Image forming system

Abstract

To solve the problem that a decolorable toner may develop a color in a low-temperature environment in terms of an area and a climate, so that decolored contents may appear, which may bring a printed matter into a state not intended by a user.SOLUTION: An image forming system, which includes an image forming device having receiving means that receives a decoloring / printing job for executing a decoloring / printing process using a recording material by which characters can be decolored and the decolored characters appear when a temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, comprises notifying means that notifies information and obtaining means that obtains air-temperature information. In executing the decoloring / printing job, the notifying means notifies warning in executing the decoloring / printing job, on the basis of the fact that the air temperature information shows that an air temperature is an air temperature at which the decolored characters can appear.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the rise in environmental awareness, there is a demand for reusing paper printed by image forming devices. In response to this, in addition to printing with normal toner, image forming devices are known that support printing with decolorizing toner, which allows printing paper to be reused (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] By processing paper printed with the decolorizing toner using an erasing device, the decolorizing toner can be erased, allowing users to reuse the paper. The color material of the decolorizing toner is capsule-shaped color-forming particles that contain a color-developing compound, a color developer, and a decolorizing agent. These color-forming particles have the property of being decolorized when heated to a first temperature or higher, and being colored when heated to a second temperature or lower, which is lower than the first temperature, after the decolorization (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-072809 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-166886 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in low temperature environments due to the region or climate, the color-changing toner may become colored, causing the colored content to become visible, and there is a risk that the printed matter will be in an unintended state by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an image forming system that includes an image forming device having an accepting means for accepting an erasing print job that executes an erasing printing process using a recording material that is erasable and in which erasable characters appear when the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature, the image forming system having a notification means for notifying information and an acquisition means for acquiring temperature information, wherein when the erasing print job is executed, based on the temperature information being a temperature at which the erasable characters can appear, the notification means issues a warning regarding the execution of the erasing print job. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in low temperature environments due to the region or climate, the decolorizable toner may become colored, causing the decolorized content to become visible, and it is possible to prevent the printed matter from ending up in an unintended state by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of controller software. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including a server. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a server. [Diagram 5] A diagram showing an example of the minimum temperature setting [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of installation location [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of take-out destination settings [Figure 8] An example of a user notification screen [Figure 9] Example of a control flow chart for image adjustment and user notification [Figure 10] Example of a user notification schedule [Figure 11] An example of a job history [Figure 12] Example of a control flow chart for image adjustment and user notification [Figure 13] Example of a user notification schedule [Figure 14] Example of a control flow chart for image adjustment and user notification [Figure 15] An example of a flow chart for controlling image adjustment and heaters [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 17] An example of a flow chart for controlling image adjustment and heaters [Figure 18] Block diagram showing power saving state [Figure 19] An example of a flow chart for controlling image adjustment and heaters [Figure 20] An example of a user notification screen [Figure 21] Example of a control flow chart for image adjustment and user notification DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus is used as an example of an information processing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0010] Example 1 Image adjustment and user notification in the image forming apparatus 102 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 102 is connected to a data processing apparatus 101 and a DHCP server 104 via a network hub 103 .

[0013] Network hub 103 is a hub for performing network communication between data processing device 101, image forming device 102, and DHCP server 104. Note that, in this embodiment, a local network configuration in which data processing device 101, image forming device 102, and DHCP server 104 are connected to a single network hub 103 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, other network configurations using multiple network hubs may be used.

[0014] The data processing device 101 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), which generates PDL (Print Description Language) data and transmits the PDL data as a print job to the image forming device 102. In addition, in a process of updating firmware of the image forming device 102, the data processing device 101 transmits compressed data and the like for updating firmware of the image forming device 102 to the image forming device 102. When transmitting a print job from the data processing device 101 to the image forming device 102, the data processing device 101 returns a printer driver and transmits the job.

[0015] The DHCP server 104 is a server for receiving a request for acquiring network setting information based on DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and for responding with the network setting information.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 102 is, for example, a laser printer that receives PDL data from the data processing apparatus 101 and forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data. Note that the image forming apparatus 102 may be a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. The image forming apparatus 102 is composed of a controller 110, a UI panel 111, a print engine 112, a power supply unit 113, and a power switch 114.

[0017] The controller 110 is a controller board that generates bitmap data for printing based on the PDL data received from the data processing device 101 and transmits the bitmap data to the print engine 112. Note that the controller 110 itself can generate PDL data and issue a print instruction to print a report on the settings and status of the image forming device 102.

[0018] The UI panel 111 is a user interface and includes a display unit (not shown) that conveys various information to the user and an operation unit (not shown) that accepts various operations from the user. For example, the UI panel 111 may include a touch panel or the like in addition to physical buttons.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 102 may have a function of notifying the user of an error or warning that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 102 by turning on or blinking an LED (Light Emitting Diode) on the UI panel 111. The image forming apparatus 102 may also have a function of notifying the user of an error or warning that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 102 by emitting a warning sound from a buzzer or the like on the UI panel 111.

[0020] The print engine 112 is a print engine that forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on bitmap data received from the controller 110. Note that the method of forming an image may be, for example, an inkjet method using ink as a recording material, other than the electrophotographic method using toner as a recording material. In this case, the "output toner type", "normal toner", and "erasable toner" in the present invention are to be read as "output ink type", "normal ink", and "erasable ink".

[0021] Furthermore, the print engine 112 may be provided with recording materials of multiple colors and may be configured to be capable of color printing. The erasing function is provided as a function of the image forming apparatus 102 or as an independent device, but generally the erasing function cannot return paper to a completely blank state, and when the density is high, the toner may not be able to completely erase the color and the color may remain. Also, when the printing rate is high or when there is a large image to be printed, there may be cases where the erasing function cannot be used as expected.

[0022] In this embodiment, the print engine 112 has a function of switching the type of output toner used when forming an image on a sheet between normal toner (non-erasable toner) and decolorizable toner (erasable toner) according to an instruction from the controller 110. The print engine 112 has a function of adjusting the image forming process, such as the paper conveying speed and the fixing temperature, based on the type of output toner. For example, the fixing temperature is switched between when printing with normal toner and when printing with decolorizable toner. When printing with decolorizable toner, the print engine 112 records a mark on the paper to be printed, outside the printing target area, that allows the number of times printing with decolorizable toner can be determined. In this embodiment, the decolorizable printing process is a process of executing a printing process using decolorizable toner. In addition, the printed matter of the decolorizable printing process can be reused by heating it at a predetermined temperature to make the image printed with the decolorizable toner invisible to the user. The predetermined temperature is, for example, a temperature higher than the fixing temperature during printing.

[0023] The power supply unit 113 is a power unit for supplying power to each component constituting the image forming apparatus 102. The power supply unit 113 plays a role of generating a voltage required to operate each part and supplying the voltage. The power switch 114 is a switch for receiving a power-on instruction or a power-off instruction from a user. For example, when the image forming apparatus 102 is in a power-off state, when a user presses the power switch 114, the power switch press event is notified to the power supply unit 113. The power supply unit 113 starts supplying power to each part constituting the image forming apparatus 102.

[0024] The controller 110 comprises a CPU 121, a Flash ROM 122, a RAM 123 as a memory, an SRAM 133, a NIC 124, and a panel I / F 125. The controller 110 further comprises an engine I / F 126, a RIP unit 128, an internal storage unit 130 as a storage, and a RealTimeClock 134. In addition, the controller 110 also comprises a WatchDogTimer 135. The controller 110 also comprises a modem board 141 for communication via a telephone line 142. The controller 110 further includes a bus 131 that connects these respective elements. Note that Flash ROM is an abbreviation for Flash Read Only Memory. SRAM is an abbreviation for Static Random Access Memory.

[0025] The CPU 121 is a central processing unit that controls the image forming apparatus by executing various programs. The Flash ROM 122 is a non-volatile memory that holds an initial program that is executed when the CPU 121 is released from reset. The RAM 123 is a volatile memory for storing temporary information when the CPU 121 runs various programs. The SRAM 133 is a volatile memory that holds data while the image forming apparatus 102 is powered on.

[0026] The NIC 124 is a network interface controller that interconnects with devices outside the image forming apparatus 102 via a network and relays data communication therebetween, i.e., data transmission and reception. Note that in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 may include a communication means for wireless connection in addition to a communication means for wired connection.

[0027] The panel I / F 125 is an interface that interconnects the UI panel 111 and the controller 110 and relays data communication between them, i.e., data transmission and reception. The engine I / F 126 is an interface that interconnects the print engine 112 and the controller 110 and relays data communication between them, i.e., data transmission and reception.

[0028] The RIP unit 128 converts the intermediate data into bitmap data and develops the bitmap data in the RAM 123. Note that, although the present embodiment describes a configuration in which a dedicated RIP unit 128 independent of the CPU 121 converts the intermediate data into bitmap data, the image forming apparatus 102 does not have to include the RIP unit 128. In a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 102 does not include the RIP unit 128, the CPU 121 performs a process of converting the PDL data received from the data processing apparatus 101 into bitmap data.

[0029] The internal storage unit 130 is a non-volatile storage device that holds an OS (Operating System) that starts from an initial program. The internal storage unit 130 is, for example, an eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard), a hard disk, or a solid state drive. The internal storage unit 130 can secure a large-capacity storage area at a relatively low cost. Therefore, the internal storage unit 130 stores the OS program and data used by the OS. It can also be used for a reservation printing function that holds received print jobs and prints them after adjusting the image quality and density via a UI panel.

[0030] The RealTimeClock 134 is a hardware chip for non-volatilely managing time information within the image forming apparatus 102. The RealTimeClock 134 is driven by power supplied from a battery, which is a power source independent of the power supply unit 113, and is therefore capable of periodically updating the time information even after the image forming apparatus 102 is powered off.

[0031] The modem board 141 is a board for transmitting and receiving a FAX job, which is one of the received print jobs, to and from the FAX device of the image forming apparatus 102 via a telephone line 142 .

[0032] The temperature sensor 136 is a sensor for measuring the temperature at the place where the image forming apparatus 102 is used. The sensor may be configured to be exposed on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 102 so as not to be affected mainly by heat from the print engine 112.

[0033] A GPS (Global Positioning System) 137 can identify the location where the image forming apparatus 102 is used by using the GPS.

[0034] The paper feed tray 115 is a paper feed tray that stores regular printing paper and erasing print paper. Inside the paper feed tray 115, a heater 116 is provided that can keep the paper warm so that the erasing print content does not reappear when the room temperature of the erasing print paper is about to drop below a predetermined temperature. Power is supplied to this heater 116 via a wiring system separate from the print engine 112. In addition, the operation and stopping of this heater 116 is controlled by the CPU 121 via a general purpose input / output (hereinafter referred to as GPIO 129) and via wiring.

[0035] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of controller software that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 102. The printer interface 200 is a means for controlling input / output with external devices via the NIC 124. The protocol control unit 201 is a means for communicating with the outside world by analyzing and transmitting a network protocol. The printer interface 200 receives PDL data transmitted from an external network and then stores the data in a document storage unit 207. The print control unit 202 performs processes such as starting up a PDL discrimination unit 203 and a PDL analysis unit 204 for the PDL data received by the CPU 121 in the document storage unit 207.

[0036] The PDL discrimination unit 203 analyzes the PDL data according to the instruction of the print control unit 202 by the CPU 121, and discriminates the type of PDL and file format. The PDL analysis unit 204 is a means for the CPU 121 to analyze the PDL data selected by the PDL discrimination unit 203 and convert it into intermediate data (display list) for each drawing object in a format that is easier to process. The drawing objects are, for example, characters (text objects), figures (graphics objects), and photographs (image objects). The intermediate data generated by the PDL analysis unit 204 is passed to the data drawing unit 205 via the document storage unit 207 and processed. The data drawing unit 205 generates bitmap data from the intermediate data stored in the document storage unit 207 by the RIP unit 128, and the generated bitmap data is sequentially drawn in the document storage unit 207. The temperature analysis unit 209 determines whether the temperature at a specific point is appropriate as an environment for handling the decolorizing toner according to the instruction of the print control unit 202 by the CPU 121.

[0037] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment. In this system, a server 300 (information processing device) and an image forming device 102 can communicate with each other via a network (LAN 301). In the image forming system according to this embodiment, there is no limit to the number of information processing devices that can be connected. In addition, although a LAN is used as a connection method in this embodiment, this is not limiting. For example, any network such as a WAN (public line 142), a serial transmission method such as USB, or a parallel transmission method such as Centronics or SCSI can also be used.

[0038] Server 300 has the functions of a personal computer. Server 300 includes hardware (not shown) such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, output devices such as a display, a network I / F, and a chipset that controls these. These are interconnected by an internal data bus. A BIOS and an operating system (OS) run as software that controls this hardware. Server 300 can send and receive files and e-mails using FTP and SMB protocols via LAN 1001 or WAN.

[0039] A thermometer 302 is a measuring device for measuring the outside temperature or the room temperature, and via the LAN 301, the server 300 can obtain the temperature at a specific location based on a weather forecast or an actual measurement value.

[0040] The image forming apparatus 102 is made up of a print engine 112 which is an image output device, a controller 110 which controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 102, and a UI panel 111 which is a user interface (UI).

[0041] The data processing device 101 (information processing device) includes a UI panel 303 and a controller 304. The controller 304 includes a CPU, a non-volatile storage, a RAM, etc. (not shown). The data processing device 101 can transmit a print job (erasing print job) to the image forming device 102.

[0042] 4 is a diagram roughly illustrating the functional configuration of a server that receives and processes requests from the image forming apparatus 102 that is connected directly or via a network. The temperature management system 401 periodically or sequentially acquires the temperature at a specific location from the thermometer 302. Then, the temperature management system 401 receives a request from the image forming apparatus 102 to acquire the temperature at a desired location, and notifies the image forming apparatus 102 of the temperature acquired from the thermometer 302.

[0043] FIG. 5 is an example of the minimum use temperature setting of the image forming apparatus 102. In this example, 10° C. is shown as the minimum temperature. The minimum use temperature 500 is stored in advance in the image forming apparatus 102, but may be configured to be changeable by the user. The exposure warning temperature 501 means a temperature below which the decoloring content will certainly be revealed if the temperature is lower than the designated temperature. X is a positive value, and 10-X° C. means a temperature lower than 10° C. The minimum use temperature 500 and the exposure warning temperature 501 are stored in the internal storage 130.

[0044] 6 is an example of the installation location setting of the image forming apparatus 102. In FIG. 6, the installation location information 600 indicates that the image forming apparatus 102 is installed in Ota-ku, Tokyo. Based on this setting, the image forming apparatus 102 requests the server 300 to acquire the temperature. The installation location setting may be in a format input by a user or an administrator at the time of installation, or in a format in which information specified by the GPS 137 is automatically input. The installation location information 600 is stored in the internal storage 130.

[0045] Fig. 7 shows an example of candidate destinations for output paper. In Fig. 7, in the destination information 700, Sapporo city, Hokkaido 701 is set as destination 1 and Susono city, Shizuoka prefecture 702 is set as destination 2 as destinations for output from the image forming apparatus 102. The destination candidates may be registered as the image forming apparatus 102 as in this example, or may be registered for each user, or may be registered for each job. In the following description, a job refers to a print job.

[0046] FIG. 8 is an example of a user notification screen based on the temperature determination result. In this embodiment, as an example, when a job is accepted, a temperature determination is performed. If the temperature determination result is below the specified temperature of 500, a warning screen 800 is displayed to notify the user that there is a risk of the decolorization contents appearing due to the low temperature. When a confirmation button 801 (first key) is pressed by the user, a decolorization print job is executed. When a cancel button 802 (second key) is pressed, the decolorization print job is canceled or put on hold. The cancel button 802 does not have to be displayed. Similarly, the confirmation button 801 does not have to be displayed.

[0047] 9 is an example of a control flowchart for temperature acquisition and user notification in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102. The image forming apparatus 102 accepts a job from a user, and the CPU 121 causes the temperature analysis unit 209 to analyze the temperature.

[0048] In S900, if the CPU 121 determines that a job has been received, the process proceeds to S901. Note that receiving a job may mean, for example, receiving a print job from the data processing device 101 via the NIC 124, receiving a copy job via the UI panel 111, or receiving a FAX job via the modem board 141.

[0049] In S901, the CPU 121 checks whether the print job is color erasing printing using the image processing unit 208. If S901 is Yes, the process proceeds to S902. If S901 is No, the process proceeds to S906. Specifically, the process checks whether the parameters of the print job include a setting value for color erasing printing.

[0050] In S902, CPU 121 acquires the temperature at the location of use by temperature analysis unit 209. For example, CPU 121 requests server 300 to acquire the temperature based on installation location information 600. Server 300 returns the temperature information at that time point in installation location information 600. Furthermore, CPU 121 may acquire temperature information at a plurality of locations based on takeout destination information 700. Note that, although an example of acquiring information from server 300 has been shown here, the temperature in the environment in which image forming apparatus 102 is placed may be acquired by temperature sensor 136 of image forming apparatus 102.

[0051] In S903, the CPU 121 checks whether or not the acquired temperature information acquired in S902 is lower than the minimum usable temperature 500 using the temperature analysis unit 209. If S903 is Yes, the process proceeds to S904. If S903 is No, the process proceeds to S905.

[0052] In S904, the CPU 121 displays a warning screen 800 to the user through the panel input / output control unit 206. After the user presses the confirmation button 801, the process proceeds to S905. If the cancel button 802 is pressed, the erasing print job may be canceled or put on hold. Also, although a configuration in which the display is performed in the panel input / output control unit 206 has been shown here, the display may also be performed on the printer driver screen of the data processing device 101. In the case of displaying on the printer driver screen, the image forming device 102 proceeds to S905 upon receiving a signal indicating that the confirmation button 801 in FIG. 8 has been pressed in the data processing device 101.

[0053] In S905 , the CPU 121 causes the image processing unit 208 to perform decoloring printing via the print engine 112 .

[0054] In S906 , the CPU 121 causes the image processing unit 208 to perform normal printing via the print engine 112 .

[0055] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that there is a possibility that the decolorizing toner may become colored in a low-temperature environment and the decolorized content may appear on the paper used for printing. This notification makes it possible to prevent the printed matter from becoming in an unintended state by the user.

[0056] Example 2 10 is an example of a user notification schedule of the image forming apparatus 102. In this embodiment, the temperature determination time is set to 17:00 every day, and the determination result is notified to a user who executes a job within 10 hours of the temperature determination time. This makes it possible to know in advance that, for example, in a usage situation where a user uses a printed matter the next day, a past print that should have been erased may become visible. The user notification schedule is stored in the internal storage unit 130.

[0057] FIG. 11 is an example of a job history of the image forming apparatus 102. A job management number 1101 is an ID for uniquely determining the job, and is assigned when the image forming apparatus 102 accepts the job. An execution date and time 1102 is the execution date and time of the job. In this example, the start date and time of the job is assumed, but it may be the end time. A user name 1103 is a user ID who inputs the job, and is unique within the user environment including the image forming apparatus 102. A job type 1104 is a type of job (print job), such as copy, print, FAX, etc. An execution result 1105 indicates whether the job has been normally completed. An erasing print 1106 indicates whether the job is an erasing print job. The job history is stored in, for example, the internal storage unit 130.

[0058] Fig. 12 is an example of a control flowchart for temperature acquisition and user notification in the image forming apparatus 102. In Fig. 12, the CPU 121 analyzes the temperature by the temperature analysis unit 209 at a predetermined time scheduled in the image forming apparatus 102, and notifies users who have performed color erasing printing within a certain retroactive period.

[0059] In S1201, the CPU 121 monitors the schedule and checks whether it is time to determine the temperature. If S1201 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1202. If S1201 is No, the process continues monitoring.

[0060] In S1202, CPU 121 acquires the temperature at the location of use by temperature analysis unit 209. For example, CPU 121 requests server 300 to acquire the temperature based on installation location information 600. Server 300 returns the lowest temperature information for the day following installation location information 600. Furthermore, temperature information at multiple locations may be acquired based on takeout destination information 700. Also, as described above, temperature sensor 136 may acquire the temperature of the environment in which image forming apparatus 102 is placed.

[0061] In S1203, the CPU 121 checks whether or not the acquired temperature information acquired in S1202 is lower than the minimum usable temperature 500 using the temperature analysis unit 209. If S1203 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1204. If S1203 is No, the process ends.

[0062] In step S1204, the CPU 121 refers to the first record in the job history 1100, that is, the job record with the job management number 0008 in FIG.

[0063] In S1205, the CPU 121 checks whether the execution date and time 1102 of the reference job record is within the result notification range of the user notification schedule 1000. If S1205 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1206. If S1205 is No, the process proceeds to S1210.

[0064] In S1206, the CPU 121 checks whether the execution result 1105 of the reference job record indicates normal completion. If S1206 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1207. If S1206 is No, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0065] In S1207, the CPU 121 checks whether the erasing printing 1106 of the reference job record is erasing printing. If S1207 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1208. If S1207 is No, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0066] In S1208, the CPU 121 adds the user name 1103 of the reference job record to the notification list.

[0067] In S1209, the CPU 121 obtains the next record of the reference job record, and proceeds to S1205.

[0068] In S1210, the CPU 121 checks whether or not the user has been added to the notification list in S1208. If S1210 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1211. If S1210 is No, the process ends.

[0069] In S1211, the CPU 121 notifies the added users in accordance with the notification list in S1208 with the same content as the warning screen 800. The notification method is assumed to be e-mail, but may be a means such as SNS.

[0070] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to notify a user who has a print job that has been executed before the schedule that the low temperature environment may cause the decolorizing toner to become colored, and the decolorized content may appear on the printed matter.

[0071] In this example, the configuration is shown in which the user who executed the job is notified, but the configuration may be such that the notification is made to a pre-registered administrator.

[0072] Example 3 13 is an example of a user notification schedule of the image forming apparatus 102. In this example, the temperature determination time is set to every hour from 23:00 to 5:00 the following day, and the user is notified of the determination result at 8:00. The user notification schedule is stored in the internal storage unit 130.

[0073] 14 is an example of a control flowchart for temperature acquisition and user notification in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102. The CPU 121 analyzes the temperature using the temperature analysis unit 209 at the scheduled time, and notifies users who have performed color erasing printing within a certain retroactive period.

[0074] In S1401, the CPU 121 monitors the schedule and checks whether it is time to obtain the temperature by comparing the time obtained from the RTA 134 with the time set in the schedule. If S1401 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1402. If S1401 is No, the process continues monitoring.

[0075] In S1402, the CPU 121 acquires the temperature at the location of use by the temperature analysis unit 209. For example, the CPU 121 requests the server 300 to acquire the temperature based on the installation location information 600. The server 300 acquires the temperature information at that time in the room of the installation location information 600 from the thermometer 302 and returns it to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0076] In S1403, the CPU 121 checks whether or not the acquired temperature information acquired in S1402 is lower than the minimum usable temperature 500 using the temperature analysis unit 209. If S1403 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1404. If S1403 is No, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0077] In S1404, the CPU 121 turns on the warning notification flag. The warning notification flag may be stored in any of the Flash ROM 122, the RAM 123, the SRAM 133, or the internal storage unit .

[0078] In S1405, the CPU 121 monitors the schedule and checks whether it is time to notify the user. If S1405 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1406. If S1405 is No, the process proceeds to S1401 and continues monitoring the temperature acquisition time.

[0079] In S1406, the CPU 121 checks whether the warning notification flag is on. If S1406 is Yes, the process proceeds to S1407. If S1406 is No, the process proceeds to S1408.

[0080] In S1407, the CPU 121 notifies a pre-registered administrator or a mailing list of the same content as the warning screen 800. The notification method is assumed to be e-mail, but may be a means such as SNS.

[0081] In S1408, the CPU 121 turns off the warning notification flag.

[0082] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that there is a possibility that the decolorizing toner may become colored in a low-temperature environment and the decolorized content may appear on the paper used for printing. This notification makes it possible to prevent the printed matter from becoming in an unintended state by the user.

[0083] In this embodiment, the temperature is acquired by requesting the server 300 . However, the temperature may be acquired from the temperature sensor 136 of the image forming apparatus 102 without going through the server 300 .

[0084] Moreover, although the example has been given of a configuration in which the warning notification is sent by e-mail or the like, the notification may be sent to the UI panel 111 instead.

[0085] Example 4 This embodiment is a modified example of the embodiment 1. A method of issuing a warning when a received print job includes schedule information will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Note that the same components as those in Fig. 9 are given the same numbers and will not be described.

[0086] This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21. In S901, if the CPU 121 determines that the received print job is a color erasing print job, the process proceeds to S2101. In S2101, if the CPU 121 determines that the received print job is not a reserved print job, the process proceeds to S902. If the CPU 121 determines that the received print job is a reserved print job, the process proceeds to S2102. Whether or not it is a reserved print job is determined by whether or not the attribute information of the print job includes information on the reserved execution time of the job execution.

[0087] In S2103, CPU 121 acquires the temperature at the reservation time at the location of use by temperature analysis unit 209. For example, CPU 121 requests server 300 to acquire the temperature based on installation location information 600. Server 300 returns the temperature information at the reservation time in installation location information 600. Furthermore, CPU 121 may acquire temperature information at the reservation time at multiple locations based on takeout destination information 700.

[0088] In S2103, if the CPU 121 determines that the acquired temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature at the reserved time, the flow ends. If the CPU 121 determines that the acquired temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature at the reserved time, the flow proceeds to S904. Description of S904 will be omitted.

[0089] Returning to the description of S901, if the CPU 121 determines in S901 that the received print job is not a color erasing print job, the flow proceeds to S2104. If the CPU 121 determines in S2104 that the print job is a reserved print job, the flow ends. If the CPU 121 determines that the print job is not a reserved print job, the flow proceeds to S906. Description of S906 will be omitted.

[0090] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user that there is a possibility that the decolorizing toner may become colored due to the low temperature environment during a reserved print job, and the decolorized content may appear on the paper used for printing. This notification makes it possible to prevent the printed matter from ending up in an unintended state by the user.

[0091] Example 5 FIG. 15 is an example of a flowchart for temperature acquisition and on / off control of the heater 116 in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0092] In S1501, when the user presses the power switch 114 of the image forming apparatus 102, the system starts up. When the image forming apparatus 102 starts up, the CPU 121 acquires the current temperature from the temperature sensor 136. The CPU 121 determines whether the temperature acquired in S1501 is equal to or lower than the minimum available temperature 500. If the CPU 121 determines in S1502 that the temperature is higher than the minimum available temperature 500, the process proceeds to S1507. If the CPU 121 determines in S1502 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the minimum available temperature 500, the process proceeds to S1509.

[0093] In S1509, CPU 121 determines whether the temperature acquired in S1501 is equal to or lower than exposure warning temperature 501. In the process of S1509, if CPU 121 determines that the temperature is equal to or lower than exposure warning temperature 501, the process proceeds to S1511. If CPU 121 determines that the temperature is higher than exposure warning temperature 501, the process proceeds to S1510. In S1510, CPU 121 displays a screen shown in FIG. 20(a) on UI panel 111.

[0094] Here, FIG. 20(a) will be described. FIG. 20(a) is a screen displayed on the UI panel 111. For example, the display screen 2100 displays "The temperature is now below 10°C. We recommend that you check whether the erasing contents of the paper in the paper feed tray are not appearing" 2100. This screen can prompt the user to check whether the erasing contents are appearing on the paper. To erase this screen, the OK button 2101 is touched, and the screen disappears. The CPU 121 waits for the user to press the OK button on the UI panel 111, and then proceeds to the process at S1503.

[0095] In the process of S1511, the CPU 121 displays a screen shown in FIG. 20(b) on the UI panel 111. Here, FIG. 20(b) will be described. FIG. 20(b) is a screen displayed on the UI panel 111. For example, the display screen 2102 displays "The erasing contents of the paper in the paper feed tray are displayed. Please remove the paper in the paper feed tray and replace it with unused paper." This makes it possible to warn the user that the erasing contents are displayed on the paper. To erase this screen, the replacement completed button 2103 is touched, and the screen disappears. However, if the CPU 121 does not detect the opening or closing of the paper feed tray 115, the screen will not disappear even if the user presses the replacement completed button 2103.

[0096] While the screen shown in FIG. 20B is displayed on the UI panel 111 in S1512, the CPU 121 continues to monitor whether the user has pressed the replacement completion button 1201 and whether the paper feed tray 115 is opened or closed.

[0097] In the process of S1512, the CPU 121 continues to display S1511 until it detects both pressing of the replacement completion button 2103 and opening / closing of the paper feed tray 115. In the process of S1512, if the CPU 121 detects both pressing of the replacement completion button 2103 and opening / closing of the paper feed tray 115, the process proceeds to S1503.

[0098] In the process of S1503, the CPU 121 reads the register of the GPIO 129 and determines the on / off state of the heater 116. If the CPU 121 determines that the heater 116 is off (YES), the process proceeds to S1504. In S1504, the CPU 121 operates the register of the GPIO 129 to turn on the heater 116. If the CPU 121 determines in S1503 that the heater 116 is on (No), the process proceeds to S1505.

[0099] In the process of S1507, the CPU 121 reads the register of the GPIO 129 and determines the on / off state of the heater 116. If the CPU 121 determines in S1507 that the heater 116 is off, the process proceeds to S1505.

[0100] If the CPU 121 determines in S1507 that the heater 116 is on, the process proceeds to S1508, where the CPU 121 operates the register of the GPIO 129 to turn off the heater 116. The CPU 121 proceeds to S1505.

[0101] In the process of S1505, the CPU 121 waits for a PDL print job or a copy function job to be input. If the CPU 121 determines in S1505 that a job input has not been detected, the process proceeds to S1501.

[0102] If the CPU 121 detects the input of a job in the determination of S1505, the process proceeds to S1506. In the process of S1506, the CPU 121 determines the type of job input in the determination of S505 and performs PDL printing, copy processing, etc. In this embodiment, detailed description of the embodiment of PDL printing, copy processing, etc. will be omitted.

[0103] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to raise the temperature of the paper feed tray so that the decolorized toner does not become colored in a low-temperature environment and the decolorized content does not appear on the paper used for printing. By adjusting the temperature, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from becoming in an unintended state by the user.

[0104] Example 6 In this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the erased content from becoming visible when the printed paper is left on the paper discharge tray.

[0105] 16 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 in this embodiment. Details already described in the explanation of FIG. 1 will not be explained here.

[0106] The paper output tray 1601 is a tray onto which printed paper processed by the image forming apparatus 102 is output. This paper output tray 1601 has a paper sensor 1603 capable of checking the presence or absence of output paper on the paper output tray. The CPU 121 can check the presence or absence of output paper on the paper output tray 1601. Also, the paper output tray 1601 is provided with a heater 1602 that can keep the paper warm so that the erased printed content does not reappear when the room temperature of the erased printed paper is about to drop below a predetermined temperature.

[0107] Power is supplied to this heater 1602 via a wiring system separate from that of the print engine 112. In addition, the operation and stopping of this heater 1602 is controlled by the CPU 121 via a general purpose input / output (hereinafter referred to as GPIO) through the wiring.

[0108] FIG. 17 is an example of a flowchart for temperature acquisition and on / off control of the heater 1602 above the paper discharge tray 601 in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0109] When the user presses the power switch 114 of the image forming apparatus 102, the system starts up. When the image forming apparatus 102 is started up in S1701, the CPU 121 obtains information on the presence or absence of paper discharged from the paper discharge tray from the paper sensor 1603. If the CPU 121 determines in S1701 that no paper has been discharged, the process returns to S1701. If the CPU 121 determines in S1701 that paper has been discharged, the process proceeds to S1702. In S1702, the CPU 121 obtains the current temperature from the temperature sensor 136. In S1703, the CPU 121 determines whether the temperature obtained in S1702 is equal to or lower than the minimum available temperature of 500.

[0110] If the CPU 121 determines in S1703 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the minimum available temperature 500, the process proceeds to S1704. If the CPU 121 determines in S1703 that the temperature is higher than the minimum available temperature 500, the process proceeds to S1706.

[0111] In the process of S1704, the CPU 121 reads the register of the GPIO 129 and determines the on / off state of the heater 1602. If the determination in S1704 is that the heater 1602 is off, the CPU 121 operates the register of the GPIO 129 in the process of S1705 to turn on the heater 1602 and proceeds to S1701. If the determination in S1704 is that the heater 1602 is on, the process proceeds to S1701.

[0112] If the CPU 121 determines in step S1703 that the temperature is higher than the minimum usable temperature 400, the process proceeds to step S1706.

[0113] In the determination in S1706, the CPU 121 reads the register of the GPIO 129 and determines the on / off state of the heater 1602. If the CPU 121 determines in S1706 that the heater 1602 is on, the CPU 121 operates the register of the GPIO 129 in the process of S1707 to turn off the heater 1602, and the process proceeds to S1701.

[0114] If the CPU 121 determines in step S1706 that the heater 1602 is off, the process proceeds directly to step S1701.

[0115] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to raise the temperature of the paper output tray so that the decolorized toner does not become colored in a low-temperature environment and the decolorized content does not appear on the printed matter. By adjusting the temperature, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from becoming in an unintended state by the user.

[0116] Example 7 In this embodiment, power saving of the image forming apparatus and power control of the heater 116 will be described. Fig. 18 shows an example of a power saving state of the image forming apparatus. Configurations with no color in the background of each block indicate a power-on state (e.g., CPU 121), and configurations with a color in the background (e.g., print engine 112) indicate a cut-off state. Note that in a standby state (not shown), each block in Fig. 18 is in a power-on state.

[0117] In the power saving state, the image forming apparatus can only input data from the data processing apparatus 101 and accept jobs via user operations on the UI panel 111, and cuts off power to blocks not required for such detection.

[0118] 18, even in the power saving state, the UI panel 111, panel I / F 125, and NIC 124 for accepting jobs are in a powered state because the background of the blocks is white. Also, even in the power saving state, the temperature sensor 136 is powered. This allows the CPU 121 to read information from the temperature sensor 136 and control the on / off of the heater 116 via the GPIO 129 and wiring, even if the temperature drops or there is temperature information.

[0119] The power system for the heater 116 can be supplied via the printer engine. However, power can be supplied to the heater 116 from the power supply unit 113 so that the heater 116 can be turned on and off even during power saving. The communication system for the heater 116 is configured to be supplied via the printer engine, but wiring is provided directly from the GPIO 129 inside the controller 110 to the heater 116 so that the heater 116 can be turned on and off even during power saving.

[0120] FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart of the transition to the power saving state, temperature acquisition during the power saving state, and on / off control of the heater 116 in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0121] Since this shows the flow of on / off control of the heater 116 during power saving, the reception of a job during power saving is purposely omitted.

[0122] This is a flowchart in which the image forming apparatus 102 starts from a standby state in which all blocks are energized.

[0123] In step S2001, the CPU 121 makes a power saving transition determination based on a criterion set in the image forming apparatus 102. This power saving transition determination is determined based on the time that has elapsed since the last job was accepted by the image forming apparatus 102. If the CPU 121 determines in step S2001 that the elapsed time has not yet been reached, it repeats the determination in step S2001, and if it determines that the elapsed time has been reached, the process proceeds to step S2002.

[0124] The CPU 121 checks whether or not a job exists immediately before the power saving transition process is performed, and if a job is recognized, the process proceeds to S2001, and if the occurrence of a job is not recognized, the process proceeds to S2003.

[0125] In S2003, the CPU 121 performs a power saving transition process on the blocks depicted in gray background in FIG. 18, and puts each block into the power saving state.

[0126] When the image forming apparatus 102 enters the power saving state in S2004, the CPU 121 periodically wakes up and acquires the current temperature from the temperature sensor 136. In S2005, the CPU 121 determines whether the temperature acquired in the process of S2004 is equal to or lower than the minimum available temperature 500. If the CPU 121 determines in S2005 that the temperature is equal to or lower than the minimum available temperature 500, the process proceeds to S2006. If the CPU 121 determines in S2005 that the temperature is higher than the minimum available temperature 500, the process proceeds to S2008.

[0127] In the process of S2006, the CPU 121 reads the register of the GPIO 129 and determines the on / off state of the heater 116. If it is determined that the heater 116 is off, in S2007 the CPU 121 operates the register of the GPIO 129 to turn on the heater 116. If it is determined that the heater 116 is on, as determined in S2006, the CPU 121 proceeds to process S2004.

[0128] In the process of S2008, the CPU 121 reads the register of the GPIO 129 and determines the on / off state of the heater 116. If the CPU 121 determines in S2008 that the heater 116 is off, the process proceeds to S2004. If the CPU 121 determines in S2008 that the heater 116 is on, the process proceeds to S2009, where the CPU 121 operates the register of the GPIO 129 to turn off the heater 116. After that, the CPU 121 proceeds to the process of S2004.

[0129] As described above, the temperature is acquired in step S2004 periodically. For example, the temperature is acquired at one-hour intervals. The interval may be set by the user.

[0130] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to raise the temperature of the paper feed tray so that the decolorized toner develops color in a low-temperature environment and the decolorized content does not appear on the printed matter. By adjusting the temperature, it is possible to prevent the printed matter from becoming in an unintended state by the user.

[0131] (Other embodiments) Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions within this specification.

[0132] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 111 UI Panel 121 CPU 124 NIC 136 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus having a receiving unit for receiving a decolorization print job that executes a decolorization print process using a recording material that is decolorable and that shows decolored characters when the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature, A notification means for notifying the information; An acquisition means for acquiring temperature information, The notification means issues a warning against the execution of the color erasing print job based on the temperature information being a temperature at which the color erasing character can be revealed when the color erasing print job is executed.

1. An image forming system comprising:

2. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the warning is for notifying a user that a situation exists in which the erased characters may appear.

3. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the warning is issued when the erasing print job is executed using paper on which the printing by the recording material has been erased in advance.

4. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the warning includes at least a first key for executing the color erasing print job.

5. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the warning includes at least a second key for canceling the execution of the color erasing print job.

6. A comparison means for comparing the temperature information with a threshold temperature is provided.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a warning against execution of the color erasing print job based on the temperature information being lower than the threshold temperature or equal to or lower than the threshold temperature.

7. the acquiring means is included in the image forming apparatus, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring unit is a temperature sensor installed in the image forming apparatus.

8. the acquiring unit is included in an information processing device capable of communicating with the image forming device, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature information acquired by the acquisition means is information based on a weather forecast acquired from the information processing device.

9. The image forming apparatus includes information for communicating with the image forming apparatus via a network and transmitting the erasing print job; 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit is included in the information processing device, and notifies the warning based on the information processing device transmitting the erasing print job to the image forming device.

10. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is included in the image forming apparatus.

11. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the erasing print job is a copy job.

12. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the erasing print job is a FAX job.

13. the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit for storing a time when the erasing print job was executed and a user name who executed the erasing print job, The acquiring means acquires temperature information at a predetermined time, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a warning to a user of the color erasing print job executed before the predetermined time.

14. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, when the erasing print job includes time information of a scheduled execution, the acquisition unit acquires temperature information based on the time information.

15. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus having a receiving unit for receiving an erasing print job that executes an erasing print process using a recording material that is erasable and that reveals erasing characters when the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature, and a paper feed tray on which paper used in the execution of the erasing print job is placed, An acquisition means for acquiring temperature information; a heater for heating the paper placed on the paper feed tray; A control means for controlling the on / off of the heater, When the decoloring print job is executed, the heater is changed from an off state to an on state based on the temperature information being a temperature at which the decolored characters can appear.

1. An image forming system comprising:

16. A comparison means for comparing the temperature information with a threshold temperature is provided.

16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the control unit changes the heater from an off state to an on state based on the temperature information being lower than the threshold temperature or equal to or lower than the threshold temperature.

17. the acquiring means is included in the image forming apparatus, 16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the acquiring unit is a temperature sensor installed in the image forming apparatus.

18. the acquiring unit is included in an information processing device capable of communicating with the image forming device, 16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the temperature information acquired by the acquisition means is information based on a weather forecast acquired from the information processing device.

19. 16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the erasing print job is a copy job.

20. 16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the erasing print job is a FAX job.

Images