Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: reports are used in different ways depending on their types; and therefore, when output settings of all the reports are set to normal toner printing, sheets cannot be reused even though the reports are for temporary use.SOLUTION: The present invention is an image forming apparatus having execution means that can execute first print processing using a recording material whose color is faded through predetermined processing, and second print processing using a normal color material whose color is not faded, and the image forming apparatus has: storage means that stores at least first equipment information and second equipment information that are equipment information of the image forming apparatus; first setting means that sets report output settings for the first equipment information from a setting group including at least first settings for executing the first print processing and second settings for executing the second print processing; and second setting means that sets report output settings for the second equipment information from the setting group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of setting normal toner and decolorizing toner as the type of output toner used for printing. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, environmental awareness has been heightened by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and there is a demand for the reuse of paper printed by image forming devices. In response to this, image forming devices that support printing with decolorizable toner, which allows the printing paper to be reused, in addition to printing with normal toner, are known. In such image forming devices that support decolorizable toner, it is considered that the device determines whether to print with normal toner or decolorizable toner based on certain conditions according to the needs of the user. For example, there is a program that determines whether to print parts of a printed material with normal toner or decolorizable toner based on certain conditions of the image information to be printed (underline, bold, red, numbers, etc.) (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-032735 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Image forming devices have a function called report print that allows users to output reports and check the settings and usage history of the device. The contents of the report print are device information, and are not official printed matter for the user. Therefore, the way in which the report is used varies depending on the type of report. Therefore, if all reports are set to the output settings for normal toner printing, there is a risk that the paper cannot be reused even if the reports are for temporary use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is an image forming apparatus having an execution means capable of executing a first printing process using a recording material that can be erased by a predetermined process and a second printing process using a normal recording material that cannot be erased, characterized in having a storage means for storing at least first device information and second device information that are device information of the image forming apparatus, a first setting means for setting a report output setting of the first device information from a setting group that includes at least a first setting for executing the first printing process and a second setting for executing the second printing process, and a second setting means for setting a report output setting of the second device information from the setting group. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, output settings can be made according to the type of report. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] system configuration diagram [Diagram 2] Software Configuration Diagram [Diagram 3] Flowchart for determining output settings when printing reports [Figure 4] Report print output setting screen [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing output setting decisions based on priority order when printing reports [Figure 6] Report print output setting priority setting screen [Figure 7] Flowchart for changing output settings for automatic and manual report printing [Figure 8] Flowchart for selecting the paper source when printing a report DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying 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.

[0009] A typical image forming apparatus has multiple printing functions, such as a printing function from a printer driver, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is capable of executing normal printing processing and decolorizing printing processing. The decolorizing printing processing is, for example, a decolorizing toner printing function that prints characters and images using decolorizing toner (decolorizing recording material) as a substitute for normal toner (non-decolorizing recording material) and performs a decolorizing printing processing on the printed characters and images later. A printed matter generated using decolorizing printing toner can be made into a reusable paper (reusable paper) by performing a predetermined erasing processing (for example, a heat processing) to make the printed image invisible (here, erasing processing).

[0010] Example 1 1 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 101. A control unit 200 including a CPU 210 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 210 reads out a control program stored in a semiconductor storage device eMMC 219 and executes various control processes such as reading control, printing control, and firmware update control. The eMMC 219 is also used as a work area and a user data area. A ROM 291 is a read-only memory, and stores a startup program, fixed parameters, etc. of the image forming apparatus 101. A RAM 212 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory of the CPU 210 and a work area.

[0011] The SRAM 213 is a non-volatile memory that stores setting values ​​and image adjustment values ​​required by the image forming apparatus 101, and the data is not lost even when the power is turned on again. The HDD 218 has a file storage area for firmware updates, and also stores image data, user data, and the like. The HDD 218 may not be installed, in which case the file storage area for firmware updates, image data, user data, and the like are all stored in the eMMC 219. The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 200. The operation unit 220 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like.

[0012] Printer I / F 216 connects printer engine 221 and control unit 200. Printer engine firmware 231 is stored in a ROM (not shown) included in printer engine 221. Image data to be printed by printer engine 221 is transferred from control unit 200 to printer engine 221 via printer I / F 216, and is printed on a recording medium by printer engine 221.

[0013] The printer engine 221 also has a paper feed unit 233 with multiple paper feed stages that store recording paper, and a marking unit 234 that transfers and fixes image data onto the recording paper. In this embodiment, the paper feed unit 233 has a reuse paper feed stage (reusable cassette) in addition to a paper feed cassette that holds normal new paper. The reuse cassette is a cassette in which paper that has been subjected to a decolorization process on paper printed with decolorizing toner by an erasing device (not shown) and that can be reused is set. The marking unit 234 also transfers and fixes image data onto the recording paper using decolorizing toner (decolorable color material) and non-decolorizing toner (normal color material). The decolorization process is, for example, a process in which characters and images printed on paper are erased by applying a predetermined amount of heat using decolorizing toner (erasable recording material) to make the paper reusable.

[0014] The paper discharge unit 235 discharges the printed recording paper to the outside. When the paper discharge unit 235 is configured to be connected to an accessory unit 241 that is connected to the outside of the image forming apparatus 101, the recording paper is discharged to the accessory unit 241. The accessory unit 241 performs finishing processes (post-processing) such as sorting and stapling, processes the printed matter, and discharges it.

[0015] The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner engine 222 and the control unit 200. A ROM (not shown) included in the scanner engine 222 stores scanner engine firmware 232. The scanner engine 222 reads an image on a document, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 200 via the scanner I / F 217.

[0016] The scanner engine 222 also has an original feed unit 236 that transports original paper, and a scanner unit 237 that optically reads an original image and converts it into image data in the form of an electrical signal.

[0017] A network I / F card NIC 214 connects the control unit 200 (image forming apparatus 101) to the LAN 103. The NIC 214 transmits image data and information to an external device (e.g., an external server 250 or PC 102) on the LAN 103, and receives update firmware and various information from the external device. The external server 250 may exist on the Internet.

[0018] The PC 102 may operate the image forming apparatus 101 from a web browser (not shown). The chipset 211 refers to a series of multiple related integrated circuits. The RTC 270 is a real-time clock, and is a chip dedicated to timekeeping. The external power supply 240 cuts off the power supply in response to an instruction from a control program stored in the eMMC 219. However, even if the external power supply 240 is not connected, the RTC 270 can operate in sleep mode because it receives power from a built-in battery (not shown). When some power is supplied to the chipset 211, the RTC 270 can return from sleep mode. Conversely, when the chipset 211 is in a shutdown state where no power is supplied at all, the RTC 270 cannot operate. The LED 290 is turned on as necessary and is used to notify the outside of software or hardware abnormalities.

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of firmware stored in the semiconductor storage device eMMC 219 of the image forming apparatus 101. The eMMC 219 includes an OS 301 and boot firmware 302 as programs executed by the CPU 210. The boot firmware 302 includes each program for operating the image forming apparatus 101 and providing functions, and also includes a report print program 303.

[0020] The eMMC 219 also stores report print output setting information 304 and a device information database 305. The device information database 304 is a database that registers and manages device setting information of the image forming apparatus, usage history information, the states of the printer engine 221 and the scanner engine 222, the storage device and network connection status included in the control unit 200, and the like.

[0021] A report print program 303 generates an output file by acquiring device information from a device information database 305. A print program 306 outputs a report print based on the settings of the report print output setting information 304. When sending a report, a transmission program 307 transmits the output file generated by the report print program 303 to another device such as a PC via a network.

[0022] The report print output setting information 304 includes information on the type of report print and output settings. The types of report print include, for example, a communication management report, a transmission result report, a job list report, a system setting report, an operator maintenance mode report, and a service mode report.

[0023] The communication management report is a report that outputs the history (transmission and reception history) of sending / receiving faxes, e-mails, I-faxes, and sending / receiving file servers. The transmission result report is a report that outputs the transmission results (transmission and reception results) of sending / receiving faxes, e-mails, I-faxes, and sending / receiving file servers. The job list report is a report that outputs a list of jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 101 (execution history of print jobs). The system setting report is a report that outputs various device setting information such as an address book, count management information, a registered server list, and a user data list that are set and registered in the image forming apparatus 101. The operator maintenance mode report is a report that outputs various device information for an operator who performs maintenance. The service mode report is a report that prints various device information that can be viewed when logged in in service mode.

[0024] Information to be output as a report is set and managed in a device information database 305. Report print output setting information 304 holds output setting information for each of the above report prints. An example is shown in Table 1.

[0025] [Table 1]

[0026] The output settings can be selected from a group of settings such as "send," "normal toner printing," and "erasable toner printing." "Send" is a setting for converting the file to PDF and sending it to a file server or sending it by email. "Normal toner printing" is a setting for printing using normal toner. "Erasable toner printing" is a setting for printing using erasable toner. Note that although erasable toner is used here, any memory material with erasing function, such as erasable ink, can also be used.

[0027] Next, a process for determining output settings of the image forming apparatus 101 when printing a report will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. The flowchart in Fig. 3 is executed by the CPU 210 in accordance with a program stored in the eMMC 219 shown in Fig. 2.

[0028] In S401, the image forming apparatus 101 receives an instruction to generate a report print. The instruction to generate a report print may be received as an instruction from a user via the operation unit 220, or may be configured to be generated periodically by the CPU 210, for example, by schedule setting.

[0029] In S402, the CPU 210 acquires report information from the device information database 305 according to the type of report print that has been instructed.

[0030] In S403, the CPU 210 generates a file according to the type of report print based on the acquired report information.

[0031] In S404, the CPU 210 acquires from the report print output setting information 304 the output setting for the type of report print instructed to be generated.

[0032] In S405, the CPU 210 checks whether the acquired output setting is a print setting (color-changing toner printing or normal toner printing). In S406, if the acquired output setting is not a print setting, the CPU 210 inputs the generated file as a transmission job and ends the process.

[0033] In S407, if the print setting is "erasable toner printing", the CPU 210 checks whether it is "erasable toner printing". If the print setting is not "erasable toner printing", in S408 the CPU 210 sets the toner setting to "normal toner printing". If the print setting is "erasable toner printing", in S409 the CPU 210 sets the toner setting to the erasable toner. Once the toner setting is complete, in S410 the CPU 210 submits the created file as a print job and ends the process.

[0034] 4, an example of a setting method for the report print output setting information 304 from the operation unit 202 will be described. The settings described here are reflected in the report print output setting information 304.

[0035] As shown in Table 1 above, there are many types of report prints, so Figure 4 shows, as an example, the default setting screen for all types of report prints (report output) and the setting screen for the communication management report (automatic print / manual print).

[0036] FIG. 4(a) is an example of a screen for setting default print settings for all types of report prints. In the toner settings 500, it is possible to set the default toner settings for all types of report prints. In the toner settings 500 in FIG. 4(a), decolorizable toner print (decolorizable toner) is set as the default. Here, an example is shown in which decolorizable toner is set, but in the case of normal toner printing, normal toner print (normal toner) is selected. Note that in this way, in the setting screen for each of the multiple report types described above, it may be set in FIG. 4(a) whether or not the settings can be changed from the default toner settings 500.

[0037] FIG. 4B shows an automatic print setting screen for the communication management report. In FIG. 4B, when printing the communication management report, the setting can be changed from the default setting of toner setting 500. The communication management report can be automatically printed periodically according to the number of communications and the time set, or manually printed when the user wants to output report print information after viewing the history information screen. This example shows automatic printing, and the output setting is performed in advance along with the number of communications and the time. The items to be set are "print", "send", and "OFF" in the designated number of communications setting 501 and the designated time setting 502, respectively, and the output method is set here. Furthermore, the decolorizing toner print 503 is an item for setting the use of the decolorizing toner. Even if the default toner setting 500 is normal toner, if the decolorizing toner print 503 is decolorizing toner (ON), the communication management report is printed with the decolorizing toner. In FIG. 4B, it is also possible to set whether or not to allow individual settings in FIG. 4D.

[0038] 4C shows a communication result screen for a transmission job. The user can manually output a communication management report at any time by clicking a communication management report button 504 on this screen.

[0039] 4D shows a communication management report output setting screen that is displayed when a communication management report 504 is pressed. When making output settings on this screen, in color erasing toner setting 505, it is selected whether or not to set the color erasing toner.

[0040] Here, a communication management report is shown as an example in Fig. 4(b) to Fig. 4(d), but each of the multiple types of reports in Table 1 has its own automatic print setting screen and manual setting screen. Fig. 4(e) is shown as an example of the setting screen for another report. Fig. 4(e) is an example of the print screen for a job list report. In this way, it is possible to select whether or not to set the decolorizing toner, similar to Fig. 4(d).

[0041] For any report, the individual settings for each report take precedence over the global settings. If the user does not specify an individual setting, the print process will be performed according to the global settings.

[0042] According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to set the transmission and toner type output according to the type of report print. With such a configuration, for example, in report prints that print a large amount of device information, it is possible to reuse paper by setting the decolorizing toner.

[0043] In addition, information that users want to keep as evidence can be securely preserved by converting it to PDF and sending it, or by using regular toner. In this way, users can set report prints that they want to reuse, or report prints that they want to save information on, effectively reducing paper consumption.

[0044] Example 2 In the second embodiment, an example in which the priority order of the output settings of the report print of this embodiment is set according to the type of each report print will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] Table 2 is an example of the priority order of each report print. The output setting information 304 for each type of report print in Table 2 includes multiple pieces of output setting information in a prioritized form. In Table 2, as an example, the output setting information is arranged in the order of priority 1, 2, and 3 from the top.

[0046] [Table 2]

[0047] In the configuration of Table 2, for example, in the case of a communication management report, if the user originally set "send" as priority 1 for the communication management report and a network problem occurs that makes sending impossible, it is conceivable to switch the output to printing. And, in the case of a report such as a communication management report that aims to leave information, if "send" cannot be executed, the priority of "normal toner printing" can be set higher than "color erasing toner printing".

[0048] Furthermore, the report print for which "erasable toner printing" has been set as priority level 1 is not intended to leave any information behind, but is printed for temporary use. For example, this may be the case when a user who is in front of the image forming apparatus 101 and is responsible for managing the apparatus, an operator performing maintenance, or a service technician wants to use the report print to temporarily check information. Therefore, for priority levels 2 and above, the setting for this report print may be "normal toner printing", which is priority level 2. Note that in this case, priority level 3 is set to "OFF" (displaying an appropriate notification on the operation unit 202), but may also be set to a transmission setting.

[0049] In addition, the report print, for which Priority 1 was set to "Normal toner printing," is a report intended to leave information on paper. Therefore, Priority 2 is set to "Send" and Priority 3 is set to "Send."

[0050] Next, an output setting determination process based on the priority order of output settings when printing a report in the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The flowchart in Fig. 5 is executed by the CPU 210 in accordance with a program stored in the eMMC 219 shown in Fig. 2.

[0051] 5, steps S601 to S603 are the same as steps S401 to S403 in the flowchart of the process of determining the output settings of the image forming apparatus 101 when printing a report in FIG.

[0052] The CPU 210 acquires information on the priority order of the output settings for the report print instructed in S604 from the report print output setting information 304. Next, in S605, the CPU 210 acquires information on the device status from the device information database 305, and determines the output settings based on the information on the priority order of the output settings for the report print acquired in S604.

[0053] Specifically, the output setting is checked in order of priority to see if it is executable. For example, if the output setting is "send", the network connection status is checked, and if it is connected, it is determined that the setting is executable, and "send" is determined as the output setting. For example, if the output setting is "erasable toner printing", if the remaining amount of erasable toner is a printable amount and the remaining amount of paper is a printable amount, "erasable toner printing" is determined as the output setting. For example, if the output setting is "normal toner printing", if the remaining amount of normal toner is a printable amount and the remaining amount of paper is a printable amount, "normal toner printing" is determined as the output setting.

[0054] If the output setting determined based on the device status and priority order is "OFF" in S606, the CPU 210 does not execute output. Therefore, in S607, the operation unit 220 displays a message indicating that output will not be performed, and notifies the user of the message. In S606, if the output setting is "send," "normal toner printing," or "color erasing toner printing," the CPU 210 proceeds with the output process in S608 and subsequent processes. S608 to 613 are the same as S405 to S410 in the flowchart of the output setting determination process for report printing in the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] 6, an example of a method for setting the priority order of report print output settings from the operation unit 202 will be described. The settings described here are reflected in the report print output setting information 304.

[0056] As in Fig. 4, there are many types of report prints as shown in Table 1 above, so as examples, the output setting screen common to all report prints and the setting screen for communication management report print (automatic print / manual print) are shown. Note that, as mentioned above, individual report print settings take priority over the common settings for all report prints.

[0057] Fig. 6(a) is an example of a screen for setting the priority order of output settings when printing all report prints. When an output setting priority order setting button 700 is selected, the screen transitions to Fig. 6(b) showing a priority order selection screen for output settings common to all report prints.

[0058] 6B, the output settings of "transmission," "normal toner printing," and "color erasing toner printing" can be selected for each of the priorities 1 to 3. Note that an output setting of "OFF" may also be displayed.

[0059] Fig. 6(c) is the automatic print setting screen for the communication management report. Unlike Fig. 4(b) described above, this screen allows you to move to a screen for setting which setting to prioritize from "color erasing toner printing", "normal toner printing" and "OFF" by pressing the output setting priority setting button 702.

[0060] 6(d) shows the output setting priority setting screen which is accessed by pressing the output setting priority setting button 702 on the communication management report automatic print setting screen. In the output setting priority setting 703, the user can select "send", "normal toner printing", "color erasing toner printing" or "OFF" for each of the priorities 1 to 3.

[0061] An example of a setting screen for another report is shown in Fig. 6(e). Fig. 6(e) is an example of a print screen for a job list report. In this way, output settings can be set for each priority order on the priority setting screen for output settings for other reports as well.

[0062] According to the configuration of this embodiment, if the output settings set for each report print cannot be executed for some reason, the report print can be executed using the output settings set by the user in the next order of priority.

[0063] Example 3 In the third embodiment, an example of setting automatic print / manual print in the output setting of a report print will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] Among the types of report prints, those for users include report prints that can be output either automatically or manually, report prints that are only automatically printed, and report prints that are only manually printed. In these cases, it is possible to switch the report print output setting depending on whether it is manual or automatic printing. Note that automatic printing is a function in which the image forming device outputs at a predetermined timing without receiving an instruction to output a report from the user. Manual printing is a function in which the image forming device outputs a report by receiving an instruction to output a report from the user.

[0065] For example, in the case of manual printing, it is assumed that the user is trying to obtain information as evidence, and the output setting is set to "normal toner printing," whereas in the case of automatic printing, the output setting is set to "erasable toner printing" so that the paper can be reused.

[0066] 6 is a diagram showing a process of deciding whether to switch the output setting to automatic printing / manual printing when printing a report in the image forming apparatus 101. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the CPU 210 in accordance with a program stored in the eMMC 219 shown in FIG.

[0067] 7, steps S801 to S406 are the same as steps S401 to S406 in the flowchart of the process of determining the output settings of the image forming apparatus 101 when printing a report in FIG.

[0068] If the print setting is report print in S805, the CPU 210 checks whether or not automatic printing is selected in S807. If it is not automatic printing, normal toner printing is selected in S808. If it is automatic printing, color erasing toner is selected in S809.

[0069] Then, after the toner setting is completed, a print job is input in S810 and the process ends, similarly to S410 in the flowchart of the process of determining the output setting of the image forming apparatus 101 when printing a report in FIG.

[0070] The automatically printed reports include, for example, a job list report, a system setting report, an operator maintenance mode report, and a service mode report.

[0071] According to the configuration of this embodiment, it becomes possible to perform output settings for transmission and toner type in accordance with the output method for report print.

[0072] Example 4 In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described with reference to FIG. 8 in which a paper feed tray on which recycled paper is placed has priority over a paper feed tray on which unused paper is placed as a paper feed tray to be used when printing a report with decolorizing toner.

[0073] In the case of the output setting of "erasable toner printing", the printed matter is reused as printing paper (reusable paper) by performing an erasing process on the printed paper with the erasable toner printed on it using an erasing device (not shown). When reusing, the paper is set in the reuse paper feed tray (reusable cassette) in the paper feed unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 101. When performing color erasable toner printing for report printing, the paper from the reuse cassette is used preferentially, which encourages the user to reuse paper.

[0074] A process for determining a paper feed stage setting during output setting for report printing of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. The flowchart of Fig. 8 is executed by the CPU 210 in accordance with a program stored in the eMMC 219 shown in Fig. 2.

[0075] In the flowchart of Fig. 8, steps S901 to S908 are the same as steps S401 to S408 in the flowchart of the output setting decision process for report printing of the image forming apparatus 101 in Fig. 3. If the report printing is set to color-changing toner printing in S906, the CPU 210 sets the paper feed tray to the reusable cassette in S909. After this, after completing the toner setting, the CPU 210 submits a print job in S910 and ends the process, similar to S410 in the flowchart of the output setting decision process for report printing of the image forming apparatus 101 in Fig. 3.

[0076] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when "color erasing toner printing" is set in report printing, it is possible to perform printing with priority given to reused paper.

[0077] (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.

[0078] 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]

[0079] 101 Image forming device 210 CPU 212 RAM 220 Operation section 221 Printer Engine

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having an execution unit capable of executing a first printing process using a recording material that can be erased by a predetermined process and a second printing process using a normal recording material that cannot be erased, a storage unit for storing at least first device information and second device information, which are device information of the image forming apparatus; a first setting means for setting a report output setting of the first device information from a setting group including at least a first setting for executing the first print process and a second setting for executing the second print process; and a second setting unit for setting a report output setting for the second device information from the setting group.

2. the first device information is a result of data transmission / reception, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second device information is a list of jobs executed by the image forming apparatus.

3. The second setting is set in the first setting means, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first setting is set in the second setting means.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first setting unit and the second setting unit are capable of setting a plurality of types of output methods in association with a priority order.

5. a third setting unit for setting a report output setting of third device information, which is device information of the image forming apparatus, from the setting group; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third device information is information on a system setting of the image forming apparatus.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first setting is set in the third setting means.

7. a fourth setting unit that sets a report output setting of fourth device information, which is device information of the image forming apparatus, from the setting group; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fourth device information is information relating to maintenance of the image forming apparatus.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first setting is set in the fourth setting means.

9. a fifth setting unit that sets a report output setting of fifth device information, which is device information of the image forming apparatus, from the setting group; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fifth device information is information that can be viewed in a service mode of the image forming apparatus.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first setting is set in the fifth setting means.

11. a sixth setting unit for setting a report output setting of sixth device information, which is device information of the image forming apparatus, from the setting group; The sixth device information is a data transmission / reception history, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sixth setting section sets a transmission setting for transmitting the sixth device information to an external device via a network.

12. a seventh setting unit for setting, from the setting group, a report output setting common to all device information included in the device information of the image forming apparatus; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the report output settings set by the first setting unit and the second setting unit have priority over the report output setting set by the seventh setting unit.

13. An output means for outputting a report, The output means includes: automatically outputting a report of the first device information without receiving an instruction from a user; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the report output of the second device information is executed by accepting an instruction from a user.

14. a first paper feed tray on which unused paper is placed; a second paper feed tray on which the reuse paper is placed after the decolorizing toner has been erased by the predetermined process; 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the first setting, the reused paper in the second paper feed stage is used preferentially over the unused paper in the first paper feed stage.

Images