JP2010246082A - Device for forming image, system for forming image and method of controlling the device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for forming images configured to collate a paper with data of papers stored in a DB using paper fingerprints to enable paper sheets to be properly reused. <P>SOLUTION: With use of a client PC, a secrecy level, a limitation number of copies, and an effective term are registered and printing is made through a network. In this process, paper fingerprints of a used paper sheet are read at a plurality of points. Control is made such that the read data is stored in a DB and when the paper sheet is reused, paper fingerprints of the paper sheet to be reused are reread, and collated with the DB for management. The term "reuse" refers to "copying", "storing", "retrieving", etc. of the paper sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using a paper pattern and a control method thereof.

  In recent years, customer needs such as holding and managing confidential documents are increasing in image forming apparatuses. Among them, holding of confidential documents is regarded as important, and various image forming apparatuses equipped with a method for holding confidential documents are known.

  By the way, a fiber pattern or an extremely fine uneven pattern of the paper itself, which is detected at the resolution of the microscope, is called a paper pattern. Since this paper pattern is information unique to paper, like a human fingerprint, it is used by, for example, identifying the authenticity of the printed material by reading the paper pattern of the printed material registered in advance.

  Further, by reading the paper pattern of the paper to be printed, document data including paper identification information to be printed on the special paper is prevented from being printed on a paper different from the special paper. Anti-counterfeit printing systems are known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.) This printing system transfers paper pattern data read from special paper to a database (hereinafter referred to as DB) server, and stores document data in which paper pattern information is embedded as an image. Create it. When there is a print request from the printing apparatus, the document data is transferred from the server to the printing apparatus. Upon receiving the document data, the printing apparatus causes the paper pattern collecting unit to read the paper pattern to be printed, and also extracts the paper pattern from the document data and compares the two paper patterns (paper identification information). Only when they match, the document data is printed on the assumption that the paper to be printed is a special paper.

  The above-described printing system using a paper pattern can prevent forgery by which the document data is printed on a sheet different from a special sheet by collating the paper pattern. However, this existing technique is not easy to use in an image forming apparatus used for business or the like. As described above, in recent years, the needs of customers such as holding and managing confidential documents are increasing in image forming apparatuses, and it is necessary to reuse printed paper.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately reusing paper.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention receives registration data indicating print conditions set by an electronic device and print data indicating print contents, and print data according to the registration data. An image forming apparatus that prints the print data before or after printing the print data, and a paper print reading unit that reads the paper print data from a plurality of locations on the paper used for printing, and when the print data is printed , A database storing paper pattern data read by the paper pattern reading unit in association with at least the registration data, and a paper pattern of the paper reused from the paper pattern reading unit when the printed paper is reused When the paper pattern data stored in the database can be verified, the reuse of the reused paper is controlled based on the registered data. Further comprising a control unit and its gist.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even if the paper is reused, the user can perform a smooth operation.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the management system in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow at the time of printing in one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a copy, save, and search operation selection user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram of an image forming apparatus including a paper pattern reading device according to an embodiment. It is a figure of the paper pattern reading pattern in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the paper pattern reading and conveyance path in one Embodiment. It is a conveyance three-dimensional view in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement at the time of copying in one Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI for warning due to paper pattern mismatch according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the change of the paper pattern mismatch location in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement at the time of the preservation | save in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the operation | movement at the time of the search in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of narrowing down at the time of search in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper pattern reading location designation | designated in one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the paper pattern management system includes a client PC 101, a print server 102, a paper pattern management DB server 103, and one or a plurality of MFPs (Multi Function Peripheral) 104. Each component is connected via a network such as a LAN, a WAN, or a wireless LAN.

  Note that each component of the client PC 101, the print server 102, and the management server 103 has standard elements mounted on a general-purpose computer. For example, such standard elements include a CPU, RAM, ROM, hard disk, external storage device, network interface, display, keyboard, mouse, and the like. Similarly, the MFP 104 also has standard elements such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, hard disk, scanner, printer, display, operation unit such as a touch panel and buttons, and an interface for communicating with the outside. .

  The client PC 101 allows a user to create a document by executing an application program stored in a storage area such as a ROM by an internal CPU. A printer driver, which is a program installed in the client PC 101, creates print job data for a document created by an application when a print request is received from the user. Next, the printer driver sends the created print job data to the MFP 104 or the client PC 101 via the print server 102.

  The management server 103 registers and manages paper pattern information extracted from the paper and information formed on the paper in association with each other by executing a program stored in the storage area by the internal CPU. When there is a search request from the MFP 104, the management server 103 searches based on the registered paper pattern information and sends it to the client PC 101.

  The MFP 104 has a monochrome or color copy function, a monochrome or color scanner function, a monochrome or color printer function, and the like. The MFP 104 forms an image of the document on the paper 202 by, for example, an electrophotographic method (printing) based on the normally received print job data, or forms an image of a scanned original image read using the scanner function on the paper 202 (see FIG. Copy). Further, the MFP 104 is connected to the network to transmit the scanned image to a desired destination by E-mail, to store the scanned image and to exchange image data via the network, It has a device configuration capable of realizing a function as a fax. Further, the MFP 104 can execute predetermined image processing on the acquired scanned image or the like by executing a program stored in the storage area by the internal CPU.

  In MFP 104, the user reuses specific data. Reuse refers to copying of printed data, searching for data stored in the MFP 104, storage, and the like. Copying data means copying a sheet printed in the past. In the data search, specific data is confirmed from a plurality of data stored in the MFP 104 on a sheet printed in the past, and each piece of data information is displayed. The data information can also indicate the confidential level of the data. Data storage is a function that allows a user to write a handwritten memo on a paper original and to save the original and the handwritten memo together on a paper printed in the past.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow during printing in the present embodiment. At the time of printing, the user transfers the print data 105 and the registration information 106 to the MFP 104 via the network 107 by the client PC 101. Here, the registration information 106 indicates, for example, a confidential level indicating confidentiality, a valid period of the print data 105, and a copy limit number. The MFP 104 prints on a sheet based on the print data 105 and the registration information 106 received via the network 107. In this case, the MFP 104 reuses not only an unrecorded sheet but also a sheet that has been printed once or more for use in printing.

  When printing (including before printing or after printing), the MFP 104 reads a paper pattern in the paper conveyance path. Paper pattern reading is performed at a plurality of locations or on the entire sheet 202. In the paper pattern reading, one side of the paper 202 is set as one unit in order to ensure the uniqueness of the paper by the paper pattern. After reading the paper pattern of the paper 202, the paper pattern reading data 108, the print data 105, and the registration information 106 set by the user at the time of printing are transferred to the DB server 103 via the network 107.

  The DB server 103 may be in the MFP 104 or may be installed in the management server 103 connected via the network 107. The paper pattern reading may be performed not only on one side of the paper 202 but also on the front and back sides. A print medium other than the paper 202 may be used as long as it can detect an extremely fine pattern. The DB server 103 may link data with a plurality of MFPs 104 existing in an office or the like via the network 107. The DB server 103 may be provided with a personal folder and a shared folder.

  The MFP 104 according to the present exemplary embodiment can store data on a sheet 202 on which a copy and a handwritten memo are written, and search for paper pattern data stored in the DB server 103. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the UI 109 capable of selecting copy, save, and search operations in the present embodiment. When the user selects an operation on the UI 109, a corresponding process starts.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram of the MFP 104 including the paper pattern reading device 203 in the present embodiment. There are two transport paths, and one is a print transport path 200 used for normal printing. When the user sends the print data 105 and registration information 106 from the client PC 101 to the MFP 104, the paper 202 is fed from the paper tray 201, and the paper print on the paper 202 is read by the paper print reading device 203. After reading the paper pattern, the paper pattern read data 108 is transferred to the DB server 103.

  If it matches the paper pattern read data 108 of the paper 202, a print permission (paper pattern matches) is received from the DB server. When print permission (paper pattern matches) is received, the print data 105 is printed by the printing unit 204 and discharged to the discharge tray 205. When the paper pattern read data 108 is transferred to the DB server 103 and printing is not permitted from the DB server 103 (paper pattern does not match), the MFP 104 displays an error and printing is not performed.

  The other path is a conveyance path 206 at the time of printing with manual paper. The conveyance path 206 at the time of printing with manual paper is mainly used at the time of reuse. Reuse refers to copying, storing, and searching in the present embodiment. The copy of the sheet is used when copying the sheet 202 having data that has been printed in the past and stored in the DB server 103. The storage of paper is used when the user writes a handwritten memo on a paper 202 having data that has been printed in the past and stored in the DB server 103 and wants to store the handwritten memo together with the original. The paper search is used when it is desired to check the registration information 106 of the paper 202 printed in the past and stored in the DB server 103, or when the registration information 106 is to be changed. Data stored in the DB server 103 refers to the paper pattern read data 108, the print data 105, and the registration information 106 at the time of copying, storing, and searching.

  When the user wants to perform any of copy, save, and search operations, he / she sets the paper 202 to be operated on the paper feed tray 207 and selects an operation to be performed on the UI 109 of FIG.

  When copying is selected on the UI 109, the paper 202 is taken from the paper feed tray 207 into the MFP 104, and the paper print is read by the paper print reading device 203. When the paper pattern is read, the scanner 208 passes and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 205. When the save time is selected, the paper 202 is taken into the MFP 104 from the paper feed tray 207, and the paper pattern is read by the paper pattern reading device 203. When the paper pattern is read, it is scanned by the scanner 208 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 205. At the time of retrieval, the same route as that at the time of copying is taken. These processes will be described later using a flowchart.

  In FIG. 4, the paper pattern reading device 203 is fixed, but the paper pattern may be read by fixing the paper 202 and moving the paper pattern reading device 203. Further, the form is not limited to the form of the paper feed tray 207, and paper feed by ADF (Auto Document Feeder) may be used. The paper pattern reading device 203 is preferably a device capable of obtaining a two-dimensional image, such as a CMOS camera or a CCD camera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a paper pattern reading pattern in the present embodiment. In the paper pattern reading device 203 of FIG. 4, the paper pattern acquires an image of the entire sheet 202, and a part of the image may be handled in a matrix, for example, 3 rows and 3 columns as shown in FIG. To do. a ₁₁ indicates 1 row and 1 column. Nine squares in FIG. 5 are paper pattern reading areas 209 for the paper 202, and it is assumed that the paper 202 is an A4 size paper 211. However, the matrix may be changed to n rows and m columns according to the paper size. In addition, it is possible to cope with the problem by changing the reading position of the matrix paper pattern. The paper pattern reading device 203 cuts out an image of each area from the entire image of the paper 202 as paper pattern information. Each piece of paper pattern information is transferred to the DB server 103 together with information on the reading position.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing paper pattern reading and a conveyance path in the present embodiment. The paper 202 is transported in the transport direction, and the paper pattern reader 210 of the paper pattern reader 203 reads the paper pattern. The number of paper patterns read by the paper pattern reader 210 of the paper pattern reading device 203 changes according to the size of the paper 202. In the case of the A2 size paper 211, nine paper prints are read in 3 rows and 3 columns, and in the case of the A3 size paper 212, 18 paper prints are read in 6 rows and 3 columns.

  FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional transport diagram in the present embodiment. As described above, in order to ensure the uniqueness of the paper by the paper pattern, the paper pattern detection uses one side of the paper 202 as one unit, and the reading of the paper pattern is not only one side of the paper 202 but also the reading of the front and back. Also good. Therefore, as shown in the figure, it is also possible to provide a paper pattern reading device upper part 203a and a paper pattern reading apparatus lower part 203b, convey the paper 202 between the two paper pattern reading apparatuses, and read the paper pattern. The paper pattern data, the print data 105, and the registration information 106 read on the copied paper 202 can associate information with the paper pattern data, the print data 105, and the registration information 106 of the original paper 202.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations during copying in the present embodiment. In S300, at the time of copying, the user sets a sheet 202 to be copied on the paper feed tray 207 of the MFP 104. Thereafter, in S301, the copy button 110 is pressed using a touch panel provided in the MFP 104 or an operation unit capable of operating buttons. In S302, the MFP 104 reads the paper pattern of the paper 202 set by the user, performs a search in the DB server 103 based on S303, and refers to the registered content in S304. By referring to the registered contents in S304, it is confirmed whether the paper pattern of the paper 202 set by the user matches the paper pattern data registered in the DB server 103.

  If the paper pattern data matches (YES in S305), it is checked in step S306 if there is user authority. The user can obtain the use authority by entering a password or personal authentication using an IC chip or the like. If the paper pattern data does not match (NO in S305), in S313, a message that no matching paper pattern data exists is displayed on the operation unit.

  In S306, if there is a user authority (YES in S306), it is confirmed whether the paper 202 being handled is a confidential document. If there is no user authority (NO in S306), a message indicating that the user authority does not exist is displayed on the operation unit in S313. If it is not a confidential document (NO in S307), it is confirmed whether it is within the copy count limit. In the case of a confidential document (YES in S307), in S313, a message indicating that the confidential document cannot be copied is displayed on the operation unit.

  If it is within the copy count limit (YES in S308), it is confirmed that it is within the valid period. If it is outside the copy restriction (NO in S308), a message indicating that the copy restriction is outside is displayed on the operation unit in S313.

  If it is outside the valid period (NO in S309), the fact that it is outside the valid period is displayed on the operation unit in S313.

Only when all the items of the registration information 106 are satisfied (YES in S309), the DB server 103 is referred to in S310 and copying is possible. After copying in S311, in S312, the copied paper pattern on the sheet 202 is read and registered in the DB server 103 on the basis of S312 in the same manner as in printing, and the process ends.

At the time of copying, whether or not the same paper is used is determined based on whether or not the read paper print is the same as the data in the DB 107 that has already been read. For example, when the paper pattern acquisition location is 3 rows and 3 columns on the paper surface, nine paper patterns are detected. If all the nine paper prints are the same, it is determined that they are the same paper. The number of paper pattern matches can be set by the user. For example, if 7 of 9 paper prints are the same, a rule can be attached such that they are regarded as the same paper print.

  The user can also arbitrarily specify a paper pattern matching location. Assuming one side of A4 size paper 211, nine paper prints are read in the case of 3 rows and 3 columns. Furthermore, a setting is assumed in which if seven of the nine paper patterns match, the same paper pattern is recognized. Here, if any 7 of 9 paper prints, that is, 7 papers in any place match, it is recognized as the same paper print. At this time, if a mismatch is detected in the remaining locations, a message to that effect is displayed as a warning.

The user can also specify and specify a paper pattern matching location. Assume the same conditions as the above optional specification. The user beforehand _{a 11, a 12, a 13} , a 21, a 22, a 23, a 31 keep certain specified (see FIG. 5). If seven previously specified paper prints match, it is recognized that they are the same paper print. At this time, if a mismatch is detected in the remaining locations, a message to that effect is displayed as a warning.
The specific paper pattern matching condition will be described. For example, when three paper pattern matching locations are specified, if two of the predetermined three match, the operation can be regarded as matching. When there is a paper pattern mismatch in another place internally, it is possible to warn to that effect.

  If the paper pattern matching condition is not met, an error message to that effect is displayed. Display the cause of the discrepancy and enable operations such as changing the rule. For example, when an error occurs in the above “specific paper pattern matching condition”, the target location can be changed on the spot. FIG. 9 shows an example of a UI 109 for warning due to paper pattern mismatch. As shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to display the location where an error has occurred and the location where no error has occurred in the operation unit of the device and change the designated location. This function can be set so that only the administrator can use it.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the change of the paper pattern mismatch portion in the present embodiment. In S314, when an error is displayed on the operation unit due to paper pattern mismatch, the paper pattern data of the paper pattern mismatch location can be changed. When the paper pattern data is to be changed (YES in S402), the “Yes” button 400 is selected based on S403. When the change is selected, the user can change the paper pattern reading portion in S404, and is registered in the DB server 103 in S312 and ends. If the paper pattern data is not changed (NO in S402), the “NO” button 401 is selected in S405, and the process ends.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the operation at the time of storage in the present embodiment. This storage is used when the user wants to save the handwritten memo written on the paper 202 together with the original data. In S300, the user sets the sheet 202 to be stored in the paper feed tray 207 of the MFP 104 at the time of saving, and presses the save button 111 on the UI 109 provided in the MFP 104 based on S500. In step S501, the MFP 104 reads and digitizes data and a handwritten memo. In step S <b> 502, a paper pattern is read, and data is scanned by the scanner 208. Thereafter, in S303, the DB server 103 searches based on the paper pattern data.

If the original data exists (paper pattern matches) in the search in the DB server 103 (YES in S502), based on S503, the user selects whether to overwrite or save the data in which the handwritten memo is written. can do. When overwriting is selected (YES in S503), the digitized data is overwritten based on S504. When new saving is selected (NO in S503),
Based on S505, the digitized data is newly stored. The stored data is registered in the DB server 103 in step S312, and the process ends.

  When stored as described above, for example, it may be stored electronically in the DB server 103. It is also possible to copy and search a handwritten memo saved with a document.

  In the search by the DB server 103, when the original data does not exist (the paper pattern does not match) (NO in S502), based on S313, the operation unit displays that the original data does not exist and ends. In this case, the user cannot save a document on which a handwritten memo is written.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the operation at the time of search in this embodiment. The search is used when the user wants to check the registration information 106 after searching. In S300, when searching, the user sets the paper 202 in the paper feed tray 207 of the MFP 104, and presses the search button 112 on the UI 109 provided in the MFP 104 based on S600. In step S302, the MFP 104 reads the paper pattern on the sheet 202, and in step S303, searches the DB server 103 using the read paper pattern.

  If there is original data in the search in the DB server 103 (YES in S502), the storage folder storing the data and the registration information 106 are displayed based on S601. The registration information 106 indicates a confidential level, a copy limit number, an effective period, and the like. After the registration information 106 is displayed, the user can change the registration information 106. When it is desired to change the registration information 106 (YES in S602), the user presses a setting change button based on S603, and in S604, changes to the confidential level, the copy limit number, and the validity period are input. When the change is completed, the registration is performed in the DB server 103 in step S312, and the process ends. If the registration information 106 is not changed (NO in S602), the process ends.

  If the original data does not exist (NO in S502), based on S313, a message indicating that the original data does not exist is displayed on the operation unit, and the process ends.

  Consider a case where the original paper 202 is searched. As described above, the paper pattern data, the print data 105, and the registration information 106 read on the copied paper 202 are the information on the original paper 202, the print data 105, the registration information 106, and the information. Can be associated. The MFP 104 can confirm information on when and how many sheets were copied from the original sheet 202 by storing the past print history. Further, the traceability of the paper 202 when the copied paper 202 is further copied as the original paper 202 is made possible. Traceability from the copied paper 202 is also possible. The above may be linked to a security authority such as a user authority, and a mechanism may be added such that information generated with a higher authority cannot be searched from a lower authority.

  The search of the paper pattern DB 107 can be narrowed down by the metadata about the paper 202 such as ink color, paper 202 size, resolution, etc. in order to improve the search speed, and then the actual paper pattern data can be compared. To do. FIG. 12 shows an example of a search narrowing UI 109 according to the present invention. When the search button 112 is selected, a search narrowing screen as shown in FIG. Selection is possible. For an ink color, a color button 705 and a monochrome button 706 can be selected. Although not shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to narrow down by resolution.

  In the present embodiment, data stored in the DB server 103 can be discarded. When discarding data, the user uses the UI 109 of the MFP 104 to search the DB server 104 for data to be discarded, and then selects a discard button. Further, not only the data on the DB server 103 but also the paper 202 can be discarded. A shredder may be provided to discard the paper 202. Thus, the remaining number of sheets 202 having similar data can be grasped. It can also be used for traceability of the high-density paper 202.

  When printing on the back paper, the back paper print button on the UI 109 of the MFP 104 is selected. When a sheet that has been printed on one side and is not used on one side is set in the paper tray 201 or the paper feed tray 207, that is, when the unused side is used as the printing side, the back paper is printed. When an unused sheet on one side is in the sheet tray 201 or the sheet feeding tray 207, it is possible to read a paper pattern and search data in the DB 104 to check whether the printing surface has been printed. When printing on the printed surface, a warning or the like can be displayed on the UI 109. Such information can be realized by associating it as one sheet of paper on both sides by reading both sides of the paper pattern when passing through the transport path.

  In the paper pattern reading, it is assumed that the entire sheet 202 is read and the paper pattern data is stored in the DB server 103. If the user accidentally puts the document on a shredder or the like, and it is considered impossible to restore, the print data 105 can be printed again from a piece of the paper 202 if the paper pattern data of the entire paper 202 is saved. It becomes possible. It may be considered similar to the copy flowchart of FIG. When the user wants to restore, the user selects copying on the UI 109. The MFP 104 reads a paper pattern from a piece of the paper 202 and searches the DB server 103 for it. If data exists in the DB server 103, copying, that is, restoration is possible.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the paper pattern reading location designation. The following admin tools can be used by users who have admin rights in the operation of paper prints. When the paper 202 is accidentally dripped with water or other liquid or is torn, the user can read the paper print while avoiding the deformed or damaged portions in order to read the paper print accurately. With this setting, the paper pattern reading portion can be selected on the operation unit of the MFP 104. You may touch the place where you want to read the paper pattern directly with the operation unit of the touch panel, or you may select from several candidates for the paper pattern reading area with a button or the like. It is also possible to select the size of the selection range.

  It is assumed that the number of matching paper patterns can be changed according to the amount of the paper pattern reading data 108 to be matched. For example, when the number of data of the paper pattern read data 108 being managed is 20, even if the number of paper pattern matches is two, it can be determined with some accuracy, but the number of data of the paper pattern read data 108 When the number is 10,000 or more, it is possible to operate on the condition that all nine paper prints match.

  The paper pattern reading location can be changed according to the security level. For example, when performing operations or operations where the security level is very high, nine paper pattern matches are required, and in low locations, operations can be performed with two paper pattern matches, reducing the number of paper pattern reading locations. .

  Since the paper affects the paper pattern match due to factors such as scratches, dirt, and aging, the number of paper pattern matches is changed depending on the time and the number of uses. For example, if three months have elapsed, the number of paper pattern matches is changed from 7 to 3.

  The number of detected paper prints and the number of matches can be set differently depending on the paper 202 size. For example, when the paper 202 size is the A3 size paper 212, the number of detected paper prints and the number of matches are increased, and when the paper 202 size is the A4 size paper 211, the operation can be reduced.

  The paper pattern detection has a resolution, and the resolution can be changed depending on conditions such as a security level and the number of paper pattern data to be handled. For example, if the security level is low or the amount of paper print data handled is small, the resolution is set low. Conversely, when the security level is high or there is a lot of paper pattern data to be handled, the resolution is set high.

  The paper 202 deteriorates over time, such as being folded, torn, or dirty. In the present invention, the user can be informed of the degree of deterioration of the paper 202 by registering paper patterns at a plurality of locations. For example, assume that 6 locations are registered and 2 locations are inconsistent due to deterioration. At this time, the operation unit notifies the coincidence or non-coincidence of the paper pattern reading and prompts the registration change of the paper pattern data of the original data.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the structure shown as each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as, for example, the following forms in which the same embodiments are appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an apparatus that forms an image by an ink jet system may be employed. The effect demonstrated by the said embodiment can be show | played.

101 ... Client PC
102: Print server 103 ... DB server (management server)
104: MFP
105 ... Print data 106 ... Registration information 107 ... Network 108 ... Paper pattern read data 109 ... UI
110 ... Copy button 111 ... Save button 112 ... Search button 200 ... Paper transport path 201 during printing ... Paper tray (paper feed tray)
202 ... paper 203 ... paper pattern reading device 204 ... printing unit 205 ... discharge tray 206 ... conveyance path 207 when printing by manual paper ... feed tray 208 ... scanner 209 ... paper pattern reading area 210 ... paper pattern reader 211 ... A4 size paper 212 ... A3 size paper

JP 2008-9811 A

Claims (16)

An image forming apparatus that receives registration data indicating print conditions set by an electronic device and print data indicating print contents, and prints the print data according to the registration data.
A paper pattern reading unit that reads the paper pattern data from a plurality of locations of the paper used for printing after or before printing the print data;
When the print data is printed, a database that stores paper pattern data read by the paper pattern reading unit in association with at least the registration data;
When the printed paper is reused, the paper pattern of the paper to be reused is read from the paper pattern reading unit, and when the paper pattern data stored in the database can be collated, A control unit for controlling the reuse of the reused paper based on the registration data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The registration data and the print data are stored in the database,
Means for transmitting the paper pattern data read by the paper pattern reading unit to the database;
Means for receiving, from the database, a result of collating the paper pattern data stored in the database with the transmitted paper pattern data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration data is at least one of a security level of the print data, a valid period of the print data, and a copy limit number of print data.   The reuse is a copy of a sheet printed in the past, a print that has been printed in the past, and a new handwritten memo stored together with the print data in the database, and data that has been printed in the past and stored in the database The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is at least one of searches for performing confirmation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an operation unit that displays information and receives an operation by a user. At the time of reuse, if any one of confidential documents, out-of-copy-number limit, or expiration date is applied, the reuse is prohibited and error information is displayed on the operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: An image reading unit that reads an image formed on the paper;
At the time of saving, the image reading unit reads the paper on which the handwritten memo is written,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the digitized data is stored in the database.   6. The print data is displayed on the operation unit when there is data in the database that matches the data read again by the reading unit at the time of the search. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper pattern reading unit changes the number of reading portions according to a security level and a resolution.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects a degree of deterioration of the paper when a plurality of positions of the paper pattern is collated by the database.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation unit selects a location where the user wants to perform paper pattern authentication when the paper pattern is read.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the search is narrowed down by resolution, printing ink, and paper size during the search. A printing system that receives and prints registration information and print data set in the electronic device;
A paper pattern reading unit that reads the paper pattern of the entire paper after printing by the printing system or before printing;
A database that stores the paper pattern data read by the paper pattern reading unit, the print data, and the registration data in association with each other;
When the paper printed by the printing system is reused, the paper pattern reading unit reads the paper pattern of the paper again, collates with the paper pattern data stored in the database, and based on the registered data A control unit for controlling the reuse;
An operation unit that is operated by a user at the time of copying, at the time of saving, and at the time of searching;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper pattern reading unit acquires an image of the entire paper sheet and handles a part of the image in a matrix. In a printing system connected to an image forming apparatus and a server holding a database via a network,
Printing means for receiving registration data indicating printing conditions set by the electronic device and print data indicating print contents, and printing the print data in accordance with the registration data;
The image forming apparatus includes a paper pattern reading unit that reads paper pattern data from a plurality of locations on a sheet used for printing after printing or before printing of the print data,
When the print data is printed, storage means for storing paper pattern data read by the paper pattern reading means in association with at least the registration data,
When the printed paper is reused, the paper pattern reading unit reads the paper pattern of the paper to be reused, and when the paper pattern data stored in the storage unit can be verified. A printing system comprising control means for controlling the reuse of the reused paper based on the registration data. A control method for an image forming apparatus that receives registration data indicating printing conditions set by an electronic device and print data indicating print contents and prints the print data according to the registration data,
After printing the print data or before printing, the paper pattern data is read from a plurality of locations on the paper used for printing,
When the print data is printed, the paper pattern data read by the paper pattern reading unit is stored in association with at least the registration data;
When the printed paper is reused, the paper pattern of the paper to be reused is read from the paper pattern reading unit, and when the paper pattern data stored in the database can be collated, A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the reuse of the reused paper is controlled based on registered data.

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