Image forming system and program

Abstract

This invention provides an image forming system and program capable of preventing the leakage of printed information from printed materials that are printed and discarded by a continuous-feed printing device. [Solution] The processor transfers the printed material output from the continuous-feed printer to an inspection device. If an abnormality is detected in the printed material by the inspection device, the abnormal printed material is rewound back to the printer. The printer then applies a leak prevention process to the printed material to prevent the information printed on it from leaking to the outside, and the printer re-outputs the printed material after the leak prevention process has been applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing processing apparatus that appropriately post-processes a medium without information leakage even when the medium contains confidential information.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a printing system capable of preventing the occurrence of printing defects or duplication / missing of printed matter when printing a large amount of different printed contents at high speed.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a printer apparatus that inspects the consistency of the contents printed on the front and back of each printed matter and removes defective printed matter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In an image forming system including a continuous-form printing apparatus and an inspection apparatus that inspects a printed matter output from the printing apparatus, the printed matter output from the printing apparatus is inspected by the inspection apparatus and then cut from a roll, and defective printed matter is discarded.

[0007] In this case, there is a risk that the information printed on the documents may be leaked if the worker inspects the documents during disposal or if the documents are lost.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image forming system and program capable of preventing the leakage of printed information from printed materials that are printed and discarded by a continuous-form printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first embodiment of the image forming system comprises a continuous-feed printing device, an inspection device for inspecting printed materials output from the printing device, and a processor. The processor causes the printed materials output from the printing device to be transferred to the inspection device, and if an abnormality is detected in the printed materials by the inspection device, it causes the abnormal printed materials to be rewound back to the printing device, the printing device to perform a leakage prevention process on the printed materials to prevent the information printed on them from leaking to the outside, and the printing device to re-output the printed materials that have undergone the leakage prevention process.

[0010] In the second embodiment of the image forming system, the leakage prevention process is a concealment process in which a concealing image is printed on the printed portion, in the image forming system of the first embodiment.

[0011] In the third embodiment of the image forming system, the processor causes the printing apparatus to perform the concealment process only on a predetermined area of ​​the printed material, in the image forming system of the second embodiment.

[0012] The fourth embodiment of the image forming system is an image forming system of the first embodiment, further comprising a disposal device for disposing of printed materials downstream of the inspection device, wherein the leakage prevention process is a process of printing instruction information to the inspection device to instruct the inspection device to transfer the printed material to the disposal device when an abnormality is detected in the printed material.

[0013] The fifth embodiment of the image forming system is the same as the fourth embodiment of the image forming system, wherein the disposal device is a shredder.

[0014] The sixth embodiment of the image forming system is an image forming system of the first embodiment in which the leakage prevention process is a correction process that corrects the abnormal printed material to a normal printed material by reprinting over the abnormal location in the printed material where the abnormality was detected.

[0015] The program of the seventh embodiment causes a computer to execute the following steps: transfer printed materials output from a continuous-form printing device to an inspection device; if an abnormality is detected in the printed materials by the inspection device, rewind the abnormal printed materials back to the printing device; perform a leak prevention process on the printed materials in the printing device to prevent the information printed on the materials from leaking to the outside; and re-output the leak prevention processed printed materials from the printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the image forming system of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the leakage of printed information from being printed and discarded by a continuous-feed printing device.

[0017] According to the image forming system of the second embodiment, leakage prevention processing can be performed by utilizing the printing function provided by the printing device.

[0018] According to the image forming system of the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent the concealment process from being applied to areas that are not needed.

[0019] According to the image forming system of the fourth embodiment, the printed material in which an abnormality has been detected can be disposed of by a disposal device.

[0020] According to the image forming system of the fifth embodiment, the printed material in which an abnormality has been detected can be disposed of by shredder.

[0021] According to the image forming system of the sixth embodiment, leakage prevention processing can be performed by utilizing the printing function provided by the printing device.

[0022] According to the program of the seventh aspect, it is possible to prevent leakage of information printed on printed matter printed by a continuous accounting type printing device and then discarded.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is an external view of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the above image forming system. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of printed matter. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of printed matter subjected to concealment processing. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of printed matter subjected to concealment processing. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the processing when the leakage prevention processing is the concealment processing in the above image forming system. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of printed matter printed with instruction information. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the processing when the leakage prevention processing is the processing of printing instruction information in the above image forming system. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining the processing when the leakage prevention processing is the correction processing in the above image forming system. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the inspection processing of printed matter in the above image forming system.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming system 10 according to an embodiment.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes a printing device 14, an inspection device 15, and a disposal device 16.

[0026] The printing device 14 is a continuous-form printing device that prints on continuous sheets of paper. Roll paper 18 is loaded into the printing device 14 as continuous sheets of paper.

[0027] The printing method of the printing device 14 may be any printing method, such as an inkjet method or a laser printing method.

[0028] The inspection device 15 is a device for inspecting the quality of printed materials output from the printing device 14. Specifically, the inspection device 15 evaluates the quality of the printed material by comparing the source image with a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed material output from the printing device 14.

[0029] The disposal device 16 is a device for disposing of printed materials for which an abnormality has been detected by the inspection device 15. In this embodiment, the disposal device 16 is, for example, a shredder.

[0030] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming system 10.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming system 10 comprises a control unit 11, a communication interface (abbreviated as communication IF) device 12, a user interface (abbreviated as UI device) 13, the printing device 14, the inspection device 15, and the disposal device 16. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 17.

[0032] The control unit 11 comprises a processor 11a, a memory 11b, and a storage unit 11c. The processor 11a executes predetermined processing based on a program read from the storage unit 11c and expanded into the memory 11b. The storage unit 11c is composed of, for example, a ROM, HDD, or SSD. Various programs and data are stored in the storage unit 11c.

[0033] In this embodiment, the processor 11a is described as reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 11c, but it is not limited to this. This program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium as described above. Alternatively, this program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line.

[0034] The communication interface device 12 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The user interface device 13 is, for example, a touch panel and / or buttons, a device for the user to receive and input information.

[0035] In an image forming system equipped with a continuous-feed printing device and an inspection device for inspecting printed materials output from the printing device, the printed materials output from the printing device are inspected by the inspection device, cut from the roll, and any printed materials in which abnormalities are detected are discarded.

[0036] In this case, there is a risk that the information printed on the documents may be leaked if the worker inspects the documents during disposal or if the documents are lost.

[0037] To resolve these problems, the control unit 11 of the image forming system 10 in this embodiment transfers the printed material output from the printing device 14 to the inspection device 15. If an abnormality is detected in the printed material by the inspection device 15, the control unit 11 rewinds the abnormal printed material back to the printing device 14. The printing device 14 then performs a leakage prevention process on the printed material to prevent the information printed on it from leaking to the outside, and the printing device 14 re-outputs the printed material after the leakage prevention process has been performed.

[0038] Here, the leakage prevention process may be a concealment process in which a concealing image is printed on top of the printed area. The concealing image may be an image in which the processing area is filled with a single color, such as black. Alternatively, the concealing image may be an image in which geometric patterns or text are arranged in such a way that the content of the background of the processing area cannot be discerned. Furthermore, the concealing image may be any image other than those described above, as long as it is possible to make the content of the background of the processing area indistinguishable.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of a printed document. As shown in Figure 3, within the print area 40 of the printed document, there is a confidential area 41 where information to be kept secret is printed. The control unit 11 may instruct the printing device 14 to perform concealment processing only on the confidential area 41 that has been set in advance in the printed document, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may instruct the printing device 14 to perform concealment processing on the entire print area 40 of the printed document, as shown in Figure 5.

[0040] Next, referring to Figure 6, we will explain the processing flow when the leak prevention process is replaced with a concealment process.

[0041] The control unit 11 transfers the printed material output by the printing unit 14a of the printing device 14 to the inspection device 15.

[0042] Next, if the inspection unit 15a of the inspection device 15 detects an abnormality in the printed material and issues a rewind instruction, the control unit 11 causes the abnormal printed material to be rewound back into the printing device 14.

[0043] Next, the control unit 11 prints a concealing image on the printed material as a leakage prevention treatment in the printing section 14a of the printing device 14, and then outputs the printed material with the concealing image printed on it from the printing device 14 and transfers it to the inspection device 15.

[0044] Next, the control unit 11 skips the inspection by the inspection unit 15a of the inspection device 15 for the reprinted printout, and cuts the reprinted printout from the roll paper 18 in the cutting unit 15b.

[0045] Next, the control unit 11 discharges the cut printed material from the inspection device 15 as an abnormal print. The image forming system 10 may be configured to discharge normal and abnormal prints into the same discharge tray, or it may be configured to discharge them into different discharge trays.

[0046] Furthermore, the leakage prevention process may also include printing instruction information on the inspection device 15 to instruct the inspection device 15 to transfer the printed material to the disposal device 16 if an abnormality is detected.

[0047] As an example of instruction information, a symbol 42 such as "●●" is printed in a specific location within the printing area 40 of the printed material, as shown in Figure 7. Note that the instruction information is not limited to symbols; it can be any information that can be identified by the inspection device 15, such as characters, geometric patterns, or code images.

[0048] Next, referring to Figure 8, we will explain the processing flow when the leakage prevention process is defined as a process of printing instruction information.

[0049] The control unit 11 transfers the printed material output by the printing unit 14a of the printing device 14 to the inspection device 15.

[0050] Next, if the inspection unit 15a of the inspection device 15 detects an abnormality in the printed material and issues a rewind instruction, the control unit 11 causes the abnormal printed material to be rewound back into the printing device 14.

[0051] Next, the control unit 11 prints instruction information on the printed material as a leakage prevention process in the printing section 14a of the printing device 14, and then outputs the printed material with the instruction information printed on it from the printing device 14 and transfers it to the inspection device 15.

[0052] Next, the control unit 11 reads the reprinted document with the inspection unit 15a of the inspection device 15. If it detects the symbol 42, which is instruction information, it skips the inspection of the document and cuts the reprinted document from the roll paper 18 with the cutting unit 15b.

[0053] Next, the control unit 11 discharges the cut printed material from the inspection device 15 as defective printed material and transfers it to the disposal device 16.

[0054] Next, the control unit 11 performs shredding in the processing unit 16a of the disposal device 16.

[0055] Furthermore, the leakage prevention process may also be a correction process that corrects the abnormal printed material to a normal printed material by reprinting over the area where the abnormality was detected.

[0056] Here, the correction process is performed when the abnormality can be corrected by reprinting, for example, when the print density is insufficient.

[0057] Next, referring to Figure 9, we will explain the processing flow when the leakage prevention process is replaced with a correction process.

[0058] The control unit 11 transfers the printed material output by the printing unit 14a of the printing device 14 to the inspection device 15.

[0059] Next, if the inspection unit 15a of the inspection device 15 detects an abnormality in the printed material and issues a rewind instruction, the control unit 11 causes the abnormal printed material to be rewound back into the printing device 14.

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 performs a leak prevention process on the printed material by reprinting over the abnormality detection area in the printing section 14a of the printing device 14, and then outputs the corrected printed material again from the printing device 14 and transfers it to the inspection device 15.

[0061] Next, the control unit 11 performs a re-inspection of the corrected printed material using the inspection unit 15a of the inspection device 15.

[0062] Next, the flow of the inspection process for printed materials in the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0063] First, in step S01, the control unit 11 of the image forming system 10 sets up leakage prevention processing in case of abnormality detection according to the user's instruction input. In this embodiment, the leakage prevention processing is set to one of the following: the concealment processing, the processing of printing instruction information (hereinafter referred to as in-device disposal processing), or the correction processing.

[0064] Next, in step S02, the control unit 11 starts printing. Then, in step S03, the control unit 11 performs printing and inspection, and in step S04, it determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the printed material.

[0065] If it is determined in step S04 that no abnormalities were detected in the printed material, the control unit 11 terminates the process.

[0066] If it is determined in step S04 that an abnormality has been detected in the printed material, the control unit 11 determines in step S05 whether or not a concealment process has been set as a leakage prevention process.

[0067] If it is determined in step S05 that concealment processing has been set as leakage prevention processing, the control unit 11 determines in step S06 whether or not concealment processing has been set only for the confidential area.

[0068] If it is determined in step S06 that the concealment process is set for only the confidential area, the control unit 11 rewinds the roll paper 18 in step S07 and performs the concealment process only on the confidential area.

[0069] Next, in step S08, the control unit 11 discharges the printed material outside the image forming system 10 for disposal, and terminates the process.

[0070] If, in step S06, it is determined that concealment processing is not set for the confidential area only, the control unit 11 unwinds the roll paper 18 in step S09 and performs concealment processing on the entire printing area.

[0071] Next, in step S08, the control unit 11 discharges the printed material outside the image forming system 10 for disposal, and terminates the process.

[0072] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S05 that concealment processing is not set as a leakage prevention process, the control unit 11 determines in step S10 whether or not in-device disposal processing is set as a leakage prevention process.

[0073] In step S10, if it is determined that in-device disposal processing has been set as a leakage prevention process, the control unit 11 rewinds the roll paper 18 in step S11 and prints instruction information on the printed material in which the abnormality was detected.

[0074] Next, in step S12, the control unit 11 transfers the printed material to the disposal device 16 via the inspection device 15, performs shredding, and completes the process.

[0075] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S10 that in-device disposal processing is not set as a leakage prevention process, the control unit 11 determines in step S13 whether or not the cause of the abnormality in the printed material is insufficient density.

[0076] If, in step S13, it is determined that the cause of the abnormality in the printed material is not insufficient density, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S09.

[0077] If, in step S13, it is determined that the cause of the abnormality in the printed material is insufficient density, the control unit 11 determines in step S14 whether or not a reprinting process has been performed on the printed material. The determination of whether or not a reprinting process has been performed on the printed material may be made in any manner, such as by referring to the operation history of the device.

[0078] If it is determined in step S14 that a reprinting process has been performed on the printed material, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S09.

[0079] If it is determined in step S14 that the printed material has not been reprinted, the control unit 11 unwinds the roll paper 18 in step S15, performs the reprinting process on the printed material, and proceeds to step S03.

[0080] [Differentiation] Although an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0082] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0083] Furthermore, in the technology of this disclosure, a system includes both systems composed of multiple devices and systems composed of a single device.

[0084] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to programs and program products.

[0085] [Note] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0086] (((1))) A continuous-form printing device, An inspection device for inspecting printed materials output from the aforementioned printing device, Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The printed material output from the printing device is transferred to the inspection device. If the inspection device detects an abnormality in the printed material, the abnormal printed material is rewound back into the printing device. The printing apparatus is provided with a leakage prevention process to prevent the information printed on the printed material from leaking to the outside. The printed material, which has been treated to prevent leakage, is re-output from the printing device. Image forming system.

[0087] (((2))) The aforementioned leakage prevention treatment is a concealment treatment that prints a concealing image on top of the printed area. The image forming system described in (((1))).

[0088] (((3))) The processor instructs the printing device to perform the concealment process only on a predetermined area of ​​the printed material. The image forming system described in (((2))).

[0089] (((4))) Further downstream of the inspection device is a disposal device for disposing of printed materials. The aforementioned leakage prevention process involves printing instruction information on the printed material in which an abnormality has been detected, instructing the inspection device to transfer the printed material to the disposal device. The image forming system described in (((1))).

[0090] (((5))) The aforementioned disposal device is a shredder. The image forming system described in (((4))).

[0091] (((6))) The aforementioned leakage prevention process is a correction process that corrects the abnormal printed material by reprinting over the area where the abnormality was detected in the printed material, thereby restoring the abnormal printed material to a normal printed material. The image forming system described in (((1))).

[0092] (((7))) The steps include transferring the printed materials output from a continuous-feed printing device to an inspection device, If an abnormality is detected in the printed material by the inspection device, the step of rewinding the abnormal printed material back into the printing device, The printing apparatus is used to perform a leakage prevention process on the printed material to prevent the information printed on the material from leaking to the outside. The steps include: re-outputting the printed material that has been treated to prevent leakage from the printing device; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0093] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0094] According to the image forming system of (((1))), it is possible to prevent the leakage of printed information from printed materials that are printed and discarded by a continuous-feed printing device.

[0095] According to the image forming system of (((2))), leakage prevention processing can be performed by utilizing the printing function provided by the printing device.

[0096] According to the image forming system (((3))), it is possible to prevent the censorship process from being applied to areas that are not needed.

[0097] According to the image forming system (((4))), any abnormal printed materials can be disposed of by a disposal device.

[0098] According to the image forming system (((5))), any abnormal printed materials can be disposed of by shredding.

[0099] According to the image forming system of (((6))), leakage prevention processing can be performed by utilizing the printing function provided by the printing device.

[0100] According to the program in (((7))), it is possible to prevent the leakage of printed information from printed materials that are printed and discarded by a continuous-form printer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 10 Image Forming Systems 11 Control Unit 11a processor 11b memory 11c storage section 12 Communication Interfaces 13. User Interface Device 14 Printing device 14a Printing Department 15 Inspection equipment 15a Inspection Department 15b Cutting section 16 Disposal equipment 16a Processing Unit 17 Control bus 18 rolls of paper 40 print area 41. Confidential Area 42 Symbols

Claims

1. A continuous-form printing device, An inspection device for inspecting printed materials output from the aforementioned printing device, Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The printed material output from the printing device is transferred to the inspection device. If the inspection device detects an abnormality in the printed material, the abnormal printed material is rewound back into the printing device. The printing apparatus is provided with a leakage prevention process to prevent the information printed on the printed material from leaking to the outside. The printed material, which has been treated to prevent leakage, is re-output from the printing device. Image forming system.

2. The aforementioned leakage prevention treatment is a concealment treatment that prints a concealing image on top of the printed area. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The processor instructs the printing device to perform the concealment process only on a predetermined area of ​​the printed material. The image forming system according to claim 2.

4. Further downstream of the inspection device is a disposal device for disposing of printed materials. The aforementioned leakage prevention process involves printing instruction information on the printed material in which an abnormality has been detected, instructing the inspection device to transfer the printed material to the disposal device. The image forming system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned disposal device is a shredder. The image forming system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned leakage prevention process is a correction process that corrects the abnormal printed material by reprinting over the area where the abnormality was detected in the printed material, thereby restoring the abnormal printed material to a normal printed material. The image forming system according to claim 1.

7. The steps include transferring the printed materials output from a continuous-feed printing device to an inspection device, If an abnormality is detected in the printed material by the inspection device, the step of rewinding the abnormal printed material back into the printing device, The printing apparatus is used to perform a leakage prevention process on the printed material to prevent the information printed on the material from leaking to the outside. The steps include: re-outputting the printed material that has been treated to prevent leakage from the printing device; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images