JP2014143504A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately reproducing a secondary printing obtained by copying a primary printing, and easily confirming the secondary printing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes image forming units, a control unit 60 that controls the image forming units on the basis of document image data, and a print image reading unit 40 that reads a sheet P having images thereon formed by the image forming units and creates print image data. The control unit 60 controls the image forming units on the basis of the print image data obtained from the print image reading unit 40 so as to form the images read by the print image reading unit on the sheet P.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are known as printers, copiers, and the like. The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet according to image data to be a document, and outputs the sheet as a printed matter. By the way, when using this type of image forming apparatus, there is a desire to confirm the finished state of the secondary printed matter obtained by copying the output primary printed matter. For example, the image forming apparatus combines a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including a pattern (latent image) that becomes apparent at the time of copying with a document image from the viewpoint of suppressing / prohibiting copying of the printed matter. It has a function to output. In such a case, there is a request as described above because it is desired to confirm in what manner the latent image appears in the secondary printed matter.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having the following functions. Specifically, the image forming apparatus generates visualized copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data in which the latent image is visualized, and synthesizes the generated visualized copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data with the first page of the job image data to generate the visualized copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data. Generate. Then, the image forming apparatus forms and outputs a visualized background pattern composite image in which the latent image is visualized on the paper based on the generated visualized background pattern composite image data.

  For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus having the following functions. Specifically, the image forming apparatus generates a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation unit that generates a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image using an image input via the user interface unit, and a preview that generates a preview image including the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated by the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation unit. Image generation means and display means for displaying the preview image generated by the preview image generation means.

JP 2008-186146 A JP 2005-115874 A

  However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, since the secondary printed material is reproduced based on the image data as the document, it is actually output through the copying and image forming process. May be different from secondary printed materials. For example, this may occur when image formation is not performed with the intended color and density due to toner failure or engine trouble.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately reproduce a secondary printed matter obtained by copying the primary printed matter and easily confirm this. is there.

  In order to solve such a problem, the first invention has an image formed by an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a control unit that controls the image forming unit based on document image data, and the image forming unit. A print image reading unit that reads paper and generates print image data. Here, the control unit controls the image forming unit based on the print image data acquired from the print image reading unit, thereby forming an image read by the print image reading unit on a sheet.

  In the first invention, it is preferable that the control unit forms an image read by the print image reading unit on a sheet when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in the image formed by the image forming unit.

  In the first aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the control unit executes the sample discharge based on one image data selected by the user from the document image data and the print image data.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a control unit that controls the image forming unit based on document image data, a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and a printed image A print image reading unit that generates data. In this case, the control unit stores the print image data acquired from the print image reading unit in association with the original image data as an image obtained by copying the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

  Here, in the second invention, the control unit preferably stores the print image data in association with the document image data when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in the image formed by the image forming unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily check the finished state of the secondary printed material based on the print image data without requiring the user to actually copy the primary printed material. Further, when a secondary printed material is reproduced using the original image data, it is assumed that the printing may not be performed with the intended color or density due to toner failure or engine trouble. In this regard, according to the present invention, since the secondary printed matter can be reproduced based on the print image data obtained by directly reading the primary printed matter, the reproducibility can be improved.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen by an operation display part Flow chart showing the procedure of print image display processing

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and forms a full-color image by arranging a plurality of photoconductors facing a single intermediate transfer belt in a vertical direction, so-called tandem type. A color image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a document reading device (not shown), exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, charging / developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, an intermediate transfer belt 23, a secondary transfer roller 24, a fixing device 30, and printing. The image reading unit 40 and the control unit 60 are mainly configured, and these are housed in one housing.

  The document reading apparatus has an automatic document feeder (not shown) provided at the top of the apparatus, and obtains an image signal by reading a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder. The image signal is output to an image reading control unit (not shown). The image reading control unit performs processing such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression on the image signal to generate document image data, and outputs the document image data to the control unit 60. The document image data input to the control unit 60 is not limited to data read by the document reading device, but is received from, for example, a personal computer connected to the image forming device or another image forming device. Also good.

  Each exposure unit 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K includes a laser light source, a polygon mirror, and a plurality of lenses. Each of the exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K corresponds to output information output from the control unit 60 based on the original image data, and applies laser beams to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K, which will be described later. Scanning exposure.

  The charging / developing unit 20Y is mainly composed of a photosensitive drum 21Y and a charging / developing unit 22Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 21Y, and forms an image corresponding to yellow on the photosensitive drum 21Y. The remaining charging / developing units 20M, 20C, and 20K have the same configuration as that of the charging / developing unit 20Y, and charging / developing units 22M, 22C, and 22K are provided around the photosensitive drums 21M, 21C, and 21K, respectively. The images corresponding to magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the photosensitive drums 21M, 21C, and 21K, respectively.

  The surface of each of the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K is uniformly charged by the charging / developing units 22Y, 22, 22C, and 22K, and is scanned by the above-described exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K. By exposure, latent images are formed on the individual photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K. Further, the charging / developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K develop the latent images on the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K by developing with toner. As a result, images (toner images) are formed on the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K. The images formed on the individual photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are sequentially transferred to predetermined positions on the intermediate transfer belt 23, thereby forming an image in which the images of the respective colors are superimposed.

  The image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 23 is transferred onto the paper P by the secondary transfer roller 24 when the paper P is conveyed at a predetermined timing.

  The paper feed unit 50 includes one or more paper feed trays 51, and the paper P is accommodated in each paper feed tray 51. The paper feed unit 50 feeds the paper P selected by the user from the paper feed tray 51 one by one. The paper P fed from the paper feed tray 51 is transported in the machine by the transport roller, and is supplied to the transfer position where the image is transferred to the paper P by the secondary transfer roller 24, and then the fixing device 30. Supplied to.

  The fixing device 30 is a device that fixes an unfixed image on the paper P, and includes a pair of fixing members that are pressed against each other and a heating unit that heats one or both of the fixing members. The fixing device 30 causes the sheet P to pass through the nip portion of the pair of fixing members in the process of transporting the sheet P, whereby the image is transferred to the sheet P through the action of the pressure applied by the nip portion and the heat of the fixing member. To settle. The sheet P that has been subjected to the fixing process is transported downstream in the transport direction.

  Here, each of the above-described elements, that is, the exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, the charging / developing units 20Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K, the intermediate transfer belt 23, the secondary transfer roller 24, and the fixing device 30 are used for image formation. Parts. The image forming unit performs, for example, a document image through a series of processes of (1) forming an image, (2) transferring the formed image onto the paper P, and (3) fixing the transferred image onto the paper P. An image corresponding to the data (an image corresponding to a document) is formed on the paper P.

  The print image reading unit 40 reads the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. The print image reading unit 40 is provided on the transport path of the paper P. In the present embodiment, the print image reading unit 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device 30 in the paper transport direction. The print image reading unit 40 includes, for example, a line sensor in which a plurality of imaging elements that perform photoelectric conversion for each pixel are arranged in a one-dimensional manner in a direction (paper width direction) orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction. The line sensor can read the paper P in units of one line in the paper width direction, that is, can read an image (printed image) formed by the image forming unit. The print image reading unit 40 generates image data on one side (corresponding to one page) of the paper P as print image data by performing a reading operation on the paper P (printed material) on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. . The generated print image data is output to the control unit 60.

  The paper P that has passed through the print image reading unit 40 is discharged by a paper discharge roller 55 to a paper tray (not shown) attached to the outer side surface of the apparatus housing. Further, when image formation is performed also on the back surface of the paper P, the paper P on which image formation has been completed on the front surface of the paper is conveyed to a reversing roller 56 below by a guide member (not shown). The reversing roller 56 pinches the trailing edge of the conveyed paper P, reverses the paper P by reverse feeding, and sends it out to the refeed conveyance path 57. By this refeed conveyance path 57, the paper P whose front and back are reversed is conveyed again to the transfer position corresponding to the nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 23 and the secondary transfer roller 24.

  The control unit 60 has a function of controlling the image forming apparatus 1 in an integrated manner. For example, the control unit 60 is a computer including a CPU, a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a nonvolatile memory as an auxiliary storage device, a communication I / F unit, and the like. Are connected to each other.

  The control unit 60 controls the document reading device, the exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, the charging / developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, the intermediate transfer belt 23, the secondary transfer roller 24, the fixing device 30, and the like. Thus, an image is formed on the paper P. Further, the control unit 60 forms an image on the paper P based on the print job. The print job is composed of a series of pages of document image data and setting information. The setting information includes, for example, the number of output copies, single-sided / double-sided output mode, the type of paper P (for example, basis weight or size), image density and magnification, presence / absence of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing, and the like.

  The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is to form and output an image obtained by combining a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with an image corresponding to an original on a sheet P. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is composed of a latent image and a background image. The latent image is an image corresponding to a pattern such as a character string or a mark that is manifested by copying, such as “copy prohibited” or “copy”. The background image is an image for making it difficult to see the latent image on the primary printed matter. For example, the latent image is composed of larger dots than the background image. In this case, when the paper P on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is formed is copied, the background image composed of dots below the reading limit is erased in reading in the copying. For this reason, only the latent image is copied, and the latent image is made visible in the secondary printed matter. Image data corresponding to the latent image and the background image is stored in a predetermined storage area of the control unit 60.

  When the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is set in the setting information, the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the document image data, thereby forming an image corresponding to the document on the paper P. On the other hand, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is set in the setting information, the control unit 60 combines the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data with the original image data and controls the image forming unit based on the combined original image data. . As a result, an image corresponding to the combined document image data, that is, an image in which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is combined with the image corresponding to the document is formed on the paper P.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 60 acquires print image data from the print image reading unit 40 in correspondence with the output of the printed matter. Then, the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the print image data to form the print image read by the print image reading unit 40 on the paper P. Acquisition of print image data or image formation based on the acquired print image data may be performed every time a printed matter is output from the image forming unit. In this embodiment, a background pattern is added to an image formed by the image forming unit. It is executed when an image is included.

  The operation display unit 70 is, for example, a touch panel that can perform an input operation according to information displayed on the screen. The operation display unit 70 outputs various types of information (for example, setting information) to the control unit 60 through user input operations. The operation display unit displays desired information under the control of the control unit 60, thereby presenting predetermined information to the user.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is called at a predetermined timing, and is executed corresponding to printing on one side of the paper P.

  First, in step 10 (S10), the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the document image data to form an image corresponding to the document on the paper P.

  In step 11 (S11), the control unit 60 determines whether or not copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is set in the setting information. If an affirmative determination is made in step 11, that is, if copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is set to be present, the process proceeds to step 12 (S12). On the other hand, if the determination in step 11 is negative, that is, if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is set to “none”, this processing ends.

  In step 12, the print image reading unit 40 reads the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, that is, the print image formed on the paper P. As a result, print image data is generated, and the print image data is output to the control unit 60.

  In step 13, the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the print image data to form an image corresponding to the print image data on the paper P.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 reads the image forming unit, the control unit 60 that controls the image forming unit based on the document image data, and the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, And a print image reading unit 40 that generates print image data. Here, the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the print image data acquired from the print image reading unit 40 to form an image read by the print image reading unit on the paper P.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to output a secondary printed material obtained by copying the primary printed material based on the print image data. Thereby, it is possible to easily check the finished state of the secondary printed matter without requiring the user to actually copy the primary printed matter. Further, when a secondary printed material is reproduced using the original image data, it is assumed that the printing may not be performed with the intended color or density due to toner failure or engine trouble. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, since the secondary printed matter is reproduced based on the print image data obtained by directly reading the primary printed matter, the reproducibility can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in the image formed by the image forming unit, the image read by the print image reading unit 40 is formed on the paper P. As a scene that requires a copy form of a primary printed matter, it is assumed how a tint block image emerges. Therefore, by limiting to the case where the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in the image formed by the image forming unit, inconveniences such as an increase in processing load, a decrease in productivity, and unnecessary consumption of paper P can be solved.

(Second Embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the presence / absence of sample discharge can be selected. In addition, suppose that description about the point which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted, and demonstrates below centering on difference.

  Here, the sample paper discharge is a process of discharging the paper P on which a predetermined image is formed as a sample during normal image formation. In the present embodiment, either document image data or print image data is selected for image formation in sample discharge. Presence / absence of sample discharge and image data used for sample discharge can be set from setting information related to the print job, and this setting information can be set by the user via the operation display unit 70. .

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is called at a predetermined timing, and is executed corresponding to printing on one side of the paper P.

  First, in step 20 (S20), the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the document image data to form an image corresponding to the document image data on the paper P.

  In step 21 (S21), the control unit 60 determines whether or not sample discharge is set in the setting information. If the determination in step 21 is affirmative, that is, if sample discharge is set to be present, the process proceeds to step 22 (S22). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 21, that is, if the sample discharge is set to no, this processing is terminated.

  In step 22, the print image reading unit 40 reads the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, that is, the print image formed on the paper P. As a result, print image data is generated, and the print image data is output to the control unit 60.

  In step 23 (S23), the control unit 60 determines whether or not to perform sample discharge with print image data based on the setting information. If an affirmative determination is made in step 23, that is, if sample discharge is performed with print image data, the process proceeds to step 24 (S24). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 23, that is, if sample discharge is performed with document image data, the process proceeds to step 25 (S25).

  In step 24 (S24), the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the print image data to form an image corresponding to the print image data on the paper P. Thereby, sample discharge is executed.

  On the other hand, in step 25 (S25), the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the document image data to form an image corresponding to the document on the paper P. Thereby, sample discharge is executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 60 executes sample discharge based on one of the image data of the original image data and the print image data selected by the user.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the secondary printed matter by selecting the print image data in the sample discharge.

(Third embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described below. The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that print image data is used in another form without being used for image formation. In addition, suppose that description about the point which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted, and demonstrates below centering on difference.

  In the present embodiment, the setting information related to the print job includes the presence / absence of a confirmation mode. The confirmation mode is a mode for confirming the state of the printed material by displaying the print image data on the operation display unit 70 without outputting a secondary printed material. This setting information can be set by the user via the operation display unit 70.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is called at a predetermined timing and is executed corresponding to printing corresponding to one side of the paper P.

  First, in step 30 (S30), the control unit 60 controls the image forming unit based on the document image data to form an image corresponding to the document on the paper P.

  In step 31 (S31), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the confirmation mode is set in the print information. If an affirmative determination is made in step 31, that is, if the confirmation mode is set to be present, the process proceeds to step 32 (S32). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 31, that is, if the confirmation mode is set to none, this process is terminated.

  In step 32, the print image reading unit 40 reads the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, that is, the print image formed on the paper P. As a result, print image data is generated, and the print image data is output to the control unit 60.

  In step 33 (S33), the control unit 60 converts the print image data into display image data for displaying the print image on the operation display unit 70 by performing various image processing such as image format conversion. . The display image data relating to the print image has the same content as the image, and the print image data can be regarded in a broad sense.

  In step 34 (S34), the control unit 60 stores display image data relating to the print image in the storage area in association with the document image data as an image obtained by copying the printed matter.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen by the operation display unit 70, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print image display processing. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by using, as a trigger, an instruction to display an image stored in the confirmation mode from the operation display unit 70 through an operation input by the user.

  First, in step 40 (S40), the control unit 60 prompts the user to select a print job to be displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit 60 causes the operation display unit 70 to display a screen indicating a list of print jobs for which the confirmation mode is set. Further, through this screen, the user can select whether an image to be displayed is an image corresponding to an original (original image) or an image obtained by copying a print image (grandchild copy image). It has become.

  In step 41 (S41), the control unit 60 determines whether or not to display a document image. If an affirmative determination is made in step 41, that is, if display of the document image is performed, the process proceeds to step 44 (S44). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 41, that is, if image display is performed for the grandchild copy image, the process proceeds to step 42 (S42).

  In step 44, the control unit 60 displays the document image data in a predetermined display area of the operation display unit 70.

  In step 42, the control unit 60 determines whether the print job selected by the user has a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print setting. If an affirmative determination is made in step 42, that is, if there is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing setting, the process proceeds to step 43 (S43). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 42, that is, if there is no copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing setting, the process proceeds to step 45 (S45).

  In step 43, the control unit 60 displays display image data associated with the document image data related to the selected print job in a predetermined display area of the operation display unit 70. In this case, the control unit 60 also displays the fact that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is an explicitly raised image.

  In step 45, the control unit 60 displays display image data associated with the document image data in a predetermined display area of the operation display unit 70.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 reads the image forming unit, the control unit that controls the image forming unit based on the document image data, and the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. A print image reading unit 40 that generates print image data. Here, the control unit 60 stores the print image data acquired from the print image reading unit 40 in association with the document image data as an image obtained by copying the printed matter.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display based on the secondary printed matter obtained by copying the primary printed matter, print image data (specifically, display image data)). Thereby, it is possible to easily check the secondary printed matter without requiring the user to actually copy the primary printed matter. Further, since it is associated with the document image data, it is possible to easily search for necessary print image data. Further, according to this method, since the secondary printed matter is reproduced based on the print image data obtained by directly reading the primary printed matter, the reproducibility can be improved.

  In this embodiment, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in the image formed by the image forming unit, the print image data may be stored in association with the document image data. As a scene that requires a copy form of a primary printed matter, it is assumed how a tint block image emerges. Therefore, by limiting to the case where the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in the image formed by the image forming unit, inconveniences such as an increase in processing load and securing a large storage area can be solved.

  The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention. . For example, according to the present embodiment, an image reading unit is provided in the image forming apparatus. However, a dedicated reading device is arranged at the subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus to perform processing related to reading printed matter and storing data. Such an image forming system may function as a part of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 15Y-15K Exposure part 20Y-20K Charging / development unit 21Y-21K Photosensitive drum 22Y-22K Charging / development part 23 Intermediate transfer belt 24 Secondary transfer roller 30 Fixing apparatus 40 Print image reading part 50 Paper feeding part 51 Paper Tray 55 Paper Ejection Roller 56 Reversing Roller 57 Refeeding Transport Path 60 Control Unit 70 Operation Display Unit

Claims (5)

An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit based on document image data;
A print image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit and generates print image data;
The control unit controls the image forming unit based on the print image data acquired from the print image reading unit, thereby forming an image read by the print image reading unit on a sheet. Forming equipment.   2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forms an image read by the print image reading unit on a sheet when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in an image formed by the image forming unit. apparatus.   3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes sample discharge based on one of image data selected by a user from the document image data and the print image data. 4. Forming equipment. An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit based on document image data;
A print image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit and generates print image data;
The control unit stores the print image data acquired from the print image reading unit in association with the original image data as an image obtained by copying a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit stores the print image data in association with the document image data when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is included in an image formed by the image forming unit.

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