Image forming apparatus

Abstract

This makes it easy to confirm that when ledgers and other records stored electronically are printed on paper, those printed documents are not subject to storage. [Solution] The image forming apparatus of this embodiment comprises a printer, an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a recording processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data. The determination unit determines whether or not to include the image data acquired by the acquisition unit in the electronic recording. If the determination unit determines that the image data should be included in the electronic recording, the recording processing unit performs recording processing to record information that identifies the image data as being included in the electronic recording. If the determination unit determines that the image data should not be included in the electronic recording, the recording processing unit does not perform recording processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In the amended Electronic Book Preservation Act in 2021, it is stipulated that books and the like related to electronic transactions shall be stored by electromagnetic recording, and printing on paper media for storage is no longer permitted. However, printing books and the like stored by electromagnetic recording on paper media for reference purposes is not prohibited. Therefore, when printing books and the like stored by electromagnetic recording on paper media, it is preferable to be able to confirm that the printed matter is not the object of storage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily confirming that a printed matter is not an object of storage when printing books and the like stored by electromagnetic recording on paper media.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The image forming apparatus of this embodiment comprises a printer, an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a recording processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data. The determination unit determines whether or not the image data acquired by the acquisition unit should be subject to electronic recording. If the determination unit determines that the image data should be subject to electronic recording, the recording processing unit performs recording processing to record information that identifies the image data as subject to electronic recording. If the determination unit determines that the image data should not be subject to electronic recording, the recording processing unit does not perform recording processing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the mechanical configuration of a multifunction printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram schematically showing the main circuit configuration of the multifunction printer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Flowchart for processing received ledger data. [Figure 4] Flowchart for processing received ledger data. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating an example of adding the first marking data. [Figure 6] A diagram schematically representing the structure of management data. [Figure 7] Flowchart for the ledger submission process. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating an example of adding a second marking data. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of adding a third type of marking data. [Figure 10] Flowchart for the ledger printing process. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram representing the structure of a single data record included in a management database. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a multifunction device equipped with the function of an image forming apparatus will be described as an example. A multifunction device is also called an MFP (multifunction peripheral). Figure 1 is a diagram showing the mechanical configuration of the multifunction printer 100 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 1 does not strictly represent the mechanical configuration of the multifunction printer 100, and the shape and positional relationships of some elements may differ from the actual configuration. As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction device 100 includes a scanner 101, a printer 102, and a tag reader / writer 103.

[0008] Scanner 101 reads an image of a document and generates corresponding image data. Scanner 101 uses an image sensor, such as a line sensor using a CCD (charge-coupled device), to generate image data corresponding to the reflected light image from the reading surface of the document. Scanner 101 scans a document placed on the document table using an image sensor that moves along the document. Alternatively, scanner 101 scans a document transported by an ADF (auto document feeder) using a fixed image sensor.

[0009] Printer 102 forms an image on a print medium using an electrophotographic method. The print medium is typically print paper such as cut sheets. Therefore, the following explanation assumes that print paper is used as the print medium. However, a paper sheet material other than cut sheets may be used as the print medium, or a sheet material made of a material other than paper, such as resin, may be used. Printer 102 has a color printing function for printing color images on print paper and a monochrome printing function for printing monochrome images on print paper. Printer 102 forms a color image by superimposing element images using, for example, three toners of yellow, magenta, and cyan, or four toners including black. Printer 102 also forms a monochrome image using, for example, black toner. However, printer 102 may have only one of the color printing function or the monochrome printing function.

[0010] The tag reader / writer 103 is provided as a separate optional unit from the main body of the multifunction printer 100, for example, and is attached to the side of the main body of the multifunction printer 100 as shown in Figure 1. However, the tag reader / writer 103 may be attached to another location, such as the front of the main body of the multifunction printer 100. Alternatively, the tag reader / writer 103 may be built into the main body of the multifunction printer 100. The tag reader / writer 103 is a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an RFID tag, which is an example of an integrated circuit (IC) tag. The tag reader / writer 103 reads the data stored in the RFID tag. The tag reader / writer 103 writes arbitrary data to the RFID tag. The RFID tag is attached to the print paper that is transported for image formation within the printer 102. In other words, the tag reader / writer 103 is an example of a writing device.

[0011] In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the printer 102 includes a paper feed unit 1, a print engine 2, a fuser unit 3, an ADU (automatic duplexing unit) 4, and an output tray 5. The paper feeding unit 1 includes paper feeding cassettes 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, pickup rollers 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, conveying rollers 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, a conveying roller 13, and a registration roller 14.

[0012] The paper feeding cassettes 10-1 to 10-3 store printed papers in a stacked state. The printed papers stored in the paper feeding cassettes 10-1 to 10-3 may be different types of printed papers with different sizes and materials, or may be the same type of printed papers. The paper feeding unit 1 may also include a manual feed tray. The pickup rollers 11-1 to 11-3 take out one printed paper at a time from each of the paper feeding cassettes 10-1 to 10-3. The pickup rollers 11-1 to 11-3 feed the taken-out printed papers to the conveying rollers 12-1 to 12-3.

[0013] The conveying rollers 12-1 to 12-3 feed the printed papers fed from the pickup rollers 11-1 to 11-3 to the conveying roller 13 through a conveying path formed by a guide member (not shown). The conveying roller 13 further conveys the printed paper fed from any of the conveying rollers 12-1 to 12-3 and feeds it to the registration roller 14.

[0014] The registration roller 14 corrects the inclination of the printed paper. The registration roller 14 adjusts the timing for feeding the printed paper to the print engine 2. The paper feeding cassettes, pickup rollers, and conveying rollers are not limited to three sets, and any number of sets may be provided. Also, if a manual feed tray is provided, one set of the paper feeding cassette and the corresponding pickup roller and conveying roller may not be provided.

[0015] The print engine 2 includes a belt 20, support rollers 21, 22, 23, 24, image forming units 25-1, 25-2, 25-3, 25-4, supply units 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, 26-4, an exposure unit 27, a transfer roller 28, and a belt cleaner 29. The belt 20 is endless and is supported by support rollers 21, 22, 23, and 24 so as to maintain the state shown in FIG. 1. The belt 20 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 as the support roller 21 rotates. The belt 20 temporarily holds an image of toner to be formed on the print paper on the outer surface (hereinafter referred to as the image-carrying surface). For the belt 20, for example, a semiconductive polyimide is used in terms of heat resistance and abrasion resistance. The movement of the image-carrying surface accompanying the rotation of the belt 20 realizes so-called sub-scanning, and the moving direction of the image-carrying surface is also called the sub-scanning direction.

[0016] The image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 each include a photoreceptor, a charger, a developer, a transferrer, and a cleaner, and perform image formation by an electrophotographic method in cooperation with the exposure unit 27. Note that the transferrer may not be included in the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4, may be included in another unit such as a unit including the belt 20, or may exist in a state of not belonging to any unit. The image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 are arranged along the belt 20 with the axial directions of the respective photoreceptors parallel to each other. The image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 are the same in structure and operation except that the colors of the toner used are different. The image forming unit 25-1 forms, for example, a black elemental image. The image forming unit 25-2 forms, for example, a cyan elemental image. The image forming unit 25-3 forms, for example, a magenta elemental image. The image forming unit 25-4 forms, for example, a yellow elemental image. The image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 overlap the elemental images of each color with each other on the image-carrying surface of the belt 20. Thereby, the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 form a color image in which the elemental images of each color are superimposed on the image-carrying surface of the belt 20 at the time when the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 pass through the image forming unit 25-1.

[0017] Supply units 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and 26-4 are capable of attaching and detaching toner bottles containing toner, and each supplies the toner contained in the attached toner bottle to the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4, respectively. The toner bottles may contain toner alone, i.e., as a so-called one-component developer, or they may contain toner mixed with other substances such as carriers, as a so-called multi-component developer. When the toner bottles contain a multi-component developer, supply units 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and 26-4 supply the toner together with the carriers and other substances. However, the diagram of the passage through which the toner supplied from supply units 26-1 to 26-4 to image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 passes is omitted in Figure 1.

[0018] The exposure unit 27 exposes each photoreceptor of the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 according to image data representing elemental images of each color. The exposure unit 27 can be a laser scanner or an LED (light-emitting diode) head, for example. If a laser scanner is used, the exposure unit 27 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser element, a polygon mirror, an imaging lens system, and a mirror. In this case, the exposure unit 27 selectively directs a laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser element according to the image data onto each photoreceptor of the image forming units 25-1 to 25-4 by switching the emission direction using a mirror. The exposure unit 27 also scans the laser beam in the axial direction of the photoreceptor (depth direction in Figure 1) using the polygon mirror. This scanning of the laser beam is called the main scan, and its direction is called the main scan direction.

[0019] The transfer roller 28 is positioned parallel to the support roller 24, and sandwiches the belt 20 between the support roller 24 and the transfer roller 28. The transfer roller 28 sandwiches the print paper fed from the registration roller 14 between itself and the image-bearing surface of the belt 20. The transfer roller 28 then uses electrostatic force to transfer the toner image formed on the image-bearing surface of the belt 20 to the print paper. The belt cleaner 29 removes toner that was not completely transferred to the print paper and remains on the image-bearing surface of the belt 20.

[0020] The fixing unit 3 includes a fixing roller 30 and a pressure roller 31. The fuser roller 30 houses a heater inside, for example, a heat-resistant metal roller. The heater is, for example, an induction heating (IH) heater, but any other type of heater can be used as appropriate. The fuser roller 30 fixes the toner to the print paper by melting the toner attached to the print paper fed from the print engine 2. The pressure roller 31 is positioned parallel to the fuser roller 30 and pressed against the fuser roller 30. The pressure roller 31 traps the print paper fed from the print engine 2 between itself and the fuser roller 30 and presses it against the fuser roller 30.

[0021] The ADU4 includes multiple rollers and selectively performs the following two operations. The first operation is to feed the print paper that has passed through the fuser unit 3 directly towards the output tray 5. This first operation is performed when single-sided or double-sided printing is completed. The second operation is to transport the print paper that has passed through the fuser unit 3 to the output tray 5, then switch it back and feed it to the print engine 2. This second operation is performed when image formation on only one side of a double-sided print is completed. The output tray 5 receives the printed paper on which the image has been formed and ejected.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the main circuit configuration of the multifunction device 100. In Figure 2, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are the same as those shown in Figure 1, and their detailed explanations are omitted. In addition to the scanner 101, printer 102, and tag reader / writer 103 shown in Figure 1, the multifunction device 100 includes a processor 104, main memory unit 105, auxiliary memory unit 106, control panel 107, input image processing unit 108, output image processing unit 109, image codec 110, image processing unit 111, authentication unit 112, image recognition unit 113, FAX (facsimile) control unit 114, communication unit 115, and transmission line 116.

[0023] By connecting the processor 104, the main memory unit 105, and the auxiliary memory unit 106 with a transmission line 116, a computer is configured to perform information processing for comprehensively controlling each part that makes up the multifunction device 100. The processor 104 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 104 performs the information processing described later according to information processing programs such as the operating system, middleware, and application programs.

[0024] The main memory unit 105 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 105 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 105 stores a portion of the information processing program described above in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 105 may also store data necessary for the processor 104 to perform processing to control each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 105 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 104.

[0025] The auxiliary storage unit 106 corresponds to the auxiliary storage unit portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 106 can be a combination of well-known storage devices, such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), and an SSD (solid state drive), either individually or in combination. The auxiliary storage unit 106 stores data used by the processor 104 in performing various processes, as well as data generated by the processing performed by the processor 104. The auxiliary storage unit 106 may also store information processing programs. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 106 stores the control program PRA. The control program PRA is an information processing program that describes information processing for the control of the multifunction device 100.

[0026] The control panel 107 includes an input device and a display device. The control panel 107 receives instructions from the operator via the input device. The control panel 107 displays various information to be notified to the operator via the display device. For example, the control panel 107 can use a touch panel, various switches, and various lamps, either individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0027] The input image processing unit 108 performs image processing on the image data generated by the scanner 101. The output image processing unit 109 performs image processing on the image data to be sent to the printer 102 for printing. Image codec 110 encodes image data to generate fax data. Image codec 110 decodes the fax data to obtain image data.

[0028] The image processing unit 111 performs image processing for the annotation process described later. The authentication unit 112 adds an electronic signature and a timestamp to the document file. The image recognition unit 113 recognizes handwritten characters contained in the image represented by the image data. The image recognition unit 113 also recognizes marking data contained in the image represented by the image data.

[0029] The FAX control unit 114 includes a FAX transmission unit 1141 and a FAX reception unit 1142. The FAX transmission unit 1141 transmits FAX data obtained by the image codec 110 to any destination such as a FAX terminal 300 via the public communication network 200. The FAX reception unit 1142 receives FAX data transmitted from any source such as a FAX terminal 300 and transmitted via the public communication network 200. The public communication network 200 can be a PSTN (public switched telephone network) or an ISDN (integrated services digital network), either alone or in an appropriate combination.

[0030] The communication unit 115 communicates data with any data communication terminal, such as an information terminal 500, via the computer network 400. The communication unit 115 can use any well-known communication device compliant with the communication method applicable to the computer network 400. In other words, if a LAN (local area network) is used as the computer network 400, then the communication unit 115 can use a LAN-compliant communication device. The computer network 400 can use the Internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN, public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., individually or in appropriate combinations. The transmission path 116 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, as well as interface sections for connecting each part to these address bus, data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0031] Generally, the transfer of the multifunction printer 100 is carried out with the control program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 106. However, the hardware may be transferred separately from the control program PRA, either without the control program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 106, or with a different version of the same type of application program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 106. The multifunction printer 100 may then be configured by writing the control program PRA to the auxiliary storage unit 106 in response to an operation by any operator. The transfer of the control program PRA can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network.

[0032] Next, the operation of the multifunction printer 100 configured as described above will be explained. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are examples, and it is possible to change the order of some processes, omit some processes, or add other processes as appropriate. When the processor 104 needs to receive documents subject to the Electronic Bookkeeping Law, such as ledgers (hereinafter referred to as "ledgers"), via fax, it executes ledger reception processing according to the control program PRA. Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts of the processor 104 during the ledger reception process.

[0033] In Figure 3, the processor 104, designated as ACT11, performs FAX reception processing. That is, the processor 104, for example, causes the FAX receiving unit 1142 to receive FAX data transmitted via the public communication network 200. The processor 104 then temporarily stores the FAX data received by the FAX receiving unit 1142 in the main storage unit 105 or the auxiliary storage unit 106.

[0034] As ACT12, processor 104 performs decompression processing. That is, processor 104, for example, has the image codec 110 decode the FAX data temporarily stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 as described above. Then, processor 104 temporarily stores the image data obtained from the decoding by the image codec 110 in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106. Here, by having processor 104 execute information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with processor 104 as its central component realizes the function of an acquisition unit that acquires image data from FAX data in cooperation with the image codec 110.

[0035] As ACT13, the processor 104 checks whether asynchronous mode is set as the ledger reception mode. In the multifunction printer 100, asynchronous mode, simple synchronous mode, and synchronous mode can be selectively set as the ledger reception mode. For example, the processor 104, through a process separate from the ledger reception process, for example, at the request of the administrator of the multifunction printer 100, updates the setting data stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 to indicate whether asynchronous mode, simple synchronous mode, or synchronous mode is set as the ledger reception mode. Then, for example, the processor 104 checks the setting data and, if it confirms that asynchronous mode is set, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT14.

[0036] As ACT14, the processor 104 checks whether or not paper output should be performed. For example, if the setting data stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 indicates a setting for paper output, the processor 104 determines YES. In this case, the processor 104, for example, through a process separate from the ledger reception process, receives a specification from an administrator or the like and updates the setting data stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 to indicate either a setting for paper output or an electronic record setting. The processor 104 may also decide whether to perform paper output or electronic record for each individual fax reception, according to the user's specification. In other words, the processor 104 determines whether or not to make an electronic record based on the check in ACT14. Thus, by the processor 104 executing information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with the processor 104 as its central part functions as a decision unit. If the processor 104 determines YES, that paper output should be performed, it proceeds to ACT15.

[0037] As ACT15, processor 104 starts printing. Specifically, processor 104 instructs the output image processing unit 109 to perform image processing as pre-processing for printing on the image data temporarily stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 in ACT12, and also instructs printer 102 to start image formation based on the image data processed by output image processing unit 109. At this time, the computer with processor 104 as its central component functions as a print control unit.

[0038] As ACT16, processor 104 waits for printer 102 to finish printing. Once printing is complete, processor 104 determines YES and terminates the ledger reception process. Thus, the ledger represented by the fax data received this time will be printed on paper and no electronic record will be made. For this reason, the original ledger in question will be the paper printout as described above.

[0039] On the other hand, if electromagnetic recording is to be performed, the processor 104 determines NO in ACT14, indicating that paper output should not be performed, and proceeds to ACT31 in Figure 4. As ACT31, processor 104 performs document file conversion processing. That is, processor 104 targets the image data temporarily stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 in ACT12 in Figure 3, and causes the image processing unit 111 to perform conversion processing into a document file according to a predetermined file format. As the file format, for example, PDF format is expected to be used, but any file format may be applied.

[0040] As ACT32, processor 104 performs authentication processing. That is, processor 104 adds an electronic signature and a timestamp to the image file obtained by image processing unit 111 in ACT31. As ACT33, processor 104 performs a save operation. That is, processor 104 performs a process to save the image file, after adding an electronic signature and timestamp, to a storage medium predetermined as the storage destination for electromagnetic records. The storage destination may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, an administrator. As an example, the storage device provided by the information terminal 500 shown in Figure 1 may be designated as the storage destination. In this case, processor 104 requests the information terminal 500 to save the image file via the computer network 400 from the communication unit 115. It is also conceivable that the auxiliary storage unit 106 may be set as the storage destination. In this case, processor 104 writes the image file to the auxiliary storage unit 106. Thus, the FAX data received this time is electromagnetically recorded as a document file, and this document file becomes the original ledger represented by the FAX data received this time. At this time, the computer with processor 104 as its central part functions as a record control unit.

[0041] As ACT34, processor 104 checks whether a backup printout is required. For example, if the configuration data stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 indicates a setting to perform a backup printout, processor 104 determines YES. In this case, for example, through a process separate from the ledger reception process, processor 104 may, upon request from an administrator or the like, update the configuration data stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 to indicate whether or not to perform a backup printout. Processor 104 may also decide whether or not to perform a backup printout for each individual fax reception, based on a user's specification. If processor 104 determines that a backup printout is required and determines YES, it proceeds to ACT35.

[0042] As ACT35, processor 104 checks whether the print paper to be used for the upcoming print has an RFID tag. Processor 104 selects the print paper to be used for the upcoming print from among the print paper loaded in each of the paper feed cassettes 10-1 to 10-3, or, if a manual feed tray is provided, the print paper loaded in this manual feed tray as well. This selection process may be the same as that of another existing multifunction printer. Alternatively, if RFID-tagged print paper is loaded, processor 104 may select that print paper for the backup print. Then, if the selected print paper does not have an RFID tag, processor 104 determines NO and proceeds to ACT36.

[0043] As ACT36, processor 104 performs annotation processing. That is, processor 104 instructs image processing unit 111 to perform image processing to add an image that can identify that the document file obtained in ACT31 is the subject of an electronic record (hereinafter referred to as the first marking data). The image to be annotated may be the image represented by the image data temporarily stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 in ACT12.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an example of adding the first marking data. Images IMA and IMB are examples of images represented by the received fax data, and each represents an image from a different page. In other words, Figure 5 is an example of a case where the received fax data relates to a fax transmission of a two-page document. Note that in Figure 5, and in Figures 8 and 9 described later, some of the characters represented by images IMA and IMB are replaced with "X". As shown in Figure 5, the image processing unit 111 adds the same first marking data MDA to the same position in both the image IMA and IMB. The first marking data MDA includes the string "Original Electronic Data" to identify it as an electronic record.

[0045] Thus, the processing performed by the processor 104 to print the first marking data MDA corresponds to recording processing for recording information that makes it possible to identify that the object is subject to electromagnetic recording. In other words, by having the processor 104 perform information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with the processor 104 as its central component functions as a recording processing unit.

[0046] As ACT37, processor 104 starts printing. Specifically, processor 104 has the output image processing unit 109 perform image processing as pre-processing for printing on the image data obtained through annotation processing in ACT36, and also has the printer 102 start image formation based on the image data processed by the output image processing unit 109.

[0047] Meanwhile, in ACT35, if processor 104 confirms that the print paper to be used for the upcoming print job has an RFID tag, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT38. As ACT38, processor 104 starts printing. Specifically, processor 104 has the output image processing unit 109 perform image processing as pre-processing for printing on the image data temporarily stored in the main storage unit 105 or auxiliary storage unit 106 in ACT12, and also has the printer 102 start image formation based on the image data processed by the output image processing unit 109. Note that the print started here may be based on the document file obtained in ACT31.

[0048] As ACT39, processor 104 performs tag writing processing in parallel with image formation by printer 102. In other words, processor 104 generates management data to manage the status of the electromagnetic record of the document being printed. Then, processor 104 causes tag reader / writer 103 to write the management data to the RFID tag attached to the print paper being transported by printer 102 for image formation.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the management data DA. The management data DA includes information IA, IB, IC, and ID. Processor 104 sets the file path as information IA to identify the save location of the document file during the save process in ACT33. Processor 104 sets the save date and time of the document file during the save process in ACT33 as information IB. Processor 104 sets the user identifier as information IC to identify the user. Processor 104 sets information ID if a predetermined condition is met.

[0050] Thus, the processing performed by the processor 104 to write the management data DA to the RFID tag corresponds to a recording process for recording information that makes it possible to identify that the item is subject to electromagnetic recording. In other words, by having the processor 104 perform information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with the processor 104 as its central component functions as a recording processing unit.

[0051] Processor 104 proceeds from either ACT37 or ACT39 to ACT40. As ACT40, processor 104 waits for printer 102 to finish printing. Once printing is complete, processor 104 determines YES and terminates the ledger reception process. If processor 104 determines NO in ACT34, indicating that a copy print is not needed, it skips ACT35 to ACT40 and terminates the ledger reception process.

[0052] As described above, when asynchronous mode is set as the mode for receiving ledgers, the received ledger is treated as either a paper original or an electronic record original, depending on the settings in the multifunction printer 100. When the ledger is treated as an electronic record original and printed as a copy, the first marking data MDA is added to the image representing the ledger, or management data DA is written to the RFID tag. This makes it easy to confirm that when ledgers stored as electronic records are printed on paper, the printed material is not intended for storage. When printing a ledger treated as a paper original, neither the first marking data MDA is added nor the management data DA is written to the RFID tag. Therefore, based on the status of the addition of the first marking data MDA or the storage status of the management data DA in the RFID tag, it is possible to identify whether the ledger printed by the printer 102 is a paper original or an electronic record original.

[0053] Now, if processor 104 determines NO in ACT13 in Figure 3 because asynchronous mode is not set as the mode for receiving the ledger, it proceeds to ACT17. As ACT17, processor 104 checks whether the simplified synchronization mode is set as the mode for receiving the ledger. If the simplified synchronization mode is set, processor 104 determines it is YES and proceeds to ACT18. As ACT18, processor 104 performs handwriting recognition processing. In other words, processor 104 instructs image recognition unit 113 to perform the process of recognizing handwritten characters from the image data temporarily stored in main memory unit 105 or auxiliary memory unit 106 in ACT12.

[0054] In ACT19, the processor 104 checks whether there are any handwritten characters that have been successfully recognized by the image recognition unit 113. If the image recognition unit 113 has recognized handwritten characters, the processor 104 determines that there are handwritten characters and YES, proceeds to ACT15, and executes ACT15 and ACT16 in the same manner as described above. If the image recognition unit 113 has not recognized any handwritten characters, the processor 104 determines that there are no handwritten characters and NO in ACT19, and executes ACT31 onwards in Figure 4 in the same manner as described above.

[0055] As described above, when the simplified synchronization mode is set as the mode for receiving ledgers, the received ledger is treated as a paper original if it contains handwritten characters, and as an electronic record original if it does not contain handwritten characters. When the ledger is treated as an electronic record original and printed as a copy, the first marking data MDA is added to the image representing the ledger, or management data DA is written to the RFID tag. This makes it easy to confirm that when ledgers stored as electronic records are printed on paper, the printed material is not intended for storage. When printing a ledger treated as a paper original, neither the first marking data MDA is added nor the management data DA is written to the RFID tag. Therefore, based on the status of the addition of the first marking data MDA or the storage status of the management data DA on the RFID tag, it is possible to identify whether the ledger printed by the printer 102 is a paper original or an electronic record original. In other words, the processor 104 determines whether or not to include data in the electromagnetic record based on the confirmation in ACT19. Thus, by having the processor 104 perform information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with the processor 104 as its central component functions as a decision-making unit.

[0056] Now, if processor 104 determines NO in ACT17 in Figure 3 because the simplified synchronization mode is not set as the mode for receiving the ledger, it proceeds to ACT20. In other words, if the synchronization mode is set as the mode for receiving the ledger, processor 104 will proceed to ACT20.

[0057] When using synchronous mode as the mode for receiving ledger data, it is assumed that the sending fax terminal 300 will also be the multifunction printer 100. Then, in the multifunction printer 100 used as the sending fax terminal 300, the processor 104 executes the ledger transmission process according to the control program PRA when it becomes necessary to send the ledger by fax.

[0058] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the processor 104 in the ledger transmission process. As ACT51, processor 104 checks whether or not to scan the document using scanner 101. If the ledger has been placed in scanner 101 and the ledger transmission process has started in response to the instruction to start scanning, processor 104 determines YES and proceeds to ACT52. As ACT52, processor 104 performs scanning. That is, processor 104 causes scanner 101 to scan the ledger and also causes input image processing unit 108 to perform image processing on the image data generated by scanner 101.

[0059] As ACT53, processor 104 performs annotation processing. That is, processor 104 instructs image processing unit 111 to perform image processing to add an image (hereinafter referred to as second marking data) to the image represented by the image data processed by input image processing unit 108 to indicate that it is a paper original.

[0060] Figure 8 shows an example of adding the second marking data. As shown in Figure 8, the image processing unit 111 adds the same second marking data MDB to the same position in both the image IMA and IMB. The second marking data MDB indicates that it is a paper original by including the string "The original is on paper".

[0061] Now, if the processor 104 has initiated the ledger transmission process in response to a request for ledger transmission from an information terminal 500 or the like via the computer network 400, it will determine NO in ACT 51 that it is not a scan and proceed to ACT 54. As ACT54, processor 104 performs document file reception processing. That is, processor 104 causes communication unit 115 to receive the document file that has been sent from the requesting information terminal 500 and transmitted via the computer network 400.

[0062] As ACT55, processor 104 performs data conversion processing. Specifically, processor 104, as ACT54, has the image processing unit 111 convert the document file received by the communication unit 115 into image data suitable for fax transmission. As ACT56, processor 104 performs annotation processing. In other words, processor 104 instructs image processing unit 111 to perform image processing to add an image (hereinafter referred to as third marking data) to the image represented by the image data obtained by the conversion processing of image processing unit 111, which indicates that it is an original electronic record.

[0063] Figure 9 shows an example of adding a third type of marking data. As shown in Figure 9, the image processing unit 111 adds the same third marking data MDC to the same position in both images IMA and IMB. The third marking data MDC includes the string "The original is electronic data" to indicate that it is an electronic record original.

[0064] After completing either ACT53 or ACT56, processor 104 proceeds to ACT57 in either case. As ACT57, processor 104 performs coding. That is, processor 104 encodes the image data that has been annotated in ACT53 or ACT56 using image codec 110.

[0065] As ACT58, processor 104 performs the fax transmission process. That is, processor 104 establishes a connection with the multifunction printer 100 designated as the destination via the public communication network 200, and then has the fax data obtained by encoding in ACT57 sent from the fax transmission unit 1141. After processor 104 has finished sending the fax data, it terminates the ledger transmission process.

[0066] On the other hand, the processor 104 in the receiving multifunction device 100 proceeds to ACT20 in Figure 3, as described above, because the synchronization mode is set as the mode for receiving ledger data. As ACT20, processor 104 checks whether the sender is paper-based or not. That is, processor 104 instructs image recognition unit 113 to recognize whether the second marking data MDB or the third marking data MDC is attached to the image represented by the FAX data. If the second marking data MDB is recognized by image recognition unit 113, processor 104 determines YES, indicating paper-based management, and executes ACT15 and ACT16 as described above. If the third marking data MDC is recognized by image recognition unit 113, processor 104 determines NO, indicating electronic record management, and executes ACT31 onwards in Figure 4 as described above.

[0067] As described above, when the synchronization mode is set as the mode for receiving the ledger, the receiving ledger is notified by adding the second marking data MDB or the third marking data MDC to determine whether it will be treated as a paper original or an electronic record original, according to the management format at the transmitting side. When it is treated as an electronic record original and the ledger is printed as a copy, the first marking data MDA is added to the image representing the ledger, or management data DA is written to the RFID tag. This makes it easy to confirm that when a ledger stored as an electronic record is printed on paper, the printed material is not subject to storage. When printing a ledger treated as a paper original, neither the first marking data MDA is added nor the management data DA is written to the RFID tag. Therefore, based on the status of the addition of the first marking data MDA or the storage status of the management data DA on the RFID tag, it is possible to identify whether the ledger printed by the printer 102 is a paper original or an electronic record original. In other words, the processor 104 determines whether or not to include data in the electromagnetic recording based on the verification in ACT20. Thus, by having the processor 104 perform information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer with the processor 104 as its central component functions as a decision-making unit.

[0068] Now, when request information for printing a ledger stored in the information terminal 500 for electronic recording is transmitted from the information terminal 500, transmitted via the computer network 400, and received by the communication unit 115, the processor 104 executes the ledger printing process according to the control program PRA. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the processor 104 during the ledger printing process.

[0069] As ACT61, processor 104 performs document file reception processing. In other words, processor 104 causes communication unit 115 to receive the document file that has been sent from information terminal 500 as a target for printing and transmitted via computer network 400. As ACT62, processor 104 performs data conversion processing. Specifically, processor 104 converts the document file received by communication unit 115 in ACT61 into image data suitable for image formation by printer 102 using image processing unit 111.

[0070] As ACT63, processor 104 checks whether the print paper to be used for the upcoming print job has an RFID tag, similar to ACT35 in Figure 4. If the selected print paper does not have an RFID tag, processor 104 determines NO and proceeds to ACT64. As ACT64, processor 104 performs annotation processing in the same manner as ACT36 in Figure 4. However, the target to which processor 104 adds the first marking data is the image represented by the image data obtained through the data conversion processing in ACT62.

[0071] As ACT65, processor 104 starts printing. That is, processor 104 instructs output image processing unit 109 to perform image processing for printing on the image data obtained by annotation processing in ACT64, and also instructs printer 102 to start image formation based on the image data processed by output image processing unit 109.

[0072] Meanwhile, in ACT63, if processor 104 confirms that the print paper to be used for the upcoming print job has an RFID tag, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT66. As ACT66, processor 104 starts printing. That is, processor 104 instructs output image processing unit 109 to perform image processing for printing on the image data obtained through the data conversion process in ACT62, and also instructs printer 102 to start image formation based on the image data processed by output image processing unit 109. As ACT67, processor 104 performs tag writing processing in parallel with image formation by printer 102, similar to ACT39 in Figure 4.

[0073] Processor 104 proceeds from ACT65 or ACT67 to ACT68. As ACT68, processor 104 waits for printer 102 to finish printing. Once printing is complete, processor 104 determines YES and terminates the ledger printing process.

[0074] As described above, when printing an electronically recorded ledger as a copy, the first marking data MDA is added to the image representing the ledger, or management data DA is written to the RFID tag. In this way, it is possible to identify the printed ledger as the original electronic record.

[0075] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: The processor 104 may, instead of writing management data to the RFID tag, update a management database stored in the auxiliary storage unit 106 or a storage device provided in the information terminal 500. Figure 11 schematically represents the structure of a single data record RA included in the management database. The management database is a collection of data records RA associated with each RFID tag. Each data record RA includes fields FA, FB, FC, FD, and FE. Field FA contains the tag identifier of the associated RFID tag. The tag identifier may be one that is pre-recorded on the RFID tag, or it may be determined by the processor 104 during the tag writing process and written to the RFID tag. Fields FB, FC, FD, and FE contain the information that is included in the management data as information IA, IB, IC, and ID.

[0076] The processor 104 may perform both the addition of the first marking data MDA and the writing of management data to the RFID tag. Alternatively, the processor 104 may perform either the addition of the first marking data MDA or the writing of management data to the RFID tag as a fixed action, rather than selectively as in the above embodiment.

[0077] The processor 104 may write management data, which is distinct from the management data DA, to the RFID tag when RFID-tagged print paper is used to print the ledger, which is the original paper document.

[0078] The processor 104 may add marking data that allows it to identify the ledger as a paper original when printing it. In this case, the processor 104 may choose not to add the first marking data MDA.

[0079] In synchronous mode, processor 104 may choose not to add the first marking data and instead use the third marking data MDC in place of the first marking data. In other words, in this case, processor 104 omits ACT36 in Figure 4.

[0080] In synchronous mode, the second marking data MDB and the third marking data may be deleted by the receiving multifunction device 100, for example, by the image processing unit 111.

[0081] The processor 104 may process image data other than that obtained from the fax data. For example, the processor 104 may process image data obtained by scanning with the scanner 101 and perform the processing from ACT14 onwards in Figure 3. In this case, the scanner 101 will function as the acquisition unit.

[0082] You may omit one or two of the ledger reception modes.

[0083] Instead of printer 102, printers of various types other than electrophotography may be provided.

[0084] Each function realized by the processor 104 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0085] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 100...Multifunction printer, 101...Scanner, 102...Printer, 103...Tag reader / writer, 104...Processor, 105...Main memory unit, 106...Auxiliary memory unit, 107...Control panel, 108...Input image processing unit, 109...Output image processing unit, 110...Image codec, 111...Image processing unit, 112...Authentication unit, 113...Image recognition unit, 114...FAX control unit, 1141...FAX transmission unit, 1142...FAX reception unit, 115...Communication unit, 116...Transmission path, 200...Public communication network, 300...FAX terminal, 400...Computer network, 500...Information terminal.

Claims

1. A printer and An acquisition unit that acquires image data, A determination unit that determines whether or not to include the image data acquired by the acquisition unit in the electronic record, A recording processing unit, which, when instructing the printer to print image data that has been determined by the determination unit to be subject to electronic recording, performs recording processing to record information that can identify that the image data is subject to electronic recording, and does not perform the recording processing when instructing the printer to print image data that has been determined by the determination unit not to be subject to electronic recording, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following.

2. A print control unit, which, in response to the acquisition of image data by the acquisition unit, causes the printer to print according to the image data, A recording control unit, in response to the acquisition of image data by the acquisition unit, performs a predetermined recording process to record the image data onto a storage medium separately from printing under the control of the print control unit. Furthermore, The determination unit determines whether to include the data in electronic recording when the recording process by the recording control unit is performed, and whether to include the data in electronic recording when the recording process by the recording control unit is not performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The recording processing unit performs the recording process by causing the printer to print an image in which an image corresponding to the image data acquired by the acquisition unit is accompanied by an image that identifies it as the subject of electromagnetic recording. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The printer further comprises a writing device that writes data to an IC tag attached to a print medium used by the printer, The recording processing unit performs a process to control the writing device so as the recording process, it writes data that identifies the object as subject to electromagnetic recording to an IC tag attached to a print medium on which an image corresponding to the image data acquired by the acquisition unit is printed by the printer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A receiving unit that receives facsimile data. Furthermore, The acquisition unit acquires image data from the facsimile data received by the receiving unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images