JP2015155163A - Erasing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an erasing process with high confidentiality.

SOLUTION: The erasing apparatus includes: a transporting unit for transporting the fed recording medium; an erasing unit provided in the transporting unit for erasing an image from the recording medium; a confidentiality storing unit for storing information indicating whether the recording medium has high confidentiality; a paper discharging unit for reserving recording media having high confidentiality among the recording media after the erasing by the erasing unit; at least one other paper discharging unit for reserving recording media other than the recording media discharged to the paper discharging unit among the recording media after the erasing by the erasing unit; and a controlling unit for controlling the transporting unit to transport the recording medium fed by the paper feeding unit to the paper discharging unit after the erasing by the erasing unit, if it is determined that the recording medium is a document having high confidentiality on the basis of the information stored in the confidentiality storing unit.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an erasing process for erasing an image printed on a sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art An erasing apparatus that erases an image color by performing erasing processing on a sheet by heat is known. This erasing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads an image to leave an image before erasing, an erasing unit that erases an image, and the above-described reading to determine whether or not erasing has been normally performed after image erasing. There is known one in which image reading is performed again by the scanning unit. However, an erasing apparatus with higher security performance is desired for erasing processing of highly confidential paper.

JP 2010-113337 A JP2013-020069A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an erasing apparatus with higher security performance, for example, with regard to erasing processing of highly confidential paper.

  Therefore, in order to achieve the above-described problem, the following measures are taken in the embodiment of the present invention. A conveyance unit that conveys the fed recording medium, an erasing unit that is provided in the conveyance unit and that erases an image on the recording medium, and a secret that stores information indicating that the recording medium is highly confidential Among the recording media erased by the storage unit, the recording unit erased by the erasing unit, the paper ejection unit storing a highly confidential recording medium, and the recording medium erased by the erasing unit out of the recording medium to the paper ejection unit. A document in which the recording medium fed by the paper feeding unit based on the information stored in the secret storage unit and the at least one other paper discharge unit for storing the recording medium other than paper is highly confidential A control unit that controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium erased by the erase unit to the paper discharge unit.

Sectional drawing of the erasing apparatus in this Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an erasing device in the present embodiment. The block diagram of the reference | standard information file in this Embodiment. The block diagram of the management file in this Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of an erase job in the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of an erase job in the present embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the erasing apparatus. The erasing apparatus 100 erases the image on the paper (recording medium) P on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, and enables the paper P to be reused. The erasing apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 10, a first conveyance path 11, a second conveyance path 12, a first reading unit 13, a second reading unit 14, an erasing unit 15, a conveyance roller 16, and a first first roller. 1 route changing unit 17, second route changing unit 40, third route changing unit 50, and paper discharge unit 23.

  The paper feed unit 10 feeds the paper P into the erasing apparatus 100 in order to erase the image on the paper P. The paper P to be reused is, for example, a paper on which an image is formed with an erasable recording material. The paper may be various sizes such as A3, A4, and B5. The paper feed unit 10 includes a paper feed tray 22 and a pickup roller 18. The paper feed tray 22 is loaded with paper P to be erased. The pickup roller 18 takes out the paper P one by one from the paper feed tray 22 and sends it out to the first transport path 11.

  The 1st conveyance path 11 and the 2nd conveyance path 12 have a plurality of conveyance rollers 16, and conveyance roller 16 comprises a pair of a drive roller and a driven roller.

  The first transport path 11 is provided with a first reading unit 13 and a second reading unit 14. The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 have a two-dimensional CCD scanner. The two reading units are provided with the first conveyance path 11 interposed therebetween. With such a configuration, the first reading unit 13 reads one side of the conveyed paper, and the second reading unit 14 reads a surface opposite to the reading surface of the first reading unit 13. Images read by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 are stored in the RAM 203 or the HDD 214.

  In addition, after erasing the paper P, the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 again determine whether the paper P can be used and whether the printing of the paper P has been erased. The printed surface of P is read. That is, the reading of the paper P by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 is performed twice.

  The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 are not limited to a two-dimensional CCD scanner, and may be CMOS sensors.

  The first transport path 11 is connected from the paper feed unit 10 to the paper discharge unit 23 via a branch point on the downstream side of the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14. The second conveyance path 12 branches from a branch point on the downstream side of the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 of the first conveyance path 11, and the first reading unit of the first conveyance path 11. 13 and the second reading unit 14 join at the upstream junction. A first route changing unit 17 is arranged at the branch point.

  The paper discharge unit 23 includes a first paper discharge unit 19, a second paper discharge unit 20 (discard paper discharge unit), and a third paper discharge unit 30. Then, the first transport path 11 allows the paper P transported via the first first path changing unit 17 to pass through the first paper discharge unit 19 or the second paper discharge unit 20 or the third paper discharge. A second path changing unit 40 and a third path changing unit 50 which are branch points for discharging paper to the paper unit 30 are provided. The second path changing unit 40 switches the path to the first paper discharge unit and the second paper discharge unit. The third path changing unit 50 switches the path between the second paper discharge unit 20 and the third paper discharge unit 30.

  An erasing unit 15 is disposed in the conveyance path of the second conveyance path 12. The erasing unit 15 includes a roller pair 21 and a heater 205. The roller pair 21 is heated by the heater 205. Thereby, the image of the paper P formed using the erasable image forming material is heated, and the color material is erased (colorless).

  The erasing device performs an erasing process for erasing the image color on the paper P on which an image is formed with an erasable color material such as erasable toner or erasable ink. Contains chromatic compounds, developers, and erasers. Examples of the color developing compound include leuco dyes. Examples of the developer include phenols. Examples of the erasing agent include a substance that is compatible with the color developing compound when heated and does not have an affinity for the developer. The erasable colorant develops color due to the interaction between the color developing compound and the developer, and is erased because the interaction between the color developing compound and the developer is interrupted by heating at an erasing temperature or higher.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the erasing apparatus 100. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 200, which is a control unit of the erasing apparatus 100, includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a first reading unit 13, and a second reading via a system bus 201. Controls the CCD sensor 204 of the unit 14, the heater 205 of the erasing unit 15, the input of data from the outside, the interface (I / F) 206 for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device, and the first path changing unit 17. The first path change driving unit 207, the second path change driving unit 208 that controls the second path changing unit 40, the third path change driving unit 209 that controls the third path changing unit 50, and the conveyance A paper transport motor control drive unit 210 for controlling a paper transport motor 211 that drives the roller 16; Work unit 212, a display unit 213, HDD 214, the card reader 215 is connected. The CPU 200, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 form a control unit. Further, the first transport path 11, the second transport path 12, the transport roller 16, the paper transport motor 211, and the paper transport motor control drive unit 209 correspond to the transport unit.

  The ROM 202 includes a program for operating the CPU 200, a threshold for the printing rate of the paper P for use as a guideline for whether or not the paper P can be reused, and a density threshold for determining whether the image has been erased. Remember. Based on the threshold value of the printing rate and the density threshold value, the control unit determines whether or not the erasing has been normally performed after erasing the image, that is, whether or not the paper P can be reused.

  In the RAM 203, various memory areas such as a work area serving as a work area for data processing by a program are dynamically formed. The RAM 203 includes a confidential document flag area, a mode flag area, an image area, and a redetermination storage area. The confidential document flag area is used to check whether or not the paper P is a confidential document. In this embodiment, either one of 0 or 1 is stored in this confidential document flag area, and in the case of 0, the paper P is not a confidential document, and in the case of 1, the paper P is a confidential document. The mode flag area stores the erase mode selected by the operation unit 212 described later. In this embodiment, there are two erase modes. One is a post-reading erasing mode in which the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 read and store the paper P and then erase it. The other is an erasing only mode in which only erasing is performed without storing the paper P. The mode flag area stores 0 for the erase mode after reading and 1 for the erase only mode. The image area is an area for temporarily storing a read image when the erase only mode is selected. The redetermination storage area is a storage area for storing the image data of the paper P after erasure.

  The CCD sensor 204 is arranged as a single line sensor and detects the density of the paper P. The heater 205 uses an IH heater. While the paper P passes through the erasing unit 15, the color material is colorless by applying heat from the IH heater indirectly to the paper P via the roller pair 21.

  The operation unit 212 has various keys, and the display unit 213 displays various processing modes of the erasing apparatus 100. The operation unit 212 is an input unit for inputting various operations. The display unit 213 may be a touch panel type, and may also serve as the operation unit 212. When erasing is performed, the operator operates the operation unit 212 to select in advance an erasing mode after reading or an erasing only mode.

  The control unit controls the first path change driving unit 207 to drive the first path change unit 17 so that the paper P is conveyed from the first conveyance path 11 to the second conveyance path 12. Divide it. Further, the control unit controls the second path change drive unit 208 to drive the second path change unit 40, so that the paper P conveyed from the first conveyance path 11 is transferred to the first paper discharge unit 19. Alternatively, it is sorted so as to be conveyed to the second paper discharge unit 20. Similarly, the control unit controls the third path change driving unit 209 to drive the third path change unit 50, and the paper P that is transported on the first transport path 11 through the second path change unit. Are distributed to the second paper discharge unit 40 or the third paper discharge unit 50.

  The HDD 214 has a read image storage area for storing an image obtained by reading the paper P before erasure and a management file 214a. This read image storage area can be accessed through the I / F 206. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the management file 214a stores each operator's ID (identification) and password in association with each other. The management file 214a includes an ID area that stores an ID and a password area that stores a corresponding password. When the password corresponding to the ID is input from the card reader 215, the control unit refers to the management file 214a. More specifically, the ID and password input from the card reader 215 are input. Then, the control unit searches the ID area of the management file 214a using the input ID as a key, and reads the password stored in the corresponding password area. The control unit compares the ID and password input from the card reader 215 with the ID and password read from the management file 214a to authenticate the operator. When the password matches the ID stored in the management file 214a. Enables erasure processing and reading processing of confidential information. If the image read before erasure is a highly confidential document, it is stored with a password. This password is a password corresponding to the operator ID stored in the management file 214a. Further, the HDD 214 has a reference information file 214b for storing reference information for determining whether or not the paper P is a highly confidential document (this reference information file 214b corresponds to a confidential storage unit). The reference information may be specific character information as shown in FIG. 4, for example, or may be a specific symbol such as a secret mark or a star mark.

  The card reader 215 reads a card storing an ID and a password for logging in to the erasing device 100. The card reader 9 may be a non-contact type IC card reader that reads a non-contact type IC card, or may be a magnetic card reader.

  In this embodiment, the card reader 215 inputs the ID and password. For example, a method of inputting by operating the operation unit 212 can be considered.

  In the erasing apparatus 100 having the above configuration, the control unit executes the erasing job shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 based on a preset program. It is assumed that the operator has operated the operation unit and has already input the mode.

  First, in ACT (step) 1, the control unit refers to the mode flag area stored in the RAM 203. When 0 is stored (ACT1 Yes), it is determined that the erase mode after reading is selected. When the erase mode after reading is selected, the processes from ACT2 to ACT17 are performed.

  First, the control unit feeds the paper P set in the paper feeding unit 10 (ACT2) and transports it to the first transport path 11 (ACT3). Then, the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 provided in the first transport path 11 read the paper P and store it in the read image storage area of the HDD 214 (ACT 4).

  Subsequently, the control unit confirms whether the reference information stored in the reference information file 214b of the HDD 214 is included in the image data of the paper P stored in the read image storage area of the HDD 214 (ACT5).

  When the control unit determines that there is confidential information in the image data stored in the read image storage area (Yes in ACT 5), the display unit 213 displays a password for input, waits for password acceptance, and performs authentication. Perform (ACT6).

  More specifically, a predetermined time elapses in a timer of the control unit (a timer included in the CPU 200), or a key signal of a cancel key is input by operating the operation unit 212. Alternatively, when the password corresponding to the ID is input by the card reader 215, the control unit searches for the input password from the ID area of the reference file stored in the HDD 214. Then, the control unit reads the password from the password area corresponding to the ID area, and authenticates whether the ID input from the card reader 215 matches the password.

  Then, a certain time has passed, or the key signal of the cancel key is input by operating the operation unit 212. Alternatively, when the input ID and password do not match the ID and password stored in the reference file of the HDD 214, or when the input ID does not exist in the ID area of the HDD 214, the authentication cannot be performed (ACT6). No), the image data read by ACT4 stored in the read image storage area of the HDD 214 is deleted (ACT11).

  Then, the control unit controls the first route change drive unit 207, the second route change drive unit 208, and the third route change drive unit 209, and the first route change unit 17 and the second route change unit. The path is switched by driving 40 and the third path changing unit 50, the paper P is conveyed to the third paper discharge unit 30 (ACT12), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the password corresponding to the ID input by the card reader 215 matches the ID stored in the HDD 214 and the password (Yes in ACT 6), the image read by the ACT 4 stored in the read image storage area of the HDD 214 Protect the data. Specifically, the protection process is an access restriction performed by the control unit so that the process cannot be executed unless a password is input when browsing, copying, or moving the file. As this password, the password read from the reference file of the HDD 214 in ACT 6 is used (ACT 7).

  Further, the control unit sets the value of the confidential document flag area in the RAM 203 to 1 (ACT 8).

  Thereafter, the control unit controls the first path change driving unit 207 to connect the first transport path and the second transport path 12 by switching the first path change unit 17. The control unit controls the paper transport motor control driving unit 210 to rotate the transport roller 16 and transport the paper P to the second transport path 12. The control unit conveys the paper P to the erasing unit 15 in the second conveyance path 12. The sheet P contacts the roller pair 21 heated by the heater 205. The image forming material on the paper P reaches a predetermined temperature by the heated roller pair 21 and is erased (ACT 9).

  The control unit conveys the paper P erased by the erasing unit 15 from the second conveyance path 12 to the first conveyance path 11 by the conveyance roller 16. The control unit detects whether or not the first reading unit 13 has read the paper P transported to the first transport path 11. If it is detected by the first reading unit 13 that the sheet P has been read, it is confirmed that 1 is stored in the confidential document flag area of the RAM 203. After confirming that 1 is stored in the confidential document flag area of the RAM 203, the control unit performs the first path change driving unit 207, the second path change driving unit 208, and the third path change driving unit 209. Are controlled, the paper P is conveyed to the second paper discharge unit 20 (ACT 10), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the control unit determines that there is no confidential information in the image data stored in the read image storage area (No in ACT 5), the control unit performs the same processing as in ACT 9 and transfers the paper P to the second transport path. 12 to carry out an erasing process (ACT 13).

  After performing the erasing process, the control unit conveys the paper P to the first conveyance path 11. After transporting the paper P to the first transport path 11, the control unit uses the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 to read the paper P again. The read image is stored in the redetermination storage area of the RAM 203 (ACT 14).

  Then, with reference to the image data stored in the re-determination storage area of the RAM 203 and the sheet printing rate and density threshold stored in the ROM 202, it is determined whether the sheet P can be reused (ACT 15).

  If it is determined that the sheet can be reused (ACT 15 is Yes), the first path change drive unit 207 and the second path change drive unit 208 are controlled to discharge the sheet P to the first sheet discharge unit 19. (ACT16). On the other hand, if it is determined that reuse is impossible (No in ACT 15), the first path change driving unit 207, the second path change driving unit 208, and the third path change driving unit 209 are controlled to 3 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 30 (ACT 17).

  When the control unit determines that 1 is stored with reference to the mode flag area stored in the RAM 203 (ACT1 No), the control unit determines that the erase-only mode is selected. When the erase only mode is selected, the following processing is performed.

  The control unit feeds the paper P set in the paper feeding unit 10 (ACT 51) and transports it to the first transport path 11 (ACT 52). Then, the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 provided in the first transport path 11 read the paper P and store it in the image area of the RAM 203 (ACT 53).

  Subsequently, the control unit checks whether the reference information stored in the reference information file 214b of the HDD 214 is included in the image data of the paper P stored in the image area of the RAM 203 (ACT 54).

  When the control unit determines that there is confidential information in the image data stored in the image area of the RAM 203 (Yes in ACT 54), the control unit sets 1 in the confidential document flag area of the RAM 203 (ACT 55).

  When the control unit determines that there is no confidential information in the image data stored after ACT 55 or in the image area of the RAM 203 (No in ACT 54), the control unit removes the paper P from the erasing unit 15 as in ACT 9 described above. And erase processing (ACT 56).

  After performing the erasing process, the control unit conveys the paper P to the first conveyance path 11. Then, the paper P is transported to the first transport path 11. After transporting the paper P to the first transport path 11, the control unit reads the paper P by the first reading unit 13. When the first reading unit 13 reads the paper P, the confidential document flag area of the RAM 203 is referred to and it is determined whether 1 is stored. If the control unit determines that 1 is stored in the confidential document flag area of the RAM 203 (Yes in ACT 57), the first route change drive unit 207, the second route change drive unit 208, and the third route change. The drive unit 209 is controlled to discharge the paper P to the second paper discharge unit 20 (ACT 58).

  On the other hand, when the control unit determines that 0 is stored in the confidential document flag area of the RAM 203 (No in ACT 57), the second reading unit 14 is used in addition to the first reading unit 13, and the sheet P is read. The reading process is performed again. The read image is stored in the redetermination storage area of the RAM 203 (ACT 60).

  Then, with reference to the image data stored in the re-determination storage area of the RAM 203 and the sheet printing rate and density threshold stored in the ROM 202, it is determined whether the sheet P can be reused (ACT 61).

  If it is determined that the sheet can be reused (ACT61: Yes), the first path change drive unit 207 and the second path change drive unit 208 are controlled to discharge the sheet P to the first sheet discharge unit 19. (ACT62). On the other hand, if it is determined that reuse is not possible (No in ACT 62), the first path change drive unit 207, the second path change drive unit 208, and the third path change drive unit 209 are controlled, and the first path change drive unit 209 is controlled. 3 is discharged (ACT 63).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the paper P is a highly confidential document, the paper is discharged to a dedicated paper discharge unit after erasure regardless of whether the paper can be reused. For this reason, since highly confidential documents are not reused, it is possible to provide an erasing apparatus with high security.

  In this embodiment, when the paper P is a highly confidential document, it is discharged after erasure regardless of whether it can be reused or not. For this reason, when discarding a document that has accumulated in the paper output section, the information contained in the highly confidential document has already been erased, so it is possible to restore the confidential document from which malicious objects were cut after being shredded. Even if trying to do so, it becomes extremely difficult to provide an erasing device with high security.

  In the present embodiment, the description of erasing the image color is given as an example of the erasure process, but it may include the meaning of erasing the image. That is, the image erasing apparatus described in the present embodiment is not limited to an apparatus that erases the color of an image by heat. For example, a device that erases the color of an image on a sheet by light irradiation or a device that erases an image formed on a special sheet may be used. Alternatively, the image erasing apparatus may be an apparatus that removes (erases) an image on a sheet. The image erasing device may be configured so as to make the image on the sheet invisible so that the sheet can be reused.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the paper P is confidential information, access restriction is imposed on browsing, moving, or copying of the file. For this reason, when an operator accesses an external terminal via the I / F, a password is required, so that it is possible to provide a high-security erasing device.

  In this embodiment, the image of the paper P is read regardless of whether the mode is right, and it is determined whether the paper P is a highly confidential document. As a result, a highly confidential document is not discharged to a reused paper discharge unit, so that an erasing device with high security can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the read image is stored in the read image storage area of the HDD 214 and is protected by a password. However, other methods of protection processing for protecting highly confidential documents are naturally conceivable. For example, this right also includes a case where the file is uploaded to a server accessible from an external PC and the protection process is performed on the server.

  In the present embodiment, description is made to erase the color of the image as an example of the erasing process, but the image method is not limited to this. That is, the image erasing apparatus described in the present embodiment is not limited to an apparatus that erases the color of an image by heat. For example, a device that erases the color of an image on a sheet by light irradiation or a device that erases an image formed on a special sheet may be used. Alternatively, the image erasing apparatus may be an apparatus that removes (erases) an image on a sheet. The image erasing device may be configured so as to make the image on the sheet invisible so that the sheet can be reused.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

13 First reading unit 14 Second reading unit 15 Erasing unit 19 First paper discharge unit 20 Second paper discharge unit 30 Third paper discharge unit 100 Eraser 214 HDD
214a Management file 214b Standard information file

Claims (5)

A transport unit for transporting the fed recording medium;
An erasing unit provided in the conveying unit and erasing an image of the recording medium;
A confidential storage unit for storing information indicating that the recording medium is highly confidential;
Among the recording media erased by the erasing unit, a paper discharge unit for storing a highly confidential recording medium;
Among the recording media erased by the erasing unit, at least one other paper ejection unit that stores a recording medium other than the paper ejected to the paper ejection unit;
When it is determined that the recording medium fed by the paper feeding unit is a highly confidential document based on information stored in the confidential storage unit, the recording medium erased by the erasing unit is ejected from the paper ejection unit. A control unit for controlling the transport unit to transport to the unit;
An erasing device. A reading unit that is provided in the transport unit and reads an image of the recording medium;
The control unit reads the recording medium before erasure by the reading unit, and when there is information to be stored in the confidential storage unit in the read image, the control unit erases the recording medium erased by the erasing unit. The erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is controlled to be transported to a paper unit. The other sheet discharge unit includes at least a reuse sheet discharge unit that stores the recording medium for reuse, and a disposal sheet discharge unit that stores the recording medium that cannot be reused.
The control unit reads the recording medium before erasure by the reading unit, and when there is no information stored in the confidential storage unit in the read image, reads the recording medium after erasure, and the state of the recording medium 3. The erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is controlled so that the recording medium is transported to the reuse paper discharge unit or the disposal paper discharge unit in response to the recording medium. An operation unit for selecting a plurality of modes;
The control unit reads the recording medium before erasure by the reading unit when the operation unit selects an erasing mode without saving the image on the recording medium, and includes the read image in the read image. The conveyance unit is controlled to convey the recording medium erased by the erasure unit to the paper discharge unit when it is detected that there is information to be stored in the confidential storage unit. Eraser. When the operation unit selects an erasing mode after the image on the recording medium is stored by the operation unit, the control unit includes the confidential information in the image on the recording medium before erasure read by the reading unit. 5. The erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that there is information to be stored in the storage unit, the image on the recording medium before erasing is protected.

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