JP2009116210A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which surely maintains confidentiality and is convenient for a user, while achieving resource saving and cost reduction by applying mask print only at a necessary part out of already printed confidential documents. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part 5 for forming an image on a sheet S; a sheet supply part 3 storing the already printed sheet S and supplying it to the image forming part 5; an input part to input form image data FD on the form of the already printed sheet S stored in the sheet supply part 3 in the apparatus in order to perform the mask print for concealing content of print; and a setting input part for setting one or a plurality of mask areas M on which the mask print is performed. The setting input part receives arrangement setting of the mask area M based on the form image data FD input from the input part, and the image forming part 5 performs the mask print on the already printed sheet S based on the arrangement setting of the mask area M input in the setting input part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to mask printing in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a multifunction machine, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine.

  Various image forming apparatuses perform image formation on a sheet such as a copy sheet. However, in recent years, printing on both sides of a sheet is performed from the viewpoint of natural environment protection, resource saving, cost reduction, and the like. Yes. In order to form an image on both sides of such a sheet, a duplex printing unit may be provided. When the duplex printing unit is not provided, the single-sided printed sheet is supplied again to the paper cassette or the like as a so-called backing paper and reused.

However, when a single-sided printed sheet is used as a backing paper, if the printed content on the printed side includes content that should maintain confidentiality (for example, personal information), it cannot be used as it is as a backing paper. . In order to cope with this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that performs mask printing on a printed surface. Specifically, Patent Document 1 includes an image forming unit, a paper reversing unit that reverses the front and back of the paper, and a back paper determination unit that determines whether the paper is a single-sided used back paper. An image forming apparatus is described that performs mask printing that prints a desired image on an unused surface of a sheet and conceals the content on the used surface when the sheet is determined to be a backing sheet. (See Patent Document 1: Claim 1, FIG. 4, etc.)
JP-A-2005-231107

  Here, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, mask printing on the used surface is performed over the entire surface of the sheet. For example, a confidential document in which confidential information in a company or a public office is described (for example, In some cases, such as a ledger in which personal information is written, a book in which monetary income / expenditure, etc. are written, and documents for final approval, etc., are defined.

  In addition, information such as letters, numbers, and graphics that should be kept secret is not always written on the entire surface of these documents, and if the mask printing is performed only on necessary portions, the secret may be kept. However, since the invention described in Patent Document 1 always performs mask printing on the entire printed surface, the amount of toner, ink, etc. used increases, and there are problems in terms of resource saving and running cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. By performing mask printing only on necessary portions of a printed confidential document, the confidentiality is achieved while achieving resource saving and cost reduction. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that is highly convenient for the user and that is easy to set a region for performing mask printing while maintaining the reliability.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a sheet supply unit that accommodates a plurality of printed sheets, and supplies the image forming unit, and mask printing that conceals the print contents. An input unit for inputting form image data in a form of a printed sheet stored in the sheet supply unit to the apparatus, and a setting input unit for setting one or a plurality of mask areas for performing mask printing. The setting input unit accepts an arrangement setting of the mask region based on the style image data input from the input unit, and the image forming unit receives the arrangement of the mask region input to the setting input unit. Based on the setting, it was decided to perform mask printing on the printed sheet.

  According to this configuration, since the mask printing is performed only on the mask area set by the user in the printed sheet, not on the entire sheet, the usage amount of toner or the like can be reduced without leaking confidential information. Resource savings and low running costs can be achieved through reduction, and the user can set the area to be masked by himself so that confidentiality is reliably maintained and image formation is very convenient for the user. An apparatus can be provided. Further, if a mask-printed sheet is used as a backing paper, further resource saving and low running cost can be achieved.

  On the other hand, according to this configuration, the present invention can be used for preprocessing when a document is discarded. For example, a shredder or the like can be used if mask printing is performed on a double-sided or single-sided printed sheet. In addition, confidential documents can be discarded at a lower cost than before. For example, a document shredding operation using a shredder requires constant personnel, and paper jams and the volume of documents after crushing are greatly increased. The printed sheet can be discarded as it is, which improves the convenience for the user.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a double-sided printing unit for performing double-sided printing on the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit, wherein the input unit is configured to form an image. In response to the input of print image data to be printed, the image forming unit performs mask printing on the printed surface during duplex printing, and forms an image on the unprinted surface based on the print image data.

  According to this configuration, since the double-sided printing unit is provided, for example, a desired image can be formed on the other side at the same time that mask printing is performed on a single-side printed sheet. Also, mask printing can be performed on both sides of the sheet at the same time for pre-processing of discarding the double-side printed sheet.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing, as mask area setting data, the arrangement setting of the mask area made for the style image data in the invention of the first or second aspect. The setting input unit accepts selection of a plurality of the mask area setting data, and the image forming unit performs mask printing on the printed sheet based on the selected mask area setting data.

  According to this configuration, since the storage unit stores the mask area arrangement setting as the mask area setting data, it is necessary to perform the mask area arrangement setting again when performing mask processing on a printed matter of the same format. It can be lost.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the reading unit that reads the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit, and the image data of the sheet read by the reading unit are determined. A determination unit; and the storage unit stores the format image data in association with the mask area setting data, and the determination unit includes the image data read by the reading unit and the format image of the storage unit. The image forming unit compares whether the image data read by the reading unit and the style image data in the storage unit match, based on the corresponding mask area setting data. It was decided to print.

  According to this configuration, the reading unit that reads the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit is provided, and the format image data in the storage unit is compared with the read image data. Can be subjected to mask printing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit further includes an image processing unit for performing image processing on the image data, and is read by the reading unit as a result of the determination by the determination unit. If the image data is rotated, if the image data matches the style image data in the storage unit, the image processing unit performs a rotation process on the mask area setting data, and the image forming unit Based on the mask area setting data, mask printing is performed.

  According to this configuration, the mask processing is performed by the image processing unit, so that mask printing can be performed regardless of the sheet placement direction in the sheet supply unit.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the input unit is an image reading device that reads a sheet image as a document and generates image data.

  According to this configuration, since the document on which the sheet format is printed is read, the mask area can be set based on the read format image data.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the input unit is an interface unit that receives transmission of image data from the outside, and the format image data and / or the print image data. Is transmitted from a user terminal connected to the interface unit.

  According to this configuration, since the input of the form image data and the print image data to the input unit from the external user terminal is received, the user can send the form image data and the print image data from the terminal to the image forming apparatus. Based on the form image data, the mask area can be easily set. Based on the print image data, an image can be formed on the unprinted surface and a single-side printed sheet can be used as a backing paper.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the setting input unit is an operation panel for instructing and inputting an operation of the apparatus, and the operation panel includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display unit displays the style image data, and the arrangement of the mask area is set from a touch panel.

  According to this configuration, the style image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, and the user can set the mask area while visually recognizing. Therefore, the user can easily set the mask area.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eighth aspects of the invention, the setting input unit is an operation panel for inputting an instruction for operation of the apparatus, and the operation panel is provided with a numerical value input unit. The arrangement of the mask area is set by inputting a numerical value indicating the position of the mask area from the numerical value input unit.

  According to this configuration, since the user can set the mask area from a numeric input unit such as a numeric keypad, the user can easily set the arrangement of the mask area.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh to ninth aspects of the invention, the interface unit accepts the mask area setting data set in the user terminal.

  According to this configuration, since the interface unit receives data related to the mask area arrangement setting, the user can perform the mask area arrangement setting on the user terminal and perform mask printing based on the mask area setting data. be able to.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to tenth aspects of the invention, the setting input unit applies mask printing to the entire image forming area in the sheet with respect to the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit. When an instruction input for performing mask printing is received, the image forming unit performs the whole area mask printing on the sheet when the whole area mask printing instruction is input.

  According to this configuration, since the mask printing can be performed on the entire area of the sheet, the mask printing can be performed without setting the mask area even for a document in a format that is not frequently used. That is, the user can select whether to perform mask printing on the entire area of the sheet or to perform mask printing on a part of the area, and the degree of freedom of the user can be increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by reducing the amount of toner and ink used in mask printing, an image forming apparatus that achieves resource saving, low running cost, and high user convenience is provided. can do.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the elements such as the configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment do not limit the scope of the invention and are merely illustrative examples.

  First, an outline of an electrophotographic multifunction peripheral 1 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 has a document cover 1a attached to the upper surface, and an image reading unit 2 (an input unit and an image reading device) is arranged on the apparatus main body side to perform image reading and image formation. Equivalent), a sheet supply unit 3, a sheet conveyance path 4, an image forming unit 5, a fixing unit 6, a rejoining conveyance path 7, an operation panel 8 (corresponding to a setting input unit), a reading sensor 9 (corresponding to a reading unit), and the like. These configurations will be described below.

  First, the document cover 1 a is provided above the image reading unit 2 and serves to hold down the document placed on the upper surface of the image reading unit 2. The document cover 1a has a fulcrum (not shown) at the back of the sheet of FIG. 1, and can be opened and closed in the vertical direction.

  The image reading unit 2 disposed below the document cover 1a reads an image of the sheet S as a document, converts the document image into an electrical signal, and generates image data. The image reading unit 2 has a contact glass 21 disposed on the upper surface. or. Optical members such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor are provided inside the image reading unit 2 (not shown). Then, the original placed on the contact glass 21 is converted into an electrical signal for each pixel by the optical system member, and the reflected light of the light emitted to the original is converted into an electric signal for each pixel, thereby obtaining the original image data.

  The sheet supply unit 3 supplies various sizes of sheets S such as a plurality of copy sheets, cardboard, and OHP sheets S to the image forming unit 5 through the sheet conveyance path 4. The sheet supply unit 3 is provided with a cassette 31, and the cassette 31 stores the sheet S so that the uppermost sheet S contacts the supply roller 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a manual feed tray 33 for supplying sheets S is provided on the right side surface of the multifunction machine 1 separately from the cassette 31. A supply roller 32 is also provided on the downstream side of the manual feed tray 33 in the sheet conveyance direction so as to contact the uppermost sheet S of the sheets S placed on the manual feed tray 33. These supply rollers 32 are connected to a driving device (not shown) including a motor, a gear, and the like, and rotate when supplying the sheet S from the cassette 31 or the manual feed tray 33, and supply the sheet to the image forming unit 5. S is sent. In the present invention, a plurality of single-sided or double-sided printed sheets S to be subjected to mask printing are placed on the cassette 31 and the manual feed tray 33 in a predetermined direction and a predetermined direction.

  The sheet conveyance path 4 is a conveyance path for the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 3. In the sheet conveyance path 4, a conveyance roller pair 41 connected to a driving device (not shown) including a motor, a gear, and the like, a guide 42 for guiding conveyance of the sheet S, and a switching guide for switching the conveyance direction of the sheet S 43 etc. are provided. In addition, a switchback roller pair 45 is provided in front of the sheet discharge port 44. The switchback roller pair 45 is rotatable forward and backward for the switchback operation of the sheet S during double-sided printing. In addition, a registration roller pair 46 for allowing the sheet S to enter the image forming unit 5 at an appropriate timing is provided as one of the conveyance roller pairs 41 in the sheet conveyance path 4.

  The image forming unit 5 forms an image on the sheet S conveyed by the sheet conveying path 4 by an electrophotographic method. Specifically, the image forming unit 5 is provided with a photosensitive drum 51, a charging device 52, an exposure device 53, a developing device 54, a transfer roller 55, a cleaning device 56, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum 51 is positioned substantially at the center of the image forming unit 5, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive layer formed on the peripheral surface. The photosensitive drum 51 is connected to a driving device (not shown) including a motor, a gear, and the like, and is driven to rotate. The charging device 52 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 51 and uniformly charges the peripheral surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 51 at the contact position. In addition to the charging roller, a corona discharge type or brush type charging device may be used.

  The exposure device 53 forms an electrostatic latent image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51 by irradiating the charged circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51 with light based on the image data of the image to be formed. The exposure device 53 may be a laser unit that scans with a polygon mirror using a semiconductor laser as a light source, or may be an LED arranged in an array as a light source. The developing device 54 charges the toner to a predetermined potential, supplies the toner to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device 53, and develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image.

  The transfer roller 55 contacts below the photosensitive drum 51, and a nip is formed between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 55. When the sheet S enters the nip, a predetermined bias voltage (current) is applied to the transfer roller 55, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet S. The cleaning device 56 removes and cleans the toner and other dust remaining on the peripheral surface portion of the photosensitive drum 51 after the toner transfer.

  The fixing unit 6 is mainly composed of a heating roller 61 having a built-in heat source and a pressure roller 62 that is pressed against the heating roller 61 to form a nip. Then, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred enters the nip. During this approach, the toner is heated and pressurized, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. The sheet S after the toner image is fixed is conveyed toward the discharge tray 47. The discharge tray 47 receives the sheet S discharged from the multifunction machine 1.

  The re-merging conveyance path 7 connects a branch point 71 provided between the fixing unit 6 and the sheet discharge port 44 and a re-merging point 72 provided on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 46 in the sheet conveying direction.

  Specifically, in the case of image formation on only one side, the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 6 is conveyed toward the discharge tray 47 (the switchback roller pair 45 rotates in the direction of arrow A). On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing, the switchback roller pair 45 once transports the single-side printed sheet S toward the discharge tray 47, but reverses the transport direction of the sheet S before the sheet S is completely discharged. (Rotate in the direction of arrow B). By this reversal and the switching guide 43 provided at the branch point 71, the sheet S is conveyed toward the rejoining conveyance path 7. Thereafter, the single-side printed sheet S that has entered the re-merging conveyance path 7 is conveyed to the re-merging point 72 by a plurality of conveying roller pairs 73. By such an operation of the switchback roller pair 45 and the like, the sheet S is reversed and is sent to the image forming unit 5 again. That is, the switchback roller pair 45, the rejoining conveyance path 7 and the like function as a double-sided printing unit, thereby realizing a double-sided printing function.

  With this double-sided printing function, it is possible to perform mask printing on the printed side of the single-sided printed sheet S and simultaneously perform arbitrary image formation on the non-printed side. In addition, pre-processing for disposal of the double-sided printed sheet S As described above, mask printing can be simultaneously performed on both sides of the sheet S.

  In the present embodiment, the operation panel 8 is disposed on the upper front side of the multifunction machine 1 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, on the operation panel 8, the user performs various settings and inputs of the multifunction device 1, and displays switches, buttons, and touch panel type liquid crystal for displaying the state of the multifunction device 1. A display unit 81 is provided. Further, the operation panel 8 is provided with a numeric keypad 82 (corresponding to a numerical value input unit) for inputting numbers. Various keys such as a function selection key group 83 for selecting a function of the multifunction device 1 and a start key 84 for inputting an instruction to start the operation of the multifunction device 1 are also provided.

  Next, the reading sensor 9 provided in the multifunction device 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the reading sensor 9 is, for example, a CIS line-type image sensor, which is downstream of the manual feed tray 33 and the converging point 91 of the sheet S from the cassette 31 in the sheet conveying direction, and a registration roller pair. It is provided upstream of 46 in the sheet conveying direction. The reading sensor 9 reads the sheet S to confirm the style of the printed sheet S on which mask printing supplied from the sheet supply unit 3 is performed (details will be described later).

  Next, a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the multifunction machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, a control unit 10 is provided in the copying machine main body of the present embodiment for controlling the operation of the entire multifunction device 1, and includes a CPU 11 (corresponding to a determination unit), a storage unit 12, a clock Part 13, an image processing part 14 (corresponding to a determination part), and the like. The CPU 11 functions as a central processing unit, performs various calculations based on programs and data stored in or input to the storage unit 12, and controls each unit of the multifunction device 1.

  The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM, an HDD, or a flash ROM. The RAM is a volatile memory, and is used when temporarily developing a control program or control data, or when temporarily storing image data. The HDD is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device, and is used for storing a control program, image data, and setting information of the MFP 1 by a user. The flash ROM stores a control program, control data, and the like for the MFP 1 main body, and the CPU 11 reads data from the flash ROM for control. In order to carry out the present invention, although details will be described later, mask area setting data relating to the arrangement setting of the area to be subjected to mask printing and form image data FD which is image data of the form of the document are stored in, for example, an HDD or a flash ROM. Can be remembered. Then, the control unit 10 controls the image forming unit 5 to perform mask printing on the printed sheet based on the mask region setting data and the arrangement setting of the mask region M input to the setting input unit.

  The image processing unit 14 is a part that performs various types of processing on the image data in order to form an appropriate image. For example, various known image processing such as γ correction processing, shading correction, enlargement / reduction processing, density adjustment processing, and density change processing can be performed. Further, the image processing unit 14 can perform a rotation process for rotating an area to be subjected to mask printing (details will be described later). The time counting unit 13 counts various times required for control during sheet conveyance / merging in double-sided printing or the like.

  The control unit 10 is connected to the image reading unit 2, the sheet supply unit 3, the sheet conveyance path 4, the image forming unit 5, the fixing unit 6, the rejoining conveyance path 7, the operation panel 8, and the like that constitute the multifunction device 1. Based on the program stored in the storage unit 12, control is performed so that the operation of each unit is performed accurately. A reading sensor 9 for reading the sheet S being conveyed is also connected to the control unit 10, and an image read by the reading sensor 9 is used in the storage unit 12 and the image processing unit 14 of the control unit 10.

  In addition, the control unit 10 includes an I / F unit 15 (corresponding to an input unit, a setting input unit, and an interface unit) configured with various connectors and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, a user terminal 16 (for example, a personal computer) is connected to the I / F unit 15 directly or via a network or the like. By installing the driver software of the multifunction device 1 in the user terminal 16, the multifunction device 1 and the user terminal 16 can communicate with each other. For example, image data can be transmitted from the user terminal 16 to form an image. Yes (printer function). Further, the image data read by the image reading unit 2 can be transmitted to the user terminal 16 (scanner function). In addition, data for FAX transmission using a communication line (not shown) can be transmitted from the user terminal 16 to the multi-function device 1 or received FAX data can be transferred to the user terminal 16 (FAX function).

  Next, the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of mask regions M for performing mask printing on a printed sheet S can be set at a desired position, size, and range. The usefulness and basic outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a personal information document to be subjected to mask printing according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an in-house document to be subjected to mask printing according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a financial document to be subjected to mask printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  These documents shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 describe personal information, money amount, and the like, and all of them should be prevented from leaking outside. That is, it is a confidential document that should be kept confidential. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows an example of a customer ledger format in which personal information such as name, address, and telephone number is described. The owner of these personal information must be strictly protected. FIG. 5 shows an example of the format of the approval document. If it flows out to a third party, there is a possibility that the trend of the company or the like can be grasped outside. FIG. 6 shows one of the types of financial documents showing the income and expenditure of funds. The outflow of detailed funds flow to third parties in companies and government offices is preferable from the viewpoint of management and business safety. It is not a thing. The examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are merely examples, and there is no time for enumerating documents that should be kept confidential in companies and the like.

  Even if these confidential documents are printed on only one side, from the viewpoint of confidentiality, they cannot be used as they are as backing paper, and have conventionally been shredded and discarded. However, on the other hand, printing is generally performed on both sides of the sheet S from the viewpoint of effective utilization of paper resources based on recent global environmental protection and cost reduction. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the cost and greatly improve the convenience for the user and to use the confidential document as a backing paper.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, there are cases where the format of confidential documents is defined in a company, a public office, or in a department thereof. Therefore, the multi-function device 1 of the present embodiment takes in the image data (style image data FD) in the form of the document as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5 A, and 6 A into the storage unit 12. (For example, RAM, HDD, etc. 1). The capturing of the style image data FD may be performed by the image reading unit 2 described above, or may be performed by the I / F unit 15 in the form of data transmission from the user terminal 16. That is, the image reading unit 2 or the I / F unit 15 inputs mask image data FD of the printed sheet S stored in the sheet supply unit 3 to the multifunction device 1 in order to perform mask printing that conceals the print contents. It becomes the input part.

  In the form image data FD, the portion to be concealed does not always cover the entire surface, but is usually limited to a portion. For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 4 (b), 5 (b), and 6 (b), mask printing is performed for maintaining confidentiality of personal information, corporate trends, development trends, amounts, etc. Therefore, the area to be hidden (mask area M) is limited. In the multi-function device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to set an area for mask printing in the style image data FD. For example, this setting can be performed from the liquid crystal display unit 81 of the operation panel 8, or for a model without the liquid crystal display unit 81, from the user terminal 16 connected via the I / F unit 15. Can do. That is, the operation panel 8 and the I / F unit 15 serve as a setting input unit for setting one or a plurality of mask regions M for performing mask printing.

  Next, a pattern in mask printing will be described with reference to FIG. 7A and 7B show examples of mask printing patterns of the multifunction machine 1 in the present embodiment, where FIG. 7A shows a state before mask printing, FIG. 7B shows solid printing for filling, and FIG. 7C shows shading. Pattern (d) shows a random character string pattern.

  In the multi function device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of mask printing patterns can be selected. For example, if the solid sheet (for example, black) mask printing as shown in FIG. 7B is performed on the sheet S printed as shown in FIG. 7A, the description content is surely concealed. can do. Usually, solid mask printing is desirable. In the shaded pattern in FIG. 7C, it is desirable that the toner occupancy rate in the mask region M is 50% or more in order to increase the hiding power and make the description content unrecognizable. According to this shading pattern, the amount of toner used in mask printing can be reduced as compared with solid coating. Also, the amount of toner used can be reduced by mask printing using random character strings shown in FIG. In order to enhance the concealing power by making the description content unrecognizable, the operation panel is configured to print numbers in the mask area M on which numbers are printed and characters such as kanji and hiragana in areas on which characters such as kanji are printed. You may enable it to set by 8 grades.

  The user can set the pattern selection in the mask printing from the operation panel 8 or the user terminal 16. For example, for documents that require a very high level of confidentiality, perform solid mask printing, and for documents where the importance of confidentiality has decreased slightly since the printing of the sheet S, mask printing with a shading pattern is required. The pattern can be selected in consideration of the importance of confidentiality and the amount of toner used.

  Next, based on FIG. 8, specific operations such as setting / input of mask printing according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the results of mask printing based on FIG. 9. 8A shows an example of an arrangement setting screen for the mask area M on the liquid crystal display unit 81, and FIG. 8B shows an example of a display when selecting a sheet S for mask printing. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing result of mask printing according to the embodiment of the present invention. The following description will be made using the example shown in FIG.

  Further, FIG. 8 is assumed to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81 of the operation panel 8, but the same display is performed on the display of the user terminal 16, and mask print setting input is performed on the user terminal 16. The setting data may be received by the user and the I / F unit 15 may receive the setting data.

  First, specific setting of the mask region M will be described with reference to FIG.

  The form image data FD read by the image reading unit 2 and the form image data FD transmitted from the user terminal 16 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81 when the arrangement of the mask area M is set. Further, when the arrangement setting is performed on the user terminal 16, the style image data FD can be displayed on the display of the user terminal 16. In order to set the arrangement of the mask area M, for example, the mode switching to the arrangement setting mode of the mask area M is instructed from the operation panel 8.

  Specifically, when the image reading unit 2 reads a document on which a document format is printed, or when image data of the document format is transmitted from the user terminal 16, the document format image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81. FD is displayed. On the other hand, with respect to the display of the user terminal 16, the form image data FD read by the image reading unit 2 is transmitted to the user terminal 16 via the I / F unit 15, or from the memory of the user terminal 16 or the like. The form image data FD is read, and the form image data FD is displayed on the display.

  The liquid crystal display unit 81 and the display of the user terminal 16 display the style image data FD, the selection button 86a, the area designation button 86b, the enlargement button 86c, the reduction button 86d, the setting button 86e, the OK button 86f, A cancel button 86g and the like are arranged. Since the liquid crystal display unit 81 is of a touch panel type, each button can be selected by pressing these buttons. On the other hand, the user terminal 16 may use an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. These buttons are merely examples, and buttons can be added as appropriate.

  The selection button 86a is pressed when selecting form image data FD to be set from a plurality of form image data FD, and selects the form image data FD for setting the arrangement of the mask region M. The area designation button 86b is a button that is pressed when setting the arrangement of the mask area M. For example, in the liquid crystal display unit 81, an area traced with a finger on the touch panel can be set as the mask area M. The operation panel 8 is provided with a numeric keypad 82, and the range, position, size, etc. may be designated by numerical input. On the other hand, the user terminal 16 can set the mask area M by, for example, dragging with a mouse. That is, the operation panel 8 (the liquid crystal display unit 81 and the numeric keypad unit 82) and the I / F unit 15 set the arrangement of the mask region M based on the style image data FD input from the image reading unit 2 or the I / F unit 15. Accept.

  The enlargement button 86c and the reduction button 86d are for performing enlarged display and reduced display of the style image data FD displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81 and the display, and for facilitating the setting of the arrangement of the mask region M. It is. In general, the size of the liquid crystal display unit 81 in the image forming apparatus is limited, and the entire area of the style image data FD is not always displayed. Therefore, scroll bars 87 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are provided.

  The setting button 86e is pressed when various settings such as sheet size setting and registered name on the sheet selection screen 88 are performed. When all the settings such as the arrangement setting of the mask area M have been completed, the settings relating to the mask area M are completed when the OK button 86f is pressed. When the user terminal 16 performs the mask area setting, the mask area setting data is transmitted from the user terminal 16 to the multi-function device 1, and the I / F unit 15 may accept this and store it in the storage unit 12. . The cancel button 86g is pressed when the arrangement setting of the mask area M is interrupted.

  Then, the storage unit 12 (for example, HDD, flash ROM, etc.) can store the mask area setting data and the form image data FD in association with the mask area setting data when the OK button 86f is pressed. Note that a confirmation window (not shown) as to whether or not to store the set mask area setting data or the like may be displayed.

  FIG. 9 shows a result of performing mask printing by setting the mask region M and placing the sheet S of the same style on the sheet supply unit 3 in a predetermined direction. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present invention, for example, the amount is described, so that the mask printing is performed only on the mask area M in which the mask printing is set to be hidden by the user. As in conventional mask printing, the amount of toner and ink used can be significantly reduced compared to the case where mask printing is performed on the entire printed surface. Specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 9, the amount of toner and the like used is reduced by about 40 to 60% compared to the case of full solid coating.

  Then, when mask printing is performed on a format for which mask area setting data has already been set later, the mask area setting data stored in the storage unit 12 can be called up. This eliminates the need to set the arrangement of the mask region M again when performing mask printing on documents of the same style.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the multi-function device 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the mask area setting data stored in advance can be selected on the sheet selection screen 88 for selecting the sheet S to be used. It is. For example, the liquid crystal display 81 and the display of the user terminal 16 are given titles such as “personal information”, “financial documents”, and “in-house documents” in accordance with the contents of the documents in addition to the normal sheet selection. A sheet selection button 89 for selecting previously stored mask area setting data is displayed. In other words, when the mask area setting data is stored, the sheet selection button 89 is set on the sheet S selection screen. That is, the operation panel 8 accepts selection of a plurality of mask area setting data.

  When the sheet selection button 89 is selected, the user places the printed sheet S for mask printing on the cassette 31 or the manual feed tray 33 in a predetermined direction. When the user presses the start key 84 on the operation panel 8, the printed sheet S is sent out toward the image forming unit 5, and mask printing is performed on the set mask area M. That is, the image forming unit 5 performs mask printing on the printed sheet S based on the selected mask area setting data.

  Here, there are cases where it is not necessary to set the mask region M, such as when there is no style that is not frequently used or when there is no document style itself. There may also be confidential documents to be subjected to mask printing on the entire area of the sheet S. In such a case, in order to perform mask printing on the entire printing surface of the sheet S to be subjected to mask printing, for example, a sheet selection button 89a such as “entire area mask” is set in one of the sheet selection buttons 89. . As a result, the entire area mask printing can be instructed and input, which is highly convenient for the user. That is, the liquid crystal display unit 81 and the I / F unit 15 receive an instruction input for performing full-area mask printing for performing mask printing on the entire image forming area in the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 3. The image forming unit 5 performs the whole area mask printing on the sheet S when the whole area mask printing instruction is input.

  Next, the use of the reading sensor 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of sheet reading of the reading sensor 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating rotation of mask area setting data.

  In the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment, the sheet S supplied from the manual feed tray 33, the merging point 91 of the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 3 or the re-merging conveyance path 7, and the registration roller pair 46 are read. A sensor 9 is provided (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 10A, the reading sensor 9 is provided facing the sheet conveying path 4 and reads the conveyed sheet S. The form image data FD in which the mask area setting data stored in the storage unit 12 is set and the image data of the conveyed sheet S are compared and compared to determine whether the forms match. Determination and confirmation are performed by the image processing unit 14. This determination and confirmation are performed by comparing each pixel of the image data read by the reading sensor 9 and the style image data FD.

  If the forms match by this determination and confirmation, mask printing can be automated by automatically calling the mask area setting data corresponding to the form from the storage unit 12. Therefore, for example, if the printed sheet S is supplied to the cassette 31 or the like, the mode is set to the mask printing mode on the operation panel 8 or the user terminal 16, and the start key 84 is pressed, the stored format image data FD is stored. Corresponding mask printing is performed, and it is possible to save the user from various settings. That is, when the image data read by the reading sensor 9 matches the format image data FD to be stored, the image forming unit 5 performs mask printing based on the corresponding mask area setting data.

  Here, when the cassette 31 or the manual feed tray 33 is replenished with the sheet S in a different direction, it is convenient for the user if mask printing is performed without displaying a warning message or stopping the operation. Is greatly improved. Whether or not the orientation of the sheet S is different can be confirmed by comparing the reading result of the reading sensor 9 with the stored format image data FD.

  When the placement direction of the sheet S is different, as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, the image processing unit 14 or the like rotates the arrangement of the mask area setting data by 90 degrees or 180 degrees. Can respond. That is, as a result of determination and confirmation by the image processing unit 14 or the like, if the image data read by the reading sensor 9 is rotated, if the image data matches the style image data FD stored in the storage unit 12, the image processing unit 14 The mask area setting data is subjected to a rotation process, and the image forming unit 5 performs mask printing based on the mask area setting data after the rotation process.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, when the sheet is conveyed in the reverse direction in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, the mask region M is positioned symmetrically with respect to the center point of the sheet S. The original style image data and the mask area setting data are rotated 180 degrees. Therefore, the arrangement of the mask region M is also rotated by 180 degrees. On the other hand, when the vertical and horizontal directions of the sheet S are different (for example, A4 vertical and A4 horizontal), the original style image data and the mask area setting data are rotated by 90 degrees. Accordingly, the arrangement of the mask region M is also rotated by 90 degrees.

  It should be noted that the image data of the entire area of the sheet S to be conveyed is always required for the determination of the style of the printed surface, such as when the center axis in the conveyance direction of the sheet S coincides with the center of the sheet conveyance path 4. Not a reason. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reading length of the reading sensor 9 can be arbitrarily shortened with respect to the maximum width of the sheet conveying path 4 in the main scanning direction, and the cost of the reading sensor 9 can be reduced. (For example, about half, an example is shown by a broken line in FIG. 10A).

  Further, in order to facilitate the coincidence determination between the conveyed sheet S and the stored form image data FD, a mark for specifying the form may be arranged on the printed surface of the sheet S. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a number may be assigned to each style such as “style 001” in the upper right end portion of the sheet S. In addition, the image processing unit 14 or the like operates an OCR (Optical Character Reader) program on the image data read from the conveyed sheet S and the form image data FD, and recognizes the number and the title of the document for each form. You may check if the styles match.

  Next, an example of control when performing mask printing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of mask printing control according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that, here, a description will be given of a case where a single-side printed sheet S is subjected to mask printing on a printed side and a separate image is formed on an unprinted side. That is, it is used as a backing paper.

  First, at the start stage, the user needs to place the printed sheet S on the sheet supply unit 3 when performing mask printing. In the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when performing mask printing, for example, a selection input for switching the mode of the multifunction device 1 to the mask printing mode is performed by the operation panel 8 or the like, and the mode selection is transmitted to the control unit 10. (Step # 1). At this time, if necessary, selection input of mask area setting data is performed from the sheet selection screen 89, but this is not essential. Then, when the start key 84 is pressed or the like, mask printing is started (step # 2), and the conveyance of the single-side printed sheet S is started. (Step # 3).

  Thereafter, the reading sensor 9 reads the conveyed sheet S (step # 4). First, the image processing unit 14 confirms whether the reading surface of the sheet S is a printed surface (step # 5). If the printed surface has been printed (Yes in step # 5), the control unit 10 stores the mask area setting stored in the storage unit 12 from the operation panel 8 or the I / F unit 15 and displayed on the sheet selection screen 88, for example. It is confirmed whether or not data selection input has been made (step # 6). If mask area setting data selection input has been made (No in step # 6), mask printing is immediately performed based on the selection input (step # 7).

  On the other hand, if the selection input of the mask area setting data has not been made (Yes in step # 6), the image processing unit 14 compares the read image data with each style image data FD in the storage unit 12 (step # 8). Then, it is determined / confirmed whether it matches the format registered in the storage unit 12 (step # 9). If the forms match (Yes in step # 9), mask printing is performed based on the mask area setting data corresponding to the form image data FD (step # 10). Here, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the matching of the styles differs in the loading direction of the sheet S. Therefore, when the style image data FD is rotated, the read image data of the reading sensor 9 matches the style image data FD. If they do, they are also matched. In this case, the mask printing is performed after the rotation processing of the mask area setting data is performed by the image processing unit 14.

  On the other hand, if the forms do not match (No in step # 9), mask printing is performed on the entire printed surface (step # 11). Thus, since the mask printing is performed on the entire surface when the styles do not match, it is not always necessary to set the mask area M for each style, and the present invention forces the user to set the mask area M. Not what you want.

  When the first surface read by the reading sensor 9 is an unprinted surface (No in step # 5), normal image formation is performed based on data (printed image data) from the image reading unit 2 or the user terminal 16. Is called. (Step # 12). Then, after mask printing or normal image formation is performed on the surface read by the reading sensor 9 (steps # 7, # 10, # 11, and # 12), the control unit 10 performs double-sided printing (that is, normal printing). It is confirmed whether or not both image formation and mask printing have been performed (step # 13).

  If double-sided printing such as normal image formation or mask printing has been completed (Yes in step # 13), the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 47 (step # 14), and the processing is completed (end). On the other hand, if double-sided printing has not been completed, after fixing, the sheet S enters the rejoining conveyance path 7 while being reversed, and is conveyed again up to the registration roller pair 46 (step # 15), and returns to step # 4. .

  Note that the above flow can also be applied to the case where both sides are printed and the pre-processing before disposal is performed, and only mask printing is performed. If only one side is mask-printed, desired mask area setting data may be simply selected on the sheet selection screen 88.

  In this way, according to the configuration of the present invention, since the mask printing is performed only on the mask area M set by the user in the printed sheet, not on the entire sheet S, confidentiality is leaked. In addition, resource saving and low running cost can be achieved by reducing the amount of toner used, etc., and the user can set the area for mask printing by himself so that confidentiality is reliably maintained and the user can be set. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine 1) that is extremely convenient. Further, if the mask-printed sheet S is used as a backing paper, further resource saving and low running cost can be achieved.

  On the other hand, the present invention can be used for pre-processing when discarding a document, and by performing mask printing on a sheet S that has been printed on both sides or on one side, for example, without using a shredder or the like, At low cost, you can discard confidential documents without any work. For example, a document shredding operation with a shredder requires personnel to constantly work, paper jams and the volume of documents after crushing increase greatly, and the document disposal operation is complicated. The printed sheet S can be discarded as it is, and the convenience for the user is improved.

  Further, since the double-sided printing unit (the switchback roller pair 45, the rejoining conveyance path 7) is provided, the desired image can be formed on the other side at the same time as the mask printing is performed on the single-side printed sheet S. it can. In addition, mask printing can be performed on both sides of the sheet S at the same time as preprocessing for discarding the sheet S on which double-sided printing has been performed.

  In addition, since the storage unit 12 stores the arrangement setting of the mask area M as mask area setting data, it is not necessary to set the arrangement of the mask area M again when performing mask processing on a printed matter having the same format. be able to. In addition, since it has a reading unit (reading sensor 9) that reads the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 3 and compares the format image data FD in the storage unit 12 with the read image data, the printed material in the same format On the other hand, mask printing can be automatically performed. Further, since the image processing unit 14 rotates the mask area setting data, mask printing can be performed regardless of the direction in which the sheet S is placed in the sheet supply unit 3.

  Further, since the original on which the format of the sheet S is printed is read, the mask area M can be easily set based on the read format image data FD. In addition, since the input of the form image data FD and the print image data to the input unit (I / F unit 15) from the external user terminal 16 is accepted, the user receives the form image data FD and the print image data in his / her terminal. Can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the mask area M can be easily set based on the form image data FD, and an image is formed on the unprinted surface based on the print image data, and the single-side printed sheet is Available as paper.

  Further, since the style image data FD is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 81 and the user can set the mask area M while visually recognizing it, the user can easily set the mask area M. Further, since the user can set the mask area M from the numerical value input section (tenkey section 82), the mask area M can be easily set. Further, since the interface unit (I / F unit 15) receives data related to the arrangement setting of the mask area M, the user can set the arrangement of the mask area M on the user terminal 16, and the mask area setting data Based on the above, mask printing can be performed. Further, since the mask printing can be performed on the entire area of the sheet S, the mask printing can be performed without setting the mask area M even for a document of a style that is not frequently used. That is, the user can select whether to perform mask printing on the entire area of the sheet S or to perform mask printing on a part of the area, and the degree of freedom of the user can be increased.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus that performs mask printing.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the personal information document which performs mask printing which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the in-house document which performs the mask printing which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the financial document which performs mask printing which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of mask printing pattern of the multifunction machine in the embodiment, where (a) is a state before mask printing, (b) is solid printing to be filled, (c) is a shaded pattern, and (d) is a pattern. , Shows a random string pattern. (A) shows an example of the arrangement setting screen of the mask area M on the liquid crystal display unit, and (b) shows an example of display when selecting a sheet for mask printing. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing result of the mask printing which concerns on embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram of sheet reading of the reading sensor according to the embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating rotation of mask area setting data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of control of the mask printing which concerns on embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus) 10 Control part 11 CPU (determination part) 12 Storage part 14 Image processing part (determination part)
15 I / F part (input part, setting input part, interface part)
16 User terminal 2 Image reading unit (input unit, image reading device)
3 Sheet supply unit 31 Cassette 33 Manual feed tray 45 Switchback roller pair (duplex printing unit)
5 Image forming section 7 Re-merging transport path (duplex printing section)
8 Operation panel (setting input unit) 81 Liquid crystal display unit 82 Numeric keypad unit (numerical value input unit) 9 Reading sensor (reading unit)
FD style image data M Mask area S Sheet

Claims (11)

An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet;
A plurality of printed sheets, a sheet supply unit for supplying to the image forming unit,
In order to perform mask printing for concealing the print content, an input unit for inputting form image data of a form of a printed sheet accommodated in the sheet supply unit to the apparatus;
A setting input unit for setting one or a plurality of mask areas for performing mask printing, and the setting input unit receives an arrangement setting of the mask area based on the style image data input from the input unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit performs mask printing on a printed sheet based on the arrangement setting of the mask region input to the setting input unit. A double-sided printing unit for performing double-sided printing on the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit;
The input unit accepts input of print image data for image formation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit performs mask printing on a printed surface and performs image formation on an unprinted surface based on the print image data during duplex printing. A storage unit for storing, as mask area setting data, an arrangement setting of the mask area made for the style image data;
The setting input unit accepts selection of a plurality of the mask area setting data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit performs mask printing on a printed sheet based on the selected mask area setting data. A reading unit for reading a sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit;
A determination unit configured to determine image data of a sheet read by the reading unit;
The storage unit stores the style image data in association with the mask area setting data,
The determination unit compares whether the image data read by the reading unit matches the style image data of the storage unit,
The image forming section performs mask printing based on the corresponding mask area setting data when the image data read by the reading section matches the style image data of the storage section. 3. The image forming apparatus according to 3. An image processing unit for performing image processing on image data,
As a result of the determination by the determination unit, if the image data read by the reading unit is rotated, if it matches the style image data of the storage unit,
The image processing unit performs a rotation process on the mask area setting data,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming unit performs mask printing based on the mask area setting data after the rotation processing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a sheet as a document and generates image data.   The input unit is an interface unit that receives transmission of image data from the outside, and the format image data and / or the print image data is transmitted from a user terminal connected to the interface unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The setting input unit is an operation panel for inputting an instruction for operation of the apparatus,
The operation panel is provided with a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the style image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, and an arrangement of the mask area is set from a touch panel. The setting input unit is an operation panel for inputting an instruction for operation of the apparatus,
The operation panel is provided with a numerical value input unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement of the mask area is set by inputting a numerical value indicating the position of the mask area from the numerical value input unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the interface unit receives the mask area setting data set by the user terminal. The setting input unit receives an instruction input for performing full-area mask printing for performing mask printing on the entire image forming area in the sheet for the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit,
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit performs whole area mask printing on the sheet when an instruction for whole area mask printing is input.

Images