image forming apparatus 1 controls the antenna 131 in response to a received write start operation and writes tag information to the wireless tag located in the second area RB. This allows the image forming apparatus 1 to write, overwrite, etc., tag information to the wireless tag of the printing medium without transporting the printing medium to the first area RA by the transport unit H. As a result, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can, for example, write tag information to the wireless tag without forming an image on the printing medium, and can also rewrite the tag information written on the wireless tag. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 can reduce the effort required of the user when rewriting tag information after confirming the tag information written on the wireless tag.

[0109] (Cooperation between image forming apparatus and other information processing devices) The following explanation will describe the interaction between the image forming apparatus 1 and other information processing devices, referring to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between the image forming apparatus 1 and other information processing devices.

[0110] The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to output the tag information read by the ACT220 shown in Figure 9 to another information processing device, and to have the other information processing device perform processing according to the output tag information. In the example shown in Figure 12, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the information processing device 2 in a communication manner.

[0111] The information processing device 2 is, for example, a notebook PC or desktop PC that outputs a print job to the image forming apparatus 1 in response to an operation received from the user, but is not limited to these. The information processing device 2 displays the tag information output from the image forming apparatus 1 on its display unit. For example, the information processing device 2 displays the same image G shown in Figure 10 on its display unit. For example, if one of the tag pieces displayed on the display unit indicates the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website, the information processing device 2 displays the website on the display unit in response to the received operation. For example, if one of the tag pieces displayed on the display unit indicates the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of an image file, the information processing device 2 displays the image file on the display unit in response to the received operation. These displays are examples of "display of information according to tag information" shown in Figure 12. For example, if one of the tag pieces displayed on the display unit indicates a code that causes the information processing device 2 to perform a certain process, the information processing device 2 performs the process according to that code in response to the received operation. This process may include, for example, playing a predetermined sound from a speaker or downloading predetermined information, but it is not limited to these. These processes are examples of "processing according to tag information" as shown in Figure 12.

[0112] The information processing device 2 may also be connected to the server 3 in a way that allows communication, as shown in Figure 12.

[0113] Server 3 is a server that provides various services over the internet. For example, when it obtains tag information from the information processing device 2, it performs processing according to the obtained tag information. For example, Server 3 may store corresponding information associated with each of multiple pieces of tag information. In this case, when Server 3 obtains tag information from the information processing device 2, it identifies the corresponding information associated with the obtained tag information and outputs the identified corresponding information to the information processing device 2. This allows the user of the image forming apparatus 1 to output the tag information to the information processing device 2 and then use the information processing device 2 to confirm the corresponding information associated with the tag information. The corresponding information may include, but is not limited to, product information, product images, store introduction information, promotional information, etc. For example, Server 3 may store corresponding processing associated with each of multiple pieces of tag information. In this case, when Server 3 obtains tag information from the information processing device 2, it identifies the corresponding processing associated with the obtained tag information and performs the identified corresponding processing. The corresponding processing may include, but is not limited to, ordering products, applying for projects, etc. This allows the user of the image forming apparatus 1 to output tag information to the information processing device 2, thereby enabling the server 3 to perform corresponding processing associated with that tag information.

[0114] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to cooperate with other information processing devices. The image forming apparatus 1 may also be configured to be connected to the server 3 in a communicative manner. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 can display correspondence information associated with tag information and execute correspondence processing associated with tag information without going through the information processing device 2.

[0115] (Setting of settings for wireless tag communication device by image forming apparatus) The image forming apparatus 1 described above may be configured to allow various settings to be set in the wireless tag communication device 13 in response to operations via the control panel 12 at the timing before executing the flowcharts shown in Figures 8, 9, and 11, respectively. These various settings may include, but are not limited to, the radiation direction, intensity, and polarization direction of the radio waves emitted from the antenna 131, and the Q value of the resonant circuit connected to the antenna 131. If the image forming apparatus 1 can set these various settings in the wireless tag communication device 13 in response to the received operation, it can allow the antenna 131 to emit radio waves suitable for writing tag information to the wireless tag in the first region RA, reading tag information to the wireless tag in the second region RB, and writing tag information to the wireless tag in the second region RB. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can suppress failures in writing tag information to the wireless tag and reading tag information from the wireless tag.

[0116] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a manual feed tray TA, a transport unit H, an image forming unit 113, and a control unit 110. A printing medium with a wireless tag attached is placed on the manual feed tray TA. The transport unit H transports the printing medium placed on the manual feed tray TA. The image forming unit 113 forms an image on the printing medium. The control unit 110 controls the antenna 131, the transport unit H, and the image forming unit 113, which radiate radio waves to a first region RA located downstream of the manual feed tray TA in the transport path through which the printing medium passes by the transport unit H, and to a second region RB in the area on the manual feed tray TA where the printing medium is placed. When a printing medium is placed on the manual feed tray TA and transport by the transport unit H is not taking place, the control unit 110 controls the antenna 131 in response to an operation received and reads the tag information written on the wireless tag from the wireless tag located in the second region RB. This allows the image forming apparatus 1 to reduce the effort required of the user to verify the tag information written to the wireless tag.

[0117] The matters described above may be combined in any way.

[0118] (Note) [1] An image forming apparatus comprising: a paper feed section on which a printed medium with a wireless tag attached is placed; a transport section for transporting the printed medium placed on the paper feed section; an image forming section for forming an image on the printed medium; an antenna for radiating radio waves to a first region located downstream of the paper feed section in the transport path through which the printed medium passes by the transport section, and a second region in the area on which the printed medium is placed in the paper feed section; and a control unit for controlling the transport section and the image forming section, wherein the control unit controls the antenna in response to an operation received when the printed medium is placed on the paper feed section and transport by the transport section is not taking place, and reads tag information written on the wireless tag from the wireless tag located in the second region. [2] The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein the paper feeding section is a manual feed tray, the antenna is located above the manual feed tray with gravity downwards, the second region intersects with the radiation surface of the radio waves from the antenna on the manual feed tray, and overlaps with the antenna when viewed in the direction of gravity. [3] The leading edge of the printing medium is the end of the printing medium in the transport direction in which the printing medium is transported by the transport unit, the rear edge of the printing medium is the end of the printing medium in the direction opposite to the transport direction, the leading edge of the manual feed tray is the end of the manual feed tray in the direction in which the printing medium is inserted into the manual feed tray, the wireless tag is located on the printing medium closer to the leading edge of the printing medium than the rear edge of the printing medium, the second region intersects the radiating surface on the leading edge side of the manual feed tray than the antenna when viewed in the direction of gravity, and the wireless tag on the printing medium placed on the manual feed tray is located on the leading edge side of the manual feed tray than the radiating surface in the second region, as described in [2]. [4] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna when reading tag information from the wireless tag in the second region is stronger than the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna when writing tag information to the wireless tag in the first region. [5] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the transport section comprises a register roller, the first region is a region in which the printing medium is in contact with the register roller, and the second region is a region in which the printing medium is not in contact with the register roller. [6] An image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], comprising a display unit, wherein the control unit displays the tag information read from the wireless tag in the second region on the display unit. [7] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the control unit causes the tag information read from the wireless tag in the second region to be displayed on the display unit of an information processing device that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. [8] An image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising a paper output tray from which the printed medium is discharged after an image has been formed by the image forming unit, wherein the printed medium from which the tag information is read in the second region is the printed medium discharged to the paper output tray after an image has been formed by the image forming unit, and the printed medium from which the tag information is written to the wireless tag in the first region. [9] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the control unit outputs the tag information read from the wireless tag in the second region to an information processing device that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus.

[10] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the control unit controls the antenna in response to an operation received when the printing medium is placed on the paper feed unit and transport is not being performed by the transport unit, and writes tag information to the wireless tag located in the second area.

[11] The control unit performs a write operation in the first region to write the tag information to the wireless tag, and the write operation includes a verify operation to detect whether or not the writing of the tag information to the wireless tag has been completed successfully, as described in any one of [1] to

[10] .

[0119] 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 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 and their equivalents.

[0120] A program for realizing the function of any component in the apparatus described above (for example, the image forming apparatus 1) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD (Compact Disk)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. "Computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which holds the program for a certain period of time.

[0121] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores this program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. The above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. The above program may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1…Image forming apparatus, 2…Information processing apparatus, 3…Server, 11…Printer unit, 12…Control panel, 13…Wireless tag communication device, 14…Image reader, 20…Intermediate transfer belt, 21…Driven roller, 22…Backup roller, 23…Secondary transfer roller, 24…Registration roller, 25…Paper feed roller, 31…Image forming station, 32…Image forming station, 33…Image forming station, 34…Image forming station, 110…Control unit, 111…Paper feed cassette, 112…Paper feed cassette, 113…Image forming unit 131…Antenna, 311…Photoconductor drum, 312…Charging charger, 313…Exposure scanning head, 314…Developing unit, 315…Photoconductor cleaner, 316…Primary transfer roller, 1101…Calculation unit, 1102…Storage device, 1103…Data receiving unit, 1104…Image data development unit, AD…Fusing unit, ADA…Fusing member, ADB…Pressing member, DF…Duplex printing unit, H…Conveyor unit, RA…First area, RB…Second area, RM…Emitting surface, TA…Manual feed tray, TB…Output tray, TG…Wireless tag, TGA…Wireless tag, TGB…Wireless tag

Claims

1. A paper feed section on which printed materials with wireless tags are placed, A transport unit for transporting the printing medium placed on the paper feeding unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on the printing medium, An antenna that emits radio waves to a first region located downstream of the paper feeding unit among the areas on the transport path through which the printing medium passes when transported by the transport unit, and to a second region among the areas on which the printing medium is placed in the paper feeding unit, and a control unit that controls the transport unit and the image forming unit, Equipped with, The control unit controls the antenna in response to an operation received when the printing medium is placed in the paper feed unit and the transport unit is not transporting it, and reads the tag information written on the wireless tag from each of the wireless tags of one or more printing mediums placed in the second area of ​​the paper feed unit. Image forming apparatus.

2. The aforementioned paper feed unit is a manual feed tray, The antenna is positioned above the manual feed tray with gravity facing downwards. The second region intersects with the radiation surface of the antenna on the manual feed tray and overlaps with the antenna when viewed in the direction of gravity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The leading edge of the printing medium is the end of the printing medium that is transported in the transport direction by the transport unit. The rear end of the printing medium is the end of the printing medium that is in the direction opposite to the transport direction. The tip of the manual feed tray is the end of the manual feed tray that is in the direction in which the printing medium is inserted into the manual feed tray. The wireless tag is positioned on the printing medium closer to the front end of the printing medium than to the rear end of the printing medium. The second region, when viewed in the direction of gravity, intersects the radiating surface on the tip side of the manual tray rather than the antenna. The wireless tag of the printing medium placed on the manual feed tray is located in the second region on the front end side of the manual feed tray, relative to the radiating surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. When reading tag information from the wireless tag in the second region, the intensity of the radio waves emitted from the antenna is stronger than the intensity of the radio waves emitted from the antenna when writing tag information to the wireless tag in the first region. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The transport section is equipped with a register roller, The first region is the region in which the printing medium is in contact with the registration roller. The second region is a region in which the printing medium does not come into contact with the registration roller. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images