JP4816038B2 - Recording system and recording method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording system and a recording method. The present invention particularly relates to a recording system and a recording method using scented paper.

  In order to expand sales of products and services, direct mails with information about these are often used. In the field of use of such direct mail, effective appeal to users is required in order to improve the reply rate and the sales expansion efficiency.

  As one effective means for appealing to the user when using direct mail or a message card, scent paper capable of storing and scenting has been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  On the other hand, from the viewpoint of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and the like, the demand for variable printing for the purpose of mass printing represented by direct mail is increasing. Here, variable printing refers to printing in which the printing contents of each sheet can be partially replaced as necessary.

  However, the use form of the fragrance paper described above is limited to a personal use such as a postcard, or a specific use such as direct mail in which the same fragrance is uniformly recorded for introduction of a specific product or service. Met.

That is, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are specific examples for realizing scent reproduction suitable for individual users using scent paper in variable printing that can change the printing contents for each user. It does not provide a simple method. Therefore, even if scent paper is used for variable printing, there has been a problem that it cannot be more effectively appealed to individual users.
JP 2003-43930 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-348374 JP-A-6-328880 JP-A-8-286611

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to use fragrance paper for variable printing to make more effective appeal to individual users by fragrance. It is to provide a recording system and a recording method that can be used.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) An image recording unit that records an image on a scent paper having in advance a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing part that can adsorb or attach a scent medicine based on image data including variable data;
An information recording unit that records identification information for associating the image data and the scent of the variable data with the scent paper;
Based on the identification information, the scent unit of the scent paper includes a scent recording unit that records the scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data ,
The recording system, wherein the image recording unit records the image data including the variable data on the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit .

(2) The recording system according to (1), wherein the scent recording unit records the scent with respect to the scent unit of the scent paper in which the image is recorded by the image recording unit.

(3) The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data composed of the variable data with a fragrance ,
The recording system according to (2), wherein the image recording unit also serves as the information recording unit, and records the identification image on the scented paper .

(4) The recording system according to (3), wherein the identification image includes a barcode image.

(5) The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
The information recording unit is configured to record the identification information in the storage unit by wireless communication,
One of said fragrance recording unit and the image recording unit is provided with the information recording section,
The other of the image recording unit and the fragrance recording unit includes an information reading unit that reads the identification information from the storage unit by wireless communication . The recording system according to (1),

(6) The image recording unit
A receiving unit for receiving a print job for variable printing including the variable data from the outside;
A paper feeding unit containing a plurality of types of the scented paper having different layouts;
A selection unit that selects a scent paper corresponding to the layout information from a plurality of types of the scent paper stored in the paper feed unit based on layout information acquired from the print job received by the reception unit. When,
An image forming unit that forms the image based on the image data including the variable data on the scent paper selected by the selection unit ; and
The recording system according to any one of (1) to (5) , wherein the layout of the scented paper is different based on a difference in the number and layout of the scented units .

(7) a preprocessing device including an image recording device that records an image on a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing unit that can adsorb or attach a scent medicine based on image data including variable data; A pre-processing device comprising a scent recording device that records the scent in the scent unit of the scent paper , and the pre-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
An information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data composed of the variable data and the scent into the scent paper;
The pre-processing device records the image data including the variable data on the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit,
The post-processing device records the scent associated with the image data including the variable data on the scent unit of the scent paper based on the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit. A pretreatment device characterized by that.

(8) The scent paper includes an image forming unit that forms the image based on the image data including the variable data,
The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data composed of the variable data with a fragrance ,
The preprocessing apparatus according to (7), wherein the image forming unit also serves as the information recording unit, and forms the identification image on the scented paper.

(9) The preprocessing apparatus according to (8), wherein the identification image includes a barcode image.

(10) The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
The information recording unit is configured to record the identification information in the storage unit by the wireless communication,
The post-processing device records a scent associated with the image data on the scent unit of the scent paper based on the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit. The pretreatment device according to (7) above.
(11) including a pre-processing device including a scent recording device that records a scent in the scent unit of a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent unit adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach the scent agent , and variable data A post-processing device composed of an image recording device for recording an image on the scented paper based on the image data, and the pre-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
An information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data composed of the variable data and the scent into the scent paper;
Based on the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit, the post-processing device, from the variable data associated with the scent, to the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit. A preprocessing device characterized by recording image data.

(12) a pre-processing device comprising an image recording device for recording an image on a scent paper having in advance a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing part capable of adsorbing or attaching a scent medicine based on image data including variable data; A post-processing device comprising a scent recording device that records scent in the scent unit of the scent paper , and the post-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
The pre-processing device includes an information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data including the variable data and the scent into the scent paper, and the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit. To record the image data including the variable data,
The post-processing device includes an information reading unit that reads the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit, and the scent unit of the scent paper is based on the read identification information. Recording a scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data.

( 13 ) The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data including the variable data with a scent ,
The information reading unit includes an optical sensor that reads the identification image recorded on the paper by the information recording unit of the preprocessing device .
The post-processing apparatus as described in ( 12 ) above, wherein

( 14 ) The post-processing apparatus according to ( 13 ), wherein the identification image includes a barcode image.

(15) The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
The information recording unit of the preprocessing device is configured to record the identification information in the storage unit by the wireless communication,
The post-processing apparatus according to (12), wherein the information reading unit is configured to read the identification information recorded in the storage unit by the information recording unit through the wireless communication.
(16) including a pretreatment device including a scent recording device that records a scent in the scent unit of the scent paper having a scent unit having a scent unit adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach the scent agent , and variable data A post-processing device composed of an image recording device for recording an image on the scented paper based on the image data, and the post-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
The pre-processing device includes an information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data including the variable data and the scent into the scent paper,
The post-processing device includes an information reading unit that reads the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit, and includes the variable data in the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit. And recording the scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data on the scent unit of the scent paper based on the read identification information. A featured post-processing device.

(17) An image recording step for recording an image on a scent paper having in advance a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing portion capable of adsorbing or attaching a scent medicine based on image data including variable data;
An identification information recording step for recording identification information associating image data composed of the variable data with a scent on the scent paper;
Based on the identification information, the scent unit of the scent paper comprises a scent recording step for recording the scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data ,
In the image recording step, the image data including the variable data is recorded on the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit .

( 18 ) The recording method according to ( 17 ), wherein the scent recording step is executed after the image recording step.

( 19 ) The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data including the variable data with the fragrance ,
The recording method according to ( 18 ) , wherein the image recording step also serves as the identification information recording step, and in the image recording step, the identification image is recorded on the scent paper.

( 20 ) The recording method according to ( 19 ), wherein the identification image includes a barcode image.

( 21 ) The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
In one of the fragrance recording step and the image recording step, the identification information is recorded in the storage unit by wireless communication,
The recording method according to ( 17 ), wherein, in the other of the image recording step and the scent recording step, the identification information is read from the storage unit by wireless communication .

(22) The scented paper comprises a plurality of types having different layouts,
The image recording step includes
A receiving step of receiving a print job for variable printing including the variable data from the outside;
A selection step of selecting a scent paper corresponding to the layout information from a plurality of types of the scent paper based on the layout information acquired from the print job received in the receiving step;
An image forming step of forming the image based on the image data including the variable data on the scent paper selected in the selection step, and
The recording method according to any one of (17) to (21) , wherein the layout of the scent paper is different based on a difference in the number and layout of the scent units .

According to the present invention, the scent paper having the scent unit having the scent medicine adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach the scent medicine based on the identification information that associates the image data composed of the variable data and the scent is made of the variable data. In order to record the scent associated with the image data, for example, in variable printing that can change the printing content for each user, the image that changes for each user is printed on the scent paper, and the scent corresponding to the printing content is It becomes possible to record in the scent unit of the scent paper.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to make a more effective appeal by scent to individual users by using scent paper for variable printing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a network system to which a recording system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  The network system includes a recording system 1, a client terminal 30, and a database server 40, which are connected via a network 50 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The recording system 1 includes a pre-processing device 10 and a post-processing device 20. The pre-processing device 10 and the post-processing device 20 are mechanically connected so that paper is automatically conveyed. However, the pre-processing device 10 and the post-processing device 20 may be separated, and the paper may be moved manually.

  Electrically, the pre-processing device 10 is connected to the network 50, and the pre-processing device 10 and the post-processing device 20 are connected via a dedicated interface bus such as an IEEE 1394 serial bus. However, the preprocessing device 10 and the postprocessing device 20 may be connected via the network 50.

  The network 50 includes a LAN in which computers and network devices are connected according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI, or a WAN in which LANs are connected by a dedicated line. The type and number of devices connected to the network 50 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the pre-processing device 10 is an image recording unit for performing an image recording process of recording an image on scented paper based on image data, and the post-processing device 20 is placed at a predetermined location on the scented paper. For performing a scent recording process of recording a scent associated with the image data, that is, adsorbing or adhering a scented drug, to a scent mechanism unit 65 (see FIG. 5) prepared in advance for storing the scent. It is a fragrance recording part. Details of the scent paper will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the preprocessing device 10.

  The preprocessing device 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an operation panel unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an image forming unit 16, an IC tag writer 17, and a communication interface 18, which are connected via a bus 19 for exchanging signals. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 performs control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. The ROM 12 stores various programs and various data in advance. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.

  The operation panel unit 14 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions.

  The paper supply unit 15 includes a tray that stores scent paper as a recording material used for printing, and a mechanism that sends the scent paper stored in the tray to the image forming unit 16 one by one. In the present embodiment, the paper feed unit 15 includes two paper feed trays T1 and T2 (not shown) according to the number of types of scent paper. The number of scented paper types is arbitrary, and the number of paper feed trays is also arbitrary.

  The image forming unit 16 prints various images on the scented paper by using a well-known image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes.

  The IC tag writer 17 writes electronic data to the IC tag 70 (see FIG. 6) provided in the scent paper. Examples of the communication method between the IC tag writer 17 and the IC tag 70 include those defined in international standards such as ISO 14443 and ISO 15693, and frequency bands such as 135 KHz, 13.56 MHz, and 2.45 GHz can be used. . The frequency band mainly used is 13.56 MHz, and the communicable distance when the frequency band is used is about 30 cm. However, the communication method to be used is not limited to these, and other known communication methods or unique communication methods may be used.

  The communication interface 18 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The communication interface 18 includes an interface for communicating with devices on the network 50 and an interface for communicating with the post-processing device 20.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the post-processing device 20.

  The post-processing device 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, IC tag reader 24, scent writing device 25, paper discharge unit 26, and communication interface 27, which are connected to each other via a bus 28 for exchanging signals. ing. In addition, about the part which has the same function as the pre-processing apparatus 10, the description is abbreviate | omitted in order to avoid duplication of description.

  The IC tag reader 24 reads electronic data from an IC tag provided on the scent paper. In response to an instruction from the CPU 21, the IC tag reader 24 can read all the electronic data in the IC tag, or can read the data every predetermined unit. As the IC tag reader 24, the same one as the IC tag writer 17 can be used, and the same communication method as that of the IC tag writer 17 can be used as the communication method between the IC tag reader 24 and the IC tag.

  The scent writing device 25 records the scent on the scent mechanism 65 (see FIG. 5) of the scent paper, that is, adsorbs or attaches the scent medicine. Here, the writing device 25 can record the scent corresponding to the specified scent data (data specifying the scent type) on the scent paper. The scent writing device 25 of the present embodiment includes two scent writing units W1 and W2 (not shown) according to the number of types of scent paper. The paper discharge unit 26 discharges the scent paper on which the scent is recorded.

  The pre-processing device 10 and the post-processing device 20 may include constituent elements other than the constituent elements described above, or some of the constituent elements described above may not be included.

  The client terminal 30 is, for example, a general personal computer. The client terminal 30 creates a print job for variable printing and transmits it to the preprocessing device 10 of the recording system 1.

  The database server 40 stores various scent data, and transmits the requested scent data to the post-processing device 20 in response to a request from the post-processing device 20 of the recording system 1.

  In the present embodiment, the print job is preferably a file in a format according to PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language). Here, the print job is a file in which content data in units of objects, layout information indicating the arrangement of objects on each page, and job information such as designation of printing conditions are collected together. However, the content data, layout information, and job information may be transmitted separately.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of scented paper. In the present specification, the scent paper refers to a sheet configured to record (store) a scent and emit (regenerate) the scent. The scent paper has two states, a sheet before recording the scent and a sheet after recording the scent. The scent paper handled by the pretreatment device 10 of the present embodiment means a sheet before scent recording. The scent paper P has at least one scent unit 60 having a function of storing the scent and regenerating the scent.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the structure of the scent unit of the scent paper. The scent unit 60 has a base sheet 63 made of a scent blocking sheet such as a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) film attached to a base 61 of scent paper via an adhesive 62, and a scent medicine adsorbed in layers on the base sheet 63 Or the fragrance | mechanism part 65 comprised from the fragrance chemical | medical agent adsorption | suction part 64 which can be made to adhere is provided. The medicine adsorbing unit 64 is covered with a cover sheet 66 made of a scent blocking sheet such as a PBT film in order to suppress the scent from spreading after the scent medicine corresponding to the predetermined scent data is adsorbed. In the scent paper P, recording the scent means that the scent medicine is adsorbed or adhered to the scent medicine adsorbing portion 64 and is covered with the cover sheet 66. To regenerate the scent, the cover sheet 66 is then peeled off. It means that the scent is emitted by removing all or part of it by tearing or breaking. The structure of the scent unit is not limited to the above structure, and any structure may be used as long as the scent can be stored and reproduced.

  The layout of the scent paper P differs greatly depending on the number of scent units 60 provided on one mount 61. Due to this fundamental difference in layout, the type of fragrant paper is different.

  6A and 6B show two types of scented paper used in this embodiment. As described above, in the present invention, it is possible to handle a plurality of types of scent paper having a different number of scent units 60.

  In the present embodiment, two scent papers P1 and P2 having different numbers and layouts of the scent units 60 are used. The scent paper P <b> 1 includes two scent units 60, and the scent paper P <b> 2 includes three scent units 60. The scent paper P1 is stored in the paper feed tray T1 of the paper feed unit 15, and the scent paper P2 is stored in the paper feed tray T2 of the paper feed unit 15. However, the paper feed unit 15 has only one paper feed tray, and different types of paper may be set by a user's hand for each print job or for each series of print jobs. In this embodiment, cut paper is used, but continuous paper may be used.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scent paper is configured by providing the IC tag 70 on at least a part of the scent paper. Here, the IC tag 70 may be affixed to the scent paper, or may be embedded in the scent paper. Further, the IC tag 70 provided in one scent paper may be one or plural.

  The IC tag 70 is a non-contact type electronic tag using wireless communication, and has a storage unit made up of an IC chip and an antenna unit made up of a coil (both not shown). When the IC tag 70 receives a radio wave emitted from the IC tag reader 24 or the IC tag writer 17, a current flows through the IC tag 70 by electromagnetic induction coupling. Accordingly, the IC tag 70 can perform wireless communication with the IC tag reader 24 or the IC tag writer 17 to read and write electronic data.

  Next, the image recording process in the preprocessing device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is stored as a program in a storage unit such as the ROM 12 of the preprocessing device 10 and is executed by the CPU 11.

  First, the preprocessing apparatus 10 waits until a print job is received from the client terminal 30 (S101: NO).

  When the print job is received (S101: YES), the preprocessing device 10 stores the received print job in the RAM 13 and acquires content data from the print job (S102).

  Here, the scent data identification information corresponding to the print job is received from the client terminal 30 and stored in the RAM 13 together with the print job. The scent data identification information may be included in the print job. This scent data identification information is information for uniquely identifying scent data (data specifying the type of scent) stored in the database server 40 or the like on the network 50. Note that the scent data itself may be received instead of the scent data identification information.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether there is data that needs to be subjected to RIP (Raster Image Processing) in the acquired content data (S103). Here, RIP is a process for converting into image data in bitmap format. If there is no data that needs to be subjected to RIP in the content data (S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S105.

  On the other hand, when there is data that needs to be subjected to RIP in the content data (S103: YES), RIP is performed on the data (S104).

  In step S105, layout information is acquired from the stored print job.

  Subsequently, based on the acquired layout information, it is determined how many types of fragrances can be emitted (regenerated) (S106). In this embodiment, the number is two or three (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  When the number of reproducible fragrance types is determined to be two (S106: two), the paper feed tray T1 is selected (S107). In this case, the type of scent paper used is P1. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of reproducible fragrance types is three (S106: three), the paper feed tray T2 is selected (S108). In this case, the type of scent paper used is P2. Note that the paper feed tray to be used may be selected based on the paper type specified in the job information of the print job.

  Subsequently, the data obtained by applying RIP to each content data of the print job is synthesized, and print image data for one page is created (S109). Specifically, an image based on each content data is arranged on the page and synthesized according to the position of each scent unit 60 determined from the scent paper layout information. In addition, a mark image indicating a trigger part that diverges a scent and a message image that prompts the scent to diverge are arranged at the position of each scent unit 60 determined from the layout information of the scent paper. Only one of the mark image and the message image may be arranged. Printing image data for one page is created according to such a layout. It is assumed that the scent paper layout information is registered in advance in the RAM 13 for each scent paper to be used. The scent paper layout information may be obtained, for example, by user input through the operation panel unit 14 or may be obtained by reading out electronic data stored in the IC tag 70.

  Then, an image is printed on the scented paper based on the created printing image data for one page (S110).

  Subsequently, scent data identification information is acquired (S111). The scent data identification information is already stored in the RAM 13 as described above.

  Subsequently, the scent data identification information acquired in step S111 and the scent paper type information acquired in step S107 or S108 are written into the IC tag 70 of the scent paper by the IC tag writer 17 (S112).

  The scent paper for which the image recording process is completed in this way is transferred to the post-processing device 20 (S113). In the present embodiment, the transfer to the scent paper post-processing device 20 is automatically performed by a transport mechanism (not shown), but may be manually performed. When the scent data itself is received instead of the scent data identification information, the scent data is transmitted to the post-processing device 20.

  Next, the scent recording process in the post-processing device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The algorithm shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored as a program in a storage unit such as the ROM 22 of the post-processing device 20 and is executed by the CPU 21.

  First, the post-processing device 20 stands by until scent paper is transferred from the pre-processing device 10 (S201: NO).

  When the scent paper is transferred (S201: YES), the IC tag reader 24 reads electronic data from the IC tag 70 provided in the scent paper (S202).

  Subsequently, scent data identification information and scent paper type information are acquired from the read electronic data and stored in the RAM 23 (S203).

  Based on the scent data identification information, the scent data stored in the database server 40 on the network 50 is acquired (S204). However, when the scent data itself is received from the preprocessing device 10 instead of the scent data identification information, the scent data is used.

  Subsequently, it is determined what the scent paper type information is (S205). When the scent paper type information is P1 (S205: P1), the scent writing unit W1 is selected (S206), and when the scent paper type information is P2 (S205: P2), the scent writing unit W2 is selected ( S207).

  When it is necessary to change the position for recording the scent, that is, the position in the width direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, according to the arrangement of the scent unit 60 in the scent paper, the scent writing unit The number corresponding to the layout type of the unit 60 is prepared. In this embodiment, the scent units 60 of the scent paper P1 and the scent paper P2 are in the same width direction position, so two are not necessarily required. However, in this embodiment, since it is assumed that the scent recording conditions are different between the two scent papers P1 and P2, the post-processing device 20 is provided with two scent writing units W1 and W2.

  Subsequently, the scent paper is transported to the selected scent writing unit (S208), and the scent writing unit corresponds to the acquired scent data to the scent mechanism unit 65 of the transported scent paper scent unit 60. The scent to be recorded is recorded (stored) (S209). That is, a scent medicine of a type corresponding to the acquired scent data is adsorbed or adhered to the medicine adsorbing unit 64, and the scent cover sheet 66 is coated on the scent mechanism unit 65 after the scent recording, and the scent is emitted. Is prevented (see FIG. 5).

  The scent paper that has been subjected to the scent recording process in this manner is discharged toward a tray (not shown) (S210).

  10 shows an example of the scent paper P1 output from the post-processing device 20, and FIG. 11 shows an example of the scent paper P2 output from the post-processing device 20.

  On the scent paper P1 shown in FIG. 10, variable data D1 corresponding to a user named “Yuri Inoue” and fixed data D2 common to all users are printed. In addition, on the scent paper P1, mark images 81 and 82 indicating that it is a trigger part for spilling the scent and a message image associated therewith are printed. Then, when the user peels off or tears (triggers) the cover sheet in the vicinity of the mark images 81 and 82, a rose scent with contents suitable for the user named “Yuri Inoue” as shown in FIG. The fragrance of a new work perfume is emitted.

  In the scent paper P2 shown in FIG. 11, variable data D1 corresponding to a user named “Hanako Suzuki” and fixed data D2 common to all users are printed. In addition, on the scent paper P2, mark images 81, 82, and 83 indicating that it is a trigger part for scenting and a message image associated therewith are printed. Then, when the user peels off or tears (triggers) the cover sheet in the vicinity of the mark images 81, 82, 83, the content of the rose suitable for the user named “Hanako Suzuki” as shown in FIG. The fragrance and the fragrance of the new perfume are emitted.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, for example, in variable printing that can change the printing content for each user, an image that changes for each user is printed on the scent paper, and the scent corresponding to the printing content is printed on the scent paper. It becomes possible to record.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to make a more effective appeal by scent to individual users by using scent paper for variable printing.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the scent paper provided with the IC tag 70 is used, and the scent data identification information and the scent paper type information are written in the IC tag 70 of the scent paper, whereas in the second embodiment, The fragrance paper without the IC tag is used, and the barcode image is printed on the fragrance paper based on the barcode obtained by converting the fragrance data identification information and the fragrance paper type information. They are different. Since the other points are the same in the other points, the description is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pre-processing device 10a according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a post-processing device 20a according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pre-processing device 10a does not have the IC tag writer 17 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the ROM 12 stores a barcode generation program for converting fragrance data identification information and fragrance paper type information into barcodes. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the post-processing device 20a does not have the IC tag reader 24 of the first embodiment, but has a barcode reading unit 29 instead. The barcode reading unit 29 includes an optical sensor for detecting a barcode image.

  The difference between the image recording process in the preprocessing device 10a and the image recording process of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described below.

  That is, in step S112 of FIG. 8, in the first embodiment, the scent data identification information and the scent paper type information are written in the IC tag 70 of the scent paper, but in the second embodiment, step S112 is omitted. The Instead, in step S109 of FIG. 8, the scent data identification information and the scent paper type information are converted into a barcode, and the image data of the barcode is combined with the printing image data for one page. In step S110, the printing image including the barcode image is printed on the scent paper.

  Next, the difference between the scent recording process in the post-processing device 20a and the scent recording process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9 will be described below.

  That is, in step S202 of FIG. 9, in the first embodiment, electronic data is read from the IC tag 70 provided in the scent paper by the IC tag reader 24. In the second embodiment, the barcode reading unit 29 is read. Thus, the barcode image on the scent paper is read and converted into scent data identification information and scent paper type information.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the scent paper P1a output from the post-processing device 20a according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows an example of the scent paper P2a output from the post-processing device 20a according to the second embodiment. Show. The scent paper P1 and P2a of FIGS. 10 and 11 used in the first embodiment is provided with an IC tag 70, but the scent paper P1a and P2a of FIGS. 14 and 15 used in the second embodiment. It can be seen that no IC tag 70 is provided and a barcode image 75 is printed.

  Also by such 2nd Embodiment, it is possible to acquire the effect similar to the effect acquired by 1st Embodiment.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, the case where the scent paper provided with the IC tag 70 is used is described, and in the second embodiment, the case where the scent paper not provided with the IC tag is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be configured such that either scent paper provided with the IC tag 70 or scent paper not provided with the IC tag may be used. In this case, the pre-processing device has the IC tag writer 17, a barcode generation program is stored in the ROM 12, and the post-processing device has both the IC tag reader 24 and the barcode reading unit 29.

  In the above-described embodiment, a method for transmitting scent data identification information using a barcode or an IC tag has been described as a method for transmitting information between a pre-processing device and a post-processing device via a sheet. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, other methods such as a method of embedding scent data identification information in an image using a digital watermark technique may be used. When the digital watermark is used, the information embedded by the digital watermark writer is read in the post-processing device.

  Further, as the scent data identification information, an image of variable data printed at a predetermined position on the paper (scent paper) may be used. In this case, the corresponding scent data can be identified by reading the image and recognizing the image. Further, as the scent data identification information, a character string of variable data printed at a predetermined position on the paper (scent paper) may be used. In this case, the character string can be recognized by OCR, and the corresponding scent data can be identified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pre-processing device functions as an image recording unit for performing image recording processing, and the post-processing device functions as a scent recording unit for performing scent recording processing. It is not limited to this. In the present invention, the pre-processing device may function as a scent recording unit for performing scent recording processing, and the post-processing device may function as an image recording unit for performing image recording processing. That is, it is possible to change the execution order of image recording and scent recording for scent paper.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pre-processing device and the post-processing device are configured separately and independently and are connected by a dedicated interface bus or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. . In the present invention, the pre-processing device and the post-processing device may be housed in one housing and configured integrally.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, although fragrance data are acquired from the database server 40 on the network 50, this invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, various scent data may be stored in the storage unit in the recording system 1, and desired scent data may be acquired from the storage unit in the recording system 1 as necessary.

  In the present invention, the means and method for performing various processes in the recording system can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the device as one function of the device.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a network system to which a recording system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a pre-processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a post-processing apparatus. An example of fragrance paper is shown. An example of the structure of the scent unit of scent paper is shown, (A) is a top view and (B) is a sectional view. (A) and (B) show two types of scented paper used in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image recording process in a pre-processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image recording process in a pre-processing apparatus following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fragrance recording process in a post-processing apparatus. An example of the fragrance paper P1 output from the post-processing apparatus is shown. An example of the fragrance paper P2 output from the post-processing apparatus is shown. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the pre-processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the post-processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. An example of the fragrance paper P1a output from the post-processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. An example of the fragrance paper P2a output from the post-processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1 recording system,
10, 10a pretreatment device,
11, 21 CPU,
12,22 ROM,
13,23 RAM,
14 Operation panel section
15 paper feeder,
16 Image forming unit,
17 IC tag writer,
18, 27 communication interface,
19, 28 bus,
20, 20a aftertreatment device,
24 IC tag reader,
25 Scent writing device,
26 Paper discharge section,
29 Bar code reader,
30 client terminals,
40 database server,
50 network,
60 fragrance units,
61 Mount,
62 adhesive,
63 Base sheet,
64 drug adsorbing section,
65 Scent mechanism part,
66 cover sheet,
70 IC tag,
75 barcode image,
81, 82, 83 Mark images,
P, P1, P2, P1a, P2a Scented paper,
D1 variable data,
D2 Fixed data.

Claims (22)

Based on image data including variable data, an image recording unit for recording an image on a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing unit that can adsorb or attach a scent medicine in advance ;
An information recording unit that records identification information for associating the image data and the scent of the variable data with the scent paper;
Based on the identification information, the scent unit of the scent paper includes a scent recording unit that records the scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data ,
The recording system, wherein the image recording unit records the image data including the variable data on the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit . The recording system according to claim 1, wherein the scent recording unit records the scent with respect to the scent unit of the scent paper in which the image is recorded by the image recording unit. The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data composed of the variable data with a fragrance,
The recording system according to claim 2, wherein the image recording unit also serves as the information recording unit, and records the identification image on the scented paper.   The recording system according to claim 3, wherein the identification image includes a barcode image. The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
The information recording unit is configured to record the identification information in the storage unit by wireless communication,
One of the image recording unit and the scent recording unit includes the information recording unit,
The recording system according to claim 1, wherein the other of the image recording unit and the scent recording unit includes an information reading unit that reads the identification information from the storage unit by wireless communication. The image recording unit
A receiving unit for receiving a print job for variable printing including the variable data from the outside;
A paper feeding unit containing a plurality of types of the scented paper having different layouts;
A selection unit that selects a scent paper corresponding to the layout information from a plurality of types of the scent paper stored in the paper feed unit based on layout information acquired from the print job received by the reception unit. When,
An image forming unit that forms the image based on the image data including the variable data on the scent paper selected by the selection unit ; and
The recording system according to claim 1 , wherein the layout of the scent paper is different based on a difference in the number and layout of the scent units . Based on image data including variable data, a pre-processing device including an image recording device for recording an image on a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach a scent medicine in advance, and a scent A post-processing device comprising a scent recording device for recording in the scent unit of the scent paper , and the pre-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
An information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data composed of the variable data and the scent into the scent paper;
The pre-processing device records the image data including the variable data on the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit,
The post-processing device records the scent associated with the image data including the variable data on the scent unit of the scent paper based on the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit. A pretreatment device characterized by that. The scent paper includes an image forming unit that forms the image based on the image data including the variable data,
The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data composed of the variable data with a fragrance,
The preprocessing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming unit also serves as the information recording unit, and forms the identification image on the scented paper.   The preprocessing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the identification image includes a barcode image. The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
The information recording unit is configured to record the identification information in the storage unit by the wireless communication,
The post-processing device records a scent associated with the image data on the scent unit of the scent paper based on the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit. The pretreatment device according to claim 7. An image containing variable data and a pre-processing device comprising a scent recording device for recording scent in the scent unit of a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent unit adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach a scent agent in advance . A post-processing device comprising an image recording device for recording an image on the scented paper based on data, and the pre-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
An information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data composed of the variable data and the scent into the scent paper;
Based on the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit, the post-processing device, from the variable data associated with the scent, to the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit. A preprocessing device characterized by recording image data. Based on image data including variable data, a pre-processing device including an image recording device for recording an image on a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach a scent medicine in advance, and a scent A post-processing device comprising a scent recording device for recording in the scent unit of the scent paper , and the post-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
The pre-processing device includes an information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data including the variable data and the scent into the scent paper, and the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit. To record the image data including the variable data,
The post-processing device includes an information reading unit that reads the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit, and the scent unit of the scent paper is based on the read identification information. Recording a scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data. The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data composed of the variable data with a fragrance,
The information reading unit includes an optical sensor that reads the identification image recorded on the paper by the information recording unit of the preprocessing device.
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12.   The post-processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the identification image includes a barcode image. The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
The information recording unit of the preprocessing device is configured to record the identification information in the storage unit by the wireless communication,
The post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein the information reading unit is configured to read the identification information recorded in the storage unit by the information recording unit through the wireless communication. An image containing variable data and a pre-processing device comprising a scent recording device for recording scent in the scent unit of a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent unit adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach a scent agent in advance . A post-processing device comprising an image recording device for recording an image on the scented paper based on data, and the post-processing device applied to a recording system comprising:
The pre-processing device includes an information recording unit that records identification information that associates image data including the variable data and the scent into the scent paper,
The post-processing device includes an information reading unit that reads the identification information recorded on the scent paper by the information recording unit, and includes the variable data in the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit. And recording the scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data on the scent unit of the scent paper based on the read identification information. A featured post-processing device. An image recording step for recording an image on a scent paper having a scent unit having a scent medicine adsorbing portion that can adsorb or attach a scent medicine based on image data including variable data; and
An identification information recording step for recording identification information associating image data composed of the variable data with a scent on the scent paper;
Based on the identification information, the scent unit of the scent paper comprises a scent recording step for recording the scent associated with the image data composed of the variable data ,
In the image recording step, the image data including the variable data is recorded on the scent paper according to the position of the scent unit .   The recording method according to claim 17, wherein the scent recording step is executed after the image recording step. The identification information includes an identification image that associates the image data composed of the variable data with the scent,
The recording method according to claim 18, wherein the image recording step also serves as the identification information recording step, and the identification image is recorded on the scent paper in the image recording step.   The recording method according to claim 19, wherein the identification image includes a barcode image. The scent paper has a storage unit capable of storing and reading information by wireless communication with the outside,
In one of the image recording step and the scent recording step, the identification information is recorded in the storage unit by wireless communication,
The recording method according to claim 17, wherein in the other of the image recording step and the scent recording step, the identification information is read from the storage unit by wireless communication. The scented paper consists of multiple types with different layouts,
The image recording step includes
A receiving step of receiving a print job for variable printing including the variable data from the outside;
A selection step of selecting a scent paper corresponding to the layout information from a plurality of types of the scent paper based on the layout information acquired from the print job received in the receiving step;
An image forming step of forming the image based on the image data including the variable data on the scent paper selected in the selection step, and
The recording method according to any one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the layout of the scented paper is different based on a difference in the number and layout of the scented units .