JP2013059914A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system for deleting an image printed on an image carrier for reprinting, where the number of reusing an image carrier can be managed by adding the number of printing to the image carrier, and to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method and an image forming program.SOLUTION: In the image forming system, the image repeatedly printable on the image carrier is formed, and number information indicating printing number is added on the image carrier. The image forming system includes: a printing means for printing the image on the image carrier; an number information adding means for adding the number information on the image carrier; a reuse number specifying means for specifying the printing number; and an image deleting means for deleting the image on the image carrier. The printing means prints a new image on the image carrier where the image is deleted by the image deleting means. The number information adding means adds the number information where 1 is added to the printing number to the image carrier.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program.

  Recently, from the viewpoint of environmental protection and an increase in paper purchase / disposal costs, it is desired to reuse paper after printing. Conventionally, double-sided printing has been used, such as collecting paper once printed on the front side of the paper and printing it again on the back side. In that case, since the two sheets can be reduced to one sheet, the environmental load and cost have not been reduced at a stretch.

  Therefore, a so-called paper reuse technique is desired that erases an image on paper once printed by some means and reuses the paper many times. There are several methods for paper reuse, but these methods can be broadly divided into two. i) A method in which the toner or ink forming the image on the paper is separated from the paper, and the material forming the image itself is removed. ii) Even if the toner or ink forming the image on the paper remains, There are two types of methods of reusing paper by changing the substance exhibiting the density to lower the density, thereby making the image on the paper inconspicuous.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to an image reading device that applies heat to a questionnaire sheet or the like described with a predetermined paint that becomes colorless when heated to make it colorless. This document describes that the colorless questionnaire paper is reused. In this image reading apparatus, the content described on the paper is digitized, and then, in view of the necessity of confidentiality, the color is quickly removed in the apparatus.

  Patent Document 2 discloses the technology of the present applicant relating to an ink that can be colorless by heat and an ink jet printer that reuses paper printed using the ink. In the printer, when a paper described with predetermined ink that can be colorless is set in a tray, the paper is colorless in the printer, and the colorless paper is automatically conveyed to a paper feed tray. When a print instruction is received, paper is fed from the paper feed tray, so that processing from decolorization to reprinting can be covered by a single printer.

  In Patent Document 3, an ink that can remove an image by applying a mechanical shearing force to a sheet of paper described with a predetermined ink or crimping the sheet, and a technique related to an image erasing method using the ink. Filed and published by the present applicant.

  (See Patent Documents 1 to 3)

  However, none of the above-described techniques manages the number of times paper is reused many times. As the number of uses increases, it is considered that the deterioration of the paper increases, which causes a problem of paper jams in the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in an image forming system that erases and reprints an image printed on an image carrier, the number of times of printing is added to the image carrier. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program capable of managing the number of times a carrier is reused.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system in which an image is formed on an image carrier that can be repeatedly printed, and information indicating the number of reuses is added to the image carrier. A printing unit for printing an image on the image carrier, a reuse number recognition unit for recognizing the number of reuses, and an image erasing unit for erasing an image on the image carrier. Is characterized in that when an image is printed on the image carrier from which an image has been erased by the image erasing means, information indicating the number of times of printing obtained by adding 1 to the number of reuses is added to the image carrier. To do.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention may be an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method in the image forming system.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming system that erases and reprints an image printed on an image carrier, the number of times the image carrier is reused can be managed by adding the number of times of printing to the image carrier. An image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program can be provided.

1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system 1 in a first embodiment. It is a processing flow when the first printing is performed. 2 is an explanatory diagram regarding processing of the image forming system 1. This is a processing flow when the (n + 1) th printing is performed. It is an example of a reuse count mark. It is a processing flow of processing performed in the image erasing apparatus 3 in the second embodiment. It is an example of reduction of an image in a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 4 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 5 according to a fifth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system 1 in the first embodiment. In the following description, components necessary for the description of the present embodiment are shown for convenience.

(Configuration and function of image forming system 1)
The image forming system 1 is a system including an image forming apparatus 2 and an image erasing apparatus 3. The image erasing apparatus 3 prints the paper on which the image has been erased by the image erasing apparatus 3, and erases the image again by the image erasing apparatus 3. It is assumed that paper is reused by repeating this process. The image forming apparatus 2 is a full-color printer having a general printing function, and includes a paper feed tray 101, a count value reading unit 102, an image printing unit 103, a number information addition unit 104, and a paper discharge tray 105. The image erasing apparatus 3 is an apparatus that applies an image erasing process to an image printed by the image forming apparatus 2. A sheet feeding tray 111, a reading unit 112, a counter 113, a rejection unit 114, an image erasing unit 115, and a sheet discharge tray 116 are provided.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is assumed to be a full-color printer that employs an inkjet method, but an image forming method such as an electrophotographic method, a sublimation method, stencil printing, and offset printing is not limited. The image forming apparatus 2 is a device that prints using ink that can be erased by the image erasing apparatus 3 in principle. The paper feed tray 101 carries paper used in the image forming apparatus 2. The count value reading unit 102 reads a count value that is the number of times printed on paper. The image printing unit 103 executes the instructed printing. The number information adding unit 104 adds a new count value to the paper and prints it. The paper discharge tray 105 is loaded with discharged printed paper.

  The paper feed tray 111 is loaded with paper printed by the image forming apparatus 2 and subject to image erasure. The reading unit 112 reads an image or other information printed on paper, digitizes it, and stores it in a memory. The counter 113 reads the count value printed on the paper. Depending on the count value, the paper is conveyed to either the reject unit 114 or the image erasing unit 115. The reject unit 114 rejects (discharges) printed paper. The image erasing unit 115 performs image erasing processing on the printed paper. The paper discharge tray 116 is loaded with paper that has been subjected to image erasure processing and discharged.

(Processing of image forming apparatus 2)
Here, the case where the image forming apparatus 2 performs printing by reusing the paper whose image has been erased by the image erasing apparatus 3 will be described. In the image forming system 1, in addition to the instructed image, a count value that is the number of times of printing is printed on paper. The image is printed with ink that can be erased by the image erasing device 3, and the count value is the image erasing device. 3 is printed with ink that is not erased. Therefore, only the count value that has not been erased remains printed on the paper from which the image has been erased by the image erasing apparatus 3.

  First, a sheet on which an image has been erased by the image erasing apparatus 3 is set on the paper feed tray 101. The count value reading unit 102 detects the count value printed on the image-erased paper. The image printing unit 103 prints a newly designated image on a sheet on which the image has been erased. At that time, the instructed image is printed using ink that can be erased by the image erasing apparatus 3. The number information adding unit 104 prints a value obtained by adding 1 to the count value detected by the count value reading unit 102 as a new count value, and the new count value is printed with ink that is not erased by the image erasing device 3. . The sheet on which the number information is printed by the number information adding unit 104 is discharged to the discharge tray 105.

  Of course, the image forming apparatus 2 can also print on a new sheet that is not an erased sheet. In this case, the count value reading unit 102 does not detect the count value from the new paper fed to the paper feed tray 101, and indicates that it is the first printing count when printing is performed in the printing unit 103. The indicated count value is printed and discharged to the discharge tray 104.

(Processing of the image erasing apparatus 3)
The image erasing apparatus 3 performs the following processing. Printed paper printed by the image forming apparatus 2 is set on the paper feed tray 111. The reading unit 112 reads an image or other information described on the printed sheet as necessary, digitizes it, or transmits it by e-mail. Details will be described later. The counter 113 reads the count value printed on the paper. When the counter 113 determines that a predetermined count value (for example, 10 times) is exceeded, the rejection unit 114 rejects the sheet, assuming that there is a high possibility that the sheet has deteriorated. When the count value is less than the predetermined numerical value, the image erasure unit 115 performs image erasure processing on the paper printed by the image forming apparatus 2. The sheet from which the image has been erased is discharged to a discharge tray 116.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, after the image is printed by the image printing unit 103, the count value is printed by the number-of-times information adding unit 104. However, the count value may be printed prior to image printing. In addition, the number information may be printed by the image printing unit 103 simultaneously with the printing of the image.

  The image erasing apparatus 3 erases the image on the printed paper, and the image forming apparatus 2 performs new printing. At this time, the count value is printed on the paper, and the paper exceeding the predetermined number of times of printing is rejected, so that the paper jam of the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

(Process flow in the first printing)
Next, processing when the first printing is performed in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a processing flow when the first printing is performed, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram regarding processing of the image forming system 1.

  In the processing flow of FIG. 2, a sheet is set in the sheet feeding tray 101 of the image forming apparatus 2 in S101. The paper to be set is a new paper that has not been printed yet. In step S <b> 102, the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print instruction for the image (A). In S103, since nothing is printed on the sheet, the count value reading unit 102 does not detect the count value. In S104, the image (A) is printed by the image printing unit 103, and in S105, a count value indicating the first printing is printed on the image. An example of an image (A) and an image printed with a count value is shown in FIG. In addition to the image (A), a count value indicating the first printing is printed. In step S <b> 106, the printed paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 105.

  Although the printing medium is paper here, the present invention is not limited to paper, and a paper-like sheet based on a resin such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), PVDF (PolyVinylidene DiFluoride), or PC (Polycarbonate) is used. You can also.

  In this embodiment, a leuco dye having a characteristic that the density is changed by the action of surrounding substances at the time of printing is used as a colorant for inkjet ink. By using leuco dye as the colorant of the ink, the density decreases at a certain temperature. Therefore, the density of the image is decreased by a temperature change, and the display of the image is thinned to erase the image. However, for the number of times of printing indicating the first printing, printing is performed using ink that is not erased by the same method.

  The paper on which the image (A) is printed is normally discarded after the purpose is achieved by the user, and is normally discarded. However, in this system, the paper is collected instead of being discarded. The In S107, the paper is collected, and in S108, the collected printed paper is set in the paper feed tray 111 of the image erasing apparatus 3.

  When the image erasing apparatus 3 receives an image erasing instruction in S109, the counter 113 reads the count value in S110. Here, since the first printed sheet is collected, the read count value is “1”. In S111, the image erasing unit 115 erases the image (A).

  A processing method of the image erasing process is shown in FIG. The printed paper is heated by, for example, a heat roller capable of controlling the temperature from 60 degrees to 200 degrees, and the density of the image (A) is reduced to an extent that cannot be discriminated with the naked eye. The density that cannot be discriminated is, for example, about the paper density + 0.05 in the image density on the paper.

  Returning to FIG. 2, in S <b> 112, the sheet from which the image has been erased is discharged to the discharge tray 116 of the image erasing apparatus 3. FIG. 3C shows an example of the paper that has been ejected and has been erased. Only the count value indicating the first printing count remains on the paper without being erased.

  In S <b> 113 of FIG. 2, the paper on which the image erasing process has been performed is set on the paper feed tray 101 of the image forming apparatus 2. In step S114, the image forming apparatus 2 receives a print instruction for the image (B). In S115, the count value reading unit 102 reads a count value indicating the first printing count. In step S116, the image (B) is printed on the paper. In step S117, a count value indicating the second printing count is printed on the paper. FIG. 3D shows an example of paper that has been printed a second time. The image (B) is printed using the above-described ink that can be erased by the image erasing apparatus 3, and the number of times of printing indicating the second printing is printed using the non-erasable ink. After the printing is completed, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 105 of the image forming apparatus 2 in S118.

(Processing flow in (n + 1) th printing)
Next, the flow of processing when the (n + 1) th printing is performed in the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a processing flow when the (n + 1) th printing is performed.

  In step S <b> 201, paper is set on the paper feed tray 101 of the image forming apparatus 2. The paper has already been printed n times, and a count value indicating that it has been printed n times is printed. When the image forming apparatus 2 receives a new print instruction in S202, the count value reading unit 102 detects n count values in S203. In S204, an image is printed on the paper, and in S205, a count value indicating that the number of times of printing is (n + 1) times is printed on the paper. The printed sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 105 in S206.

  When the sheet on which the image is printed is used and collected in S207, the sheet is set in the sheet feeding tray 111 of the image erasing apparatus 3 in S208. In step S209, the image erasing apparatus 3 receives an image erasing instruction. In S210, the counter 113 reads the count value and detects that the number of times of printing is (n + 1) times. In S211, if the count value read by the counter 113 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times), the rejection unit 114 rejects the sheet in S213 because it is highly likely that the sheet has deteriorated. If the count value is less than the predetermined number in S211, image erasure processing is performed in S212, and the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 116 in S214. The discharged paper is fed again to the image forming apparatus 2 and can be used again as printing paper.

(Modification)
In this embodiment, the count value is printed even if the image erasing process is performed by printing the ink that can be erased by the image erasing device 3 and the count value that is not erasable by the image erasing device 3. Only the structure remains. However, the image and the count value may be erased by printing only with the ink that can be erased by the image forming apparatus 3 and heating only the image portion. There is no need to use different inks, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

  Note that the predetermined number of times varies depending on the use situation, but it may be configured so that the user can specify in advance.

  By repeating the reuse, the deteriorated paper may be jammed in the paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 2 or the image erasing apparatus 3, which may cause a jam. In this embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, by rejecting a sheet exceeding the set number of times of printing, the deteriorated sheet is omitted from the reuse cycle, and the burden on the apparatus and the user is reduced.

(Example of reuse count mark)
A mark representing a count value to be given to paper in the image forming apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of a reuse count mark. Hereinafter, a mark representing the count value given to the paper is referred to as a reuse count mark.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of printing a reuse count mark on paper. One of the squares divided by the first printing is displayed in black. Since the reuse count mark is not erased by the image erasing apparatus 3, if the count value reading unit 102 detects that the printing is performed for the second time in the image forming apparatus 2, another square is displayed black during the second printing. Is done. A second mark is printed at a position different from the first reuse count mark, and a total of two places are displayed in black.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reuse count mark is given to the paper by printing. However, the reuse count mark may be given by cutting the paper for the number of times of printing. FIGS. 5B and 5C are examples in which reuse count marks are added to paper by cutting the paper. (B) cuts out one side of the paper for the number of times of printing, and (c) cuts the four corners of the paper for the number of times of printing. Note that the reuse count mark can be modified within a range in which the number of printings can be recognized, and is not limited to the present embodiment.

  By attaching a reuse count mark to the paper so that it is not erased by the image erasing apparatus 3, the image forming apparatus 2 can recognize the number of printings, which is useful for managing the number of reuses.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 2, at least one of bibliographic information of an image output person, image top / bottom information, image printing order, and image electronic file destination information is printed. . Before the printed image is erased by the image erasing apparatus 3, the image is read by the reading unit 112 and digitized. At that time, the bibliographic information printed by the image forming apparatus 3 is detected, and predetermined processing is performed based on the bibliographic information.

  FIG. 6 is a processing flow of processing performed by the image erasing apparatus 3 in the second embodiment. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a reuse count mark and the above-described bibliographic information are printed on the paper in addition to the image.

  In S301, the printed paper is fed to the image erasing apparatus 3. When an operation instruction is given to the image erasing apparatus in S302, digitization is performed in the reading unit 112 in S303. In S304, when the reading unit 112 detects bibliographic information during digitization, the process proceeds to one of S305 to S308. When the information indicating the top and bottom is given to the sheet, the process proceeds to S305, and the orientation of the image is aligned at the time of digitization. When information indicating the order of the digitized files is given, the files digitized in S306 are rearranged in order. If the output person information and the information indicating the file name of the digitized file are given, the digitized image is stored based on the information in S307. When information indicating the transmission destination address of the digitized image is given, the digitized file is transmitted to the indicated address in S308.

  When the processing for all the bibliographic information is completed in S309, the process proceeds to S310. The counter 113 recognizes the count value, and the image erasing unit 115 erases the image.

  The bibliographic information is premised on printing with ink that can be erased by the image erasing apparatus 3, but it may be configured to print with ink that cannot be erased by the apparatus. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the same processing and management for a specific sheet.

  Bibliographic information may be specified at the time of image formation by the image forming apparatus 2 or may be specified from an externally connected PC. Further, the bibliographic information is not limited to the above, and information that the user wants to use can be printed at the time of digitization.

  By providing the image erasing apparatus 3 with a document management function, it is possible to digitize and use the image before erasing the image, thereby improving the convenience of document management.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a case has been described in which bibliographic information is printed on a printed sheet in addition to the reuse count mark. The reuse count mark and the bibliographic information are printed by the image forming apparatus 2, and the image instructed to be printed at that time is reduced and displayed. FIG. 7 is an example of image reduction in the third embodiment.

  In the case of a conventional image forming apparatus, an image is printed as it is as shown in FIG. However, if the bibliographic information and the reuse count mark are printed on the sheet as they are, the image and the bibliographic information may overlap. For this reason, the image that has been instructed to be printed is reduced and printed, and the reuse count mark and bibliographic information are printed in the margin, thereby preventing the image from overlapping with other information.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, each has the image forming apparatus 2 and the image erasing apparatus 3 separately. In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the object is achieved by a single image forming apparatus having these functions. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment.
(Configuration of image forming apparatus 4)
The image forming apparatus 4 is an apparatus having an image forming function and an image erasing function in one unit. The image forming apparatus 4 includes a paper feed tray 201, a reading unit 202, a counter 203, a counter buffer 204, a rejection unit 205, an image erasing unit 206, an image printing unit 207, a number information addition unit 208, and a paper discharge tray 209. The image forming apparatus 4 is an apparatus having a function of erasing an image from a printed sheet and printing again on the erased sheet.

(Processing of image forming apparatus 4)
The paper that has already been printed by the apparatus is set in the paper feed tray 201. The reading unit 202 performs digitization processing as necessary, and if there is bibliographic information, performs the above-described predetermined processing on the digitized file. The counter 203 recognizes the counter value from the reuse count mark given to the paper. The recognized counter value is stored in the counter buffer 204.

  When the counter value exceeds a predetermined number of times, the sheet is rejected by the reject unit 205 and is not reused. If the predetermined number of times is not reached, the image erasing unit 206 is heated to erase the image. New printing is performed in the image printing unit 207 on the paper from which the image has been erased. The count information adding unit 208 adds a count value to the sheet on which a new image is printed. At this time, the count information adding unit 208 reads the counter buffer 204 and adds 1 to the read count value. Is added to the image as a new count value. The paper on which the new reuse count mark and image are printed is discharged from the paper discharge tray 209.

  Note that the configuration may be such that the number-of-times information is added prior to image printing, as in the first embodiment. The number information may be printed simultaneously with the image printing. In this description, it is assumed that a printed sheet is fed, but it goes without saying that printing can be performed on a new sheet that has not been printed. If the count value is not detected by the counter 203, the image printing unit 207 performs printing without heating the image erasing unit 206, assuming that printing has not yet been performed on the paper.

  In the present embodiment, by setting printed paper, image erasure and new image printing can be performed in a single process, which is advantageous in terms of convenience. By having an image forming function and an image erasing function as one body, operations and the like are concentrated in one place, which is easy to use and helps reduce costs.

(Fifth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the mode in which the image forming function and the image erasing function are realized by one image forming apparatus 4 has been described. In the present embodiment, by providing a function for storing sheets between the two functions described above, it is possible to store sheets from which images have been erased in advance. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 5 in the fifth embodiment.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus 5)
The image forming apparatus 5 is an apparatus in which an image forming function and an image erasing function are integrated. The image forming apparatus 5 includes an erasing unit 310 and a printing unit 320. The erasing unit 310 includes a paper feed tray 311, a reading unit 312, a counter 313, a rejection unit 314, an image erasing unit 315, and a storage unit 316. The printing unit 320 includes a paper feeding unit 321, a count value reading unit 322, an image printing unit 323, a number information addition unit 324, and a paper discharge tray 325.

(Processing of image forming apparatus 5)
The erasing unit 310 performs the following processing. Printed paper printed with ink that can be erased by the erasing unit of the apparatus is set in the paper feed tray 311. The reading unit 312 reads an image as necessary and digitizes the image. If there is bibliographic information, the reading unit 312 processes the digitized image according to the bibliographic information. The counter 313 detects the count value from the reuse count mark given to the paper. When the count value exceeds a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times), the reject unit 314 rejects the sheet. When the count value is less than the predetermined number of times, the image erasing unit 315 heats the sheet and erases the image. In the storage unit 316, sheets on which images have been erased and reuse count marks remain are stored.

  The process proceeds to the printing unit 320. When the image forming apparatus 5 accepts a printing instruction, the paper is fed from the paper feeding unit 321. The paper feed unit is integrated with the storage unit 316 or is configured to transport paper from the storage unit 316. The count value reading unit 322 detects the count value from the reuse count mark given to the fed paper. The image printing unit 323 prints a new image on the paper. Thereafter, the number information adding unit 324 adds a value obtained by adding 1 to the count value detected by the count value reading unit 322 to the sheet as a new count value. The sheet on which the image is printed and the new reuse count mark is attached is discharged to the discharge tray 324.

  The process for deleting the image may take a long time depending on the case. By performing an image erasing process in advance at a timing when the load of the image forming apparatus 5 is low, and storing the paper after the image has been erased, the stored paper can be used when printing is required. The waiting time until image erasing is completed can be reduced, and convenience is improved.

  Needless to say, it is possible to print on a new sheet that has not yet been printed. In that case, the paper supply unit 321 may be configured to be replenished with new paper. Further, the point that the number of times information may be printed prior to image printing is the same as described above.

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, the image is erased by reducing the image density using the leuco dye. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the concentration of molecules changes scientifically due to photochromic materials whose concentration changes due to light irradiation energy, or gases such as ozone or liquids such as acids, due to light irradiation energy. By using such a material, the image can be erased. Moreover, even if it is a case where it fills in a paper with the writing instrument using the same ink as these materials, a series of processes are possible.

  Furthermore, in an electrophotographic system in which toner is placed on paper to form an image, the resin of the toner is softened by heat or a solution and transferred to another medium, and then peeled off from the paper, or the toner adheres. The image can also be erased by means of scraping off the part with a blade or the like. It goes without saying that even when an image is erased by these combinations, the number of times of printing can be recognized and the reuse of paper can be managed in this embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been demonstrated based on each embodiment, this invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the said embodiment. With respect to these points, the gist of the present invention can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Image erasing apparatus 4 Image forming apparatus 5 Image forming apparatus 102 Count value reading part 103 Image printing part 104 Count information addition part 112 Reading part 113 Counter 114 Reject part 115 Image erasing part 203 Counter 205 Reject Section 206 Image erasing section 207 Image printing section 208 Number information adding section 313 Counter 315 Image erasing section 322 Count value reading section 323 Image printing section 324 Number information adding section

JP 2010-124441 A JP 2001-302954 A JP 2000-351922 A

Claims (10)

An image forming system in which an image is formed on an image carrier that can be repeatedly printed, and frequency information indicating the number of times of printing is added to the image carrier,
Printing means for printing an image on the image carrier;
Number-of-times information adding means for adding the number of times information on the image carrier;
A printing frequency recognition means for recognizing the printing frequency from the frequency information;
Image erasing means for erasing the image on the image carrier,
The printing means newly prints an image on the image carrier from which the image has been erased by the image erasing means,
The number-of-times information adding unit adds number-of-times information obtained by adding 1 to the number of times of printing to the image carrier. A discharge means for discharging the image carrier when the number of printing times exceeding a predetermined number is recognized by the printing number recognition means;
2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image erasing unit erases an image on the image carrier that has not been ejected by the ejecting unit.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency information is printed on the image carrier with ink that is not erased by the image erasing unit. The printing means includes
Printing at least one of the bibliographic information of the output person of the image, the top and bottom information of the image, the printing order of the image, and the destination information of the electronic file of the image;
The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image is reduced and printed on the image carrier excluding a portion where the frequency information and the bibliographic information are printed.   3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the number-of-times information includes a cut corresponding to the number of times printed on one side of the image carrier.   3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the number information is obtained by cutting out any one of the four corners of the image carrier every time printing is performed by the printing unit. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on an image carrier that can be repeatedly printed, and adds frequency information indicating the number of times of printing to the image carrier; and an image erasing apparatus that erases the image. ,
The image erasing device includes a printing number recognizing unit that recognizes the printing number from the number information.
A discharge means for discharging the image carrier when the number of reuses exceeding a predetermined number is recognized in the printing number recognition means;
The image forming apparatus includes a printing unit that prints an image on the image carrier,
When a new image is printed on the image carrier from which the image has been erased by the image erasing device, the information carrier has a number information adding means for adding to the image carrier the number information obtained by adding 1 to the number of times of printing. An image forming system. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on an image carrier that can be repeatedly printed and adds frequency information indicating the number of times of printing to the image carrier,
Printing means for printing an image on the image carrier;
Number-of-times information adding means for adding the number of times information on the image carrier;
A printing frequency recognition means for recognizing the printing frequency from the frequency information;
Image erasing means for erasing the image on the image carrier,
The printing means newly prints an image on the image carrier from which the image has been erased by the image erasing means,
The number-of-times information adding unit adds number-of-times information obtained by adding 1 to the number of times of printing to the image carrier. An image forming method of forming an image on an image carrier that can be repeatedly printed, and adding frequency information indicating the number of times of printing to the image carrier,
A printing procedure for printing an image on the image carrier;
Number-of-times information addition procedure for adding the number-of-times information on the image carrier;
A printing frequency recognition procedure for recognizing the printing frequency from the frequency information;
An image erasing procedure for erasing an image on the image carrier,
In the printing procedure, an image is newly printed on the image carrier from which an image has been erased by the image erasing procedure,
The number-of-times information addition procedure adds number-of-times information obtained by adding 1 to the number of times of printing to the image carrier.   An image forming program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 9.

Images