Patent Publication Number: US-2004047000-A1

Title: Image processing system and image processing method

Description:
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application No.2002-248790 filed on Aug. 28, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0003] The present invention is related to an image processing system and an image processing method, which can process an image read from an original document by using a non-contact memory attached to the original document.  
       [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art  
       [0005] A compact semiconductor chip (for example, u-chip by HITACHI, LTD.) from which an external unit can read stored data in a non-contact manner has been known.  
       [0006] Also, JP-A-2001-229199, JP-A-2000-285203, JP-A-2001-134672, JP-A-2001-283011, JP-A-2001-148000, and JP-A-2001-260580 disclose applications of the compact semiconductor chip.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] The invention has an object to provide an image processing system and an image processing method, which can perform a data reading operation and a data writing operation, or can execute one of the data reading/writing operations, while utilizing a semiconductor chip from which data stored therein can be read in a non-contact manner.  
       [0008] [Image Processing System] 
       [0009] To achieve the above-described object, according to a first aspect of the invention, an image process system includes an image display member on which an image is displayed, and an image process apparatus. The image display member includes a data storage unit for storing data. The data process apparatus includes a image read unit for reading the displayed image, and a data input/output unit for performing at least one of reading the stored data and writing another data into the data storage unit.  
       [0010] Preferably, the image process apparatus further includes an image process unit for processing the read image on the basis of the read data.  
       [0011] Preferably, the image process apparatus further includes an original accumulation unit for accumulating the image display member, and a transport unit for transporting the accumulated image display member to a position where the displayed image is read. The data input/output unit performs the at least one of reading the data stored in the accumulated image display member and writing another data into the accumulated image display member.  
       [0012] Preferably, when the accumulated image display member is a plurality of image display members, the data input/output unit performs the at least one with respect to the plurality of image display members. Preferably, the image process apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying the read data. When the image display member is accumulated at the original accumulation unit, the data input/output unit performs reading the stored data.  
       [0013] Preferably, the image process apparatus, further includes a transport unit for transporting the accumulated image display member to a position where the displayed image is read. The data input/output unit performs the at least one with respect to the image display member being transported.  
       [0014] Preferably, the image process apparatus further includes a fix unit for fixing the image display member at a position where the displayed image is read. The data input/output unit performs the at least one with respect to the fixed image display member.  
       [0015] Preferably, the data input/output unit starts the at least one under a condition that the image display member is fixed.  
       [0016] [Image Processing Apparatus] 
       [0017] Also, an image process apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is any one of the image process apparatus in the image process system as described above.  
       [0018] [Image Processing Method] 
       [0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, an image process method includes reading data stored in an image display member, and reading image displayed on the image display member.  
       [0020] Preferably, the method further includes writing another data into the image display member.  
       [0021] [Program] 
       [0022] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a program makes a computer perform a process including reading data stored in an image display member, and reading image displayed on the image display member.  
       [0023] Preferably, the process further includes writing another data into the image display member. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0024]FIG. 1A represents an original paper (image display member) in an exemplification manner whose image is read by a copying apparatus (will be explained later with reference to FIG. 2) in an image processing method according to the present invention; and FIG. 1B indicates a printing paper  42  in an exemplification manner, which is printed by the copying apparatus based upon the original paper exemplified in FIG. 1A.  
     [0025]FIG. 2 is a diagram for indicating a hardware structure of the copying apparatus (image processing apparatus), i.e., for mainly exemplifying a control apparatus thereof.  
     [0026]FIG. 3 is a diagram for exemplifying a hardware construction of a first copying apparatus main body indicated in FIG. 2.  
     [0027]FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining more in detail a structure of a first original paper feeding apparatus indicated in FIG. 3.  
     [0028]FIG. 5 is a diagram for showing a structure of a first IC chip indicated in FIG. 1A.  
     [0029]FIG. 6 is a diagram for indicating a structure of an IC chip IF shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4.  
     [0030]FIG. 7 is a diagram for showing a structure of an image processing program which is executed by the control apparatus  2  (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) so as to realize the image processing method according to the present invention.  
     [0031]FIG. 8 is a flow chart for indicating a first operation (step S 10 ) of the copying apparatus (image processing program).  
     [0032]FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a structure of a second original feeding apparatus.  
     [0033]FIG. 10 is a flow chart for indicating a second operation (step S 11 ) of a copying apparatus (identifying/printing program).  
     [0034]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outer appearance of a second copying apparatus main body.  
     [0035]FIG. 12 is a diagram for indicating a cross-sectional view of both a scanner and a platen cover in the case that a platen cover of the second copying apparatus main body shown in FIG. 11 is closed.  
     [0036]FIG. 13 is a flow chart for indicating a third operation (step S 14 ) of a copying apparatus (identifying/printing program). 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0037]FIG. 1A shows an example of an original paper  40  (image display member), from which a copying apparatus  1  (described later with reference to FIG. 2) reads an image thereon, according to an image processing method of the invention. FIG. 1B shows an example of a printing paper  42 , which is printed by the copying apparatus  1  based upon the original paper  40  shown in FIG. 1A.  
     [0038] As shown in FIG. 1A, an original image is displayed on the original paper  40 . Furthermore, an IC chip  3  (data storage device) is attached to this original paper  40 .  
     [0039] The IC chip  3  is a semiconductor device, which can read therefrom data by using electromagnetic waves in a non-contact manner. This IC chip  3  stores thereinto additional information with respect to information indicated by the original image.  
     [0040] As shown in FIG. 1B, the copying apparatus  1  (described later with reference to FIG. 2) prints an original image read from the original paper  40  shown in FIG. 1A and the additional information read from the IC chip  3  on a printing paper  42 .  
     [0041] As described above, in accordance with the image processing method according to the invention, the copying apparatus  1  may form an image by using the image read from the original paper  40  and the additional information read from the IC chip  3  attached to this original paper  40 .  
     [0042] [Embodiment] 
     [0043] Various embodiments of an image processing method according to the invention will be described in detail by taking more specific examples.  
     [0044]FIG. 2 is a diagram for showing a hardware structure of the copying apparatus (image processing apparatus)  1 , while mainly showing a control apparatus  2  thereof in an exemplification manner.  
     [0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the copying apparatus  1  includes the control apparatus  2  and a first copying apparatus main body  10 .  
     [0046] The control apparatus  2  includes a control apparatus main body  20 , a communication apparatus  22 , a recording apparatus  24  such as an HDD/CD apparatus, a user interface apparatus (UI apparatus)  26 , and an IC chip interface (IC chip IF)  28 . The control apparatus main body  20  contains a CPU  202 , a memory  204 , and the like. The user interface apparatus  26  contains either an LCD display apparatus or a CRT display apparatus, and a keyboard/touch panel, and so on. The IC chip interface  28  contains an antenna  280 , and corresponds to a data input/output device.  
     [0047] [Copying Apparatus Main Body  10 ] 
     [0048]FIG. 3 is a diagram for showing an example of a hardware structure of the first apparatus main body  10  shown in FIG. 2.  
     [0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus main body  10  includes a paper tray portion  12 , a print engine  14 , a scanner  16 , a first original feeding apparatus  18 , and the like. The print engine  14  prints an image on the printing paper  42  (see FIG. 1B) by way of the xerography technique and the like. The scanner  16  reads an image of the original paper  40 . The first original feeding apparatus  1 - 8  feeds the original paper  40 .  
     [0050] Also, in the first copying apparatus main body  10 , the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  are arranged in the original feeding apparatus  18 . Also, the UI (user interface) apparatus  26  is arranged at an upper portion of the copying apparatus main body  10 .  
     [0051] In other words, the copying apparatus  1  is realized by employing such a hardware structure that the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  are additionally provided in a general-purpose copying apparatus for reading an image of the original paper  40  fed through the original feeding apparatus  18 .  
     [0052] It should be noted that as shown in FIG. 3, the control apparatus  2  (see FIG. 2) is actually stored inside the copying apparatus main body  10 .  
     [0053] [Original Feeding Apparatus  18 ] 
     [0054]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing the structure of the first original feeding apparatus  18  shown in FIG. 3 in more detail.  
     [0055] As shown in FIG. 4, this first original feeding apparatus  18  includes an original base  182  (an original accumulation unit), an original retainer  183 , an original sensing sensor  184 , a paper feed roller  186  (a transport unit), a transport roller  188 , and so on. The original base  182  accumulates the original paper  40  (see FIG. 1A). The original retainer  183  retains the accumulated original paper  40 . The original sensing sensor  184  senses a fact that the original paper  40  has been accumulated. The paper feed roller  186  feeds the accumulated original paper  40 . The transport roller  188  transports the fed original paper  40  to a position of the scanner  16 .  
     [0056] The IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  are arranged in the close vicinity of a plane where the original paper  40  at the original base  182  is accumulated.  
     [0057] The original base  182  has an inclined surface. The original retainer  183  may retain the original paper  40 , which slips down on this inclined surface of the original base  182 .  
     [0058] In other words, the original paper  40  is accumulated on the original base  182  in such a manner that one end of this original paper  40  is sorted at the position of the original retainer  183 .  
     [0059] The original sensing sensor  184  is arranged in the close proximity of a lower end of the inclined surface of the original base  182 , and thus, senses as to whether or not an article is present on the original base  182 .  
     [0060] The IC chip IF  28  commences a reading operation of data and a writing operation of data with respect to the IC chip  3  (see FIG. 1A) attached to the original paper  40  under such a condition that the original sensing sensor  184  senses the original paper  40 .  
     [0061] The transport roller  186  is arranged in the vicinity of the lower end of the inclined surface of the original base  182 , and feeds out a plurality of original papers  40  accumulated on the original base  182  in such a manner that the original papers  40  are sequentially fed out one sheet by one sheet from a top paper thereof by rotating the paper feed roller  186  to the position of the transport roller  188 .  
     [0062] The transport roller  188  is arranged in the vicinity of a transport path through which the original paper  40  is transported, and transports the original paper  40  fed out from the original base  182  by rotating the transport roller  188  to a position where the scanner  16  reads the image of this fed original paper  40 .  
     [0063] [IC Chip  3 /IC Chip IF  28 ] 
     [0064]FIG. 5 is a diagram for schematically showing a structure of the first IC chip  3  shown in FIG. 1A.  
     [0065]FIG. 6 is a diagram for schematically showing a structure of the IC chip IF  28  shown in FIGS.  2 - 4 .  
     [0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip  3  includes an antenna  300 , a clock reproducing circuit  320 , a memory circuit  322 , a data transmitting/receiving circuit  324 , and a power supply circuit  326 .  
     [0067] It should also be noted that when it is so guaranteed that the IC chip  3  of the original paper  40  passes through an area in close proximity to the antenna  280 , an IC chip  3  having no antenna  300  may be employed.  
     [0068] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the IC chip IF  28  includes a transmission circuit  284 , a reception circuit  286 , a transmission/reception control circuit  282 , a demodulation circuit  288 , and a modulation circuit  290 .  
     [0069] In accordance with the below-mentioned operations of the respective constituent components employed in the IC chip  3  and the IC chip IF  28 , information (data) may be written into the IC chip  3  via the IC chip IF  28  in a non-contact manner, and further, information (data), which has been stored in the IC chip  3 , may be read therefrom via the IC chip IF  28  in a non-contact manner.  
     [0070] In the IC chip  3  (see FIG. 5), the power supply circuit  326  rectifies an electromagnetic wave signal supplied via the antenna  300  so as to supply electric power to the respective constituent components of the IC chip  3 , while this electric power is required for these constituent components.  
     [0071] The clock reproducing circuit  320  reproduces a clock signal from the electromagnetic wave signal supplied via the antenna  300  from the IC chip IF  28  and then, outputs this reproduced clock signal to the memory circuit  322  and the data transmitting/receiving circuit  324 .  
     [0072] The memory circuit  324  is, for example, a nonvolatile RAM (random access memory). This memory circuit  324  stores thereinto data indicating information, which is input from the data transmitting/receiving circuit  324  in synchronism with the clock signal input from the clock reproducing circuit  320 .  
     [0073] Also, the memory circuit  322  outputs data indicating information stored therein to the data transmitting/receiving circuit  324  in synchronism with the clock signal.  
     [0074] To clarify and embody contents of explanations, in this embodiment, the following case is taken as a specific example. That is, the additional information has been stored in the memory circuit  322  at a stage that the IC chip  3  is attached to the original paper  40 .  
     [0075] The data transmitting/receiving circuit  324  demodulates the electromagnetic wave signal input via the antenna  300  into data and then, outputs the demodulated data to the memory circuit  322  in synchronism with the clock signal input from the clock reproducing circuit  320 .  
     [0076] Also, the data transmitting/receiving circuit  324  changes a reflection intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal supplied from the IC chip IF  28  in accordance with a value of the data input from the memory circuit  322  in synchronism with the clock signal.  
     [0077] As described above, the data indicating the information, which has been stored in the memory circuit  322 , is transmitted from the IC chip  3  to the IC chip IF  28  by changing the intensity of the reflection signal of the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted from the IC chip IF  28  to the IC chip  3 .  
     [0078] In the IC chip IF  28  (FIG. 6), the transmission/reception control circuit  282  controls operations of the respective constituent components of this IC chip IF  28 .  
     [0079] Also, this transmission/reception control circuit  282  outputs data input from the control apparatus main body  20  (namely, image processing program  5 , which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7) to the demodulation circuit  288 .  
     [0080] Further, this transmission/reception control circuit  282  outputs data, which has been received by the reception circuit  286  and then has been demodulated by the demodulation circuit  288 , to the control apparatus main body  20 .  
     [0081] The modulation circuit  290  modulates a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) based upon data input from the transmission/reception control circuit  282  to produce an electromagnetic wave signal and then, outputs this produced electromagnetic wave signal to the transmission circuit  284 .  
     [0082] The transmission circuit  284  transmits via the antenna  280  to the IC chip  3  the electromagnetic wave signal containing the data to be stored in the IC chip  3  and the clock signal.  
     [0083] The reception circuit  296  receives the reflection signal, which is reflected from the IC chip  3 , and then outputs this received reflection signal to the demodulation circuit  288 .  
     [0084] The demodulation circuit  288  demodulates the data transmitted from the IC chip  3  based upon a change of the reflection signal input from the reception circuit  286 , and then outputs the demodulated data to the transmission/reception control circuit  282 ′.  
     [0085] [Image Processing Program  5 ] 
     [0086]FIG. 7 is a block diagram for schematically showing a structure of the image processing program  5 , which is executed by the control apparatus  2  (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) so as to realize the image processing method according to the invention.  
     [0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the image processing program  5  includes an image reading section  500 , an UI section  502 , a sensing section  520 , a data input/output section  530 , an image processing section  540 , and a printing section  550 .  
     [0088] The image processing program  5  prints an image by using an image read from the original paper  40  and data read from the IC chip  3 .  
     [0089] The image processing program  5  is supplied via, for example, a recording medium  240  (see FIG. 2) to the control apparatus  2 , and is loaded to the memory  204  so as to be executed.  
     [0090] In the image processing program  5 , the image reading section  500  controls the constituent component of the copying apparatus main body  10  such as the scanner  16  (FIGS. 3 and 4) and the original feeding apparatus  18  (FIGS. 3 and 4) to read an original image of the transported original paper  40  (FIG. 1A).  
     [0091] The UI section  502  receives operation by a user with respect to the UI apparatus  26  (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), and outputs data indicating starting of a printing operation to the image processing section  540 .  
     [0092] Also, the UI section  510  displays the additional information read from the IC chip  3  on the UI apparatus  26 .  
     [0093] The sensing section.  520  controls the original sensing sensor  184  (FIG. 4) so as to sense that the original paper  40  has been accumulated on the original base  182 .  
     [0094] When the original paper  40  is sensed, the sensing section  520  instructs the data input/output section  530  to read the data.  
     [0095] When the sensing section  520  senses the original paper  40 , the data input/output section  530  controls the IC chip IF  28  (FIG. 4) so as to read data of additional information from the IC chip  3  (FIG. 1A) attached to the original paper  40 .  
     [0096] Also, in such a case that two sheets or more sheets of the original papers  40  are mounted on the original base  184  (FIG. 4), the data input/output section  530  read the data of the additional information from the IC chips  3 , which are attached to two sheets or more sheets of the original papers  40 , respectively.  
     [0097] The image processing section  540  synthesizes the data of the original image received from the image reading section  500  with the data of the additional information received from the data input/output section  530  and then, outputs the synthesized data to the printing section  550 .  
     [0098] The printing section  550  controls the print engine.  14 ′ (FIG. 3) and the like so as to print the synthesized data, which is input from the image processing section  540 , on the printing paper  42  (FIG. 1B).  
     [0099] [Overall Operation] 
     [0100] Next, overall operation of the copying apparatus  1  is described.  
     [0101]FIG. 8 is a flow chart for describing a first operation (S 10 ) of the copying apparatus  1  (namely, image processing program  5 ).  
     [0102] As shown in FIG. 8, in a step  100  (S 100 ), when the user puts the original paper  40  on the original base  182  (FIG. 4), the sensing section  520  (FIG. 7) controls the original sensing sensor  184  (FIG. 4) so as to sense a fact that the original paper  40  is putted on the original base  182 , and outputs information indicating that the original paper  40  is putted to the data input/output section  530 .  
     [0103] In a step  102  (S 102 ), when the data input/output section  530  (FIG. 7) receives the information indicating that the original paper  40  is putted on the original base  182 , the data input/output section  530 . (FIG. 7) controls the IC chip IF  28  (FIG. 4) so as to read the data of the additional information from the IC chip  3  of the original paper  40  accumulated in the original base  182  (FIG. 4).  
     [0104] It should be understood that when two sheets or more sheets of the original papers  40  are putted on the original base  184 , the data input/output section  530  simultaneously reads the data of the addition information from the respective IC chips  3 , which are attached to two sheets or more sheets of the original papers  40 .  
     [0105] In a step  104  (S 104 ), the UI section  510  (FIG. 7) controls the UI apparatus  26  (FIGS. 2 and 3) to display the additional information read from the IC chip  3 .  
     [0106] The user confirms the additional information displayed on the UI apparatus  26 , and may rewrite the additional information stored in the IC chip  3  by operating the UI apparatus  26 , if required.  
     [0107] In a step  106  (S 106 ), the UI section  510  (FIG. 7) receives an operation that the user instructs a printing operation via the UI apparatus  26  (FIGS. 2 and 3), for a predetermined time period.  
     [0108] When the operation for instructing the printing operation is received within a predetermined time period, the image processing program  5  is advanced to a process operation of a step S 108 , whereas in other cases, this image processing program  5  is advanced to another process operation of a step S 116 .  
     [0109] In the step  108  (S 108 ), the image reading section  500  (FIG. 7) controls the original feeding apparatus (FIGS. 3 and 4) so as to commence the transport operation of the original paper  40  accumulated in the original base  182  (FIG. 4).  
     [0110] In a step  110  (S 110 ), the image reading section  500  controls the scanner  16  (FIGS. 3 and 4) to read an original image from the original image  40  transported by the original feeding apparatus  18 .  
     [0111] In a step  112  (S 112 ), the image processing section  540  (FIG. 7) synthesizes the data of the original image input from the image reading section  500  with the data of the additional information input from the data reading unit  520  to obtain synthesized image data and then, outputs this synthesized image data to the printing section  540 .  
     [0112] In a step  114  (step S 114 ), the printing section  550  (FIG. 7) controls the print engine  14  (FIG. 3) and the like so as to print the image data input from the image processing section  540 .  
     [0113] In a step  116  (step S 116 ), the image processing program  5  executes an error processing operation.  
     [0114] As an example of this error processing operation, the UI apparatus  26  displays a message indicating that since the printing process operation is not instructed to the copying apparatus  1  (FIG. 2) for the predetermined period, an operation mode is switched to a power save mode. Then, the image processing program  5  initializes the process operation.  
     [0115] As described above, the copying apparatus  1  reads the additional information from the IC chip  3  attached to the original paper  40  by using the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280 , which are arranged on the original base  182 , and then, can execute the printing process operation by using the read additional information.  
     [0116] [Modification 1] 
     [0117] It should also be noted that both the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280 , which are shown in FIG. 4, may be alternatively arranged in the vicinity of a transport path through which the original paper  40  is transported.  
     [0118] The IC chip IF  28  of the modification 1 executes a data reading operation and a data writing operation with respect to the IC chip  3  of the original paper  40 , which is transported through this transport path.  
     [0119]FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for showing a structure of a second original feeding apparatus  180 .  
     [0120] As shown in FIG. 9, in the second original feeding apparatus  180 , the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  are arranged in the vicinity of a transport path  15  through which the original paper  40  fed out from the original base  182  is transported.  
     [0121] In other words, the IC chip IF  28  used in this second original feeding apparatus  180  executes a data reading operation and a data writing operation with respect to the IC chip  3  of the original paper  40 , which is sequentially transported through this transport path  15 .  
     [0122] It should be noted that the same reference numerals will be allotted to constituent components of the second original feeding apparatus  180 , which is substantially same as those of the first original feeding apparatus  18 .  
     [0123] The original sensing sensor  184  is arranged in the vicinity of the transport path  15 , and senses as to whether or not the original paper  40  transported through the transport path  15  is present.  
     [0124] The IC chip IF  28  commences the data reading operation and the data writing operation with respect to the IC chip  3  (FIG. 1A) attached to the original paper  40  under such a condition that the original sensing sensor  184  senses the original paper  40 .  
     [0125]FIG. 10 is a flow chart for describing a second operation (step S 12 ) of the copying apparatus  1  (image processing program  5 ).  
     [0126] It should also be understood that of the operation processes shown in FIG. 10, the same reference numeral is allotted to an operation process, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 8.  
     [0127] In the second operation of the copying apparatus  1 , when the user instructs the UI apparatus (FIGS. 2 and 3) to execute a printing operation in a step  108  (S 108 ), the UI section  510  (FIG. 7) instructs the image reading section  500  so as to transport an original paper  40  and read an image of this original paper  40 .  
     [0128] The image reading section  500  controls the second original feeding apparatus  180  to feed out the original paper  40  putted on the original base  182  (FIG. 9) to the transport path  15  one sheet by one sheet.  
     [0129] when the sensing section  520  (FIG. 7) controls the original sensing sensor  184  (FIG. 9) so as to sense the transported original paper  40  in a process operation of a step  118  (S 118 ), the data input/output section  530  reads data of additional information from the IC chip  3  of the transported original paper  40  in a process operation of a step  120  (S 120 ).  
     [0130] When the original image is read from the transported original paper  40  in S 110 , the image processing section  540  (FIG. 7) synthesizes the data of the original image and the data of the additional information, which are read from the same original paper  40  in S 112 .  
     [0131] Accordingly, when the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  are arranged in the vicinity of the transport path  15 , since the copying apparatus  1  can perform the data reading operation and the data writing operation every time the original paper  40  is transported, either the read data or the data to be written can be associated with the respective original papers  40 .  
     [0132] [Modification 2] 
     [0133] Alternatively, the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280 , which are shown in FIG. 4, may be arranged in a platen cover, which covers the original paper  40 .  
     [0134] The IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  perform a data reading operation and a data writing operation, when the original paper  40  is covered by this platen cover in this modification 2.  
     [0135]FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustratively showing an outer view of a second copying apparatus main body  102 .  
     [0136] As shown in FIG. 11, a platen glass  162  and an open/close sensor  166  are arranged on an upper surface of a housing of the scanner  16  in the second copying apparatus main body  102 . Further, a platen cover  164  (fixing unit) is provided with this second copying apparatus main body  102 . The platen cover  164  is connected to an edge portion of the upper surface of the housing of the scanner  16 .  
     [0137] It should also be noted that the same reference numerals will be allotted to constituent components of the second copying apparatus main body  102 , which is substantially same as those of the copying apparatus main body  10 .  
     [0138] The edge portion of the platen cover  164  is connected via a hinge to the edge portion of the housing of the scanner  16 . The platen cover  164  may be closed in such a manner that this platen cover  164  covers the upper surface of the housing of the scanner  16 , and also, may be opened in such a manner that this platen cover  164  is detached from the upper surface of the housing of the scanner  16 .  
     [0139] This platen cover  164  contains the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  in the vicinity of a plane thereof, which is engaged with the upper surface of the housing of the scanner  16  in the case that the platen cover  164  is closed.  
     [0140] When the image of the original paper  40  is read, the platen cover  164  is closed, and the platen glass  162  and the platen cover  164  sandwich the original paper  40  so as to fix this-original paper  40 .  
     [0141] The open/close sensor  166  senses open/close conditions of the platen cover  164 .  
     [0142]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional diagram for showing the scanner  16  and the platen cover  164  in the case that the platen cover  164  of the copying apparatus main body  102  shown in FIG. 11 is closed.  
     [0143] As shown in FIG. 12, a scanner head  160  capable of reading images is provided inside the housing of the scanner  16 .  
     [0144] The platen glass  162  is made of a transparent plate such as a glass, and may penetrate therethrough reflection light, which is reflected from the original paper  40  putted on this platen glass  162 .  
     [0145] In this case, while the scanner head  160  is moved along an arrow direction, this scanner head  160  reads an image from the original paper  40  and then reads an entire original image displayed on the original paper  40 .  
     [0146] When the platen cover  164  is engaged with the original paper  40  as shown in FIG. 12, the IC chip IF  28  performs a data reading operation and a data writing operation with respect to the IC chip  3  attached to this original paper  40 .  
     [0147]FIG. 13 is a flow chart for describing a third operation (step S 14 ) of the copying apparatus  1  (image processing program  5 ).  
     [0148] It should also be understood that the same reference numeral will be allotted to a process operation shown in FIG. 13, which is substantially same as that shown in FIG. 8.  
     [0149] As shown in FIG. 13, in the third operation of the copying apparatus  1 , in a process operation of a step  122  (S 122 ), when the user puts the original paper  40  on the platen glass  162  (FIGS. 11 and 12) and then closes the platen cover  164  (FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), the sensing section  520  (FIG. 7) controls the open/close sensor  166  (FIGS. 11 and 12) so as to sense a fact that the platen cover  164  is closed.  
     [0150] When the sensing section  520  senses that the platen cover  164  is actually closed, this sensing section  520  instructs the data input/output section  530  to execute a data reading operation.  
     [0151] In other words, when the platen cover  164  is closed, the data input/output section  530  controls the IC chip IF  28  so as to start a reading operation of the data from the IC chip  3 .  
     [0152] Also, the data input/output section  530  controls the IC chip IF  28  so as to execute a data writing operation with respect to the IC chip  3  under such a condition that the platen cover  164  is closed.  
     [0153] Accordingly, an arrangement that both the IC chip IF  28  and the antenna  280  are provided with the platen cover  164  may become suitable in such a case that the user opens/closes the platen cover  164  and manually sets the original document  40  to the image reading position.  
     [0154] As described above, in accordance with the image processing system and the image processing method of the invention, the images can be processed by using a semiconductor chip from which the data stored thereinto is read in the non-contact manner.  
     [0155]FIG. 5 
     [0156] 320  clock reproducing circuit  
     [0157] 322  memory circuit  
     [0158] 324  data transmitting circuit  
     [0159] 326  power supply circuit  
     [0160]FIG. 6 
     [0161] 282  transmission/reception control circuit  
     [0162] 284  transmitting circuit  
     [0163] 286  reception circuit  
     [0164] 288  demodulating circuit  
     [0165] 290  modulating circuit  
     [0166]FIG. 7 
     [0167] 500  image reading section  
     [0168] 510  UI section  
     [0169] 520  sensing section  
     [0170] 530  data input/output section  
     [0171] 540  image processing section  
     [0172] 550  printing section  
     [0173]FIG. 8 
     [0174] S 100  sense original  
     [0175] S 102  read data from IC chip  
     [0176] S 104  display data  
     [0177] S 106  is there instruction to print? 
     [0178] S 108  start transporting original  
     [0179] S 110  read image  
     [0180] S 112  synthesize image  
     [0181] S 114  print image  
     [0182] S 116  error processing  
     [0183]FIG. 10 
     [0184] S 108  start transporting original  
     [0185] S 110  read image  
     [0186] S 112  synthesize image  
     [0187] S 114  print image  
     [0188] S 118  sense original being transported  
     [0189] S 120  read data from IC chip of original being transported  
     [0190]FIG. 13 
     [0191] S 102  read data from IC chip  
     [0192] S 104  display data  
     [0193] S 106  is there instruction to print? 
     [0194] S 110  read image  
     [0195] S 112  synthesize image  
     [0196] S 114  print image  
     [0197] S 116  error processing  
     [0198] S 122  sense that platen cover is closed