JP2007007957A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of correcting a part of a recorded paper sheet, and then achieving saving of resources by reducing an amount of the recorded paper sheets to be thrown. <P>SOLUTION: A paper supply section 30 feeds a recorded paper sheet with printing information recorded thereon and a control section 100 determines a prescribed part of the printing information on the recorded paper sheet fed by the paper supply section 30 as an erasing area. An image forming section 2W forms a toner image of which the color is the same as the ground color of the recorded paper sheet, on the erasing area determined by the control section 100. An intermediate transfer belt transfers the toner image formed by the image forming section 2W to the supplied recorded paper sheet fed by the paper supply section 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral having these functions, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for correcting print information recorded on a recorded sheet. is there.

Conventionally, an image forming device that can reproduce a recording sheet and print a new image by incorporating an erasing device that erases the image of the colorant and re-records the entire surface of the recording sheet. An apparatus is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known an image forming apparatus in which a scanner is provided in a paper feed conveyance path from a cassette to development to capture an image and set an erasing area (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-6-99644 JP 2003-136811 A

  The method of Patent Document 1 described above is to regenerate the recording paper by erasing the entire surface of the recording paper, and it is difficult to erase only a part of the recorded paper. In the method of Patent Document 2 described above, a scanner for setting an erasing area is provided in the transport path. However, such a dedicated device is introduced only for reusing recorded paper. The burden on the user is large, and it is necessary to realize it by a simple method.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and can form an image that can correct a part of a recorded sheet and can save resources by reducing disposal of the recorded sheet. The object is to provide an apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a paper feeding unit that feeds a recorded paper on which printing information is recorded, and a predetermined portion of the printing information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding unit. An identification unit that identifies the area, an image forming unit that forms a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper in the erasure area that is identified by the identification unit, and a sheet that is fed by the sheet feeding unit. Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed by the image forming means to the recorded paper.

  According to this configuration, the recorded sheet on which the print information is recorded is fed by the sheet feeding unit, and a predetermined portion of the print information on the recorded sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit is erased by the specifying unit. Identified as a region. Then, a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed on the erased area specified by the specifying means by the image forming means, and the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding means is formed on the recorded paper by the transfer means. The toner image formed by the image forming unit is transferred.

  Accordingly, a predetermined portion of the print information on the recorded paper is specified as an erasure area, and a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed in the specified erasure area. A part of the information can be corrected, and resource saving can be achieved by reducing the disposal of recorded paper.

  In the above image forming apparatus, the image forming unit may include at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character in the erasing area where a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. It is preferable to form a toner image including the same.

  According to this configuration, the image forming unit forms a toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character in the erasing area where the toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. Therefore, a part of the recorded paper can be erased in a pseudo manner, and at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character can be printed on the erased part.

  In the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit forms a white image forming unit that forms a white toner image, a yellow image forming unit that forms a yellow toner image, and a cyan toner image. A cyan image forming means and a magenta image forming means for forming a magenta toner image, wherein the white image forming means forms a white toner image in the erasing area specified by the specifying means; The image forming unit for yellow, the image forming unit for cyan, and the image forming unit for magenta are formed of a graphic, a symbol, and a character in the erasing region where a white toner image is formed by the white image forming unit. It is preferable to form a toner image including at least one.

  According to this configuration, the white image forming unit forms a white toner image in the erasure area specified by the specifying unit, and the yellow image forming unit, the cyan image forming unit, and the magenta image forming unit A toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is formed in the erasing area where the white toner image is formed by the white image forming unit.

  Accordingly, a white toner image is formed in the erasure area, and at least one of the image and characters is formed in the erasure area where the white toner image is formed. Can be erased in a pseudo manner, and at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character can be printed using yellow, cyan, and magenta.

  In the above image forming apparatus, the shape of the black toner supplying means for supplying the black toner to the black image forming means for forming the black toner image and the white toner supplying means for supplying the white toner are the same. Preferably there is.

  According to this configuration, the black toner supply unit that supplies black toner to the black image forming unit that forms the black toner image and the white toner supply unit that supplies white toner have the same shape. Black toner can be replaced with white toner. Therefore, the image forming apparatus normally includes a black image forming unit that forms a black toner image, but the black toner supplying unit that supplies toner to the black image forming unit is replaced with a white toner supplying unit. A white toner image can be formed in the erasing area with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, the transfer unit primarily transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit for each color, and secondarily transfers the primary transferred toner image onto the recorded paper. It is preferable that the white image forming unit includes an intermediate transfer belt and is provided on the downstream side of the image transfer position by the image forming unit for other colors on the intermediate transfer belt.

  According to this configuration, the toner image formed by the image forming unit for each color is primarily transferred by the intermediate transfer belt, and the toner image that has been primarily transferred is secondarily transferred to the recorded paper for white use. The image forming means is provided downstream of the image transfer position by the image forming means for other colors on the intermediate transfer belt. Therefore, since the white toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt after the other color toner images, the white toner image is first transferred to the recorded paper, The toner image of at least one of the image and the character can be transferred onto the recorded paper at a time.

  The image forming apparatus may further include a receiving unit that receives a print request including erasing area specifying information for specifying the erasing area from a communicably connected computer, and the specifying unit includes the receiving unit. Preferably, the erasure area of the print information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding means is identified based on the erasure area identification information included in the print request received by the means.

  According to this configuration, the receiving unit receives a print request including erasure area specifying information for specifying the erasure area from a communicably connected computer. Then, the erasing area of the printing information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding means is specified by the specifying means based on the erasing area specifying information included in the print request received by the receiving means.

  Therefore, since the erase area of the print information on the recorded paper is specified based on the erase area specifying information included in the print request transmitted by the communicably connected computer, the transport path for transporting the recorded paper In addition, it is not necessary to separately provide a scanner for reading print information on the recorded paper, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be simplified.

  In the image forming apparatus, the receiving unit receives a print request further including image information including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character for forming a toner image in the erasing area, The image forming means includes a graphic and a symbol in the erasing area where a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed based on the image information included in the print request received by the receiving means. And a toner image including at least one of the characters is preferably formed.

  According to this configuration, the receiving unit receives a print request further including image information including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character for forming a toner image in the erasing area. Then, based on the image information included in the print request received by the receiving unit by the image forming unit, a figure, a symbol, and a character are formed in an erasing area where a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. A toner image including at least one of them is formed.

  Therefore, based on the image information included in the print request transmitted by the communicably connected computer, the figure, the symbol, and the character are in the erasing area where the toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. Since the toner image including at least one of them is formed, it is not necessary to provide the image forming apparatus with an input device for inputting image information including at least one of graphics, symbols, and characters. The configuration of the apparatus can be simplified.

  In the image forming apparatus, the receiving unit may further include additional color information for reproducing the same color as the background color of the recorded paper by adding another color to the white toner. The request is received, and the image forming unit adds another color to the white toner based on the additional color information included in the print information received by the receiving unit, and is specified by the specifying unit. It is preferable to form a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper in the erasing area.

  According to this configuration, the receiving unit receives a print request further including additional color information for reproducing the same color as the background color of the recorded paper by adding another color to the white toner. . Then, the image forming unit adds another color to the white toner based on the additional color information included in the print information received by the receiving unit, and is recorded in the erasure area specified by the specifying unit. A toner image having the same color as the background color of the paper is formed. Therefore, even if the background color of the recorded paper is other than white, by adding other colors, the erase area can be made the same as the background color of the recorded paper.

  In the image forming apparatus, a reading unit that reads the print information recorded on the recorded sheet, and a transmission unit that transmits the print information of the recorded sheet read by the reading unit to the computer. It is preferable to provide.

  According to this configuration, the printing information recorded on the recorded paper is read by the reading unit, and the printing information of the recorded paper read by the reading unit is transmitted to the computer by the transmission unit. Therefore, even if there is no print information on the recorded paper in the computer, the print area read by the reading means is transmitted to the computer, so that the erase area specifying information is created by the computer, not the image forming apparatus. can do.

  According to the present invention, a predetermined portion of the print information on the recorded paper is specified as an erasure area, and a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed in the specified erasure area. A part of the recorded paper can be corrected, and resource saving can be achieved by reducing the disposal of the recorded paper.

  A copier as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A multifunction machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an image forming apparatus having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The multi-function device 1 includes a main body unit 10, a document reading unit 20 installed above the main body unit 10, and a paper feeding unit 30 installed at the lower part of the main body unit 10.

  The document reading unit 20 includes a document holder 201 that can be opened and closed, and an optical system unit 203 that is disposed in the main body unit 10 so as to face the document holder 201 via a contact glass 202. In this embodiment, the contact glass 202 is automatically fed with a placed document contact glass 202a having a slightly smaller planar shape than the document presser 201 for reading the document surface of the placed document. A long and thin contact glass 202b for automatic paper feeding that is long in the front-rear direction for reading the document surface of the document is employed.

  The document presser 201 has a two-stage structure, and includes a document tray 204 for placing a document provided at the upper level, and a document discharge tray 205 for discharging a scanned image document provided at the lower level. And have. On the left side of the document retainer 201, a document feeding unit 206 interposed between the document tray 204 and the document discharge tray 205 is formed, and an unillustrated document feeding mechanism provided in the document feeding unit 206 is used. A sheet bundle placed on the document tray 204 is picked up one by one and supplied to the automatic paper supply contact glass 202b. The document is moved by the optical system unit 203 through the automatic paper supply contact glass 202b while moving. The surface can be read.

  The optical system unit 203 includes a light source (not shown), a plurality of mirrors, a lens unit, a CCD (charge coupled device), and the like. The light from the light source is reflected by the original surface, and the reflected light is input to the CCD as original information through the mirror and the lens unit. Document information as an analog amount input to the CCD is converted into a digital signal and stored in a predetermined storage device as digital document information.

  The paper feed unit 30 includes a paper feed cassette 31 on which recording paper is placed, and a manual feed tray 32 on which recorded paper on which print information has already been recorded is placed. The recording paper placed in the paper feed cassette 31 is fed to the recording paper transport path 15 one by one by the pickup roller 311. The recorded paper placed on the manual feed tray 32 is fed to the recording paper conveyance path 15 one by one by the feed roller 321.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 of the multifunction device 1 includes image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and white (W). Is provided. In each of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W, a developing device 3, a photosensitive drum 4, a charging unit 5, an exposure unit (LED print head unit or the like) 6, a toner supply unit 7, A cleaning unit 8 and a transfer roller 17 are provided.

  Below the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W (arranged), an intermediate transfer belt 9 that is a belt body is disposed. The intermediate transfer belt 9 is pressed against the photosensitive drums 4 of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W by the transfer roller 17, and is driven to rotate by driving motors 11 and 12 that are not shown. Thus, the photosensitive drum 4 is configured to endlessly rotate in the forward direction of the rotation direction of each of the photosensitive drums 4, that is, in the recording paper conveyance direction in the recording paper conveyance path 15 (the arrow direction indicated by reference numeral A).

  A driven roller 13 is provided between the two drive rollers 11 and 12. The driven roller 13 is disposed in a recording paper transport path 15 that connects the paper feed cassette 31 or the manual feed tray 32 to the recording paper discharge unit 14. In the recording paper conveyance path 15, a secondary transfer roller 16 is provided via an intermediate transfer belt 9 at a position facing the driven roller 13. A fixing device 19 including a pair of fixing rollers and the like is disposed at a position further downstream of the secondary transfer roller 16 in the recording paper conveyance path 15.

  During color printing, magenta, cyan, and yellow toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 4 in the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y, respectively. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums 4 are transferred and superposed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 that is rotated endlessly in order of magenta, cyan, and yellow at the same timing. The color image formed by sequentially superimposing the toner images of the respective colors once transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 is moved to the position of the driven roller 13 by the endless rotation. At this time, the image forming unit 2W for white is not used.

  Next, the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 9 is positioned at the position of the secondary transfer roller 16 disposed to face the driven roller 13, that is, at the position of the secondary transfer roller 16 and the driven roller 13. Are transferred to the recording paper conveyed through the recording paper conveyance path 15 from the paper feed cassette 31 or the manual feed tray 32. As described above, at the image transfer position (indirect transfer position) of the secondary transfer roller 16, a color image formed by superimposing the toner images of the respective colors from the image forming units 2Y, 2M, and 2C is recorded on the recording paper by the indirect transfer method. Is transferred at once.

  Further, when erasing the print information recorded on the recorded paper in a pseudo manner, only the image forming unit 2W for white is used, and the image forming units 2M, 2C for magenta, cyan, and yellow are used. 2Y is not used. That is, a white toner image is formed on each photosensitive drum 4 in the image forming unit 2W. The toner images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 4 are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 9 that is rotated endlessly. The white toner image once transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 is moved to the position of the driven roller 13 by the endless rotation.

  Note that the erasing in this embodiment does not remove or erase the toner fixed on the recorded paper, but on the ground of the recorded paper on the toner fixed on the recorded paper. It means a pseudo erasure that hides the original print information by fixing toner of the same color as the color.

  Further, when the print information recorded on the recorded paper is erased in a pseudo manner and a new figure, symbol, or character is added, the image forming units 2M, 2C, 2Y, and 2W respectively include magenta, cyan, and cyan. Yellow and white toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 4. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums 4 are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 9 that is rotated endlessly in order of magenta, cyan, yellow, and white, and are superimposed on each other. The The color image formed by sequentially superimposing the toner images of the respective colors once transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 is moved to the position of the driven roller 13 by the endless rotation.

  The secondary transfer roller 16 transfers the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 9 to, for example, the surface of the recording paper by a transfer bias from a transfer bias unit described later. The recording sheet on which the color image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 19 disposed further downstream. After the color image is fixed in the fixing device 19, the recording sheet is discharged to a recording sheet discharge unit 14.

  At the time of color printing, a toner image (color image) formed in the order of magenta, cyan, and yellow on the intermediate transfer belt 9 is recorded on the recording paper, and the secondary transfer roller 16 is accompanied by the endless rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 9. In synchronization with reaching the image transfer position, the sheet is conveyed from the paper feed cassette 31 to the image transfer position of the secondary transfer roller 16 (the nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 9).

  Further, when erasing the print information recorded on the recorded paper, the white toner image (color image) formed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 is endless of the intermediate transfer belt 9. In synchronization with the rotation, the image transfer position of the secondary transfer roller 16 from the manual feed tray 32 (the nip between the secondary transfer roller 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 9) is synchronized with the arrival of the image transfer position of the secondary transfer roller 16. Part).

  Further, when the printing information recorded on the recorded paper is pseudo-erased and a new figure, symbol, or character is added, the recorded paper is printed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 with magenta, cyan, yellow, and white. In synchronization with the sequentially formed toner images (color images) reaching the image transfer position of the secondary transfer roller 16 with the endless rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 9, the secondary transfer roller 16 from the manual feed tray 32. To the image transfer position (the nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 9).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the entire multifunction device 1. The control unit 100 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 that stores an operation program for the entire apparatus, and has a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that temporarily stores image data and the like and functions as a work area. It is connected. The control unit 100 is connected to image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W for the respective colors.

  The control unit 100 includes a developing device 3 provided in each of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W, a charging unit 5, an exposure unit 6, a drum motor 103 that is a driving source of the photosensitive drum 4, and a transfer bias unit. 104 is controlled. The transfer bias unit 104 applies a transfer bias to the transfer roller 17 for indirectly transferring the toner images on the photosensitive drums 4 of the image forming units 2M, 2C, 2Y, and 2W to the intermediate transfer belt 9.

  In FIG. 2, each image forming unit for magenta, cyan, yellow, and white is shown as one image forming unit. Actually, each image forming unit for each color is connected to the control unit 100. It is controlled.

  The control unit 100 includes a transfer roller drive motor 105 that is a drive source of each transfer roller 17, a belt drive motor 106 that is a drive source of drive rollers 11 and 12 for rotating the intermediate transfer belt 9 endlessly, and a paper feed cassette. A conveyance roller drive motor 107 that rotates and drives the respective conveyance rollers (not shown) provided in the recording paper conveyance path 15 to convey the recording paper from the 31 or the manual feed tray 32 to the recording paper discharge unit 14 and the secondary transfer roller 16. And a secondary transfer roller driving motor 108 which is a driving source of the toner.

  The control unit 100 also controls a secondary transfer bias unit 109 that applies a transfer bias to the secondary transfer roller 16. The control unit 100 is connected to an external PC (personal computer) 130 via an interface (I / F) 120 via a predetermined network or the like so that the multifunction device 1 can be connected to the PC 130. Image formation is performed based on input image data and the like.

  The PC 130 includes a ROM, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM, an external storage device, an input device, a communication unit, and a display device. The ROM stores in advance a basic program for operating the PC 130. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU. The external storage device is composed of an external storage device such as a hard disk drive, and stores an image data correction program for correcting image data.

  The CPU reads the basic program and the like from the ROM, reads the image data correction program and the like from the external storage device, executes image data correction processing and the like for correcting the image data, and transfers necessary data and the like to the multifunction device 1. Send and receive using the communication unit.

  The display device is composed of a CRT (cathode ray tube), a liquid crystal display device, or the like, and displays print information printed by the multifunction device 1 under the control of the CPU. The input device is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Among the print information displayed by the display device, the input device accepts an input of an erasure area that the user desires to erase, and among graphics, symbols, and characters to be overwritten on the erasure area Accepts at least one input. The communication unit includes a modem or a router, and controls communication with the multifunction device 1 via the network.

  In addition, the control unit 100 specifies a predetermined partial erasure area of print information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding unit 30. The white image forming unit 2 </ b> W forms a white toner image for pseudo-erasing the printing information in the erasing area specified by the control unit 100. At this time, the white image forming unit 2W forms a toner image that covers the entire erasure area, and the toner image is transferred to the recorded paper, thereby erasing the print information in the erasure area in a pseudo manner. It will be.

  Further, the I / F 120 receives a print request including erase area information for specifying the erase area from the PC 130 connected to be communicable. The control unit 100 specifies an erase area for print information on a recorded sheet fed by the paper feed unit 30 based on the erase area information included in the print request received by the I / F 120.

  The yellow image forming unit 2Y, the cyan image forming unit 2C, and the magenta image forming unit 2M each include at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character in an erasing area where a white toner image is formed by the white image forming unit 2W. A toner image including one is formed. The I / F 120 receives a print request further including image information (image data) including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character for forming a toner image in the erasing area. The image forming units 2Y, 2C, and 2M have graphics in an erasing area in which a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed based on the image information included in the print request received by the I / F 120. A toner image including at least one of symbols and characters is formed.

  Further, the I / F 120 receives a print request further including additional color information for reproducing the same color as the background color of the recorded paper by adding another color to the white toner. The image forming units 2Y, 2C, and 2M add other colors to the white toner based on the additional color information included in the print information received by the I / F 120, and erase areas specified by the control unit 100 Inside, a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed.

  Further, a fixing device 19 is connected to the control unit 100, and a drive motor for rotating the fixing roller pair of the fixing device 19 and a heater provided in one heat roller of the fixing roller pair are controlled. Is done. Further, the document reading unit 20 is connected to the control unit 100, controls the optical system unit 203 and the like, reads the document, and obtains image data (print information) corresponding to the document. The control unit 100 transmits the image data read by the document reading unit 20 to the PC 130 via the I / F 120. In addition, the control unit 100 is connected to a paper feeding unit 30 and feeds the recorded paper placed on the manual feed tray 32.

  The control unit 100 is connected with an operation unit 110 including a display panel unit for inputting a print instruction or the like from the user or displaying various messages. Print instruction information selectively input by the user from 110 is received, and based on the received print instruction information, the transfer operation of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, and 2C by the indirect transfer method is controlled. Note that, other than the image forming units 2Y, 2M, and 2C, such as the secondary transfer roller 16 and the drive rollers 11 and 12, based on the print instruction information (direct transfer method or indirect transfer method) input from the operation unit 110. Needless to say, each part of the apparatus is controlled.

  The configuration of the multifunction machine 1 is merely an example. For example, the drum motor 103 or the transfer bias unit 104 provided in each of the image forming units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2W includes one drum in each image forming unit. A motor or a transfer bias unit may be shared. Further, the transfer roller 17 and the secondary transfer roller 16 do not have the transfer roller drive motor 105 and the secondary transfer roller drive motor 108 as a drive source. Changes can be made as appropriate, such as a configuration in which the secondary transfer roller 16 is driven or one drive source is shared as a drive source for each roller.

  Further, the white image forming unit 2W in the present embodiment is realized by replacing the black toner supplied to the black image forming unit that forms the black toner image with the white toner. That is, the black toner supply unit 7 that supplies black toner to the black image forming unit that forms the black toner image and the white toner supply unit 7 that supplies white toner have the same shape, and the black toner supply By replacing the unit 7 with the white toner supply unit 7, a white toner image is formed in the erasure area specified by the control unit 100. In this case, the control unit 100 converts the color of the erasure area set by the PC 130 from white to black and instructs the white image forming unit 2W. Therefore, the image forming apparatus normally includes a black image forming unit that forms a black toner image, but the black toner supply unit that supplies toner to the black image forming unit can be simply replaced with a white toner supply unit. With this configuration, a white toner image can be formed in the erasing area.

  In this embodiment, the black toner supply unit 7 that supplies black toner and the white toner supply unit 7 that supplies white toner have the same shape, but the present invention is particularly limited to this. If the image forming unit including the developing device 3, the photosensitive drum 4, the charging unit 5, the exposure unit 6, the toner supply unit 7, the cleaning unit 8, the transfer roller 17 and the like is detachable as one unit, The shape of the black image forming unit that forms the toner image and the white image forming unit that forms the white toner image may be the same. In this case, it is possible to form a white toner image in the erasure area specified by the control unit 100 by replacing the black image forming unit with the white image forming unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the toner images formed by the image forming units 2M, 2C, 2Y, and 2W for each color are primarily transferred by the intermediate transfer belt 9, and the toner images that are primarily transferred are recorded. The white image forming unit 2W is provided on the downstream side of the image transfer position by the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y for other colors on the intermediate transfer belt 9. Therefore, since the white toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 after the other color toner images, the white toner image is first transferred to the recorded paper, and the print information in the erase area is simulated. The white toner image to be erased and the toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character can be transferred to the recorded paper at a time.

  Furthermore, when printing using only white and black toner, any one of the magenta, cyan, and yellow image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y (toner supply unit) is replaced with black toner (toner Instead of the supply unit), the other two toners may not be used. In this case, it is possible to reproduce black with better color development than to reproduce black using three colors of magenta, cyan, and yellow. When the image forming unit including the developing device 3, the photosensitive drum 4, the charging unit 5, the exposure unit 6, the toner supply unit 7, the cleaning unit 8, the transfer roller 17, and the like is detachable as one unit, magenta, Any one of the cyan and yellow image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y may be replaced with a black image forming unit that forms a black toner image.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the operation differs between the case where the print information recorded on the recorded paper exists in the PC 130 and the case where the print information does not exist in the PC 130. First, the operation of the multifunction device 1 when print information exists in the PC 130 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device 1 when print information exists in the PC. First, in step S1, the PC 130 displays the same print information as the print information recorded on the recorded paper that the user desires to modify. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the PC when printing information is displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, print information 300 including a graphic 301 and characters 302 is displayed on the display screen of the PC 130.

  Returning to FIG. 3, next, in step S <b> 2, the PC 130 accepts designation of an erasing area in which a predetermined portion of the displayed print information is pseudo-erased. For example, on the screen, print information composed of figures and characters and a pointer that can be moved with a mouse are displayed. The user designates the range and position of the erasure area in the print information by dragging the pointer while holding down the mouse button. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a PC when an erasing area is designated from print information. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, an erase area 303 designated by the user is displayed on the display screen of the PC 130.

  Returning to FIG. 3, next, in step S <b> 3, the PC 130 receives an input of a figure, a symbol, or a character to be newly added to the print information. The user inputs a figure, a symbol, or a character at a desired position in the erase area using the keyboard. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the PC when characters are added. As shown in FIG. 6, a new character 304 added by the user in the erase area 303 is displayed on the display screen of the PC 130. In the present embodiment, a new figure, symbol, or character may be added outside the erase area 303.

  Returning to FIG. 3, next, in step S <b> 4, the PC 130 receives input of additional color information regarding the color to be added to the white toner in order to reproduce the same color as the background color of the recorded paper. For example, when the background color of the recorded paper is red, the user inputs red as additional color information.

  In step S <b> 5, the PC 130 transmits a print request to the multifunction device 1. The print request includes erase area information regarding the position and range of the erase area on the recorded paper, image information including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character, and additional information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of print request data transmitted to the multifunction machine. As shown in FIG. 7, the print request data 310 includes erase area information indicating the range of the erase area 303 and the position of the erase area 303 on the recorded paper, the color in the erase area 303 and the background color of the recorded paper. Are added to the same color information, and information representing the newly added character 304 is included.

  In the present embodiment, the erasure area information, the image information, and the additional color information are transmitted to the multifunction device 1, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, when only a part of the print information is pseudo-erased and at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is not added, erase area information and additional color information may be transmitted. Further, when the background color of the recorded paper is white, only the erase area information may be transmitted without transmitting the additional color information.

  Next, in step S <b> 11, the I / F 120 receives the print request transmitted by the PC 130 and outputs the received print request to the control unit 100. In step S <b> 12, when a print request is input, the control unit 100 instructs the paper feeding unit 30 to feed the recorded paper placed on the manual feed tray 32. The paper feeding unit 30 starts feeding the recorded paper placed on the manual feed tray 32.

  Next, in step S13, the control unit 100 determines whether image information is included in the print request. If it is determined that image information is included in the print request (YES in step S13), a toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 in step S14. The image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y are controlled to perform primary transfer. The image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y form toner images each including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character, and primarily transfer the formed toner images to the intermediate transfer belt 9.

  At this time, the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y superimpose other colors on the white toner image in the erasure area based on the additional color information included in the print information, and the recorded paper in the erasure area A toner image having the same color as the background color is formed.

  When it is determined that image information is not included in the print request (NO in step S13), or when a toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9, In step S15, the control unit 100 specifies the position and range of the erase area on the recorded paper based on the erase area information included in the print request.

  Next, in step S <b> 16, the control unit 100 controls the image forming unit 2 </ b> W to primarily transfer the toner image in the erasing area to the intermediate transfer belt 9. The image forming unit 2 </ b> W forms a toner image that covers the erasing area, and primarily transfers the formed toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 9. Then, the control unit 100 controls the driving of the belt driving motor 106, rotates the intermediate transfer belt 9 endlessly, and moves the image forming position on the intermediate transfer belt 9 on which the toner image is formed to the secondary transfer roller 16. .

  Next, in step S <b> 17, the control unit 100 drives the secondary transfer roller driving motor 108 to secondary-transfer the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 onto the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding unit 30. Transcript. Then, the control unit 100 drives the transport roller drive motor 107 to transport the recorded paper to the fixing device 19.

  In the present embodiment, the print information including at least one of the figure, symbol, and character recorded on the recorded paper is pseudo-erased, and at least one of the figure, symbol, and character is newly deleted. When adding, at least one toner image of a figure, a symbol, and a character to be added is first transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 9 using the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y, and then the toner image in the erasing area is transferred. Primary transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 using the image forming unit 2W. At this time, the toner image in the erasing area is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 so as to overlap the toner image of at least one of figures, symbols, and characters.

  Then, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 9 is secondarily transferred to the recorded paper. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a toner image that is secondarily transferred to a recorded sheet. As shown in FIG. 8, on the recorded paper P, an erase area toner image 402 is formed on the recorded image 401, and at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is further formed thereon. Two toner images 403 are formed.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in step S18, the fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the recorded paper. Next, in step S <b> 19, the control unit 100 outputs a drive signal for rotating the transport roller to the transport roller driving motor 107. The conveyance roller drive motor 107 rotates the conveyance roller, conveys the recorded paper to the recording paper discharge unit 14, and discharges the recorded paper on which the toner image is fixed to the outside of the apparatus.

  As described above, the recorded sheet on which the printing information is recorded is fed by the sheet feeding unit 30, and a predetermined portion of the printing information on the recorded sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 30 is recorded by the control unit 100. Identified as an erase area. Then, a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed in the erasing area specified by the control unit 100 by the image forming unit 2W, and is fed by the paper feeding unit 30 by the intermediate transfer belt 9. The toner image formed by the image forming unit 2W is transferred to the recorded paper.

  Therefore, a predetermined portion of the print information on the recorded paper is specified as an erasing area, and a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed in the specified erasing area. A part of the information can be corrected, and resource saving can be achieved by reducing the disposal of recorded paper.

  In addition, the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y form a toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character in an erase area where a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. Therefore, a part of the recorded paper can be erased in a pseudo manner, and at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character can be printed on the erased part.

  In addition, a white toner image is formed in the erase area, and a toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is formed in the erase area in which the white toner image is formed. The print information can be erased in a pseudo white color, and at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character can be printed using yellow, cyan, and magenta.

  Further, the I / F 120 receives a print request including erase area information for specifying the erase area from the PC 130 connected to be communicable. Then, based on the erase area information included in the print request received by the I / F 120, the control unit 100 specifies the erase area of the print information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feed unit 30. Therefore, since the erase area of the print information on the recorded paper is specified based on the erase area information included in the print request transmitted by the communicably connected PC 130, it is on the transport path for transporting the recorded paper. In addition, it is not necessary to separately provide a scanner for reading the print information of the recorded paper, and the configuration of the multifunction device 1 can be simplified.

  Further, the I / F 120 receives a print request further including image information including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character for forming a toner image in the erase area. Then, the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y have an erasing area in which a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed based on the image information included in the print request received by the I / F 120. A toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character is formed.

  Therefore, based on the image information included in the print request transmitted by the communicably connected PC 130, the figure, the symbol, and the character are in the erasing area where the toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. Since the toner image including at least one of them is formed, it is not necessary to provide the image forming apparatus with an input device for inputting image information including at least one of graphics, symbols, and characters. The configuration of the apparatus can be simplified.

  Further, the I / F 120 receives a print request further including additional color information for reproducing the same color as the background color of the recorded paper by adding another color to the white toner. Then, the image forming units 2M, 2C, and 2Y add other colors to the white toner based on the additional information included in the print information received by the I / F 120, and are specified by the control unit 100. In the erase area, a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. Therefore, even if the background color of the recorded paper is other than white, by adding other colors, the erase area can be made the same as the background color of the recorded paper.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 1 when there is no print information in the PC 130 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device 1 when there is no print information in the PC.

  First, in step S31, the document reading unit 20 reads a recorded sheet on which print information is recorded. That is, the user places the recorded paper on the placed original contact glass 202a (see FIG. 1) or the original tray 204 (see FIG. 1), and the original reading unit 20 reads the placed original. Print information (image data) of recorded paper is acquired. The document reading unit 20 outputs the acquired print information to the control unit 100.

  Next, in step S <b> 32, the control unit 100 outputs the print information read by the document reading unit 20 to the I / F 120, and the I / F 120 transmits the print information input from the control unit 100 to the PC 130.

  Next, in step S <b> 21, the PC 130 receives the print information transmitted by the multifunction device 1. Next, in step S22, the PC 130 displays the received print information. In this way, the PC 130 acquires the print information of the recorded paper that is desired to be corrected, accepts designation by the user of the erasure area, and accepts designation by at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character. It becomes possible.

  9 is the same as the processing from step S2 to S5 shown in FIG. 3, and the processing from step S33 to S41 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as that in step S11 shown in FIG. Since it is the same as the process up to S19, the description is omitted.

  In this way, the print information recorded on the recorded paper is read by the original reading unit 20, and the print information of the recorded paper read by the original reading unit 20 is transmitted to the PC 130 by the I / F 120. Therefore, even when there is no print information of the recorded paper in the PC 130, the print information read by the document reading unit 20 is transmitted to the PC 130, so that the erasure area information is stored in the PC 130 instead of the multifunction device 1. Can be created.

  In the present embodiment, the white image forming unit 2W forms a toner image that covers the entire surface of the erasing area. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the white image forming unit 2W is erasable. You may form the toner image which erases the printing information in an area in a pseudo | simulated dot unit. That is, when print information exists in the PC 130 and the font and font size of the characters in the erasure area can be recognized in advance, the white image forming unit 2W is a toner that pseudo-erases only the characters in the erasure area. Form an image.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the said multifunctional device. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction peripheral when print information exists in a PC. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of PC in the case of displaying printing information. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of PC in the case of designating an erasing area from print information. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of PC at the time of adding character information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of print request data transmitted to a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a toner image that is secondarily transferred to a recorded sheet. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction device 1 when there is no print information in the PC.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction device 2W White image forming part 2Y Yellow image forming part 2M Magenta image forming part 2C Cyan image forming part 3 Developing device 5 Charging part 6 Exposure part 19 Fixing apparatus 20 Document reading part 30 Paper feed part 100 Control part 101 ROM
102 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Drum motor 104 Transfer bias part 105 Transfer roller drive motor 106 Belt drive motor 107 Conveyance roller drive motor 108 Secondary transfer roller drive motor 109 Secondary transfer bias part 110 Operation part 120 I / F
130 PC

Claims (9)

Paper feeding means for feeding recorded paper on which printing information is recorded;
Specifying means for specifying a predetermined portion of print information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding means as an erasing area;
Image forming means for forming a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper in the erasing area specified by the specifying means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit to the recorded sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit.   The image forming unit forms a toner image including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character in the erasing area in which a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming means includes a white image forming means for forming a white toner image, a yellow image forming means for forming a yellow toner image, a cyan image forming means for forming a cyan toner image, and a magenta image forming means. Magenta image forming means for forming a toner image,
The white image forming unit forms a white toner image in the erasing area specified by the specifying unit,
The image forming unit for yellow, the image forming unit for cyan, and the image forming unit for magenta are formed of a graphic, a symbol, and a character in the erasing area in which a white toner image is formed by the white image forming unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a toner image including at least one is formed.   4. The shape of a black toner supply means for supplying black toner to a black image forming means for forming a black toner image and a white toner supply means for supplying white toner are the same. The image forming apparatus described. The transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer belt on which a toner image formed by the image forming unit for each color is primarily transferred and secondarily transferred to the recorded paper.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the white image forming unit is provided on a downstream side of an image transfer position by the image forming unit for other colors on the intermediate transfer belt. Receiving means for receiving a print request including erasure area specifying information for specifying the erasure area from a communicably connected computer;
The specifying unit specifies the erasing region of the print information on the recorded paper fed by the paper feeding unit based on the erasing region specifying information included in the print request received by the receiving unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The receiving unit receives a print request further including image information including at least one of a figure, a symbol, and a character for forming a toner image in the erasing area;
The image forming means includes a graphic in the erasing area where a toner image having the same color as the background color of the recorded paper is formed based on the image information included in the print request received by the receiving means, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a toner image including at least one of a symbol and a character is formed. The receiving means receives a print request further including additional color information for reproducing the same color as the background color of the recorded paper by adding another color to white toner;
The image forming unit adds another color to white toner based on the additional color information included in the print information received by the receiving unit, and within the erasure area specified by the specifying unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a toner image having the same color as a background color of the recorded paper is formed. Reading means for reading print information recorded on the recorded paper;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit print information of the recorded sheet read by the reading unit to the computer.

Images