Image formation device and control method of the image formation device

Abstract

To solve the problem that a decolored sheet stacker occurs variation in a quality of the sheet due to a temperature, therefore if the decolored sheet stacker in a print job of an accounting user as a temporal user is used under an environment to which an operation of a half-public is adopted, and there is a risk that a repayment processing occurs in the case where a print material intended by a user due to the sheet cannot be obtained.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: execution means of executing a first print processing using a recording material of which a color can be erased or a second print processing using a recording material of which the color cannot be erased; first sheet supply step to which a decolored sheet stacker of which an image printed of a color has to be erased is mounted; and second sheet supply means onto which a sheet which is not used is mounted. The execution means uses the second sheet supply means and does not use the first sheet supply means in the case where a user who a payment processing of a fee is performed in a log-in to the image formation device at one time executes a print processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for controlling the image forming apparatus. [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, image forming devices are known that support printing with decolorizing toner, which allows printing paper to be reused, in addition to printing with normal toner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

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

[0004] Image forming devices are installed in public facilities such as convenience stores. The image forming devices in these locations are provided with a mechanism that allows copying to be performed when a fee is paid, by connecting them to a coin vending machine to allow payment of fees. However, when the owner (employee) uses an image forming device equipped with such a coin vending machine, he or she must disable the coin vending machine's function each time the device is used in order to disable the fee collection function.

[0005] To improve this usability, an operating form called semi-public is beginning to be applied. For example, in a cram school, students log in to the image forming device via a coin vender, while employees use the image forming device by logging in from an operation unit without using the coin vender. This is a usage form that makes effective use of one image forming device. An image forming device that has a fee collection function and can be switched between a charged management mode (for general users) and a non-charged management mode (for administrators and service personnel) has been described (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-072809 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-166886 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-258954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the quality of the erased paper may vary depending on the temperature. Therefore, in a semi-public environment, if the erased paper is used in a print job of a paid user who is a temporary user, there is a risk that a refund process will be required if the printout is not what the user intended due to the paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is an image forming device having an execution means for executing a first printing process using an erasable recording material or a second printing process using a non-erasable recording material, a first paper feed stage on which erasable paper from which a printed image has been erased is placed, and a second paper feed stage on which unused paper is placed, wherein the execution means uses the second paper feed stage and does not use the first paper feed stage when a user who performs a fee payment process with a single login to the image forming device executes a printing process. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a refund process will occur for a print job of a billing user who is a temporary user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Hardware block configuration of image forming apparatus [Diagram 2] A diagram showing various programs stored in the ROM. [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the data structure of the authentication table. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing printing process of an image forming apparatus [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing login processing of image forming apparatus [Figure 6] A diagram explaining the printing system [Figure 7] Flowchart showing printing process of an image forming apparatus [Figure 8] Flowchart showing locking and unlocking process of the erasing paper feed section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] Example 1 1 is a hardware block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller 110, a storage 127, an operation unit 128, a printer unit 129, an unused paper feed unit 123, an erasing paper feed unit 124, a scanner unit 125, and a FAX unit 126. The controller 110 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 (e.g., the storage 127, the operation unit 128, the printer unit 129, the scanner unit 125, the FAX unit 126, etc.). The controller 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The controller 110 further includes a storage I / F 114, a network I / F 115, an operation unit I / F 116, a printer I / F 117, a scanner I / F 119, and a USB-Host I / F 120.

[0013] The CPU 111 controls the peripheral devices of the CPU 111 and performs arithmetic processing of data. The system bus 121 is a transmission path for the CPU 111 to access other devices and for devices to access each other. The CPU 111 loads various programs stored in the ROM 112 into the RAM 113 and executes them. The RAM 113 is a memory used by the CPU 111 as a work memory.

[0014] The storage I / F 114 is connected to a storage 127. The storage 127 stores various programs (such as a database and image files) necessary for the image forming apparatus 100 to operate. The storage 127 is, for example, an external storage device such as an HDD or SSD, but may also be an eMMC with a built-in controller. The operation section I / F 116 is connected to an operation section unit 128. The operation section unit 128 transmits instructions input by a user to the CPU 111 via the operation section I / F 116. The operation section unit 128 is, for example, a display, a keyboard, a hard key, a touch sensor, etc.

[0015] The network I / F 115 is connected to a network cable (e.g., a LAN cable) and communicates with other devices (e.g., a PC 102 and a server device 103) that are communicatively connected via the LAN 101. The PC 102 is capable of transmitting and receiving print data, operating the image forming device 100 via a Web browser, and the like.

[0016] The power switch 170 is connected to the controller 110. When the power switch 170 is in an on state, power is supplied to at least a part of the controller 110. Even when the power switch 170 is in an off state, power supply to each part is not immediately stopped, but appropriate termination processing of software and hardware is performed, and power supply to parts other than those necessary for turning the power switch 170 on again is stopped. The power switch 170 may be configured to be displayed on a display of the operation unit 128 and to select the displayed power key, or may be installed as a hard key on the main body of the operation unit 128 or the image forming apparatus 100.

[0017] The printer I / F 117 is connected to a printer unit 129 (printing means), a blank paper feed section 123, and a decolorized paper feed section 124. The printer unit 129 performs printing based on image data received from the printer I / F 117. In this embodiment, the printer unit 129 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 (decolorizable toner) according to an instruction from the controller 110. The printer unit 129 also 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 printer unit 129 switches the fixing roller temperature and the removal roller temperature between a case where printing is performed with normal toner, a case where printing is performed with decolorizable toner, and a case where toner is removed from a sheet printed with decolorizable toner. In this embodiment, the printing process performed using the decolorizable toner is referred to as a decolorizable printing process (first printing process). The printing process performed using the non-erasable toner is referred to as a normal printing process (second printing process). In addition, the printed matter produced by the decolorizing printing process can be reused by heating it at a predetermined temperature, which is, for example, a temperature higher than the fixing temperature during printing, so that the image printed with the decolorizing toner becomes invisible to the user.

[0018] In addition, the image forming method 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 this embodiment are to be read as "output ink type", "normal ink", and "erasable ink". The printer unit 129 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 device 100 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 completely erased and the color may remain. In addition, when the printing rate is high or when there is a large image on the printing target, the erasing function may not be used as expected.

[0019] The unused paper feed unit 123 (second feed stage) and the decolorized paper feed unit 124 (first feed stage) are devices for feeding paper, and control the paper feeding operation, transport operation, and locking operation of the paper feed stages using rollers and various sensors. New, unused paper is placed in the unused paper feed unit 123. Paper from which the decolorizing toner has been removed by the decolorizing function is placed in the decolorized paper feed unit 124, and the decolorized paper feed unit 124 is locked with a key, number lock, or the like.

[0020] A scanner unit 125 (reading means) is connected to the scanner I / F 119. The scanner unit 125 reads an image on a document and generates image data, and then transmits the image data to the scanner I / F 119. The scanner I / F 119 stores the image data in a storage 127. The USB-Host I / F 120 communicates with a USB device communicatively connected to the USB-Host.

[0021] In this embodiment, the controller 110 and a FAX unit 126 are connected. The FAX unit 126 transmits FAX data to the FAX line 104 based on image data received via the USB-Host I / F 120. The FAX unit 126 also generates image data based on FAX data received from the FAX line 104, and transfers the image data to the storage 127 via the USB-Host I / F 120. The USB-Host I / F 120 can also be connected to an external USB device 105. Here, the external USB device 105 is a USB memory, a USB keyboard, or the like. When the power switch 170 is in an on state, power is supplied to at least a part of the controller 110.

[0022] Even when power switch 170 is in the OFF state, power supply to each section is not immediately stopped, but appropriate software and hardware termination processing is performed, and power supply to sections other than those required for turning power switch 170 ON again is stopped. Power switch 170 may be configured to be displayed on the display of operation unit 128 and to allow the user to select the displayed power key, or may be provided as a hard key on operation unit 128 or the main body of image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] The charging I / F 122 is connected to the charging device 106. For example, when a user to be charged inserts coins, bills, or the like into the charging device 106, information such as the amount of the inserted money may be notified from the charging device 106 to the CPU 111 via the charging I / F 122. When performing charging processing, information such as the amount of the fee to be debited may be notified from the CPU 111 to the charging device 106 via the charging I / F 122. Note that, although a case in which the image forming device 100 and the charging device 106, which is an external device of the image forming device 100, are connected has been described in FIG. 1, an embodiment in which the image forming device and the charging device are integrally configured and a coin slot is provided in the operation section of the image forming device is also conceivable.

[0024] 2 is a diagram showing various programs stored in the ROM 112. The OS 201 is a program executed by the CPU 111 to manage various processes and memory resources, and to control the controller 110. The storage control program 202 is a program for controlling the storage 127 via the storage I / F 114. The network control program 203 is a program for transmitting and receiving packets to and from the LAN 101 connected via the network I / F 115, and analyzing the packets.

[0025] The operation unit control program 204 is a program for controlling the operation unit 128 via the operation unit I / F 116. The printer control program 205 is a program for controlling the printer unit 129, the unused paper feed unit 123, and the erasing paper feed unit 124 via the printer I / F 117. The printer control program 205 controls locking and unlocking of the erasing paper feed unit 124 based on a user ID that has permission to "use erasing paper" in an authentication table, which will be described later.

[0026] The scanner control program 207 is a program for controlling the scanner unit 125 via the scanner I / F 119. The USB control program 208 is a program for controlling the USB device via the USB-Host I / F 120.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the authentication table. The authentication table 301 is stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 127. The authentication table 301 stores information such as an "ID" uniquely assigned to a user, a "password" used for authentication, the user's "email address," an "affiliation code" indicating the department to which the user belongs, and whether or not the user can use erased paper. The "guest" user is a billable user who can log in to the image forming apparatus 100 by inserting the fee required for the print process, such as coins, bills, electronic money, etc., into the billing device 106. When the print process is completed by executing a print job, the billable user deducts the area required for the executed print process from the inserted amount. In other words, the fee is paid with one login. On the other hand, for other users who can be identified as individuals, the fee is paid collectively at a specific time such as the end of the month and in a specific group (for example, by organization). In other words, the fee is not paid with one login.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the image forming apparatus.

[0029] In step S401, the CPU 111 performs a process of logging in a user. The details of the login process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0030] In S402, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a print request has been received from the user. If a request has been received, the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if no request has been received, the process waits until a print request is received. A print request is, for example, when a print start button (not shown) on the operation unit 128 is pressed or when a print job is received via a network.

[0031] In S403, the CPU 111 determines whether the print request from the user is for color erasing printing using color erasing toner. If the request is for color erasing printing, the process proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if the request is not for color erasing printing (normal printing), the process proceeds to S409.

[0032] In S404, the CPU 111 searches the authentication table to determine whether the ID of the logged-in user is authorized to use the erased paper. If the ID is authorized, the process proceeds to S405. On the other hand, if the ID is not authorized, the process proceeds to S408.

[0033] In S405, the printer control program 205 checks whether or not erased paper is present in the erasing paper feed unit 124. If erased paper is present, the process proceeds to S406. On the other hand, if erased paper is not present, the process proceeds to S408. Note that, although an example is shown here in which the process proceeds to S408 when no erased paper is present, a notification may be issued to prompt the user to replenish erased paper, and the process may proceed to S405 if the paper has been replenished, or the process may proceed to S408 if an instruction to skip replenishment is given.

[0034] In S406, the printer control program 205 feeds the erased paper from the erasing paper feed unit 124 to the printer unit 129. In S407, the printer control program 205 executes the erasing printing process on the fed paper using the erasing toner.

[0035] In S408, the printer control program 205 feeds unused paper from the unused paper feed unit 123 to the printer unit 129. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S407. In S409, the paper feed unit control program 206 feeds unused paper from the unused paper feed unit 123 to the printer unit 129. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S410. Note that, although the unused paper feed unit 123 is used here, if the logged-in user is a user permitted to use erased paper, the paper feed stage is set according to the settings of the print job. Specifically, if the logged-in user is a user permitted to use the erased paper feed unit 124, paper is fed from the erased paper feed unit 124.

[0036] In S410, the printer control program 205 executes normal printing processing on the fed paper using normal toner (non-erasable toner).

[0037] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the login process of the image forming apparatus.

[0038] In S501, the CPU 111 checks whether or not the operation unit 128 has received a login request from the user. If there has been a request, the CPU 111 advances the process to S502. On the other hand, if there has been no request, the CPU 111 waits in S501 until it receives a request.

[0039] In S 502 , the CPU 111 accepts a user ID and a password input from the operation unit 128 .

[0040] In S503, the CPU 111 searches the authentication table 301 for the input ID and password.

[0041] In S504, the CPU 111 determines whether the input ID and password match those in the authentication table 301. If they match, the process proceeds to S505. On the other hand, if they do not match, the process proceeds to S502 to request the user to input again.

[0042] In S505, the CPU 111 stores the input ID in the ROM 112 or the storage 127 as a login user.

[0043] In S506, the CPU 111 sets the input ID as a logged-in user who has been permitted to be authenticated.

[0044] 6(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing system having an image forming apparatus in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the printing system is composed of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 that supports billing, a billing device 106, and an information processing device 107. In this specification, the image forming apparatus is a device that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, and is assumed to be an MFP, a printer, etc.

[0045] In the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, a mode in which some users are charged and some users are not charged is called a semi-public mode. Among users who share the image forming apparatus 100 in the semi-public mode, users who are charged when printing are called charged users, and users who are not charged when printing are called non-charged users. The image forming apparatus 100 can be operated in a public mode in which all users who use the image forming apparatus 100 are charged, or in a closed mode in which all users who use the image forming apparatus 100 are not charged. A serviceman or an administrator sets the image forming apparatus 100 to operate in either the semi-public mode, the public mode, or the closed mode.

[0046] The accounting device 106 is a device for collecting the fee required for printing from the user to be charged. Fig. 6(b) is a top view of the accounting device 106, and Fig. 6(c) is a front view of the accounting device 106. Usually, the accounting device 106 is installed near the image forming device 100, as shown in Fig. 6(a). The user to be charged deposits an amount according to the number of sheets of paper to be printed, etc., into the accounting device 106 before printing.

[0047] The information processing device 107 is a computer having processing capabilities, and is assumed to be a general PC 102, a tablet, a digital camera, other mobile and stationary terminals, etc. Although the breakdown of devices included in the information processing device varies depending on the main purpose of each device, the information processing device generally includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an IF, an input device, and an output device.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of locking and unlocking the erasing paper feed unit 124.

[0049] S401 is omitted since it is the same process as in FIG.

[0050] In S801, the CPU 111 searches the authentication table 301 to determine whether the login user is a registered user or a guest user. If the user is a registered user, the process proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if the user is a guest user, the process of this flowchart is completed.

[0051] In S803, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a request from the user via the operation unit 128 to lock or unlock the erasing paper feed unit 124. If there is a request, the process proceeds to S803. On the other hand, if there is no request, the process waits until there is a request.

[0052] In step S803 , the CPU 111 transmits a lock / unlock request to the printer control program 205 , and the printer control program 205 performs lock / unlock processing of the erasing paper feed unit 124 via the printer I / F 117 .

[0053] The image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment is assumed to be installed in a store such as a library, a convenience store, or an Internet cafe. A case will be considered below in which a charged user prints using an image forming apparatus in semi-public mode installed in such a place. A user at each booth who is a charged user first transmits a job to the image forming apparatus from an information processing device (e.g., a PC) installed in each booth. The transmitted job is temporarily stored (reserved) in the image forming apparatus. After that, the user moves to the installation location of the image forming apparatus, inserts coins, bills, etc. into a charging device installed near the image forming apparatus, logs in as a guest to the image forming apparatus, and operates the image forming apparatus to instruct execution of the reserved job. This starts the print processing of the reserved job.

[0054] Meanwhile, a store staff member, who is a user not subject to billing, sends a job from an information processing device to an image forming device. The staff member then moves to the location where the image forming device is installed, enters an ID and password to log in to the image forming device, and operates the image forming device to instruct execution of the reserved job. This starts the print processing of the reserved job. Note that in print processing based on a reserved job, a password is usually set when the job is sent to the image forming device, and the reserved job can be executed by the user entering the password via the operation unit of the image forming device.

[0055] The above is an example of a reserved job, but is not limited to this. For example, when a billable user executes a copy (a process of reading an original with the scanner unit 125 and printing based on the generated data), the user inserts money into the billing device, logs in as a guest, operates the image forming device, and issues a command to execute the copy. This starts the copy printing process. When a non-billable user executes a copy, the user inputs an ID and password to log in to the image forming device, operates the image forming device, and issues a command to execute the copy. This starts the copy printing process.

[0056] When the printing process by executing the print job is completed, if the user is a billable user, the area required for the executed printing process is deducted from the inserted amount.

[0057] As described above, the image processing apparatus of this embodiment can provide printed matter of a certain quality to paying users and reduce the possibility of refunds even in a semi-public operating environment.

[0058] Example 2 A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a print process of an image forming apparatus. Descriptions of steps S401, S402, S403, S405, S406, S407, S408, S409, and S410, which are the same processes as those in Fig. 4, will be omitted.

[0059] In S701, the CPU 111 searches the authentication table 301 to determine whether the login user is a registered user or a guest user. If the login user is a registered user, the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if the login user is a guest user, the process proceeds to S409.

[0060] This flowchart is for restricting the use of the erasing printing function by guest users, thereby making it possible to restrict the use of the erasing paper feed unit 124.

[0061] In addition, in S401, there may be a configuration in which the print function can be used without login authentication, in which case the user is treated as a guest user who is not permitted to use the function in S404 and S701.

[0062] As described above, the image processing apparatus of this embodiment can provide printed matter of a certain quality to paying users and reduce the possibility of refunds even in a semi-public operating environment.

[0063] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0064] In this embodiment, FAX is Facsimile, CPU is Central Processing Unit, ROM is Read Only Memory, RAM is Random Access Memory, USB is Universal Serial Bus, HDD is Hard Disk Drive, SSD is Solid State Drive, eMMC is Embedded Multi Media Card, and OS is Operating System.

[0065] (Other Examples) 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.

[0066] 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-mentioned 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 111 CPU 112 RAM 124 Erased paper feed section 129 Printer Unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having an execution unit that executes a first printing process using an erasable recording material or a second printing process using a non-erasable recording material, a first paper feed stage on which erasing paper from which a printed image has been erased is placed, and a second paper feed stage on which unused paper is placed, The execution means includes: An image forming apparatus characterized in that when a user who can pay a fee by logging in to the image forming apparatus once performs a printing process, the second paper feed stage is used and the first paper feed stage is not used.

2. a control unit for controlling whether or not the first printing process is to be executed; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not permit the user to execute the first printing process.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit permits execution of the first printing process by a different user who has not made a payment process in a single login to the image forming apparatus.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the execution unit is capable of using the first paper feed stage and the second paper feed stage when the different users execute the printing process.

5. A login authentication means for performing login authentication; A fee receiving means for receiving a fee, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user is a user who has been authenticated by the login authentication unit by receiving a fee through the fee receiving unit.

6. A login authentication means for performing login authentication; An information receiving means for receiving information that identifies an individual, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the different user is a user who has undergone login authentication by the login authentication means by receiving information identifying an individual through the information receiving means.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first paper feed stage is a lockable paper feed stage.

8. A control method for an image forming apparatus having an execution unit that executes a first printing process using an erasable recording material or a second printing process using a non-erasable recording material, a first paper feed tray on which erasing paper from which a printed image has been erased is placed, and a second paper feed tray on which unused paper is placed, comprising: A control method for an image forming device, characterized in that when a user who pays a fee by logging in to the image forming device once performs a printing process, the second paper feed tray is used and the first paper feed tray is not used.

9. a control unit for controlling whether or not the first printing process is to be executed; 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the control unit does not permit the user to execute the first printing process.

10. The control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit permits execution of the first printing process by a different user who has not made a payment process in a single login to the image forming apparatus.

11. 11. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the execution unit is capable of using the first paper feed stage and the second paper feed stage when the different users execute the printing process.

12. 9. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first paper feed stage is a lockable paper feed stage.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8.

Images