JP2009234039A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely carry out updating of comparison data for performing comparison of identification information given to a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a print forming part A1 which makes an image formed to a paper of a long shape, and a control function part A2 which carries out comparison of the paper. The control function A2 includes a sensor 33 which reads management information of the front end of the paper, a storage part 21 which stores the comparison data that has information on whether or not to use the paper, a comparing part 22 which determines by the read management information and comparison data whether or not to use the paper, a receiving part 25 which receives a pattern file of the information on whether or not to use the paper from a server, a first time recording means 200 whose time can be adjusted from outside, an updating time setting means 202 which sets an update time on the basis of the time recording data, and an updating means 23 which updates the comparison data on the basis of the received pattern file. The print forming part A1 includes a second time recording means 34 whose time cannot be adjusted from outside, and a reporting part 24 which reports when a difference of the time recording data becomes not smaller than a predetermined one. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a print creation unit that forms an image on a long recording medium, and a recording medium collation unit that collates recording media used in the print creation unit. .

  Conventional photographs have been prepared by a silver salt processing method using a processing solution such as a developing solution from the viewpoint of high image quality and durability. However, in the case of silver salt treatment, the waste liquid of the treatment liquid has been an environmental problem. Therefore, there has been a demand for a printing system that performs dry processing that does not require development processing, such as an inkjet printer. However, compared to conventional silver salt-treated prints, the dry method has problems in terms of image quality and print processing speed, that is, higher image quality and faster print processing have been desired.

  As an inkjet printer, a long paper is rolled and loaded inside the inkjet printer device. When printing, the paper is fed out, an image is printed in the printing area, and the paper is cut in the non-printing area. 2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet printer configured to discharge used paper out of the apparatus is known. In the case of such an ink jet printer, in order to achieve high image quality, it is necessary to increase the area gradation, and therefore it is necessary to use a large amount of ink. In this case, it is also important to control ink ejection to the paper. This ink ejection control needs to be appropriately changed according to the type of paper. In consideration of speeding up printing, it is necessary to quickly dry a large amount of ink, and it is necessary to devise a paper ink receiving layer.

  As described above, in order to achieve high image quality and high-speed printing processing, it is important to control the printer and use a dedicated (special) paper corresponding to the printer. If you use unsupported paper, you will not be able to control the ink and you will not be able to obtain the desired color, or the ink will not be absorbed (or dried), resulting in poor print quality, It is also conceivable that the transport system, paper cutting means, etc. will not function as set.

  Therefore, since it is desirable to use the type of paper used by the printer manufacturer, it is necessary to manage the paper used in the printer. With conventional silver halide photographic printing paper, once it is put in a magazine in a dark box, it is almost impossible to replace the paper in the magazine during consumption. In the case of an ink jet printer, paper can be used in a bright room and can be easily replaced. At that time, it is necessary to manage the type of the paper set in the printer, but there are cases where it is difficult to discriminate just by looking at the surface, such as a difference in surface quality. Therefore, it is necessary to provide identification means for each paper. Although it is conceivable to provide identification means such as an IC tag on the paper (see Patent Document 1), it is not preferable because a reading device needs to be provided separately, which increases costs. Further, as in the case of Patent Document 1, it is also conceivable to give an identification code to the leading edge of the paper.

  In addition, from the viewpoint of print quality, apparatus suitability, apparatus maintenance, etc., paper (plain paper, matte paper, glossy paper, photo paper (sometimes called RC glossy paper) etc.) that is a recording medium, It is desirable to use an operation guarantee target recording medium in which a desired quality level is ensured. If a recording medium that is not subject to operation guarantee is used, the ink cannot be controlled, the desired color cannot be obtained, and the ink absorption (or drying) is poor, so the print quality may deteriorate. It is done. In addition, paper jams may occur. Therefore, a method for determining whether or not an operation guarantee target recording medium is set is desired. In addition, since there is a high demand for photo finish quality in recent years, we want to eliminate the use or setting mistakes of recording media with a quality exceeding a certain level, but once they are set in the device, the specifications of the set recording media, especially There was no effective way to check the surface quality, and improvements were desired.

  Therefore, unique identification information is given to the paper, and the production / sales / use status is centrally managed. Furthermore, it is considered that it is possible to determine whether or not a recording medium subject to operation guarantee is set by collating whether or not the paper is subject to operation guarantee using this unique identification information at the time of image formation. A method of realizing this is desired.

  For example, unique identification information is given to the leading end portion of the paper by a barcode or the like, and this identification information is read and collated with collation data at the time of image formation. Since the usage status of the paper changes from moment to moment, the collation data needs to be updated at an appropriate timing, for example, periodically. In order to update the collation data, the server transmits a pattern file of availability information to each image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus that receives this pattern file updates the collation data to the latest one.

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent the injustice that the identification information once used is reused in another image forming apparatus. Otherwise, for example, unused identification information is assigned to paper that is not subject to operation guarantee, and the use of paper that cannot be used (preferably not used) is permitted. It is.

JP 2003-211796 A (FIGS. 4 and 5)

  However, the following problems can be considered when updating collation data. When updating the collation data, for example, when updating every week, it is performed by measuring that one week has passed since the latest date when the collation data was updated. The update date of the collation data is stored as attribute data of the file. On the other hand, the timing data can be acquired from the timing means included in the image forming apparatus. In general, the timing means can be freely adjusted by an operator from the outside. Functions such as update of collation data can be realized by a general-purpose personal computer (personal computer), and the time (clock data) can be freely changed by the function of an OS (operating system) installed in the personal computer. It is possible.

  Therefore, the current time of the time measuring means can be intentionally delayed (returned to the old time), so that the update time of the collation data can also be delayed. In such a case, old collation data remains indefinitely, and identification information that should not be used originally may be stored in a usable state. As a result, there is a problem that identification information is used illegally.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which collation data for collating identification information attached to a recording medium is reliably updated. .

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print creation unit that forms an image on a long recording medium; and a recording medium collation unit that collates a recording medium used in the print creation unit,
The recording medium verification unit
Reading means for performing management information reading processing for reading management information including identification information of the recording medium attached to the tip region of the long recording medium;
Storage means for storing collation data having at least the availability information of the recording medium;
Collating means for determining whether or not the recording medium can be used based on the read management information and the collation data;
Receiving means for receiving a pattern file of the availability information from a server that centrally manages the availability information;
A first time measuring means provided in a state in which the time can be adjusted from the outside;
Update time setting means for setting the update time based on the time measurement data of the time measuring means;
Updating means for updating the collation data at the update time based on the received pattern file of availability information,
The print creation unit includes a second timing unit provided in a state in which the time cannot be adjusted from the outside,
It is characterized by comprising notifying means for notifying when the difference between the time measuring data by the first time measuring means and the time measuring data by the second time measuring means becomes a predetermined value or more.

  The operation and effect of this image forming apparatus will be described below. First, the image forming apparatus includes a print creation unit that forms an image on a long recording medium, and a recording medium collation unit that collates recording media used in the print creation unit. The recording medium verification unit reads management information including identification information attached to the recording medium, and performs verification with the verification data. By this collation operation, it can be determined whether or not the recording medium can be used (or whether or not the operation can be guaranteed). The verification data can be updated based on the latest pattern file, and the pattern file is received from a server that centrally manages the pattern file.

  The collation data is updated by the updating means, which is performed based on the timing data from the first timing means. That is, when it is determined that the update time has arrived based on the timing data from the first timing means, the collation data is updated based on the latest pattern file that has been received. However, the timing data of the first timing means is provided in a state where adjustment can be performed from the outside.

  On the other hand, the print creation unit is provided with a second timing means that cannot be adjusted from the outside. The phrase “cannot be adjusted from the outside” means that the time cannot be easily adjusted like the time displayed on a personal computer, for example.

  And the alerting | reporting means which alert | reports when the difference of the timing data by a 1st timing means and the timing data by a 2nd timing means becomes more than predetermined is provided. Therefore, if an operation of intentionally delaying the timekeeping data of the first timekeeping means is performed, the notification means notifies that the management information (identification information) is prevented from being used illegally. Thereby, it is possible to reliably update the collation data for collating the identification information attached to the recording medium. Examples of the notification include visual display using a lamp such as a monitor and LED, and auditory display using a buzzer, but are not limited to a specific form.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the update by the updating unit is prohibited when the time stamp embedded in the pattern file is older than the latest update time of the collation data.

  If the collation data is updated with a pattern file that is older than the latest update time, the used management information may be used illegally. Therefore, by prohibiting the update using the old pattern file as described above, it is possible to reliably prevent the management information from being used illegally.

  The pattern file according to the present invention is preferably binary data in consideration of communication load. For example, a data structure in which useability data that can be expressed by 1 bit is arranged in the order of the product ID of the recording medium is preferable. For example, the data of the usability information is composed of 1 bit as “0” when not used and “1” when used. By not including the product ID in the pattern file, the product ID is not known to a third party, and forgery ID is prevented. Also, instead of configuring the availability information according to the total number of all product IDs, it is also possible to create a pattern file from combination information of availability information and product ID array numbers.

  In the present invention, the update unit of the image forming apparatus is configured not to update the data of the collation table relating to the recording medium satisfying a predetermined condition based on the pattern file.

  According to this configuration, the update unit is configured not to update the data in the collation table related to the recording medium that satisfies the predetermined condition based on the pattern file. For example, there is a case where a roll original of a recording medium is set in an image forming apparatus and used for image formation, and then the roll original is removed from the apparatus and stored. In such a case, the image forming apparatus creates a log file of the use history of the recording medium that is being used and transmits it to the server. The usage history data indicates the used contents. The server updates the management information based on the log file, and manages the availability information of the recording medium as used. Since the management information has been updated, the pattern file of availability information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus connected to the network. The image forming apparatus updates data on availability of the collation table based on the pattern file. At this time, if the data indicating whether or not the recording medium in use is updated as used, there is a problem that the recording medium in use cannot be used. Therefore, the recording medium in use is configured not to update the collation table of the corresponding recording medium in order to allow the use. The updating unit can prohibit updating based on the remaining amount information of the collation table.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the updating unit updates the collation table based on the remaining amount information included in the pattern file and the collation table.

  According to this configuration, the update unit can be configured not to update the data indicating whether or not the collation table can be used when the data of the remaining amount information of any recording medium means being used. In addition, when the data of the remaining amount information of any recording medium means that the usable amount is not available, the updating unit can be configured to update the data indicating whether or not the collation table is usable. In the image forming apparatus, the received pattern file is stored in the storage unit together with the reception record (reception date / time, reception accumulation number, etc.). The pattern file can be deleted at a predetermined timing.

  Further, the image forming apparatus can read management information including identification information of the recording medium attached to a predetermined range from the leading end of the long recording medium with a reading unit (management information reading process). Thus, the set recording medium can be identified, and it can be easily determined whether or not the recording medium is a desired recording medium. For example, the operator does not have to input identification information when setting the recording medium. Also, the management information read by the reading means can be formed by the forming means within a predetermined range of the recording medium. As a result, management information including identification information can be formed when image formation is completed, or when unloading is performed to move the leading end of the recording medium to a predetermined position on the upstream side of conveyance. The recording medium can also be managed with management information. Furthermore, it is preferable to form management information including update information related to image formation. For example, by forming management information including update information such as device ID and remaining amount information, it can be accurately determined that the recording medium is in use. This management information is read in a management information reading process by a reading unit before the next image formation.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a collation table including identification information, a collation unit that collates the collation table and the management information read by the reading unit, and a forming unit according to a collation result by the collation unit. The image formation is executed. As a result, the image forming process can be executed only on the recording medium registered in the collation table, so that a recording medium subject to operation guarantee of a desired level suitable for quality and apparatus suitability can be used. It is possible to improve problems such as a reduction in the quality of the finished photo, a paper jam on the conveyance path of the recording medium, a reduction in processing speed, and a trouble caused by paper dust on the recording medium. The collation table is a table of recording medium management information stored in the image forming apparatus, and includes, for example, information such as identification information of the recording medium and information on availability. This collation table is preferably stored in a data structure suitable for collation processing (or search processing), and is preferably configured to display a collation table list on the monitor of the display means. As a result, the management information of the storage medium used in the image forming apparatus can be browsed and used effectively for apparatus maintenance and the like.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes an updating unit that updates the contents of the collation table in accordance with the collation process by the collation unit. The update means updates to “used” when the paper of the read identification information is unused as a result of the collation. Then, in the next image forming process, the management information is read again, and at that time, it is “used” in the collation table, but it is possible to execute image formation by collating the remaining amount information. it can. For example, when the same paper is used in the same image forming apparatus, the image forming process is permitted until the remaining amount information included in the management information becomes, for example, zero.

  In the collation table, the updated information is uploaded to the server that manages the recording medium via the network, and the management information of the recording medium is updated. The updated management information is distributed to other devices via the network, and is configured to update the collation table of the devices. According to this, the update contents of the collation table of a single device can update the server management information of the recording medium and the contents of the collation tables of a plurality of other apparatuses, and the identification information of the recording medium is unique. By doing so, it is possible to manage the recording medium in all apparatuses and to use the recording medium subject to operation guarantee in all the image forming apparatuses, so that quality and apparatus troubles can be improved.

  Examples of the recording medium include plain paper, matte paper, glossy paper, and photographic paper (sometimes referred to as RC glossy paper).

  The forming means for forming the management information may be the same as or different from the image forming means for forming an image. In the same case, it is preferable from the viewpoint of cost and apparatus compactness. Examples of the forming means include forming means such as an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, and a laser method.

  Here, the management information includes identification information of the recording medium. This identification information is, for example, the product ID of the recording medium. Further, the management information may include a vendor ID, lot number, expiration date, surface quality, paper width, paper remaining amount, check code, and the like. The management information attached to the recording medium is coded, and examples thereof include a barcode and a QR code. As the reading means, in the case of a barcode, for example, a reflective optical sensor, a one-dimensional CCD camera, etc. are exemplified. In the case of the QR code, a line sensor, an area sensor, etc. are exemplified.

  Examples of the image forming apparatus include an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, and a sublimation printer. In the following description, an inkjet printer will be described as an example.

  In the present invention, the “order” is an order unit when a photographic print is created. “One order” refers to a group of image data related to a print order for one or more films, one or more recording media, and one or more image data folders. The concept of one order can be set as appropriate by the operator and the orderer. The same applies hereinafter.

  An example of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus A according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of the image forming apparatus A. Image forming apparatus A is connected to server B via a network. Server B is connected to another image forming apparatus C via a network. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the print head 30. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the management information attached to the paper P. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the collation table (collation data).

(Image forming device)
The main functions of the image forming apparatus A will be described. The ink jet printing mechanism A1 includes a print head 30 that is an ink jet image forming unit, and stores paper P (corresponding to a recording medium) inside the apparatus. One or a plurality of papers may be stored. The paper P is unwound from the original roll by the transport mechanism and transported to the image forming position side downstream in the transport direction. This is called a loading operation. The ink jet print mechanism A1 (corresponding to a print creation unit) is controlled by a control function unit A2 (corresponding to a recording medium verification unit). The control function unit A2 includes hardware such as a CPU, a memory, and a bus, and program software describing various control procedures. The control function unit A2 can be configured by a combination of a dedicated circuit, firmware, and the like. Further, the function of the control function unit A2 shown in FIG. 1 mainly shows a function for collating the recording medium, but other functions such as various functions for creating a print are further provided. Of course it may be.

  In the above loading operation, when the leading end of the paper P is conveyed to the image forming position, the leading end of the paper P is detected by a sensor (not shown). After detecting the leading edge, the paper P is transported to the vicinity of the exit of the paper holding unit 32, stopped, and the reflection type optical sensor 33 provided on the print head 30 is moved in the main scanning direction (the head scanning direction in FIG. 2B). The width of the paper P is detected by moving it. As a result, the leading edge and width of the paper P are detected, and the paper P is rewound to the print start position by the transport mechanism.

  The paper holding unit 32 has a plurality of holes on the surface thereof, and has a function of holding the paper P by sucking the paper P from the hole.

  The print head 30 may have a configuration in which a head unit in which a large number of ink ejection nozzles are provided on the bottom surface (the surface facing the paper holding unit 32) is arranged in two stages in the sub-scanning direction. The configuration may be one or three or more. For example, the head unit is composed of seven nozzle arrays, and in each nozzle array, the ink discharge nozzles are arranged in a row in the sub-scanning direction. Thereby, each head unit can form a color image by itself.

(Image formation processing)
The paper P is held by the paper holding means 32 at the print start position. However, a predetermined range (tmm in FIG. 3) from the front end of the paper P may cause the paper P to slightly float due to curling, and the ink landing accuracy is near the front end by the suction air of the paper holding means 32. This range is not provided for image formation as a non-printing area because it is disturbed. In the present invention, management information is printed or a seal is formed in this portion. When forming an image, the image is formed except for the non-printing area. First, the paper P is intermittently conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by a constant unit conveyance amount. At each stop of the intermittent conveyance, the print head 30 performs one scan in the main scanning direction (one-way operation or one-time operation) along the guide rail 31. During this scanning, ink is ejected from the ink ejection nozzles of each color, It adheres to the surface of the paper P. By repeating this intermittent conveyance, main scanning operation, and ink ejection operation, an image is formed in the print area of the paper P.

  Image data for image formation is stored in the data storage unit 26, and the data is read from the data storage unit 26 in conjunction with the operation of the image forming process. The control unit 20 discharges ink from each ink discharge nozzle, Discharge coordinates are calculated. The ink discharge nozzle is controlled based on the discharge amount and discharge coordinates. Examples of the ink ejection method include a general piezo method in which ink is ejected from an ink ejection nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber by changing the volume of the pressure chamber filled with ink by a piezo element.

  The image-formed paper P is conveyed to the cutting means 40. The cutting means 40 is a rotary blade, and cuts the paper P by moving in the paper width direction. First, the non-printing area and the printing area within a predetermined range (t) are cut from the leading end of the paper P. Thereby, the management information formed in the non-printing area is discharged. Next, the paper P is cut into a predetermined size by the cutting means 40. For example, if it is L size, and the width of the paper P is 127 mm, it is cut every 89 mm in the transport direction.

  Next, the paper P cut to a predetermined size is printed with information such as an identification number, a frame number, and a date on the back side of the paper P by the back printing means 50. This back printing process is an arbitrary process. Next, the image forming surface of the paper P is dried by the drying means 60 on the conveyance downstream side. After drying, the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 70.

(Control configuration)
In the present embodiment, the management information attached to a predetermined range from the leading end of the paper P is detected by the reflective optical sensor 33 in the return path when the paper width is detected during the loading operation. Since the management information is printed as a barcode or a seal is formed, it can be detected by the reflective optical sensor 33. The reflection type optical sensor 33 is a reading unit that detects the width of the paper P and functions as a reading unit that reads management information. Note that the leading end of the paper P may be detected using the reflective optical sensor 33.

  The read bar code management information is subjected to code analysis by the control unit 20. The product ID included in the management information is information unique to the paper P. The product ID obtained by code analysis is collated with the collation table stored in the collation table storage unit 21 by the collation unit 22 (corresponding to the collation unit). The collation unit 22 searches the collation table as shown in FIG. 4 using the code-analyzed product ID as a key, and first determines whether the data is usable or not from the hit data. If the availability data is “1” (means used), it is determined that the paper P set in the image forming apparatus A cannot be used. If the availability data is “0” (meaning that it is not used), it can be used as it is and image formation can be performed, and then the availability data is changed from “0” to “1” by the update unit 23. This changed information is transmitted to the server B, and the server management information of the server B is updated. In addition, the control unit 20 calculates the length of the paper P used for image formation, subtracts the calculated usage amount (for example, 10M) from the initial value (for example, 100M) of the paper P, and stores the remaining amount information (for example, for example). 90M). Based on the calculated remaining amount information, the update unit 23 updates the remaining amount information in the collation table. As another embodiment, even if the data indicating whether or not the data can be used is “1”, it has remaining amount information indicating the printable length of the paper, and if it is not 0 M, image formation is executed. it can. Alternatively, the required length for image formation can be calculated from the number of printed sheets, and image formation can be executed when the calculated length is smaller than the remaining amount information. When image formation cannot be executed, notification processing for displaying the fact on the display means 12 is performed.

  When the image formation of one order is completed, the paper P is in a state of being cut by the cutting means 40. If there is no order to be processed subsequently, the paper P is imaged to prevent the paper P from being deteriorated. Rewind from the position to the upstream loading standby position G. This operation is called unloading.

  At the time of this unloading, in order to attach management information to a predetermined range (t) from the front end of the paper P, printing by the ink ejection nozzles of the print head 30 is executed. In the case of such printing, it is preferable to execute using all the ink discharge nozzles. The management information is obtained by coding information updated from the management information read at the time of loading. Further, the remaining amount information updated and the identification information (device ID) of the image forming apparatus A may be included in the management information. Accordingly, even the paper that cannot be used on the collation table can be configured to be used by referring to the remaining amount information in the image forming apparatus A. The use may be determined based on the presence or absence of remaining amount information. The information in the collation table is updated by the function of the update unit 23 (corresponding to the update unit).

  In addition, as a management information forming method, the printed portion of the paper on which the image is formed last is cut and transported to the downstream drying process, and then the paper P on which no image is formed is rewound to the image forming position and managed. There is a method of forming a code of information. In this case, in the management information code checking and reading process, it is preferable to arrange the reading means on the upstream side when moving the print head in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction). That is, the code can be read when the paper is rewound. Further, as another embodiment, a method of forming a management information code after the last image formation of an order and cutting the code so as to leave the code can be exemplified. In this case, in the management information code checking and reading process, it is preferable to arrange the reading unit on the downstream side when the print head moves in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction). That is, the code can be read when the paper is conveyed downstream.

(Management information confirmation reading process)
A reflective optical sensor 33 is provided on the print head 30. As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the reflection type optical sensor 33 is disposed on the upstream side when moving in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction). That is, in the process of unwinding the paper P by unloading, the leading end portion of the paper P is returned to the printing position of the print head 30, the management information code is printed, and then the paper P is further rewound to reflect the optical sensor 33. Return to the reading position and read the code.

  As another embodiment, the reflective optical sensor 33 can be arranged on the upstream side when moving in the head scanning direction (main scanning direction). In this case, it is possible to form a management information code and to detect the formed image (management information) by the reflective optical sensor 33 that follows the management information code in the forward path of movement. In the forward path, a bar code image of management information is formed, and the bar code image can be read following the bar code image. Furthermore, as a second confirmation, it is very preferable from the viewpoint of processing speed if detection by the reflective optical sensor 33 is performed in the return path. Furthermore, when confirming on the return path, the paper P may be moved in the transport direction for a while. Further, it may be configured to perform reading on the return path when reading is not possible on confirmation in the forward path.

  In the management information confirmation reading process, it is preferable to set the reading sensitivity of the sensor low. This is because, if it is determined that reading is possible even if the reading sensitivity is set low, the management information can be reliably read in the reading process during loading. For example, even if there is deterioration of the reading sensor or contamination of the code of the management information to be read during the next reading process, if the reading is performed with low sensitivity during the confirmation reading process, the next reading process It can be read reliably even with normal reading sensitivity. In addition, there is a possibility that the reading process may be performed by another apparatus, and the reading process may not be performed by a sensor having the same condition as the code printed state. Even reading means can reliably read.

  The notification unit 24 (corresponding to the notification unit) performs control to display a display to that effect on the display unit 12 and control to issue a warning sound to the speaker when the barcode is not read in the confirmation reading process. . In addition, after the notification process by the notification unit 24, the control unit 20 performs control so that the ink discharge nozzle cleaning process is executed, and then the management information barcode formation is executed again. The notification unit 24 also has a function of performing a notification process when abnormality occurs in the timing data, which will be described later.

  (Timekeeping function) Next, the timekeeping function will be described. The first time measuring means 200 provides a function capable of calculating the current time and outputting time data. The control function unit A2 can be configured by installing desired software in a general-purpose personal computer, and the function of an OS (operating system) that is the software can also be used for the first time measuring means.

  The adjusting unit 201 provides a function of adjusting the measurement data of the first time measuring unit 200, and this function is also provided by the OS. For example, when the time displayed on the display means 12 deviates from the true time, it can be adjusted by the operator as appropriate.

  On the other hand, the second timing means 34 is also provided on the ink jet printing mechanism A1. The second time measuring means 34 is driven by a backup battery 35 and is provided so that it cannot be adjusted from the outside. The second time measuring means 34 is constituted by a real time clock and is arranged on a mother board arranged in the ink jet printing mechanism part A1.

  The control function unit A2 also has a real-time clock. When the control function unit A2 is started up, date / time data is acquired from the real-time clock. ) Adopts a configuration that measures and outputs timing data independently.

  The comparison means 203 compares the time measurement data obtained from the first time measurement means 200 with the time measurement data obtained from the second time measurement data 34. When the difference between the two becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit 24 performs notification. As a notification mode, as described above, an indication that the set time data of the first time measuring means 200 is greatly deviated is displayed on the display means 12, or a warning sound is output from the speaker.

  The update time setting means 202 sets an update time for updating the collation table based on the latest pattern file. Whether or not the update time has come is determined based on the time data from the first time measuring means 200. Therefore, the collation table cannot be updated to the latest data, for example, when the time data of the first time measuring means 200 is deviated from the correct time or when the time measuring data is intentionally adjusted by the adjusting means 201. Therefore, the comparison unit 203 monitors so that the update time is correctly set by the update time setting unit 202. The update of the collation table will be described later.

  The update time by the update time setting means 202 is set, for example, every week or every two weeks. It is preferable that the setting of the update time should not be easily changed by the operator. The collation table is stored as attribute data regarding when the latest update by the pattern file was performed. The next update time is set based on the latest update date (year / month / day / time).

  For example, if updating is performed every two weeks, if the latest update by the pattern file was 11:00 on April 1, 2008, the next time to be updated is 11:00 on April 15, 2008. Minutes. The arrival of this next update timing is counted based on the timing data of the first timing means 200. Therefore, if the timing data of the first timing means 200 is adjusted in the direction of delaying the timing, the next update timing may be delayed, or the worst case may not arrive.

  The input means 11 can be composed of a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, and the like, and is used for various inputs for operating the image forming apparatus A, image data editing, correction, print condition setting, order information input, and the like. The display unit 12 can be configured by a liquid crystal monitor or the like, and can display various operation screens of the image forming apparatus A, various screens such as image data editing, correction, and print condition setting. The adjustment by the adjusting unit 201 is also performed through the input unit 11.

(Operation flow of image forming apparatus)
The operation of the image forming apparatus A will be described below with reference to FIG. The paper P is set in the image forming apparatus A, and the leading end of the paper P is pulled out to the loading standby position G. As shown in FIG. 3, a bar code M representing management information is printed or affixed to the leading end portion of the paper P. In FIG. 3, the range from the leading end to (t) is managed as a non-printing area, and a bar code may be attached. A loading process is performed at the timing when the paper P is set or when the printing process is started (S1). The paper P at the loading standby position G is transported to the downstream image forming position by the rollers of the transport mechanism. In the vicinity of the print head 30, the leading edge of the paper P is detected, and then the width is detected by the reflective optical sensor 33. Processing for leading edge positioning and width positioning, for example, if paper distortion and meandering are detected in the width direction, the paper P is fed and unwound in a stepwise manner by the transport mechanism to be appropriate. it can. For example, when the management information is read at the time of paper setting, these operations may be omitted and the management information reading process (S3) may be executed. Further, the barcode can be read simultaneously with the width detection, and in this case, the upstream end, the barcode, and the downstream end in the head movement direction are sequentially read in the main scanning one-way path or one-way path, By the analysis of the control unit 20, end detection and bar code detection are performed.

  The bar code of the management information is read by the reflective sensor 33 (S2). The read barcode is analyzed. In this management information reading process, when a reading error is detected, error detection / correction is performed using a check code (for example, parity, CRC, etc.) included in the management information. In the case of a reading error, the paper P is slightly fed or returned, and the reflective optical sensor 33 is scanned and read again. Also, the paper tip is often curled. An interval (gap) between the reflective optical sensor 33 and the paper P is set so that a reading error due to the curl can be avoided.

  The product ID obtained by analysis is collated with the product ID in the collation table (S3). FIG. 4 is an example of a collation table. In FIG. 4, the papers with the identification numbers “1” and “2” have both useability data “1” and are registered as used. Since the other data is “null”, it can be understood that the data is used in another image forming apparatus. Also, the identification numbers “1590” and “3570” have both useability data “1” and are registered as used. However, since other data is registered, the image forming apparatus A uses that data. It can be seen that the management information has been read and the collation table has been updated. The remaining amount information data of the identification numbers “1590” and “3570” are “100M” and “45M”, respectively. The identification numbers “50123” and “80456” have both availability data “0” and are registered as unused.

  As a result of the collation in step S3, when the obtained product ID is “1” which does not exist in the collation table or cannot be used, a notification to that effect is given to the display means 12. For example, the obtained product ID paper may be already registered in the collation table as used. In addition, a barcode of a product ID that has not been manufactured may be attached. In such a case, since the paper P cannot be used for image formation, it is necessary to switch the paper P (exchange process: S32). As another embodiment, even if the result is unusable, the processing mode can be switched so that it can be used as it is. In addition, the processing mode can be switched so that image formation (photo print processing) can be performed on paper on which management information cannot be read or on paper on which management information is not attached.

  In addition to the collation table update process, the control unit 20 creates a log file indicating the paper usage history. The log file includes data such as a use date, a product ID (registered ID or non-registered ID), use amount, width, and image forming apparatus ID. This log file is uploaded to the server B and is also managed as a log file in the server B. This log file is provided as a cause determination material when a trouble occurs in the image forming apparatus. For example, it can be determined that a failure has occurred due to the use of paper without management information.

  On the other hand, if the data indicating whether or not the obtained product ID is usable is “0” (meaning that it is not used) as a result of collation, the corresponding usable data in the collation table is used from “0” to “1”. Update to completed. Also, as the remaining amount information, the remaining amount number is updated from the initial value of 100M according to the usage record. Further, as another embodiment, it can be configured such that the availability data remains “0” and the availability data is updated to “1” when the remaining amount information becomes “0”. The update data of the collation table can be configured to be uploaded to the server B separately from the log file described above.

  Next, all frame images of the order are formed on the paper P (S5). When all the orders stored in the data storage unit 26 of the image forming apparatus A are completed, an unloading operation is performed automatically or by an operator's instruction input at a predetermined timing (S6). In the process of rewinding the paper P, a bar code indicating management information is formed within a predetermined range (t) from the leading end of the paper P (S7). The management information here is preferably data in which the remaining amount information is updated. Furthermore, data including an image forming apparatus ID is preferable. The management information is encoded by the function of the control unit 20.

  Next, the formed barcode is read (S8). At this time, it is preferable to execute the reading operation with the reading sensitivity of the reflective optical sensor 33 set low. Even if there is deterioration of the reading sensor, contamination of the code of the management information to be read, etc. during the next reading process, if the sensitivity is read with low sensitivity during the confirmation reading process, This is because the reading sensitivity can be surely read. In addition, there is a possibility that the reading process may be performed by another apparatus, and the reading process may not be performed by a sensor having the same condition as the code printed state. This is because the reading means can reliably read.

  In the case of a barcode reading error (S9), a notification to that effect is made (S11). For example, a reading error is displayed on the display unit 12. After this notification, the reading sensitivity can be increased stepwise, and if the reading is finally performed with the normal sensitivity, the reading error can be canceled. In addition, if the reading position is changed and the reading is performed again and no reading error occurs, the previous reading error can be canceled.

  When notified in step S11, the print head 30 is cleaned automatically or by an instruction input by the operator (S12). After the cleaning process, the barcode is formed again (S7). In this case, it is preferable to form the barcode at a position that does not overlap the previous barcode formation position.

  When the barcode can be read (S9), unloading is executed (S10). The paper P is rewound by the transport mechanism so that the paper leading end is disposed at the loading standby position G.

  At the next loading (S1), the barcode formed in step S7 is read (S2) and collated (S3). Further, the paper P may be taken out from the image forming apparatus A in a roll state after being unloaded. Then, it may be set again in the image forming apparatus A or may be set in another image forming apparatus. Other image forming apparatuses have the same configuration as that of the present embodiment.

(Automatic update of collation table)
The data of the collation table is stored in advance in the image forming apparatus A. This can be configured to install the data making up the verification table from the recording media. In addition, the collation table can be periodically updated by acquisition via a network download. Since the product ID of the paper P is unique, the product ID is set in accordance with the production of the paper P. In addition, when the paper P is used, it is necessary to manage it as used. Therefore, regarding the paper that has been used, it is necessary to update the data with the availability as “1” as shown in FIG. Further, when the paper is taken out from the image forming apparatus A in a roll state, the remaining amount information needs to be updated in order to refer to the remaining amount information so that it can be used again. In addition, since there are other image forming apparatuses, it is not possible to manage all the papers only by updating the collation table of one image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, server management information is stored in the server management information storage unit 2 of the server B, and the management information of all the papers is managed centrally. The server management information is a set of management information for all the papers, and is configured to include the data contents of the collation table of each image forming apparatus. In addition, the server management information is added in accordance with the manufacture of the paper. By setting the expected number of paper consumptions in advance, the total number of product IDs is determined and the number of encoding digits is set. The product ID may be a combination of consecutive numbers or English characters, but a discontinuous or random combination is desirable from the viewpoint of uniqueness, prevention of forgery ID, and the like. In addition, the number of recording media that will be required in the future is set in advance, the product ID is set accordingly, and the pre-manufactured data is set to “1” as used / unusable data, manufactured and sold. In doing so, it is preferable to manage it as unused “0”. Thereby, flooding of counterfeit ID can be suppressed.

  Further, the server B collects log file or collation table data indicating the paper usage history of each of the image forming apparatuses A and C via the network, or collects recording media on which these are recorded, and server management information Is updated by the function of the control unit 1. Then, the updated latest management information data is distributed as a pattern file to each of the image forming apparatuses A and C, and the collation table of the image forming apparatus is updated by the updating unit 23 based on the distributed data. Configured. The pattern file is created by the pattern file creation unit 3. The log file includes the usage history of all the papers in each image forming apparatus, and the paper includes genuine papers whose quality is ensured and papers to which management information is not attached.

(Update process of collation table based on pattern file)
A verification table update processing flow based on the pattern file will be described with reference to FIG. It is determined whether or not the collation table distribution timing is reached (S70). For example, the server B creates update data of the server management information as a pattern file periodically or when the server management information is updated (after the update, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the update, etc.) (S71). The pattern file is preferably binary data in consideration of the communication load. For example, a data structure in which usable data that can be expressed by 1 bit is arranged in the order of the product ID is preferable. The usability data is composed of “0” if it is not used and “1” if it is used. Further, by including date information or data ID for identifying data in the pattern file, the data can be identified, and the collation table can be updated accurately. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a pattern file. FIG. 6 shows an example in which date / time information is included as header information of the pattern file. In addition to this, a data ID may be included. Moreover, it is not necessary to include date information and data ID. The pattern file is composed of “0” or “1” data indicating whether it is unused or used in the order of arrangement of all product IDs.

  The pattern file created in this way is transmitted to the respective image forming apparatuses A and C using the data transmitting / receiving unit 4 (S72). As shown in FIG. 8, each of the image forming apparatuses A and C receives the pattern file by the data transmitting / receiving unit 25 (S80). Next, the update time setting unit 202 determines whether or not the update time has come (S81). If it is not an update time, it waits until an update time comes. When the update time comes, the update unit 23 determines whether or not the time stamp of the latest pattern file received is newer than the latest update time of the collation table (S82). This is a process for making sure that it is not updated by an old date pattern file (so that it is not overwritten). This is because if an old pattern file can be updated, an unauthorized use in which a product ID that can no longer be used can be used. That is, the collation table is intentionally updated with the old pattern file to prevent the product ID from being reused illegally. When the type stamp is old, the notification unit 24 may perform appropriate notification.

  Next, the updating unit 23 determines the state of each remaining amount information in the collation table, for example, whether it is an initial value or has been updated (S83). If the numerical value of the remaining amount information varies from the initial value, it can be determined that the remaining amount information has been updated during use. When the remaining amount information is updated (when the recording medium is in use), the update unit 23 does not update the corresponding record in the collation table (S84-1). On the other hand, when the remaining amount information remains the initial value (when the recording medium is unused), the update unit 23 updates the corresponding record (S84-2). That is, the data on the availability information of the corresponding record is updated from “0” to “1”. Further, when it is determined that the remaining amount information of the record that has not been updated in step S82-1 is zero, or the number of image formations of one order has not been reached, the update unit 23 uses the corresponding record availability information. The data is preferably updated from “0” to “1”.

(Update processing of server management information)
Each of the image forming apparatuses A and C is updated at a regular time or date and time set for each of the image forming apparatuses A and C, or when the respective collation tables are updated (after the update, a predetermined period after the update, and the timing before the apparatus shuts down Etc.), all data in the log file or the collation table or only updated data is transmitted to the server B by the data transmitting / receiving unit 25. The server B receives the data by the data transmitting / receiving unit 4. Then, the control unit 1 updates the server management information based on this data. The data structure to be transmitted to the server B is preferably configured like the pattern file.

(Time data monitoring)
Next, the timing data monitoring operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the comparison means 203 compares the time measurement data of the first time measurement means 200 and the second time measurement means 34 (S90). As a result of the comparison, when there is a time lag more than a predetermined value, the notification unit 24 notifies (S91). Although this predetermined value can be set as appropriate, for example, it may be set in units of one day or two days, or may be set in a short time of about one hour.

  When the notification is made, notification is made that a time lag has occurred, and the operator adjusts the first time measuring means 200 using the function of the adjusting means 201 (S92). After the adjustment is made, it is determined whether or not the deviation of the timing data is within a predetermined value (S93). If it is within the predetermined value, the notification is canceled (S94). If it is not within the predetermined value, the user is prompted to make another adjustment.

  By performing notification as described above, the verification table can be updated appropriately, and unauthorized use of the product ID can be prevented.

(Another embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus A has been described with the inkjet print mechanism unit A1 and the control function unit A2 as one apparatus configuration, but the control function unit A2 may be configured with an information processing apparatus having a different configuration. it can. For example, the control function unit A2 can be configured by a general-purpose computer.

  Further, although the printing method of the image forming apparatus A has been described as an ink jet method, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and is not limited to the method using a serial scanning type print head as in the embodiment, and has the same size as the paper width. The present invention can also be applied to an inkjet method using a line scanning print head, a thermal transfer printer, and a sublimation printer. Various printers are configured to read and store paper management information, print the management information on the leading edge of the paper at the end of image formation, and read the printed management information for confirmation. Furthermore, it is preferable that the paper width detection sensor and the sensor for reading management information are the same.

(Photo print system)
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus A may be configured independently, but functions as a component apparatus that constructs a photo print system connected to various printers and the like via a network. For example, the image forming apparatus A is connected to a plurality of terminals, various printers, a recording medium reading device, an online print order server for photographic print order, and the like via a network such as a LAN. Examples of the terminal include an image processing device for an operator, a reception terminal for an orderer installed in a store, a network reception terminal, and the like. The number of installed image processing apparatuses, reception terminals, and network reception terminals is not limited to one each, and a plurality of units can be installed as necessary. In addition, a film scanner for reading image data from a developed negative film may be arranged directly in the image processing apparatus, or may be connected to the image forming apparatus A or connected to the LAN.

  The reception terminal is installed at a store, for example, and can receive image data stored in a recording medium of a digital camera or other recording media. The reception terminal is mainly operated by a customer, and can insert a recording medium brought by the customer to select image data to be created as a photo print or set the number of prints. . In addition, it has a function of transmitting order information including image data relating to photo print processing to the image forming apparatus or various printers.

  The net reception terminal has a function of receiving an online print order via the Internet. In addition to the function of reading image data from the recording medium, the recording medium reader has a function of writing data such as image data and order information transmitted from the image processing apparatus to the recording medium.

The image processing apparatus includes an order information storage unit that stores order information including information such as image data and order data related to a photo print order, and an order management unit that manages and controls the order information.

  The print condition setting unit is a function that performs pre-judge processing on image data of order information, displays a predetermined number of frame images on a monitor, and sets print conditions for each frame image. For example, arbitrary order information stored in the order information storage unit is selected, a predetermined number of frame images are displayed on the monitor, and the number of prints, print size, image correction data, etc. are displayed for the displayed frame images. Set the print conditions.

  In the present invention, the pre-judgment process determines whether or not a photographic print having an appropriate image quality is created before creating a photographic print based on the image data. The operator makes a judgment on the image data. Functions are provided primarily by software. The pre-judge process is not necessarily performed, and the print process can be performed without the pre-judge process.

  The print condition setting unit provides, for example, a function of inputting correction data for correcting color and density, and input of such correction data is set as necessary. Examples of other correction data settings include special correction settings such as red-eye correction and backlight correction.

  The number of prints is set to 1 by default for image data acquired from a film scanner, but can be changed by an operator's input operation.

  The print image data creating means performs image processing on the corresponding image data based on the print condition correction data set by the print condition setting unit, the print size, etc., and creates print image data. The print image data creating means is exemplified by a configuration realized by a cooperative action of a computer program and hardware resources such as a CPU and a memory, and a configuration of an image processing board configured by a dedicated circuit. The image processing board includes, for example, an input memory, an image processing circuit unit, and a development memory, and predetermined image processing is performed in the image processing circuit unit. Specifically, color / density correction based on correction data, such as pre-judge processing, and data expansion / contraction processing according to a set print size. The image data for printing created here is transmitted to the image forming apparatus A side or various printers by the transmission / reception unit.

The figure for demonstrating the function structure of an image forming apparatus. Diagram for explaining the print head Illustration for explaining the management information attached to the paper The figure shown about an example of a collation table Flowchart showing the operation for forming a barcode Diagram for explaining pattern file Flow chart showing the operation of this embodiment Flow chart showing the operation of this embodiment Flow chart showing the monitoring operation of time data

Explanation of symbols

A Image forming apparatus A1 Inkjet printing mechanism part A2 Control function part B Server C Image forming apparatus P Paper 1 Control part 2 Server management information storage part 3 Pattern file creation part 4 Data transmission / reception part 11 Input means 12 Display means 20 Control part 21 Verification Table storage unit 22 Collation unit 23 Update unit 24 Notification unit 25 Data transmission / reception unit 26 Data storage unit 30 Print head 33 Reflective light sensor 34 Second timing unit 35 Battery 200 First timing unit 201 Adjustment unit 202 Update time setting unit 203 Comparison means

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a print creation unit that forms an image on a long recording medium; and a recording medium collation unit that collates a recording medium used in the print creation unit,
The recording medium verification unit
Reading means for performing management information reading processing for reading management information including identification information of the recording medium attached to the tip region of the long recording medium;
Storage means for storing collation data having at least the availability information of the recording medium;
Collating means for determining whether or not the recording medium can be used based on the read management information and the collation data;
Receiving means for receiving a pattern file of the availability information from a server that centrally manages the availability information;
A first timing means provided in a state in which the time can be adjusted from the outside;
Update time setting means for setting the update time based on the time measurement data of the time measuring means;
Updating means for updating the collation data at the update time based on the received pattern file of availability information,
The print creation unit includes a second timing unit provided in a state in which the time cannot be adjusted from the outside,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit configured to notify when a difference between the timing data by the first timing unit and the timing data by the second timing unit exceeds a predetermined value.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time stamp embedded in the pattern file is older than the latest update time of the collation data, the update by the update unit is prohibited.

Images