JP2005067045A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which can suppress costs required for image formation and can form a recorded object whose originality is certifiable. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving a printing job (S1), the image forming device judges whether or not it is an enciphered printing job (S2). In the case where it is enciphered (S2: YES), the printing job is decoded (S3), and then a printing process is carried out onto a sheet by an electrophotographic system (S4). A DNA ink is applied onto the sheet passed through the printing process (S5). A paper discharge process for the sheet is carried out (S6). When it is judged that the received printing job is not enciphered (S2: NO), it is judged whether or not designation of erasure after printing, confidential printing or a paper discharge destination is carried out (S7-S9). In the case corresponding to any of the above, the DNA ink is applied onto the sheet passed through the printing process (S5), and the paper discharge process is carried out (S6). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of applying DNA ink according to received image data.

  From an environment in which an original image is copied using an analog copying machine, a system in which an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine are connected under a communication network is constructed. There has been a shift to an environment in which digitized image data is transmitted and an image forming apparatus executes print processing.

  In such a system, an original image can be transmitted by electronic data to be printed, and the electronic data can be stored and managed in a storage means such as an HDD (HDD: Hard Disk Drive). However, it is difficult to provide a proof of the original for the recorded material because it can be easily copied based on the stored electronic data.

Therefore, an image forming apparatus for applying an ink containing DNA (DNA ink) to a recorded matter to be output has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The ink used in this image forming apparatus is, for example, synthesized by mixing a transparent color ink with DNA having a predetermined base sequence, and the administrator of the image forming apparatus or the like provides information on the base sequence of the DNA, Alternatively, by storing a copy of the DNA, the authenticity of the DNA applied on the recorded material can be determined. That is, the DNA applied to the recorded material is collected and the base sequence is analyzed and compared with the information of DNA stored in advance, or the collected DNA and the sample stored in advance are analyzed by the SSCP method (SSCP : Single Standard Conformation Polymorphism) can be used to determine the authenticity of the applied DNA.
JP 2002-72795 A

  However, the above-described image forming apparatus has a configuration in which DNA ink is applied to all the recorded matter to be output. However, since the DNA ink itself is expensive, it has a problem of increasing the cost required for printing. Yes.

  Further, when the DNA ink is applied to all the recorded matter to be output, the chance of analyzing the DNA ink applied to the recorded matter increases, and the DNA ink used in the image forming apparatus is increased. Since the same DNA ink may be illegally synthesized by a third party, there is a problem in that the ability to prove the original of a recorded matter created by the image forming apparatus is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, includes means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance, determines whether or not it is necessary to apply the coating agent on a sheet based on the received image data, Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of imparting the ability of original proof to a recorded material as needed without increasing the cost required for image formation by adopting a configuration that is applied when it is determined to be necessary. For the purpose.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that receives image data and forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data, means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance, and the received image data And a means for determining whether or not the coating agent needs to be applied to the sheet, and a means for applying the coating agent on the sheet when the means determines that it is necessary.

  In the present invention, it is provided with means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance, and it is determined whether or not to apply the coating agent on the sheet based on the received image data. Since the coating agent is applied, for example, when the received image data has confidentiality, the coating agent is applied, and when the received image data does not have confidentiality, the coating agent is not applied. Thus, the consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA can be suppressed, and the original proof ability is given to a sheet on which a confidential image is formed.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that receives image data and forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data, means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance, and the coating agent on the sheet Means for applying the image data on the sheet; and means for determining whether or not the received image data is confidential. When the image data is determined to be confidential, the application agent is applied on the sheet. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, a means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance is provided, and whether the received image data is confidential or not is determined. Therefore, the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, and consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA is suppressed, and the original is formed on the sheet on which a confidential image is formed. Proof ability is granted.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit having one or a plurality of storage areas for storing received image data, and a unit for determining whether or not the image data is stored in a predetermined storage area. And when it is determined that the image data is stored in the storage area, the coating agent is applied on a sheet.

  In the present invention, the storage means having one or a plurality of storage areas for storing the received image data is provided, it is determined whether or not the image data is stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage area is stored in the storage area. When it is determined that the data has been stored, the coating agent is applied on the sheet, so that the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, and the consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA is reduced. In addition, the ability to prove the original is given to the sheet on which the image is formed based on the image data stored in the storage area.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that acquires information relating to a transmission source of image data, and whether the received image data is image data from a predetermined transmission source based on the information acquired by the unit. And a means for judging whether or not the coating agent is applied onto a sheet when it is judged that the received image data is image data from the sending source.

  In the present invention, it is determined whether or not the received image data is image data from a predetermined transmission source. If it is determined that the received image data is image data from the transmission source, the coating agent is applied on the sheet. Since the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA is suppressed, and the coating agent is transmitted from a specific external device. The original certification ability is given to the image-formed sheet based on the image data or the image data input by a specific input means.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to receive information relating to a user when receiving image data, and based on the information received by the means, the received image data is predetermined user image data. Means for determining whether or not the received image data is the image data of the user, and the coating agent is applied on the sheet.

  In the present invention, when the image data is received, information on the user is received, and based on the received information, it is determined whether the received image data is a predetermined user image data, When it is determined that the image data is a predetermined user, the coating agent is applied on the sheet, so that the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, and thus a nucleic acid substance such as DNA. The consumption of the coating agent containing the ink is suppressed, and the ability to prove the original is given to the sheet imaged based on the image data of a specific user.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for discharging an image-formed sheet, means for determining whether or not to request information relating to a user when discharging the sheet, and requesting the information. When judged, the coating agent should be applied on the sheet.

  In the present invention, it is determined whether or not information relating to the user should be requested when the image forming sheet is discharged, and when it is determined that the request should be made, the coating agent is applied onto the sheet. Therefore, the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, so that consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA is suppressed, and the original proof is provided for the sheet image-formed by a so-called confidential function. Ability is granted.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a plurality of sheet storage units that store discharged sheets; a unit that selects a discharge destination of the image formed sheets from the sheet storage unit; and a sheet storage unit that is predetermined by the units Means for determining whether or not is selected, and when it is determined that the sheet storage means is selected, the coating agent is applied on the sheet.

  In the present invention, the sheet storage unit includes a plurality of sheet storage units for storing the discharged sheets, and determines whether or not a predetermined sheet storage unit is selected as a discharge destination of the image-formed sheet. When it is determined that the means has been selected, the coating agent is applied on the sheet, so that the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, and the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA. Consumption can be suppressed, and original proofing ability can be given to a sheet discharged to a specific sheet storage means in consideration of protection of the discharged sheet such as a confidential box.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the nucleic acid substance has a predetermined base sequence.

  In the present invention, since the nucleic acid substance contained in the coating agent has a predetermined base sequence, it is possible to prove the original based on the base sequence.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the nucleic acid substance is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

  In the present invention, since DNA is used as the nucleic acid substance, the original document can be proved based on the coating agent applied on the sheet.

  In the case of the present invention, a means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance is provided, and it is determined whether to apply the coating agent on the sheet based on the received image data. For example, if the received image data has confidentiality, apply the coating agent, and if the received image data does not have confidentiality, do not apply the coating agent. It is possible to control the consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA, and the cost required for image formation can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to certify the original on a sheet on which a confidential image is formed.

  In the case of the present invention, a means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance is provided, and it is determined whether or not the received image data is confidential. Therefore, the coating agent is selectively applied onto the sheet, so that consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA can be suppressed, and the cost required for image formation can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to certify the original on a sheet on which a confidential image is formed.

  In the case of the present invention, the storage means having one or a plurality of storage areas for storing the received image data is provided, and it is determined whether or not the image data is stored in a predetermined storage area and stored in the storage area. If it is determined that the coating agent is applied, the coating agent is applied on the sheet, so that the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, and the consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA is suppressed. Therefore, the cost required for image formation can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to prove the original of a sheet on which an image is formed based on the image data stored in the storage area.

  In the case of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the received image data is image data from a predetermined transmission source. If it is determined that the received image data is image data from the transmission source, the coating agent is applied to the sheet. Since it is applied, the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, so that consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA can be suppressed, and the cost required for image formation is reduced. be able to. In addition, it is possible to provide original proof capability for a sheet on which an image is formed based on image data transmitted from a specific external device or image data input by a specific input unit.

  In the case of the present invention, information relating to the user is received when receiving the image data, and based on the received information, it is determined whether or not the received image data is a predetermined user image data. When it is determined that the image data is for a predetermined user, since the coating agent is applied on the sheet, the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet. Consumption of the contained coating agent can be suppressed, and the cost required for image formation can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to certify an original for a sheet on which an image is formed based on image data of a specific user.

  In the case of the present invention, it is determined whether or not information related to the user should be requested when discharging the image forming sheet, and when it is determined that the request should be made, the coating agent is applied on the sheet. Since the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, consumption of the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA can be suppressed, and the cost required for image formation can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to certify an original for a sheet on which an image is formed by a so-called confidential function.

  In the present invention, the sheet storage unit includes a plurality of sheet storage units for storing the discharged sheets, and determines whether or not a predetermined sheet storage unit is selected as a discharge destination of the image-formed sheet. When it is determined that the means has been selected, the coating agent is applied on the sheet, so that the coating agent is selectively applied on the sheet, and the coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance such as DNA. Consumption can be suppressed, and the cost required for image formation can be reduced. Further, it is possible to certify the original of a sheet discharged to a specific sheet storage means that considers protection of the discharged sheet such as a confidential box.

  In the present invention, since the nucleic acid substance contained in the coating agent has a predetermined base sequence, the original can be proved based on the base sequence.

  In the present invention, since DNA is used as the nucleic acid substance, the original can be reliably proved based on the coating agent applied on the sheet.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus will be described as an embodiment applied to a multifunction machine having a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. A plurality of information processing apparatuses 2, 2, and 2 are connected to the image forming apparatus 1 through a communication network N1, and a facsimile apparatus 3 is connected through a facsimile communication network N2. The information processing apparatus 2 is specifically a personal computer, a workstation, or the like, and a driver program (printer driver) for using the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication network N1 is installed in the information processing apparatus 2 in advance. A print job is generated by the printer driver, and the generated print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a print process.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printing unit that forms an image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP film (OHP: Over Head Projector) by an electrophotographic method, and a DNA ink by an inkjet method on a sheet on which an image is formed by the printing unit. (See FIG. 2). Here, the DNA ink refers to an ink containing DNA which is a kind of nucleic acid substance. In addition to artificially synthesized pseudo DNA, DNA includes artificial nucleic acid substances composed of artificially synthesized bases. Inks include pigment-based inks, dye-based inks, adhesives, fixing agents, coating agents, etc. An arbitrary coating agent containing a synthetic resin agent is included. By using DNA whose base sequence is known in advance as a nucleic acid substance to be contained in the ink, a sheet coated with DNA ink by this image forming apparatus 1 and a sheet not coated with DNA ink or other base sequences It is possible to distinguish from a sheet coated with ink containing DNA. In this embodiment, since the DNA ink is applied after the image is formed by the electrophotographic method, the color of the ink is preferably colorless and transparent or light.

  In this embodiment, the above-described DNA ink is not applied to all sheets, but received image data, that is, image data developed from a print job received via the communication network N1, a facsimile communication network It is determined whether or not to apply DNA ink based on image data developed from facsimile data received via N2 or image data acquired using a scanner function.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is roughly composed of a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 30, a paper feed unit 40, and a paper discharge unit 50. In the image forming apparatus 1, the printer unit 30 forms an image on a sheet supplied from the paper feed unit 40 based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 20, and the image-formed sheet is sent to the paper discharge unit 50. Transport.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described. The scanner unit 20 includes an image reading unit 23 including a light source unit 23a, a mirror unit 23b, and a CCD reading unit 23c (CCD: Charge Coupled Device), and a platen using the light source unit 23a and the mirror unit 23b. An image of a document placed on a glass document table 26 is read. The light source unit 23a is a light source that irradiates reading illumination light to an appropriate position on the document table 26, and the reflection surface is 45 ° with respect to the surface of the document table 26 in order to change the optical path of the reflected light from the document by 90 °. An installed mirror or the like is provided, which is moved in parallel with the surface of the document table 26 by a stepping motor (not shown), and illuminates the entire surface of the document placed on the document table 26 or a selected partial area. Light can be irradiated. The mirror unit 23b is composed of a pair of mirrors arranged so that the reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other, and further changes the optical path of the light reflected by the mirror of the light source unit 23a by 180 °. The CCD reading unit 23c includes a CCD element, an AD converter, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like, and an image of a document is obtained by an imaging lens provided in the middle of a path from the mirror unit 23b to the CCD reading unit 23c. An image is formed on a CCD element, and an analog signal obtained by the CCD element is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. The digital signal obtained by the AD conversion is corrected by the DSP for light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of reading the document, sensitivity variation of the CCD element, and the like, and then stored as image data through a scanner IF described later as digital image data. (See FIG. 3).

  Further, the scanner unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder 25 that sequentially supplies and conveys a plurality of documents, and is configured to quickly read a large number of documents.

  The printer unit 30 electrostatically charges the photosensitive drum 331 by emitting a laser beam based on the image data transferred from the charger 332 and the image memory (see FIG. 3) for charging the photosensitive drum 331 to a predetermined potential. A laser writing unit 330 that generates a latent image, a developing device 334 that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 331 and visualizes the toner, and a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 331 A printing unit 33 including a transfer device 335 and the like for transferring onto a sheet is mounted, and image formation (printing) is performed on the sheet by an electrophotographic method.

  The paper feeding unit 40 includes paper feeding cassettes 411 to 414 for accommodating a plurality of types of sheets having different sizes, orientations, materials, and the like, a large capacity paper feeding cassette 420 for accommodating thousands of sheets, and a user loading. A manual feed tray 430 for taking in an arbitrary sheet placed is provided. The sheet feeding cassettes 411, 413, and 414 are provided with pickup rollers 411a, 413a, and 414a installed so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the leading ends of the stored sheets, and are separately fed by these pickup rollers 411a, 413a, and 414a. The conveyed sheet is conveyed to the printer unit 30 through the conveyance path 401. Similarly, the paper feed cassette 412, the large capacity paper feed cassette 420, and the manual feed tray 430 are provided with pickup rollers 412 a, 420 a, and 430 a, respectively. It is conveyed to the unit 30.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the printing process will be described. The sheet supplied by the paper feeding unit 40 is taken into the printer unit 30 by the conveyance roller 311 and conveyed to the registration roller 312 through the conveyance path 301. A pre-registration detection switch (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the registration roller 312, and the conveyed sheet is used to align the toner image on the photosensitive drum 331 and the sheet. And then the sheet is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum 331 at a predetermined timing. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 331 is transferred onto the sheet conveyed to the position facing the photosensitive drum 331 by the transfer unit 335.

  The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward a fixing unit 336 having a pair of fixing rollers, and the toner image transferred onto the sheet is fixed by heat supplied from the fixing roller. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed to the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 314 by the conveyance roller 313.

  In the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 314, there is installed a DNA head 34 composed of an ink cartridge that stores DNA ink, an ink head that discharges the DNA ink stored in the ink cartridge, and the like. Ink is applied on the sheet. The DNA head 34 is attached to a carriage that is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction of a guide shaft that is horizontally mounted on a housing inside the printer unit 30, and is a motor (not shown) that serves as a driving source for movement. It is configured to reciprocate in the direction along the guide shaft (main scanning direction) according to the rotation direction.

  In the present embodiment, the necessity of applying the DNA ink is determined according to the setting contents of the print job received via the communication network N1. For example, after printing, data related to print processing such as image data is deleted. If specified, if confidential printing is specified, that is, if the user has set a processing request that considers the confidentiality of the print contents, it is necessary to apply DNA ink to the sheet. Therefore, the DNA head 34 is driven to apply the DNA ink on the sheet.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of sheet storage units as discharge destinations for printed sheets. For example, a paper discharge tray 350 is provided below the scanner unit 20, and the paper discharge unit 50 is provided with two paper discharge trays 510 and 520 and a confidential box 530. The printed sheet is discharged to a predetermined sheet storage unit or a sheet storage unit designated by a print job or the like. When discharging to a paper discharge tray 350 provided on the lower side of the scanner unit 20, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 350 by driving a paper discharge roller 314 that holds the conveyed sheet. When the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 510 provided in the sheet discharge unit 50, the sheet discharge roller 314 is reversely driven to convey the held sheet toward the sheet discharge unit 50, and the sheet discharge roller 504 passes through the conveyance path 501. Are discharged onto a paper discharge tray 501. Similarly, when the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 502, the sheet is conveyed into the discharge unit 50, and switching control of the conveyance path switches 503 and 505 is performed so that the sheet is discharged from the discharge roller 506. Similarly, when discharging to the confidential box 530, the sheet is conveyed to the inside of the sheet discharge unit, and switching control of the conveyance path switching units 503 and 505 is performed so that the sheet is discharged from the sheet discharge roller 507 through the conveyance path 502. Is called. Here, the confidential box 530 includes a sheet storage portion formed in a rectangular box shape and a lid portion that covers the upper side of the sheet storage portion, and both are locked by the locking means 521 until user authentication is performed. Yes. In other words, the user can take out the discharged sheet only when user authentication is performed.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a double-sided document conveyance path 303 for forming images on both sides of the sheet, and conveys the sheet held by the paper discharge roller 314 to the printing unit 33 again through the double-sided document conveyance path 303. After the printing unit 33 forms an image on the conveyed sheet, DNA ink is applied as necessary and discharged to a specified paper discharge destination.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11. Various hardware such as a ROM 13, a RAM 14, an image memory 15, a communication IF 16, a facsimile communication IF 17, a scanner unit 20, and a printer unit 30 are connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 12. Connected.

  The ROM 13 stores in advance a control program for controlling each part of the hardware, and the CPU 11 reads and executes the control program, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 1 to function according to the present invention. The RAM 14 is a volatile semiconductor memory that temporarily stores various data generated during execution of the control program and various data input through the operation panel 24 or the communication IF 16 provided in the scanner unit 20. .

  The image memory 15 is a volatile semiconductor memory, image data obtained by reading a document with the scanner unit 20, image data obtained by developing a print job received via the communication IF 16, and facsimile received via the facsimile communication IF 17. Image data obtained by decoding the data is temporarily stored. Then, image data is read from the image memory 15 and transferred to the printer unit 30 at a timing instructed by the CPU 11, and image formation is performed based on the image data.

  The communication IF 16 includes a line termination device for connecting the information processing device 2 such as a personal computer to the outside, and receives a print job transmitted from the information processing device 2 via the communication network N1. Information to be notified from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 2 is transmitted via the communication network N1. The communication IF 16 controls transmission / reception of various data such as a print job.

  The facsimile communication IF 17 includes a line terminator for connecting the facsimile apparatus 3 to the outside, a decoding circuit for decoding received facsimile data, and an encoding circuit for encoding facsimile data to be transmitted. The facsimile data transmitted via the communication network N2 is received and decoded by the decoding circuit to obtain image data, and the facsimile data to be transmitted is encoded by the encoding circuit and transmitted. . The facsimile communication IF 17 controls transmission / reception of such facsimile data.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a scanner IF 21, and an image reading unit 23 and an operation panel 24 connected to the scanner IF 21 via an internal bus 22. Here, as described above, the image reading unit 23 includes the light source unit 23a, the mirror unit 23b, and the CCD reading unit 23c, and reads an image of a document to acquire image data. The operation panel 24 includes an operation unit 24a including various operation keys and operation buttons, and a display unit 24b including a display device such as a liquid crystal display. Instructions from the user can be given through the operation unit 24a. At the same time, information to be notified from the image forming apparatus 1 to the user, information input through the operation unit 24a, and the like are displayed.

  The image reading unit 23 and the operation panel 24 exchange data with various hardware such as the CPU 11, the image memory 15, and the printer unit 30 described above via the scanner IF 21. For example, when an instruction to read a document is given through the operation panel 24, the CPU 11 gives a command for instructing to start reading a document to the light source unit 23a of the image reading unit 23 through the scanner IF 21, and the light source unit 23a that has received the command. Scans the document by turning on the light source and driving a stepping motor (not shown) to read an image in the range designated by the command. Then, the image data read by the CCD reading unit 23c is transferred to the image memory 15 through the scanner IF 21, and is temporarily stored in the image memory 15 as image data for printing.

  The printer unit 30 includes a printer IF 31, a printing unit 33 connected to the printer IF 31 via an internal bus 32, a DNA head 34, a DNA head drive control unit 35, and an HDD device 36. Here, as described above, the printing unit 33 includes the laser writing unit 330, the photosensitive drum 331, the charging unit 332, the developing unit 334, the transfer unit 335, and the like, and forms an image on a sheet by electrophotography. Do. The DNA head 34 is composed of an ink cartridge for storing DNA ink, an ink head for discharging the DNA ink stored in the ink cartridge, and the like. Apply ink. The HDD device 36 is a non-volatile storage unit having a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium, and stores image data developed from a received print job, image data acquired through the scanner unit 20, and the like. The stored image data can be arbitrarily read according to a user's instruction via the operation panel 24, and the read image data can be transferred to the printing unit 33 to appropriately perform printing processing.

  The printing unit 33, DNA head 34, DNA head drive control unit 35, and HDD device 36 exchange data with various hardware such as the CPU 11, the image memory 15, and the scanner unit 20 described above via the printer IF 31. . For example, when printing processing is executed based on image data temporarily stored in the image memory 15, a command to start printing and image data read from the image memory 15 are transferred to the printing unit 33 through the printer IF 31. Then, the printing unit 33 is operated in accordance with a command received through the printer IF 31 to form an image on the sheet based on the image data transferred from the image memory 15. When applying DNA ink on the sheet, the CPU 11 gives an instruction to the DNA head drive control unit 35 to apply DNA ink, and the DNA head drive control unit 35 drives the DNA head 34. Apply DNA ink on the sheet. That is, the DNA head drive control unit 35 has a head driver for controlling the DNA head 34 and a motor driver for controlling a motor (not shown) that is a drive source for moving the DNA head 34. The DNA head drive control unit 35 that has received the command gives an instruction to the motor driver to drive the motor, and also gives an instruction to the head driver to eject ink particles from the DNA head 34, thereby appropriately positioning on the sheet. DNA ink is applied to the surface.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not to apply DNA ink on the basis of the contents set by the user when the information processing apparatus 2 is used to generate a print job. 4 to 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of setting screens displayed on the information processing apparatus 2 side when generating a print job. When the information processing apparatus 2 generates a print job, a print setting screen 200 as illustrated in FIG. 4 is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the information processing apparatus 2. The print setting screen 200 includes a printer selection field 201 for selecting a printer device to be used, a detail setting button 202 for setting details of the printer device to be used and a print job to be generated, and a print range setting unit for setting a print range. 203 and a print number setting unit 204 for setting the number of print copies. These can be selected or input by using an input device provided in the information processing apparatus 2 such as a mouse or a keyboard. Here, when the execution button 205 is pressed, a print job is actually generated, and the print job is transmitted to the printer device selected in the printer selection field 201. If the cancel button 206 is pressed, the setting relating to the printing process is terminated without generating a print job.

  When the detailed setting button 202 is pressed on the print setting screen 200, the detailed setting screen 210 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus 2, and whether double-sided printing is necessary or binding processing is necessary. Etc. can be set. A job management button 211 is provided below the right end side of the detailed setting screen 210 so that various settings can be made for the print job. The job management screen 220 (see FIG. 6) displayed when the job management button 211 is pressed is provided with a retention setting unit 221, and a plurality of radio buttons 221 a to 221 a arranged in the retention setting unit 221. Various settings relating to the printing process can be performed by selecting any one from 221f. That is, when the radio button 221a is selected, a normal printing process is set to be executed by the printer apparatus. When the radio button 221b is selected, encryption is set when a print job is transmitted. When the radio button 221c is selected, the print job is set to be held in the printer apparatus even after the print process is executed. When the radio button 221d is selected, the print job and the image data developed from the print job are set to be deleted after the print processing is executed. When the radio button 221e is selected, confidential printing is set. In other words, the printer apparatus which has received the print job is set to wait for once and the printing process is started when the user is authenticated. When the radio button 221f is selected, the printed sheet is set to be discharged to the confidential box. Further, when the radio button 221e is selected, user authentication is required to start the printing process, and when the radio button 221f is selected, user authentication is required to take out the discharged sheet. Therefore, a password input field 221g is displayed in the retention setting unit 221 in order to prompt the user to input a password to be input at the time of user authentication.

  When the execution button 222 provided below the job management screen 220 is pressed, the content set by the retention setting unit 221 or the like is confirmed. When the cancel button 223 is pressed, the setting content is confirmed. Job management settings are completed.

  The user performs user authentication in the image forming apparatus 1 in order to take out the sheet that has been confidentially processed according to the above setting or the sheet that has been discharged to the confidential box 530. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the operation panel 24 at the time of user authentication. The operation panel 24 includes an operation unit 24a including a function selection key for accepting selection of a function used by a user, a numeric keypad for inputting a numerical value, an execution key for giving a start instruction for printing processing, and the like, and a liquid crystal display or an LED display Etc., and a display unit 24b composed of the like. For example, when the printed matter is discharged in the confidential box 530, the fact that the printed matter is in the confidential box 530 and the input of the personal identification number are displayed on the display unit 24b, and the personal identification number necessary for the user authentication is used. Encourage people. When the password set by the user in the retention setting unit 221 of the job management screen 220 as shown in FIG. 6 is input through the numeric keypad of the operation unit 24a, the locking means 521 provided in the confidential box 530 is unlocked. Is done.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. After the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus 1 is waiting to receive a print job. When the print job is received from the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication network N1 (step S1), the received print job is encrypted. It is determined whether or not it has been converted (step S2). If it is determined that the print job is encrypted (S2: YES), the print job is decrypted (step S3), and the print job is further developed to generate image data for printing on the image memory 15. Next, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 reads out the generated image data from the image memory 15 and transfers it to the printing unit 33 of the printer unit 30 and outputs a command for instructing the printer unit 30 to start the printing process. To do.

  Upon receiving the command, the printer unit 30 forms an image by electrophotography on the sheet supplied from the paper supply unit 40 and executes a printing process (step S4). To the opposite position. Next, the CPU 11 outputs a command for instructing the DNA head drive control unit 35 to apply the DNA ink, and the DNA head drive control unit 35 drives the DNA head 34 to transfer the DNA ink onto the sheet. Is applied (step S5). Then, the sheet coated with the DNA ink is discharged to a paper discharge destination designated by the print job, paper discharge processing is performed (step S6), and the processing as the image forming apparatus 1 is ended.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the received print job is not encrypted (S2: NO), it is determined whether or not data deletion after printing is designated by the print job (step S7). If it is determined that the erasure of data after printing is designated (S7: YES), the printing process is performed based on the image data developed from the print job (S4), and the DNA ink is applied to the printed sheet. Application is performed (S5), and a paper discharge process is performed (S6).

  If it is determined in step S7 that erasure of data after printing is not specified (S7: NO), it is determined whether confidential printing is specified by the print job (step S8). If it is determined that confidential printing is designated (S8: YES), printing is performed based on the image data developed from the print job after user authentication is performed on the operation panel 24 (S4). A DNA ink is applied on the processed sheet (S5), and a paper discharge process is performed (S6).

  If it is determined in step S8 that confidential printing is not designated (S8: NO), it is determined whether or not the confidential box 530 is designated as the paper discharge destination (step S9). If it is determined that the confidential box 530 is designated as the paper discharge destination (S9: YES), the printing process is performed based on the image data developed from the print job (S4), and the DNA ink is printed on the printed sheet. (S5), and a paper discharge process is performed with the confidential box 530 as a paper discharge destination (S6).

  If it is determined in step S9 that the confidential box 530 is not designated (S9: NO), it is determined that the request is a normal print process, and the print process is performed based on the image data developed from the print job ( In step S10), a sheet discharge process is performed by discharging the sheet to a sheet discharge destination specified in the print job (S6).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not to apply DNA ink according to the contents set by the user using the printer driver installed in the information processing apparatus 2, and confidential processing or the like is performed. If the setting is made in consideration of the confidentiality of the printed material, the DNA ink is applied on the printed sheet.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, when executing the printing process, it is determined whether it is necessary to apply the DNA ink in consideration of the setting contents of the received print job. However, the image forming apparatus 1 has a so-called document filing function. If the storage destination of the image data developed from the print job can be changed according to the user and the purpose of use, the necessity of applying the DNA ink is determined according to the storage destination. You may do it.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The CPU 11 and the ROM 13, RAM 14, image memory 15, communication IF 16, facsimile communication IF 17, scanner unit connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 12. 20 and a printer unit 30.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a document filing function, stores image data developed from a received print job as a print image, and reads out target image data as necessary. Perform the printing process. In this function, the storage destination of image data is determined for each user and each purpose of use, and the target image data is organized and stored so that it can be easily searched. For this reason, the HDD device 36 provided in the printer unit 30 has a plurality of storage areas such as a first data storage area 361a and a second storage area 361b corresponding to each user and each purpose of use. Is received, the storage location of the image data is determined based on the storage location information designated by the print job or the transmission source of the print job.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 first determines whether a print job has been received (step S11). If it is determined that a print job has not been received (S11: NO), the process waits until a print job is received.

  When it is determined that the print job has been received (S11: YES), the print job is expanded in the data storage area corresponding to the storage destination designated by the print job or the data storage area corresponding to the print job transmission source. The acquired image data is stored (step S12). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a request to start printing (step S13). Whether there is a print start request is a timing for executing print processing based on the received print job, or accepts a print processing execution request based on image data already stored in the data storage area The determination is made based on whether or not it is the timing to execute the printing process based on the request. If it is determined that there is no request to start printing (S13: NO), the process returns to step S11.

  If it is determined that there is a request to start printing (S13: YES), whether the image data to be printed is read from a predetermined data storage area (for example, the first data storage area 361a). Is determined (step S14). If it is determined that the image data is read from a predetermined data storage area (S14: YES), an image is formed on the sheet supplied from the paper supply unit 40 by an electrophotographic method, and a printing process is executed (Step S14). S15) The sheet on which the printing process has been completed is conveyed to a position facing the DNA head 34. Next, the CPU 11 outputs a command for instructing the DNA head drive control unit 35 to apply the DNA ink, and the DNA head drive control unit 35 drives the DNA head 34 to transfer the DNA ink onto the sheet. Is applied (step S16). Then, the sheet coated with DNA ink is discharged to a discharge destination designated by the print job, and discharged (step S17).

  If it is determined in step S14 that the image data is not read from a predetermined data storage area (S14: NO), a printing process is performed based on the read image data (step S18), and the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged. Processing is performed (S17), and the processing as the image forming apparatus 1 is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the DNA ink is applied when the image data stored in the predetermined data storage area is read and the printing process is performed, the printed matter of the specific user, the specific The ability to prove the original will be given to the printed material intended for use.

  In the present embodiment, the form applied to the print job received through the communication IF 16 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to facsimile data received through the facsimile communication IF 17 and image data acquired through the scanner unit 20. It is possible to apply DNA ink when image data stored in a predetermined data storage area is read and printing processing is performed.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, the necessity of applying the DNA ink is determined according to the storage destination of the image data using the document filing function. However, the application of the DNA ink is determined according to the user of the image forming apparatus 1. It is also possible to determine whether it is necessary.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The CPU 11 and the ROM 13, RAM 14, image memory 15, communication IF 16, facsimile communication IF 17, scanner unit connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 12. 20 and a printer unit 30. In the present embodiment, a user management table 362 a and a communication management table 362 b are provided in the HDD device 36 in order to grasp the users of the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the user management table 362a and the communication management table 362b. In the user management table 362a, information related to the user such as the user's affiliation, name, age, title, and authentication information, and information related to whether or not DNA ink is applied are stored in association with each other. As the authentication information, for example, a personal identification number (for example, a 4-digit numerical value) assigned in advance for each user can be used. Further, the information regarding whether or not the DNA ink is applied can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1. In the example shown in FIG. A case where no DNA ink is applied is indicated by “×”. In the communication management table 362b, information relating to the user, information relating to the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user, and information relating to the necessity of applying the DNA ink are stored in association with each other. As information about the user, the name and affiliation of the user are stored, and the IP address is stored as the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user. Further, the information regarding the necessity of applying the DNA ink can be arbitrarily set by the administrator as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the DNA ink is applied by “◯”. And “x” indicates that the DNA ink is not applied.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print processing request after performing user authentication on the operation panel 24, the image forming apparatus 1 reads the user management table 362a and determines whether or not it is necessary to apply DNA ink. When a print job is received through the communication IF 16, the communication management table 362b is read to determine whether or not it is necessary to apply DNA ink.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. First, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether user authentication has been executed (step S21). Whether or not user authentication has been executed is determined by whether or not a password for user authentication has been input through the operation panel 24. If it is determined that user authentication has been executed (S21: YES), it is determined whether a request for a printing process using the copy function has been received (step S22). If it is determined that the print processing request has not been received (S22: NO), the process returns to step S21. If it is determined that the print processing request has been received (S22: YES), the user management table 362a from the HDD device 36 is determined. Is read out to determine whether or not the request is for a printing process from a predetermined user (step S24). That is, in the user management table 362a, authentication information and information related to the necessity of application of DNA ink are stored in association with each other. Therefore, the DNA is referred to the authentication information (password) entered by user authentication. By determining whether or not ink application is necessary, it is determined whether or not the user is a predetermined user.

  If it is determined that the user is a predetermined user (S24: YES), based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 20, an image is formed on the sheet supplied from the paper supply unit 40 by an electrophotographic method, and printing processing is performed. This is executed (step S25), and the sheet on which the printing process is completed is conveyed to a position facing the DNA head 34. Next, the CPU 11 outputs a command for instructing the DNA head drive control unit 35 to apply the DNA ink, and the DNA head drive control unit 35 drives the DNA head 34 to transfer the DNA ink onto the sheet. Is applied (step S26). Then, the sheet coated with the DNA ink is discharged to a predetermined discharge destination and discharged (step S27). If it is determined that the user is not a predetermined user (S24: NO), a printing process is performed based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 20 (step S28), and the printed sheet is discharged to a predetermined discharge destination. A paper discharge process is performed (S27).

  If it is determined in step S21 that user authentication has not been executed (S21: NO), it is determined whether a print job has been received through the communication IF 16 (step S23). If it is determined that a print job has not been received (S23: NO), the process returns to step S21. If it is determined that a print job has been received (S23: YES), the communication management table 362b is read from the HDD device 36, and it is determined whether or not it is a request for print processing from a predetermined user (S24). That is, in the communication management table 362b, the IP address of the information processing apparatus 2 and information related to the necessity of applying the DNA ink are stored in association with each other. It is possible to determine whether or not the user is a predetermined user by determining whether or not the application is necessary. If it is determined that the request is a print processing request from a predetermined user (S24: YES), the print processing is executed based on the image data developed from the received print job (S25), and the print processed sheet is displayed. The ink is transported to a position opposite to the DNA head 34 and applied with DNA ink (S26), and a paper discharge process is performed on the sheet coated with DNA ink (S27). If it is determined that the request is not a print processing request from a predetermined user (S24: NO), the print processing is performed based on the image data developed from the received print job (S28), and the print processed sheet is processed. A paper discharge process is performed (S27).

  In the present embodiment, the user authentication is performed using numerical values input from the operation panel 24. However, the fingerprint, palm print, iris, retinal pattern, vein pattern, voice print, handwriting, keystroke pattern are used. For example, a sensor that acquires information on physical characteristics such as physical characteristics or behavioral characteristics may be provided to perform user authentication. Moreover, the structure which performs user authentication using the things which users carry, such as a magnetic card, an IC card, and a wireless tag, may be sufficient.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the third embodiment, the necessity of applying the DNA ink is determined according to the user of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the image forming apparatus 1 has a copy function, a facsimile function, and a print function. Therefore, the necessity of applying the DNA ink may be determined for each function (each mode) to be used.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The CPU 11 and the ROM 13, RAM 14, image memory 15, communication IF 16, facsimile communication IF 17, scanner unit connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 12. 20 and a printer unit 30. In the present embodiment, a mode management table 363 is provided in the HDD device 36 in order to manage whether or not DNA ink application is required for each mode.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the mode management table 363. The mode management table 363 stores information related to the necessity of application of DNA ink for each mode. In the example shown in FIG. 15, it is designated that the application of DNA ink is required when the copy mode or the print mode is selected, and the application of DNA ink is not required when the facsimile mode is selected. Is specified.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. First, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether there is image data to be printed (step S31). When it is determined that there is no image data to be printed (S31: NO), the process waits until the image data to be printed is acquired. If it is determined that there is image data to be printed (S31: YES), it is determined whether or not to execute the printing process in the copy mode (step S32). Whether or not the copy mode is selected is determined based on whether or not the image data to be printed has been acquired by the scanner unit 20. When it is determined that the printing process is to be executed in the copy mode (S32: YES), printing is performed by forming an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 40 by an electrophotographic method based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 20. The process is executed (step S33), and the sheet on which the printing process is completed is conveyed to a position facing the DNA head 34. Next, the CPU 11 outputs a command for instructing the DNA head drive control unit 35 to apply the DNA ink, and the DNA head drive control unit 35 drives the DNA head 34 to transfer the DNA ink onto the sheet. Is applied (step S34). Then, the sheet coated with the DNA ink is discharged to a predetermined discharge destination and discharged (step S35).

  If it is determined in step S32 that the printing process is not the copy mode (S32: NO), it is determined whether or not the printing process is executed in the print mode (step S36). Whether or not the print mode is selected is determined based on whether or not the image to be printed is developed based on the print job received through the communication IF 16. When it is determined that the printing process is to be executed in the print mode (S36: YES), the printing process is performed based on the image data developed from the received print job (S33), and the DNA ink is applied to the printed sheet. (S34), and a paper discharge process is performed (S35).

  If it is determined in step S36 that the print processing is not in the print mode (S36: NO), it is determined that the print processing is in the scanner mode, and printing is performed based on the image data obtained by decoding the facsimile data received through the facsimile communication IF 17. Processing is performed (step S37), and paper discharge processing is performed (S35).

  In the above-described embodiments, the image is formed on the sheet by the electrophotographic method, and then the DNA ink is applied by the ink jet method as necessary. However, the DNA ink and the normal ink are used. A configuration may be used in which image formation is performed separately. For example, if a DNA head that stores black ink mixed with DNA and an ink head that stores normal ink are mounted on the image forming apparatus, and it is determined that the DNA ink should be applied, the DNA is mixed. If it is determined that the DNA ink should not be applied, an image may be formed by applying a normal ink.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the information processing apparatus side when generating a print job. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the information processing apparatus side when generating a print job. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the information processing apparatus side when generating a print job. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the operation panel at the time of user authentication. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a user management table and a communication management table. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a mode management table. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming apparatus 11 CPU
13 ROM
14 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Scanner unit 30 Printer unit 33 Printing part 34 DNA head 35 DNA head drive control part 36 HDD apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 3 Facsimile apparatus N1 communication network N2 Facsimile communication network

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus that receives image data and forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data,
Means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance; means for determining whether or not the coating agent needs to be applied to the sheet based on the received image data; and if the means is necessary, the application on the sheet An image forming apparatus comprising: means for applying an agent. In an image forming apparatus that receives image data and forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data,
A means for storing a coating agent containing a nucleic acid substance, a means for coating the coating agent on a sheet, and a means for judging whether or not the received image data is confidential, wherein the image data is confidential. An image forming apparatus, wherein, when judged, the coating agent is applied on a sheet.   Storage means having one or a plurality of storage areas for storing received image data; and means for determining whether or not the image data is stored in a predetermined storage area, wherein the image data is stored in the storage area 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coating agent is applied on a sheet when it is determined that the image is stored.   Means for acquiring information relating to the transmission source of the image data, and means for determining whether or not the received image data is image data from a predetermined transmission source based on the information acquired by the means. 4. The image formation according to claim 2, wherein when the received image data is determined to be image data from the transmission source, the coating agent is applied on a sheet. apparatus.   Means for receiving information relating to the user when receiving the image data, and means for determining whether the received image data is predetermined user image data based on the information received by the means. 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coating agent is applied on a sheet when it is determined that the received image data is the image data of the user. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   Means for discharging an image-formed sheet; means for determining whether or not to request information relating to a user when discharging the sheet; and if it is determined that the information should be requested, the application on the sheet The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an agent is applied.   A plurality of sheet storage means for storing discharged sheets; a means for selecting a discharge destination of the image-formed sheet from the sheet storage means; and determining whether a predetermined sheet storage means is selected by the means 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coating agent is applied on a sheet when it is determined that the sheet storage means is selected. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid substance has a predetermined base sequence.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid substance is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Images