JP2006315209A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which its own machine information specifying at least the printer and the print date can be printed out as attribute data along with image data, and processing of printed sheets left as they are is facilitated without casting a burden on a user. <P>SOLUTION: A control section 10 converts date information read out from a timer 21, its own machine information (name of section installing the machine and machine number) read out from a section 12a storing its own machine information, terminal information (name of section installing the terminal and user name) read out from a section 12b storing terminal information, or personal information (name of belonging section and individual name) read out from a section 12c storing personal information into attribute data of bit image by means of a decoder 23, stores that data in a page memory 26, and prints out the attribute data read out from the page memory 26 on the rear surface of a recording sheet from a recording section 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention reveals image data obtained by reading a document, or character data and image data transmitted from a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium.

  Conventionally, image data obtained by reading a document with a scanner is printed out, or image data transmitted from an external facsimile apparatus via a public telephone line network is printed out with a communication device such as a modem. Also known is a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as a multifunction peripheral) having a network interface such as a LAN interface and printing out character data and image data transmitted from a network-connected external PC via the LAN. ing.

  Among such multifunction peripherals, a system has been proposed in which a remote server machine polls a plurality of copying machines having a facsimile function and manages the usage status of each copying machine by facsimile communication (for example, patents). Reference 1). In this system, the server machine can acquire the user, name (machine number), date, time, month, total number of copies, etc. of each copying apparatus by facsimile communication and print them out. These usage conditions are used to calculate a maintenance fee for the copying apparatus.

In addition, when the above-described MFP is connected to a network such as a LAN, depending on the application of an external PC, file attribute information such as the file name of the character data and image data file created on the PC, the printing date and time, etc. As a footer, it can be printed out together with character data and image data by a multifunction peripheral.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-287481

  However, in the above-described multifunction peripheral, when the paper on which the image data obtained by reading the original with the scanner is printed is left unattended, the person in charge of the paperwork is the paper printed out when and where. There is a case where it is difficult to know how to process printed paper that is left unattended.

  On the other hand, when printing out character data and image data from an external PC to a multifunction peripheral connected to a network such as a LAN, the file attributes such as the file name of the character data and image data file and the date and time of printing are used as information about the printed paper Although the information can be printed out, the user needs to set file attribute information for each file on the PC, which is complicated for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to be able to print out the own machine information (and printing date and time) specifying the printing apparatus as attribute information together with the image data, which is a burden on the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates processing of a printed sheet that has been left unattended.

  Another object of the present invention is to print out user information (personal information) for identifying a user together with image data as attribute information, which can be used for printed paper that has been left unattended without burdening the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates processing.

  Another object of the present invention is to print out device information (terminal information) specifying an external device (terminal device) connected to a network as attribute information together with character data and image data, which places a burden on the user. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates processing of a printed sheet that is left unattended.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of printing out the attribute information as an image that cannot be visually read and capable of preventing leakage of personal information and the like. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a storage means for storing own apparatus information, and an own apparatus stored in the storage means. Forming means for forming information on a recording medium.

  In the first invention, the self-machine information is printed out as attribute information together with the image data. This makes it possible to know where the device (for example, what number machine in which department) was printing just by looking at the printed paper, and send an e-mail to the owner of the left printed paper. It is possible to call attention indirectly by simultaneous transmission or the like.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention comprises clock means for holding date and time information at the time of image formation, and the forming means is stored in the storage means and date and time information held in the clock means. Self-machine information is formed on a recording medium.

  In the second invention, the self-machine information and the date / time information are printed out together with the image data as attribute information. As a result, it is possible to know where and when the printing was performed on which device (for example, what number machine in which department) by just looking at the printed paper. It becomes possible to call attention indirectly by sending e-mails simultaneously.

  An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein acquisition means for acquiring user information for identifying the user and the acquired user information are formed on the recording medium. And forming means.

  In the third aspect of the invention, user information (personal information) that identifies the user of the image forming apparatus is printed out together with the image data as attribute information. This makes it possible to know who (from which department) has printed just by looking at the printed paper, and directly by telephone, e-mail, etc. It is possible to call attention to the user or hand the printed paper to the owner.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is connected to a network and forms data transmitted from an apparatus on the network as an image on a recording medium. The apparatus comprises: extraction means for extracting apparatus information for specifying the apparatus; and formation means for forming the apparatus information extracted by the extraction means on a recording medium.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, device information (terminal information) for specifying a device (terminal device) that is a transmission source of character data and / or image data is printed out as attribute information together with the character data and / or image data. This makes it possible to know who (from which department) was network-printed by just looking at the printed paper, and directly contacting the owner of the printed paper left by telephone, e-mail, etc. It is possible to call attention or to hand the printed paper to the owner.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the forming unit cannot visually decode the self-machine information, date / time information, user information, or apparatus information. The image is formed on a recording medium as an image.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an image (eg, a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional QR (Quick Response) code image) that cannot be visually deciphered using own device information, date / time information, user information, or device information as attribute information. ). The printed paper is read by, for example, a scanner having an attribute confirmation function (or a barcode reader or QR code reader), the encoded attribute information is extracted, the content of the attribute information is decoded, and displayed or printed. This makes it possible to prevent leakage of personal information and the like.

  According to the present invention, self-machine information (and printing date and time) for specifying a printing apparatus can be printed out together with image data as attribute information, and processing of printed paper that is left unattended without imposing a burden on the user Can be facilitated.

  In addition, personal information can be printed and output as attribute information together with image data, so that it is possible to facilitate processing of a printed sheet that is left unattended without imposing a burden on the user.

  In addition, terminal information for identifying an external terminal device connected to the network can be printed out as attribute information together with character data and image data, and processing of printed paper that has been neglected can be performed without burdening the user. It can be made easy.

  Furthermore, attribute information can be printed out as an image that cannot be visually read, and leakage of personal information and the like can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. The multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10 as a control center. The control unit 10 controls the operation of each hardware unit connected through the bus 1a as described below, and performs a series of procedures. The operations received according to are executed sequentially.

  The bus 1a includes a ROM 11, a RAM 12, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 13, a modem 14, an image reading unit 15, a read image processing unit 16, a CODEC 17, an image memory 18, an operation unit 19, a display unit 20, and a timer as a clock means. 21, a LAN interface 22 for connecting to a LAN, a decoder 23 for decoding encoded image data, a print image processing unit 24, a recording unit 25, a page memory 26, and the like are connected.

  Specifically, the control unit 10 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or the like, and implements various software functions according to a control program stored in the ROM 11. The ROM 11 stores in advance various control programs necessary for operating the multifunction machine 1 as the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The RAM 12 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 10 executes the control program. The RAM 12 includes, as attribute information, a self-machine information storage unit 12a that stores self-machine information that identifies the multi-function machine 1 (for example, an installation unit signature and a machine number of the multi-function machine 1), and an external device connected to the network. A terminal information storage unit 12b that stores terminal information (for example, a terminal installation unit signature and a user name) for identifying the terminal devices 30, 31, and 32 in association with the I / P address of each terminal device, and a copy A personal information storage unit 12c is provided that stores personal information (for example, the department name and terminal user name) identifying the user of the multifunction device 1 in the mode in association with the personal ID. In addition, in the own device information storage unit 12a, the terminal information storage unit 12b, and the personal information storage unit 12c, corresponding attribute information is stored as a character code.

  The modem 14 is a fax modem capable of facsimile communication, and is directly connected to the NCU 13. The NCU 13 is connected to the public telephone line network PSTN. If necessary, the NCU 13 can connect the modem 14 to the public telephone line network PSTN and perform facsimile communication with an external device via the public telephone line network PSTN. It is said.

  The image reading unit 15 is configured by a scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like, reads a document to acquire image data (image signal), and outputs the acquired image data to the read image processing unit 16. . The read image processing unit 16 removes various distortions generated in the illumination system, the imaging system, and the imaging system included in the image reading unit 15 from the image data output from the image reading unit 15. And the processed image data is output to the CODEC 17.

  The CODEC 17 performs encoding processing based on a method such as MH, MR, MMR, JBIG or the like on the image data, and performs predetermined encoding processing on the image data acquired from the read image processing unit 16 and obtained. The image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 18. Further, when the image forming process based on the image data stored in the image memory 18 is performed, the control unit 10 reads the image data encoded by the CODEC 17 from the image memory 18 and performs the decoding process by the decoder 23. After that, the data is output to the print image processing unit 24.

  Furthermore, when performing image formation processing based on attribute information encoded so as to be visually unreadable, the control unit 10 reads the date and time information representing the date and time at the time of image formation read from the timer 21. Personal information that is read from the own device information storage unit 12a, terminal information that is read from the terminal information storage unit 12b in association with the I / P address of the terminal device that is the image transmission source, and personal that is associated with the collated personal ID The personal information read from the information storage unit 12 c is converted into a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional QR code (registered trademark) and output to the page memory 26.

  The print image processing unit 24 performs luminance / density conversion (γ correction processing), enlargement / reduction processing, various color adjustment processing, and the like on the attribute data of the bit image read from the page memory 26. Character data, image data, and attribute data are output to the recording unit 25.

  The image memory 18 is constituted by a DRAM or a flash memory. The image memory 18 is read from a document by the image reading unit 15 and is subjected to predetermined processing by the read image processing unit 16 and the CODEC 17, via the modem 14 and the NCU 13. The image data received by the facsimile communication and the character data and image data received from the external terminal devices 30, 31, 32 via the LAN interface 22 are temporarily stored.

  When the image data stored in the image memory 18 is transmitted by facsimile to an external facsimile machine, the control unit 10 reads out the image data encoded by the CODEC 17 from the image memory 18 and passes through the modem 14 and the NCU 13. To an external facsimile machine. When transmitting the image data stored in the image memory 18 to the external terminal devices 30, 31, and 32 connected to the LAN, the control unit 10 stores the image data encoded by the CODEC 17 in the image memory. 18 and is transmitted to the outside via the LAN interface 22.

  The recording unit 25 is, for example, an electrophotographic double-sided printer, and is image data read from the image memory 18 and subjected to decoding processing by the CODEC 17 and subjected to various image processing by the print image processing unit 24. The optimal size of the image based on the image from a recording paper of various sizes such as A3 portrait, B4 portrait, A4 portrait, B5 landscape and A5 landscape, or an OHP (Over Head Projector) sheet (hereinafter referred to as a recording paper) as a hard copy Is selected and recorded on the surface of the recording paper, and is transported to an intermediate tray (not shown) and temporarily stored. In addition, after the image formation based on the image data is completed, the recording unit 25 reads an image based on the attribute data read from the page memory 26 and subjected to various image processings by the print image processing unit 24. Recording is performed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the recording sheet conveyed further.

  The operation unit 19 includes a numeric keypad, abbreviated dial keys, a start key, various function keys, and the like necessary for operating the multifunction device 1. The display unit 20 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the operation state of the multifunction device 1, the display screen to be displayed as the multifunction device 1, information input from the operation unit 19, information to be notified to the user, and the like. Is displayed. In addition, it is also possible to substitute a part or all of the various keys of the operation unit 19 by using the display unit 20 of a touch panel type. In the copy mode, when a personal ID for identifying the user of the multifunction device 1 is input from the operation unit 19, the control unit 10 permits the input of the personal ID to be used for the multifunction device 1. The personal ID registered in the RAM 12 is collated and if the collation results in a match, the personal information corresponding to the personal ID is read from the personal information storage unit 12c of the RAM 12 and temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 12.

  Next, a print output process performed by the MFP 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a print output routine by the multifunction machine 1. The following processing is executed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 11.

  When a document is placed on an automatic document feeder (not shown), or when a print job is issued from an external terminal device 30, 31, 32 connected to the LAN, the control unit 10 records the recording unit 25. Is activated from the standby state to the print start state (step S201). When the recording unit 25 is ready for printing, especially when the fixing temperature of a fixing device (not shown) in the recording unit 25 has reached the set temperature (step S202: YES), the recording unit 25 is selected from the paper cassette. (Step S203), the image data obtained by reading the document or the image data transmitted from the external terminal devices 30, 31, 32 is printed out on the surface of the recording paper (step S203). Step S204). When the printing of the image data for the first page is completed, the recording unit 25 conveys and stores the surface-printed paper to the intermediate tray (step S205).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether there is image data for the second page (step S206). If there is (step S206: YES), the process returns to step S203, and steps S204, S205, and S206 are performed. Repeat the process. In the case of printing based on the image data of the final page (step S206: NO), the control unit 10 generates image data of attribute information including date / time information, own device information, terminal information, and personal information (step S207). Proceed to The attribute information image data generation processing step S207 will be described in detail later.

  The recording unit 25 conveys the surface-printed paper from the intermediate tray (step S208), and the attribute information image data (hereinafter, attribute data) generated in the attribute information image data generation processing step S207 and stored in the page memory 26. Data) is read from the page memory 26 and printed on the back side of the recording paper (step S209), and the back side printed paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray (step S210).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the next sheet is in the intermediate tray (step S211). If there is (step S211: YES), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S208 and performs the processes in steps S209, S210, and S211. repeat. If the next sheet is not in the intermediate tray (step S211: NO), the process returns from the print output routine to the main routine (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the attribute data image data generation processing step S207 of FIG. The control unit 10 reads the date / time data (for example, “April 21, 2005, 15:30”) at the time of image formation from the timer 21 (step S301), and reads the data of the multifunction device 1 from the own device information storage unit 12a of the RAM 12. Self-machine information (for example, “accounting (No. 1 machine)”) including the installation department signature and the machine number is read (step S302).

  Next, the control unit 10 is in a network print mode in which image data transmitted from the external terminal devices 30, 31, and 32 connected to the LAN via the network is printed out, or the image reading unit 15 outputs a document. It is determined whether it is a copy mode for printing out the image data obtained by reading (step S303). If it is the network print mode (step S303: YES), the image data transmitted from the terminal information storage unit 12b of the RAM 12 is transmitted. Terminal information (for example, “development (Kimura)”) including the terminal installation unit signature and the user name corresponding to the I / P address in the header of the file is read (step S304). On the other hand, in the copy mode in which the document image data is printed out (step S303: NO), the personal information read from the personal information storage unit 12c of the RAM 12 and temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 12 when collating the personal ID. The personal information (for example, “development (Kimura)”) including the department name and personal name corresponding to the ID is read (step S305).

  The control unit 10 displays on the display unit 20 whether or not to convert the character code of the attribute information into a barcode (step S306), and when the operation unit 19 inputs that the character code is not converted into a barcode (step S306). S306: NO), the decoder 23 develops the character code into a bit image (step S307), and stores the attribute data as the bit image data in the page memory 26 (step S310).

  On the other hand, if the operation unit 19 inputs that the character code is to be converted into a barcode (step S306: YES), the control unit 10 converts the character code into a barcode (step S308). Then, attribute data which is bit image data of the barcode is generated (step S309) and stored in the page memory 26 (step S310). As described above, the attribute data image data generation process is performed.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing an example of character data and image data printed on the surface of the recording paper by the processing of FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG. 6B is the recording of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the attribute data printed on the back surface of the paper. As shown in FIG. 6B, the attribute data 60 is printed in a barcode, and the above-described portion 60a representing date / time data “April 21, 2000, 15:30” and “Accounting (No. .1 machine) ”and a part 60c representing terminal information or personal information“ development (Kimura) ”.

  In the following, a process of acquiring image data by reading a document with the image reading unit 15 in the multifunction device 1 having the personal authentication function will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a document reading routine by the multifunction device 1.

  First, when the control unit 10 detects that a document is placed on the automatic document feeder, the control unit 10 enters a document reading routine and displays the personal ID on the display unit 20 to input from the operation unit 19. When the personal ID is input (step S401: YES), the input personal ID is checked against a personal ID registered in advance in the RAM 12 that permits the use of the multifunction device 1, and a personal ID that matches as a result of the verification is found. If there is (step S402: YES), the personal information corresponding to the personal ID is read from the personal information storage unit 12c of the RAM 12 and stored in the work area of the RAM 12 (step S403).

  Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the function mode of the multifunction device 1 is a copy mode in which image data obtained by reading an original by the image reading unit 15 is printed out by the recording unit 25 or an external facsimile machine Alternatively, it is determined from the setting of the operation unit 19 whether the image transmission mode is to transmit image data to the terminal device (step S404). If the copy mode is selected (step S404: YES), the number of copies, the paper size, the print density, etc. Is set on the operation unit 19 (step S405), and the process waits for the copy button to be pressed (step S406). When the copy button is pressed (step S406: YES), the control unit 10 advances the process to step S407. On the other hand, when the function mode of the multifunction device 1 is the image transmission mode (step S404: NO), the control unit 10 branches the process to step S407.

  Next, the control unit 10 reads the document image by the image reading unit 15 (step S407), stores the image data subjected to the encoding process by the CODEC 17 in the image memory 18 (step S408), and stores all the number of sheets. It is determined whether or not reading of the original has been completed (step S409). If reading of all the originals has not been completed (step S409: NO), the process returns to step S407, and steps S408 and S409 are repeated. When reading of the number of documents is completed (step S409: YES), the process returns from the document reading routine to the main routine (not shown).

  In the following, in the attribute information image data generation processing step S207 shown in FIG. 3, the printed paper on which the attribute information character code is converted into a bar code and the bit image attribute data is printed is output to the image reading unit of the multifunction device 1. A process (hereinafter referred to as an attribute confirmation process) of reading at 15 and decoding the bar code content and displaying it on the display unit 20 (or printing output by the recording unit 25) will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the attribute confirmation routine by the multifunction device 1.

  First, the image on the back side of the printed paper on which the attribute data is printed is read (step S501), and the control unit 10 reads the barcode (or QR code) of the attribute data printed at a predetermined position on the back side of the paper. Extract (step S502). The control unit 10 determines whether or not a code has been extracted (step S503). If the code has not been extracted (step S503: NO), the control unit 10 displays a code extraction error on the display unit 20 (step S504).

  On the other hand, when the code is extracted (step S503: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the content of the code has been decoded (step S505), and the content of the code is decoded due to paper breakage, dirt, or the like. If not (step S505: NO), a code decoding error is displayed on the display unit 20 (step S506). When the content of the code is decoded (step S505: YES), the decoded content of the code is displayed on the display unit 20 as attribute information (step S507).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the date and time information, the own device information, and the terminal information or personal information are printed as attribute information on the recording paper together with the character data and the image data. By looking at it, you can know when, where (on which machine in which department) and who (in which department) printed it, and e-mail the owner of the printed paper that is left unattended It is possible to call attention directly by simultaneous transmission or the like, or directly by telephone, e-mail, etc., or hand the printed paper to the owner.

  Also, the attribute information is printed out as an image that cannot be visually decoded, and the contents of the attribute information encoded into a one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional QR code, etc. are decoded using the multifunction device's attribute confirmation function. It is possible to prevent leakage of personal information and the like.

  In the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, and can be applied to other copying apparatuses, network printers, and the like. Needless to say.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which image data is printed on the front surface of the recording paper and the attribute data is printed on the back surface of the recording paper by using a double-sided printer as the recording unit 25 has been illustrated and described. It is not limited to the configuration, and image data is printed on the surface of the recording paper, and attribute data is printed only within or outside the image data printing range on the surface of the recording paper, or image data on the surface of the recording paper The present invention can also be applied to various configurations such as printing different attribute data within the printing range or outside the printing range and on the back side.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when acquiring personal information, the configuration for inputting a personal ID from the operation unit 19 has been illustrated and described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, for example, voice recognition, The present invention can also be applied to a configuration that acquires personal information by fingerprint authentication or the like.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example when an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a print output routine by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image data generation process process of the attribute information of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a document reading routine by the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the attribute confirmation routine by the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Schematic diagram (a) showing an example of character data and image data printed on the front surface of the recording paper by the processing of FIGS. 2 and 3, and an example of attribute data printed on the back surface of the recording paper in FIG. 6 (a) It is a schematic diagram (b) which shows this.

Explanation of symbols

10 Control unit (acquisition means, extraction means)
11 ROM
12 RAM
13 NCU
14 Modem 15 Image Reading Unit 16 Reading Image Processing Unit 17 CODEC
18 Image memory 19 Operation unit (acquisition means)
20 display unit 21 timer (clock means)
22 LAN interface 23 Decoder (formation means)
24 Print image processing unit (formation means)
25 Recording part (formation means)
26 page memory (formation means)
30, 31, 32 Terminal device 12a Self-machine information storage unit (storage means)
12b Terminal information storage unit (extraction means)
12c Personal information storage (acquisition means)

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
Storage means for storing own machine information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a forming unit that forms self-information stored in the storage unit on a recording medium.   Clock means for holding date and time information at the time of image formation is provided, and the forming means forms date and time information held in the clock means and host device information stored in the storage means on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
An acquisition means for acquiring user information for identifying the user;
An image forming apparatus comprising: forming means for forming the acquired user information on a recording medium. In an image forming apparatus connected to a network and forming data transmitted from an apparatus on the network as an image on a recording medium,
Extraction means for extracting device information for identifying a transmission source device from transmitted data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: forming means for forming apparatus information extracted by the extracting means on a recording medium. The said formation means forms self-machine information, date information, user information, or apparatus information on a recording medium as an image that cannot be visually read on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus described.

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