JP2016071222A - Sheet management unit and sheet management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet management unit and a sheet management method capable of managing the use state of a recording medium.SOLUTION: The sheet management unit includes: a memory; and a processor. The memory stores a log data which includes the number of sheets which are newly processed and the number of sheets which are reused after being subjected to an image elimination processing of eliminable images. The processor extracts a log data according to an analysis condition of the used sheets from the memory, calculates the utilization rate of the new sheets from the extracted log data, and creates a report which includes a piece of information representing the utilization rate of the calculated new sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present embodiment relates to a sheet management apparatus and a sheet management method.

  Conventionally, there is a printing system that reuses a sheet by erasing an image on the sheet. A printing system that reuses a sheet includes an image forming apparatus and an erasing machine. The erasing machine makes the sheet reusable, for example, by changing (decoloring) the image forming material on the sheet to be transparent. An image forming apparatus forms an image using a decolorable image forming material on a new sheet or a reuse sheet from which an image has been erased by an erasing machine. In offices and the like where a printing system capable of reusing sheets is introduced, there is a desire to analyze the actual usage status of sheets.

JP 2013-20069

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide a sheet management apparatus and a sheet management method capable of managing the usage status of a recording medium.

  According to the embodiment, the sheet management apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores log data including the number of new sheets processed and the number of reuse sheets processed after erasing an erasable image. The processor extracts log data according to the analysis conditions of the sheet usage status from the memory, calculates the usage rate of the new sheet from the extracted log data, and creates a report including information indicating the calculated usage rate of the new sheet To do.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet used in the printing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the eraser according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the eraser according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print log database according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a first processing example of the report creation processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a weighting table according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a second processing example of the report creation processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the MFP according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the erasing device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an erasure log database according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the erasing device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a modification according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment.
1, the printing system includes a server 10, a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter, MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 20, an erasing machine 30, and a client terminal 40 (40A,...). Also, the server 10, the MFP 20, and the erasing. The machine 30 and the client terminal 40 are connected via the network 50.
Note that the printing system according to the first embodiment may have a configuration in which a plurality of MFPs 20 are connected to a network, or a configuration in which a plurality of erasers 30 are connected to a network.

  The server 10 manages information related to print processing in the printing system. The server 10 functions as a sheet management apparatus. The MFP 20 includes a printer that forms an image on a sheet as a recording medium using an erasable (erasable) image forming material. The eraser 30 erases an image on a sheet formed of an erasable image forming material. The client PC 40 requests printing of a document or the like according to a user operation.

  For example, the server 10 receives a print request from the client PC 40. When the server 10 receives the print request, it instructs the MFP 20 to print. The MFP 20 prints an image on a sheet in response to a print instruction from the server 1. The server 10 accumulates information related to print processing executed by the MFP 20. Further, the server 10 accumulates information related to the erasing process executed by the erasing machine 30.

Next, the configuration of the server 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 includes a processor 100, a timer 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an interface (1 / F) 104, an HDD 105, and the like.
The processor 100 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 100 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 102 or the HDD 105.

  The ROM 102 is a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 102 stores programs and the like. The RAM 103 is a rewritable memory. The RAM 103 functions as a working memory. The timer 101 measures the current time. The timer 101 also has a function of measuring elapsed time. The interface 104 is an interface for communicating with the MFP 20, the erasing machine 30, and the client terminal 40.

  The HDD 105 stores print data and the like. The HDD 105 may store a program executed by the processor 100. The HDD 105 includes a log database (DB) 106, an analysis result database (DB) 107, a weighting table 108, and the like. The log DB 106 includes, for example, a print log database (DB) 106a and an erasure log database (DB) 106b.

Next, the configuration of the MFP 20 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control system of the entire MFP 20. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer 202 of the MFP 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control system of the MFP 20 includes a main control unit 201, a printer 202, a scanner 203, an operation panel 204, and an ID card reader 205. The main control unit 201 is a unit that controls the entire MFP 20. The printer 202 is an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. A scanner 203 reads an image of a document. The operation panel 204 is a user interface. The ID card reader 205 reads information such as a user ID from the ID card.

  The main control unit 201 includes a processor 210, a timer 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, an interface (I / F) 214, an HDD 215, an image processing unit 216, and the like. The processor 210 is a processor. The ROM 212 is a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 212 stores a program, for example. The RAM 213 is a volatile memory. The RAM 213 functions as a working memory that stores work data and the like, for example. The timer 211 measures the current time. The timer 211 also has a function of measuring elapsed time. The interface 214 communicates with an external device via the network 50. The HDD 216 stores image data and the like. The processor 210 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 212 or the HDD 216.

The printer 202 includes a transport unit 221, a mark reading unit 222, a process unit 223, a fixing unit 224, and a mark printing unit 225.
A conveyance unit 221 conveys a sheet in the printer 202. For example, the transport unit 221 feeds a sheet from a storage unit (cassette). The conveyance unit 221 conveys the fed sheet to the process unit 223. The conveyance unit 221 conveys the sheet on which the image is transferred by the process unit 223 to the fixing unit 224. The conveyance unit 221 discharges the fixed sheet to the outside of the MFP 20.

  The mark reading unit 222 reads a mark indicating a reuse sheet from the fed sheet. For example, the mark reading unit 222 reads an image of a fed sheet and recognizes a mark from the read image. The mark may be a two-dimensional barcode, barcode, character string, or the like. Further, the mark may include information indicating the number of times of reuse, or may include information indicating a sheet ID as sheet identification information.

  The process unit 223 forms an image on a sheet using an erasable (decolorable) image forming material (hereinafter also referred to as a decolorizable colorant). The erasable image forming material may be any material that can form an image again on the sheet after the image is erased by the erasing machine 30. For example, the erasable image forming material is a decolorizable colorant that loses its color by a chemical reaction when heated at a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the decoloring toner is fixed on the sheet at a comparatively low temperature of about 80 to 100 ° C., and is decolored at a temperature higher than the fixing temperature of 180 to 200 ° C.

  Moreover, the process part 223 should just be what forms the image which the erasing machine 30 can delete, and an image formation system is not limited. For example, the process unit 223 may be an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system. The present embodiment will be described on the assumption that the process unit 223 forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method using a toner that can be erased by the erasing device 30 (hereinafter referred to as a “erasable toner”). The process unit 223 may form a color image, or may form a monochrome image.

The fixing unit 224 fixes the decolored toner image transferred to the sheet by the process unit 223 on the sheet. The fixing unit 224 fixes the decoloring toner on the sheet by, for example, applying pressure to the sheet and heating it at a fixing temperature for the decoloring toner.
The mark printing unit 225 prints a mark on the sheet. The mark printing unit 225 prints a mark on a sheet with an image forming material that is not erased (erased) by the eraser 30. The mark printing unit 225 is not limited to an image forming method. For example, the mark printing unit 225 may be an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. In the present embodiment, the mark printing unit 225 is described as a mark printed on a sheet by an ink jet method using ink that is not erased by the erasing machine 30. The mark may be printed by the eraser 30. When printing the mark with the erasing machine 30, the MFP 20 may omit the configuration of the mark printing unit 225.

  The scanner 203 includes an ADF 231 and a reading unit 232. The reading unit 232 reads an image on the document surface by optically scanning the document surface. For example, the reading unit 232 reads an image on the document surface as color image data or monochrome image data. The ADF 231 conveys a document. The reading unit 232 has a function of reading a document surface conveyed by the ADF 231.

  The operation panel 204 is a user interface. The operation panel 204 includes a display 241 and an operation unit 242. The display 241 displays guidance for the user. The operation unit 242 is an operation button or the like for the user to input an operation instruction. The display 241 and the operation unit 242 may be a display device with a built-in touch panel.

  The ID card reader 205 reads information from the ID card. The ID card reader 205 reads information such as a user ID and / or a group ID from an ID such as an IC card presented by the user. Note that the processor 210 may perform user authentication based on information such as a user ID read by the ID card reader 205.

Next, the configuration within the printer 202 in the MFP 20 will be described.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the printer 202 of the MFP 20 includes a paper feed cassette 220 (220 a and 220 b), a conveyance unit 221, a mark reading unit 222, a process unit 223, a fixing unit 224, and a mark printing unit 225.

  The paper feed cassette 220 stores a sheet as a recording medium on which an image is formed. The sheet cassettes 220a and 220b store different sheets. The sheet feeding cassette 220a stores a sheet from which an image has been erased by the erasing machine 30 (hereinafter referred to as a reuse sheet). The paper feed cassette 220b stores new sheets. Note that a new sheet means a sheet that has never been used and has no printed mark indicating that it has been reused.

  The transport unit 221 includes a paper feed roller, a transport roller, a paper discharge roller, and the like. Further, the transport unit 221 includes a motor that drives each roller, a drive circuit that controls the motor, and the like. For example, the conveyance unit 221 picks up a sheet from one of the sheet feeding cassettes 220a and 220b. The conveyance unit 221 conveys the picked up sheet to the process unit 223. The conveyance unit 221 conveys the sheet to the process unit 223 in accordance with the timing at which the image is transferred to the sheet. The conveyance unit 221 conveys the sheet on which the image is transferred to the fixing unit 224. The conveyance unit 221 discharges the fixed sheet to the outside of the MFP 20.

  The mark reading unit 222 reads an image of the picked up sheet. The processor 210 detects (recognizes) a mark from the sheet image read by the mark reading unit 222. The mark reading unit 222 reads the image of the sheet before the victed sheet reaches the process unit 223. For example, the mark reading unit 222 is arranged between the sheet feeding position and the process unit (image transfer position) in the sheet conveyance direction in the printer 202. The mark reading unit 222 may be installed so as to read the image of the next sheet fed in the sheet feeding cassette 220.

  The process unit 223 includes a photosensitive drum 223a, an exposure device 223b, a developing device 223c, a transfer unit 223d, and the like. The process unit 223 drives the photosensitive drum 223a, the exposure device 223b, the developing unit 223c, the transfer unit 223d, and the like by driving various motors.

  For example, the photosensitive drum 223a holds an electrostatic latent image formed by laser light emitted from the exposure device 223b. The exposure device 223b irradiates the photosensitive drum with a laser beam whose lighting is controlled according to image data through a polygon mirror that rotates at a predetermined speed. The developing device 223c develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 223a with toner. In the present embodiment, the developing device 223c develops the electrostatic latent image with decoloring toner. The transfer unit 223d transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 223a developed by the developing unit 223c to a sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit 221.

  The fixing unit 224 includes a fixing roller 224a, a pressure roller 224b, a heater 224c, and the like. The heater 224c gives heat to the fixing roller 224a for melting the toner on the sheet. For example, the heater 224c heats the fixing roller 224a so that the fixing temperature of the decolored toner (for example, about 80 to 100 ° C.) is reached. The fixing roller 224a and the pressure roller 224b convey the sheet while applying pressure. The fixing roller 224a fixes the toner on the sheet to the sheet by conveying the sheet while being heated by the heater 224c.

  The mark printing unit 225 prints a mark on the sheet. The mark printing unit 225 prints the mark at the mark printing position of the new sheet using ink that is not erased. The mark printing unit 225 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints with ink that is not erased by the eraser 30. The mark printing unit 225 is not limited to an ink jet printer, and may be another image forming method such as a thermal transfer method or an electrophotographic method. In the case where the eraser 30 has a configuration having a mark printing unit, the MFP 20 may omit the configuration of the mark printing unit 225.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet on which the mark M is printed.
The mark printing unit 225 prints the mark M at a predetermined printing position on the sheet as shown in FIG. For example, the mark M is printed outside the printable area (image area) of the image with the decoloring toner. The mark printing unit 225 prints the mark with an image forming material that cannot be erased by the erasing machine 30. The mark M is a mark indicating that the image is printed with an erasable image forming material (or a mark indicating a reuse sheet). For example, the mark M may be a character string, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code. The mark M may include information indicating a sheet ID for identifying the sheet. The mark M may be printed every time print processing or erasing processing is performed, indicating information indicating the number of times of reuse.

  The mark M may be information that can be read by the mark reading unit 222 and the erasing machine 30. For example, the mark printing unit 225 may print the mark M that can be read with light having a wavelength that cannot be visually recognized by humans (for example, ultraviolet rays) with ink. Further, the sheet may have an IC chip such as a wireless tag that can read information as a mark instead of the mark. When a wireless tag is used instead of the mark, the mark reading unit and the mark printing unit of the MFP 20 and the erasing machine 30 are configured by a wireless tag reader / writer.

  Next, the eraser 30 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system in the entire erasing machine 30. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sheet processing unit of the erasing machine 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control system of the erasing machine 30 includes a main control unit 301, a sheet processing unit 302, an operation panel 304, and an ID card reader 305. The main control unit 301 is a unit that controls the entire eraser 30. The sheet processing unit 302 is a unit that processes sheets. For example, the sheet processing unit 302 erases the image on the sheet. The operation panel 304 is a user interface. The ID card reader 305 reads information such as a user ID from the ID card.

  The main control unit 301 includes a processor 310, a timer 311, a ROM 312, a RAM 313, an interface (I / F) 314, an HDD 315, an image processing unit 316, and the like. The processor 310 is a processor. The ROM 312 is a non-volatile memory. The ROM 312 stores a program, for example. The RAM 314 is a volatile memory. The RAM 314 functions as a working memory that stores work data, for example. The timer 311 measures the current time. The timer 311 also has a function of measuring elapsed time. The interface 314 communicates with an external device via the network 50. The HDD 315 stores image data and the like. The processor 310 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 312 or the HDD 315.

The sheet processing unit 302 includes a paper feeding unit 321, a conveyance unit 322, a first scanner 323, a second scanner 324, an erasing unit 325, and a mark printing unit 326.
The paper feeding unit 321 feeds a sheet to be processed. The conveyance unit 322 conveys the sheet within the sheet processing unit 302. The first scanners 323 and 324 read both sides of a sheet to be processed. The first scanner reads the first surface of the sheet. The second scanner 324 reads the second surface of the sheet. The processor 310 uses the images read by the scanners 323 and 324 to store an image before erasure processing, recognize a mark, determine a sheet state, and the like.

  The erasing unit 325 erases the image on the sheet. For example, the erasing unit 325 applies erasing heat (for example, 180 to 200 ° C.) to the sheet to erase the erasing toner on the sheet. The mark printing unit 225 prints a mark on the sheet. The mark indicates that the sheet has been decolored. The mark printing unit 225 prints a mark on a sheet with an image forming material that is not erased (erased) by the eraser 30. The mark printing unit 225 is not limited to an image forming method. For example, the mark printing unit 225 may be an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. In the present embodiment, the mark printing unit 225 is described as a mark printed on a sheet by an ink jet method using ink that is not erased by the erasing machine 30.

  The operation panel 304 is a user interface. The operation panel 304 includes a display 341 and an operation unit 342. The display 341 displays guidance for the user. The operation unit 342 is an operation button or the like for the user to input an operation instruction. The display 341 and the operation unit 342 may be a display device with a built-in touch panel.

  The ID card reader 305 reads information from the ID card. The ID card reader 305 reads information such as a user ID and / or a group ID from an ID such as an IC card presented by the user. The processor 310 may perform user authentication based on information such as a user ID read by the ID card reader 305.

Next, sheet processing in the erasing machine 30 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet processing unit 302 of the erasing machine 30 includes a paper feeding unit 321 and a conveyance unit 322 (first conveyance unit 322a, second conveyance unit 322b, third conveyance unit 322c, and fourth conveyance unit 322d). , A first scanner 323, a second scanner 324, an erasing unit 325, a mark printing unit 326, a first paper discharge unit (reuse tray) 327, and a second paper discharge unit (reject tray) 328.

The paper feed unit 321 includes a paper feed tray 321a and a paper feed mechanism 321b. In the paper feeding unit 321, the paper feeding tray 321 a holds a sheet to be erased. The paper feed mechanism 321b feeds sheets on the paper feed tray 321a. The sheet feeding mechanism 321 b supplies the fed sheet to the conveying unit 322. The first conveying unit 322 a conveys the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding tray 321 a of the sheet feeding unit 321 to the scanners 323 and 324. The first transport unit 322a transports the sheet that has passed through the scanners 323 and 324 to the second transport unit 322b, the third transport unit 322c, or the fourth transport unit 322d. The second transport unit 322 b transports the sheet that has passed through the scanners 323 and 324 to the erasing unit 325. The second transport unit 322b transports the sheet that has passed through the erasing unit 325 to the front of the scanners 323 and 324 in the first transport unit 322a. The third transport unit 322c transports the sheet to the first paper discharge unit 327. The fourth transport unit 322d transports the sheet to the second paper discharge unit 328.

  The first scanner 323 and the second scanner 324 read both sides of the sheet conveyed by the first conveyance unit 322a. For example, the first scanner 323 reads an image on the first surface of the sheet conveyed by the first conveyance unit 322a. The second scanner 324 reads an image on the second surface of the sheet conveyed by the first conveyance unit 322a.

  The processor 310 uses the images read by the scanners 323 and 324 to store an image before erasure processing, recognize a mark, determine a sheet state, and the like. For example, the processor 310 stores the sheet image read by the scanners 323 and 324 in the HDD 315. Further, the processor 310 recognizes a mark from an image read by the scanners 323 and 324. The mark printing unit 316 prints the mark on a sheet (new sheet) where the mark cannot be detected. Note that the mark printing unit 316 may print the mark on a sheet (new sheet) in which the mark cannot be detected after the erasing process (that is, after the second transport unit 322b is transported). If the MFP 20 is a system having a mark printing unit, the erasing machine 30 may omit the configuration of the mark printing unit 316.

  Further, the processor 310 determines whether or not the sheet can be reused based on the images read by the scanners 323 and 324. For example, the processor 310 determines whether the sheet is torn or wrinkled. The processor 310 conveys the torn or wrinkled sheet to the second paper discharge unit 328 as a reject box by the fourth conveyance unit 322d. The processor 310 conveys a sheet without tears or wrinkles to the erasing unit 325 by the second conveyance unit 322b.

  The erasing unit 325 erases the image on the sheet. For example, the erasing unit 325 applies heat for erasing (for example, 180 to 200 ° C.) to the sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit 322b. The erasing unit 325 erases the image of the color erasing toner on the sheet by applying pressure while heating the sheet with the color erasing heat. The erasing unit 325 is not limited to the one that erases the image on the sheet by heat.

  The second transport unit 322b supplies the erased sheet to the first transport unit 322a again. The first transport unit 322a transports the sheet re-supplied from the second transport unit 322b to the scanners 323 and 324. The scanners 323 and 324 read the image of the sheet that has been erased by the eraser 325 again. The processor 310 confirms that the image has been erased by the image read by the scanners 323 and 324.

  The processor 310 conveys the sheet on which the image has been erased to the first paper discharge unit 327 as a reuse tray by the third conveyance unit 322c. In addition, the processor 310 conveys a sheet that has been confirmed that the image has not been erased, or a sheet that has been torn or wrinkled, to the second paper discharge unit 328 by the fourth conveyance unit 322d.

  In the system described above, some or all of the functions of the server 10 may be included in the MFP 20 or the erasing device 30. For example, each function realized by the processor 100 executing a program may be realized by the processor 210 of the MFP 20 or the processor 310 of the erasing machine 30. Further, some or all of the log DB 106, the analysis result DB 107, and the weighting table 108 may be in the HDD 215 of the MFP 20 or the HDD 315 of the erasing machine 30.

Next, an operation example of the printing system according to the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the server 10 accumulates log data of print processing (print job) by the MFP 20. The server 10 has a function of analyzing the usage status of the sheet based on the accumulated log data. In the first embodiment, the MFP 20 supplies log data to the server 10 for each print process. The server 10 collects print processing log data from the MFP 20. In response to an analysis request from the MFP 20 or the client terminal 40, the server 10 analyzes the usage status of the sheet from the collected log data, and creates a report indicating the analysis result. The report includes, for example, information indicating the usage rate of new sheets or the usage rate of reuse sheets.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the MFP 20 in the first embodiment.
The processor 210 of the main control unit 201 receives user information (ACT 111). For example, a user who operates the operation panel 204 of the MFP 20 to instruct printing presents an ID card to the ID card reader 205. The ID card reader 205 reads user information from the ID card presented by the user, and sends the read user information to the processor 210.

  A user accessing the MFP 20 from the client terminal 40 transmits information including user information from the client terminal 40 to the MFP 20. For example, the client terminal 40 may transmit user information to the MFP 20 together with a print request or an analysis request. The interface 214 receives user information from the client terminal 40 and notifies the processor 210 of the received user information. Note that the processor 210 may perform user authentication using user information and authentication information such as a password.

  After acquiring the user information (ACT 111, YES), the processor 210 receives a print request or a sheet usage status analysis request from the user (ACT 112, ACT 125).

  When the processor 210 receives a print request (ACT 112, YES), the processor 210 sets a print process (print job). For example, when copying is designated, the processor 210 accepts a job for printing an image of a document read by the scanner 203 on a sheet. When receiving a print request from the client terminal 40, the processor 210 accepts a job for printing image data acquired from the client terminal 40 on a sheet.

  In addition, the processor 210 receives print processing settings in accordance with a user instruction. The print processing settings include a color mode, a sheet size, a paper feed cassette, and an image mode. For example, when the sheet cassette 220a is set exclusively for a reuse sheet, the user may specify the use of the reuse sheet. Further, when the paper feed cassette 220b is set only for a new sheet, the user may designate the use of a new sheet. In addition, when there is no designation of the sheet cassette, the processor 210 selects either a new sheet sheet cassette or a reuse sheet sheet cassette according to the default setting. If the default setting is new sheet priority, the processor 210 preferentially selects a new sheet feeding cassette. In addition, when the default setting is priority on reused sheets, the processor 210 preferentially selects a new sheet feeding cassette. If the default setting is for each print mode, the processor 210 selects either a new sheet or a reuse sheet according to the print mode.

  When the setting of the print process (print job) is confirmed, the processor 210 starts generating log data for the print job (ACT 113). For example, the processor 210 holds user information (user ID, group ID), print start date and time, print setting information, and the like on the RAM 213 as log data of the print job.

  In addition, the processor 210 defines an X counter, a Y counter, and a Z counter in the log data. The X counter counts the number of new sheets printed (number of processes). The Y counter counts the number of prints (number of processes) on the reuse sheet. The Z counter counts the total number of prints. In addition, when starting the printer process, the processor 210 sets the values of the X counter, the Y counter, and the Z counter to an initial value (0).

  When the print processing setting is confirmed, the processor 210 feeds a sheet from the paper feed cassette according to the setting by the transport unit 221 (ACT 114). When the sheet is fed, the processor 210 reads an image of the sheet fed by the mark reading unit 222 (ACT 115). The processor 210 detects a mark from the image read by the mark reading unit 222, and determines whether or not the fed sheet has a mark (ACT 116).

  When the processor 210 determines that there is no mark on the fed sheet (ACT 115, NO), the processor 210 increments an X counter indicating the number of new sheets processed (number of new prints) (ACT 117). If the processor 210 determines that the fed sheet has a mark (ACT 116, YES), the processor 210 increments a Y counter that counts the number of reuse sheets processed (number of reuse printings) (ACT 118). Furthermore, when the X or Y counter is incremented, the processor 210 increments the Z counter (ACT 119).

  The processor 210 prints an image on the fed sheet (ACT 120). That is, the processor 210 transfers the image formed with the decoloring toner by the process unit 223 to the sheet. The processor 210 performs a fixing process on the sheet on which the decolored toner image is transferred by the fixing unit 224. The fixing unit 224 fixes the decolored toner image on the sheet at a decoloring fixing temperature.

  If the sheet on which the image is printed is a new sheet, the processor 210 prints a mark on the sheet by the mark printing unit 225 (ACT 121). Note that the processor 210 omits printing of the mark if the sheet is a reuse sheet. However, if the processor 210 prints a mark indicating the number of prints for each print process, the processor 210 also prints a mark indicating the number of times on the reuse sheet.

  The processor 210 discharges the sheet on which the image is printed by the transport unit 221 to the outside of the MFP 20 (ACT 122). The processor 210 determines whether the printing process is completed every time printing of an image on one sheet is completed (ACT123). If there is a print on the next sheet (ACT 123, NO), the processor 210 repeatedly executes the processing from the ACT 114.

After determining that the print process is completed (ACT 123, YES), the processor 210 transmits log data of the print process to the server 10 (ACT 124). For example, the processor 210 adds information such as an end time to the log data of the print process held in the RAM 213 and transmits the information to the server 10.
The print processing is completed by the above processing.

  When the processor 210 receives a request for analyzing the usage state of the sheet (ACT 125, YES), the processor 210 requests (requests) the analysis of the usage state of the sheet from the server 10 (ACT 126). For example, when the processor 210 requests the analysis of the usage status of the sheet, the user may specify an analysis condition such as an analysis target. For example, as analysis conditions, a period, a user ID, and a group ID may be specified as an analysis target. The analysis conditions may be those related to items to be saved as log data. For example, the analysis condition may be a job mode (print, copy), a color mode (color or monochrome), or a sheet size.

  The processor 210 waits to receive a report as an analysis result from the server 10 after requesting the analysis of the usage state of the sheet (ACT 127). When receiving the report from the server 10, the processor 210 outputs the received report (ACT 128). For example, the processor 210 may print the received report on a sheet or display the received report on the display unit 241. Further, the processor 210 may transmit the received report to the client terminal 40 of the user.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the server 10 in the first embodiment.
The processor 100 of the server 10 receives the log data from the MFP 20 (ACT 131). For example, when receiving the log data from the MFP 20 (ACT 131, YES), the processor 100 of the server 10 stores the received log data in the print log DB 106a of the log DB 106 (ACT 132). The processor 100 stores the received log data in the print log DB 106a as log data for each print job.

FIG. 9 is an example of the print log database 106a.
The print log DB 106a illustrated in FIG. 9 stores log data for each print job. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the print log DB 106a stores a group ID, a user ID, a start date / time, an end date / time, a function, a color mode, a size, a new print number, a reuse print number, a total number, and the like for each print job.

  The group ID is information for identifying a group (for example, a department) to which the user belongs. The user ID is information for identifying each user. The start date / time indicates the date / time when the print job was started. The end date / time indicates the date / time when the print job is ended. The function indicates the function that executed the print job. For example, the function indicates whether printing is performed using a print function or printing using a copy function. The color mode indicates whether the print is a color print or a monochrome (or black) print. The size indicates the size of the sheet used for printing.

  The number of new prints is the number of new sheets processed and indicates the number of times printed on the new sheet. The number of reuse prints is the number of reuse sheet processes, and indicates the number of times printed on the reuse sheet. The total number indicates the total number of sheets subjected to the printing process. The new printing number is a number counted by the X counter described above. The number of reuse prints is a number counted by the Y counter described above. The total number is a number counted by the above-described Z counter.

  Further, the processor 100 of the server 10 accepts a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT 133). The processor 100 may receive a sheet usage status analysis request from the MFP 20 or directly from the client terminal 40. When receiving the analysis request (ACT 133, YES), the processor 100 of the server 10 performs a report creation process for creating a report indicating the usage status of the sheet (ACT 134). The report creation process will be described later.

  The processor 100 stores the report created by the report creation process in the analysis result DB 107 (ACT 135). Further, the processor 100 transmits the created report to the analysis request source (ACT 136). For example, when receiving the analysis request from the MFP 20, the processor 100 of the server 10 transmits the created report to the MFP 20.

Next, a first process example of the report creation process will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a first processing example of the report creation processing.
When the processor 100 receives a sheet usage status analysis request, it sets analysis conditions (ACT 211). For example, the processor 100 calculates the sheet usage status for a predetermined period for each group ID. Further, the processor 100 may accept an arbitrary analysis condition. For example, the processor 100 may accept designation of a period, a group ID, a user ID, or the like to be analyzed.

  The processor 100 extracts log data from the print log DB 106a in accordance with the set analysis conditions (ACT 212). The processor 100 extracts log data to be tabulated such as the number of new prints, the number of reuse prints, and the total number. For example, when analyzing the sheet usage status in a predetermined period for each group ID, the processor 100 extracts log data for each identical group ID in the predetermined period.

  When the processor 100 extracts log data to be tabulated, the processor 100 counts the number of new prints from the extracted log data (ACT 213). Further, the processor 100 counts the number of reuse printings from the extracted log data (ACT 214). The processor 100 further adds up the total number of new prints and reuse prints (ACT 215). The processor 100 calculates the usage rate (ratio) of new sheets (ACT 216). Further, the processor 100 may calculate the usage rate of the reuse sheet.

  For example, the processor 100 calculates the usage rate of new sheets by the following equation (1).

New sheet usage rate = 100 × total number of new sheet prints / total number of totals (1)
Further, the processor 100 calculates a reuse sheet usage rate by the following equation (2).

Reuse sheet usage rate = 100 × total number of reused prints / total number of totals (2)
The processor 100 determines whether or not the analysis is complete (completion end) based on whether or not all necessary data (for example, the usage rate of new sheets in all groups) has been obtained (ACT 217). If the analysis is not finished (ACT217, NO), the processor 100 returns to ACT212 and repeatedly executes the processing of ACT212-217. The processor 100 extracts log data to be aggregated until the analysis is completed, and repeatedly executes the processing of ACT 212-217. For example, when performing aggregation for each group, the processor 100 extracts log data with each group ID, and executes the processing of the above ACT 212-217.

  When the processor 100 determines that the analysis is finished (ACT 217, YES), the processor 100 generates a report summarizing the analysis results (ACT 218). The report includes the usage rate of new sheets and the usage rate of reuse sheets as analysis results. For example, the processor 100 generates a report that summarizes the usage rates of new sheets for each group ID in a predetermined period. According to such a report, it is possible to grasp the usage rate of new sheets for each group.

Next, a second process example of the report creation process will be described.
In the second processing example of the report creation process, the number of new prints and the number of reuse prints are converted into reference sizes, and the usage rate of each sheet is calculated with the converted values. For example, the processor 100 converts the number of new prints and the number of reuse prints using the weighting coefficient stored in the weighting table 108.

  FIG. 11 is an example of the weighting table 108. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the weighting coefficient for each sheet size is set on the basis of the A4 size. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the weighting coefficients of A3, A4, A5, A6, B4, and B5 are set to 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 1.5, and 0.75, respectively. Since the weighting table 108 shown in FIG. 11 is based on A4, the weighting coefficient is larger than 1 for a size larger than A4 (for example, A3). Also, the size smaller than A4 (for example, A5, A6, B4, B5) has a weighting coefficient smaller than 1.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a second processing example of the report creation processing.
Similar to the first processing example shown in FIG. 10, when the processor 100 receives an analysis request, it sets an analysis condition (ACT 311). The processor 100 extracts log data from the print log DB 106a according to the set analysis conditions (ACT 312).

  When extracting the log data to be aggregated, the processor 100 calculates a value obtained by converting the number of new prints of each extracted log data into a reference size (ACT 313). The processor 100 converts the number of new prints into a reference size by the weighting coefficient set in the weighting table 108. That is, the processor 100 calculates a converted value (new converted value) of the new print number by multiplying the new print number by a weighting coefficient corresponding to the size of the new sheet of each log data. When the processor 100 calculates the new converted value of each extracted log data, the processor 100 adds up the new converted value of each log data (ACT 314).

  Further, the processor 100 calculates a value obtained by converting the number of reuse prints of each extracted log data into a reference size (ACT 315). The processor 100 converts the number of reuse prints into a reference size by using a weighting coefficient set in the weighting table 108. That is, the processor 100 calculates a conversion value for reuse printing (reuse conversion value) by multiplying the new printing number by a weighting coefficient corresponding to the size of the new sheet of each log data. When the processor 100 calculates the reuse conversion value of each extracted log data, it aggregates the reuse conversion value of each log data (ACT 316).

  The processor 100 adds up the total value of the new converted value and the total value of the reuse converted value to calculate the total value of the converted values (ACT 317). The processor 100 calculates the usage rate of each sheet using the total value of the new conversion value, the total value of the reuse conversion value, and the total calculation value (ACT 318). For example, the processor 100 calculates the usage rate of new sheets by the following equation (3).

Usage rate of new sheets = 100 × total value of new conversion value / total total value (3)
Further, the processor 100 calculates the usage rate of the reuse sheet by the following equation (4).

Usage rate of reuse sheet = 100 × total value of reuse conversion value / total total value (4).

  The processor 100 determines whether or not the analysis is complete (aggregation complete) based on whether or not all necessary data has been obtained (ACT 319). If the analysis is not finished (ACT 319, NO), the processor 100 returns to ACT 312 and repeats the processing of ACT 312-319. If the processor 100 determines that the analysis is complete (ACT 319, YES), the processor 100 generates a report summarizing the analysis results (ACT 320).

  As described above, in the second processing example of the report creation process, the usage rate of the new sheet and the usage rate of the reuse sheet are calculated by converting the number of new prints and the number of reuse prints into the reference size. As a result, the second processing example can calculate the usage rate according to the size of the used sheet, and can present an analysis result reflecting the actual usage amount.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the first embodiment, the server collects log data from the MFP. In response to the analysis request, the server calculates the usage rate of new sheets from the collected log data. The server outputs a report including the usage rate of new sheets. Accordingly, the printing system according to the first embodiment can provide a report that can easily check the usage status of the new sheet.

  The server also extracts log data for each group and calculates the usage rate of new sheets for each group. The server outputs a report summarizing the usage rate of new sheets for each group. Accordingly, the printing system according to the first embodiment can provide a report that can check the usage status of a new sheet for each group.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, the MFP 20 has the function of the server 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the MFP 20 also functions as a sheet management apparatus. In other words, in the second embodiment, the MFP 20 independently executes the processes of FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 12 described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the HDD 215 of the MFP 20 includes a log DB 106, an analysis result DB 107, and a weighting table 108.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the MFP 20 in the second embodiment. ACT 411-423 shown in FIG. 13 can be realized by the processing of ACT 111-123 shown in FIG. For this reason, ACT411-423 shown in FIG. 13 shall be demonstrated easily.

  After obtaining the user information (ACT 411, YES), the processor 210 of the MFP 20 accepts a print request or a sheet usage status analysis request from the user (ACT 412, ACT 425). When receiving a print request (ACT 412, YES), the processor 210 sets a print process (print job). When the print processing setting is confirmed, the processor 210 records the log data for the print job defining the X, Y, and Z counters on the RAM 213 (ACT 413).

  When the print processing setting is confirmed, the processor 210 feeds the sheet (ACT 414), and reads the image of the fed sheet by the mark reading unit 222 (ACT 415). The processor 210 determines the presence or absence of the mark by detecting the mark from the image read by the mark reading unit 222 (ACT 416). If the processor 210 determines that there is no mark on the fed sheet (ACT 416, NO), the processor 210 increments an X counter indicating the number of new sheets processed (number of new prints) (ACT 417). If the processor 210 determines that there is a mark on the fed sheet (ACT 416, YES), the processor 210 increments a Y counter that counts the number of reuse sheets processed (number of reuse prints) (ACT 418). Further, when the processor 210 increments the X or Y counter, the processor 210 increments the Z counter (ACT 419).

  The processor 210 prints an image on the fed sheet (ACT 420). If the sheet on which the image is printed is a new sheet, the processor 210 prints a mark on the sheet by the mark printing unit 225 (ACT421). The processor 210 discharges the sheet on which the image is printed by the transport unit 221 to the outside of the MFP 20 (ACT 422). Each time the processor 210 finishes printing an image on one sheet, the processor 210 determines whether the print processing is completed (ACT 423). If there is a print on the next sheet (ACT 423, NO), the processor 210 repeatedly executes the processing from ACT 414.

After determining that the entire print process has been completed (ACT 423, YES), the processor 210 stores the log data of the print process generated in the RAM 213 in the print DB 106a (ACT 424). For example, the processor 210 adds information such as the end time to the log data of the print process held in the RAM 213 and records it in the print DB 106a.
With the above processing, the print processing is completed.

  On the other hand, when the processor 210 receives a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT425, YES), the processor 210 performs a report creation process for creating a report indicating the usage status of the sheet (ACT426). The report creation process is realized by the processor 210 executing the process shown in FIG. 10 or 12 described in the first embodiment.

  The processor 210 stores the report created by the report creation process in the analysis DB 107 provided in the HDD 215 (ACT 427). Further, the processor 210 outputs the generated report (ACT 428). For example, the processor 210 may print the generated report on a sheet or display the generated report on the display unit 241. Further, the processor 210 may transmit the created report to the client terminal 40 of the user.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the second embodiment, the MFP functions as a sheet management apparatus. The MFP alone accumulates log data. In response to the analysis request, the MFP calculates the usage rate of the new sheet from the accumulated log data and outputs a report including the usage rate of the new sheet. The printing system according to the second embodiment can provide a report that allows the MFP to check the usage status of a new sheet independently without providing a server or the like connected to the network.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.
In the third embodiment, the server 10 analyzes the use status of the sheet based on the decoloring process log data collected from the erasing machine 30. The third embodiment can be realized by the server 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the erasing machine 30 shown in FIGS. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP 20 does not include a mark printing unit. That is, in the third embodiment, it is assumed that the eraser 30 prints a mark on a sheet.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the erasing machine 30 in the third embodiment.
The processor 310 of the erasing machine 30 receives user information (ACT 511). It is assumed that the user inputs the user in order to execute the erasing process. For example, the user presents an ID card to the ID card reader 305. The ID card reader 305 reads user information from the ID card presented by the user, and sends the read user information to the processor 310. Note that the processor 310 may perform user authentication using user information and authentication information such as a password.

  After obtaining the user information (ACT 511, YES), the processor 310 receives an instruction to start image erasing processing (sheet processing) or a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT 512, ACT 526). When the start of the erasure process is instructed (ACT 512, YES), the processor 310 starts generating log data for the erasure process (ACT 513). For example, the processor 310 holds the user information (user ID, group ID) and the erasing process start time on the RAM 313 as log data of the print job.

  The processor 310 defines an X counter, a Y counter, and a Z counter in the log data. The X counter counts the number of new sheet processes (new erase number). The Y counter counts the number of reuse sheets processed (number of reuse erasures). The Z counter counts the total number of erased sheets. Further, when starting the erasing process, the processor 310 initializes the values of the X counter, the Y counter, and the Z counter (set to “0”).

  When the erasing process is started, the processor 310 feeds a sheet from the paper feed tray by the paper feed unit 321 (ACT 514). The processor 310 conveys the fed sheet by the first conveyance unit 322a. The processor 310 reads both sides of the sheet conveyed by the first conveyance unit 322a with the first scanner 323 and the second scanner 324 (ACT 515). The processor 310 detects a mark from the images on both sides of the sheet read by the first scanner 323 and the second scanner 324.

  If the mark is not detected from the sheet (ACT 516, NO), the processor 310 increments the X counter indicating the new erase number (ACT 517). On the other hand, when the mark is detected from the sheet (ACT 516, YES), the processor 310 increments the Y counter indicating the number of reuse erasures (ACT 518). Further, when the processor 310 increments either the X or Y counter, the Z counter is also incremented (ACT 519).

  In addition, the processor 310 conveys the fed sheet to the erasing unit 325 by the second conveyance unit 322b. Note that the processor 310 may print the mark on the sheet by the mark printing unit 326 before conveying the mark to the erasing unit 325 when the mark cannot be detected from the sheet. The processor 310 erases (decolors) the image on the sheet by the eraser 325 (ACT520). That is, the processor 310 decolorizes the decolored toner image on the sheet by heating the sheet at the decoloring temperature by the erasing unit 325.

  The processor 310 conveys the decolored sheet to the scanners 323 and 324 again. The processor 310 uses the scanners 323 and 324 to rescan the erased sheet image (ACT 521). The processor 310 confirms that the image on the sheet has been erased from the read image of the sheet after the decoloring process. Note that when an image remains on the sheet, the processor 310 supplies the sheet again to the erasing unit 325 or rejects the sheet.

  If the sheet is a new sheet (if there is no mark), the processor 310 prints a mark on the sheet by the mark printing unit 326 (ACT 522). Note that the processor 310 omits printing of the mark if the sheet is a reuse sheet. However, if the processor 310 is configured to print a mark indicating the number of erasures for each erasing process, the processor 310 also prints a mark indicating the number of times on the reuse sheet.

  The processor 310 determines whether the sheet is reused or rejected based on the image rescanned by the scanners 323 and 324. The processor 310 conveys either the first paper discharge unit 327 or the second paper discharge unit 328 according to the determination result (ACT 523). The processor 310 conveys the sheet determined to be reused to the first paper discharge unit 327 as a reuse tray. Further, the processor 310 conveys the sheet determined to be rejected to the second paper discharge unit 328 as a reject tray.

  Each time the processor 310 transports the sheet to the first paper discharge unit 327 or the second paper discharge unit 328, it determines whether or not the erasing process is completed (ACT 524). For example, the processor 310 determines that the erasing process is not completed if the next sheet remains in the sheet feed tray (ACT 524, NO). If the processor 210 determines that the erasure process has not been completed, the processor 210 repeatedly executes the process from ACT 514.

After determining that the erasure process has been completed (ACT 524, YES), the processor 310 transmits log data of the erasure process to the server 10 (ACT 525). For example, the processor 310 adds information such as an end time to the log data of the erasure process held in the RAM 313 and transmits the information to the server 10.
With the above processing, the erasing process is completed.

  Further, when the processor 310 receives a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT 526, YES), the processor 310 requests (requests) the analysis of the usage status of the sheet from the server 10 (ACT 527). For example, when requesting an analysis of the usage status of a sheet, the processor 310 may specify the analysis target condition instructed by the user. For example, a period, a user ID, and a group ID may be specified as analysis target conditions. The analysis target condition may be related to items stored as log data.

  After requesting the analysis of the usage status of the sheet, the processor 310 waits for reception of a report including the analysis result from the server 10 (ACT 528). When receiving the report from the server 10, the processor 310 outputs the received report (ACT529). For example, the processor 310 displays the received report on the display 341. Further, the processor 310 may print the received report on a sheet by the MFP 20, or may transmit the received report to the user's client terminal 40.

Next, an operation example of the server 10 in the third embodiment will be described.
In the third embodiment, the server 10 operates in the same flow as in FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. An operation example of the server 10 in the third embodiment is also described with reference to FIG.

  When receiving the log data from the erasing machine 30 (ACT 131, YES), the processor 100 of the server 10 stores the received log data in the erasure log database 106b of the log DB 106 (ACT 132). The processor 100 stores the received log data in the deletion log DB 106b as log data for each print job.

FIG. 15 is an example of the erasure log database 106b.
The deletion log DB 106b illustrated in FIG. 15 stores log data for each deletion process. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the deletion log DB 106 b stores a group ID, a user ID, a start date and time, an end date and time, a size, a new deletion number, a reuse deletion number, a total number, and the like for each deletion process.

  The group ID is information for identifying a group (for example, a department) to which the user belongs. The user ID is information for identifying each user. The start date / time indicates the date / time when the erasing process is started. The end date / time indicates the date / time when the erasing process is ended. The size indicates the size of the erased sheet.

  The new erasure number is the number of new sheet processes, and indicates the number of times the new sheet has been erased. The reuse erase count is the number of reuse sheets processed, and indicates the number of times the reuse sheet has been erased. The total number indicates the total number of erased sheets. The new erase number is a number counted by the X counter described above. The number of reuse erases is the number counted by the Y counter described above. The total number is a number counted by the above-described Z counter.

  Further, the processor 100 of the server 10 accepts a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT 133). The processor 100 may receive a sheet usage status analysis request from the erasing machine 30 or directly from the client terminal 40. When receiving the analysis request (ACT 133, YES), the processor 100 of the server 10 performs a report creation process for creating a report indicating the usage status of the sheet (ACT 134). In the third embodiment, the server 10 can perform a report creation process similar to the report creation process illustrated in FIG. 10 or 12 by replacing the number of prints with the number of deletions.

  The processor 100 stores the report created by the report creation process in the analysis DB 107 (ACT 135). Further, the processor 100 transmits the created report to the analysis request source (ACT 136). For example, when the processor 100 of the server 10 receives an analysis request from the eraser 30, the processor 100 transmits the created report to the eraser 30.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the third embodiment, the server collects log data from the eraser. The server calculates the usage rate of the new sheet from the collected log data in response to the analysis request for the usage status of the sheet, and outputs a report including the usage rate of the new sheet. Accordingly, the printing system according to the third embodiment can provide a report that can easily check the usage status of a new sheet from the decoloring process log data.

  The server also extracts log data for each group and calculates the usage rate of new sheets for each group. The server outputs a report summarizing the usage rate of new sheets for each group. Accordingly, the printing system according to the third embodiment can provide a report that allows the use status of a new sheet to be confirmed for each group from the decoloring process log data.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, the erasing machine 30 has the function of the server 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the erasing machine 30 also functions as a sheet management apparatus. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the erasing machine 30 executes the server processing described in the third embodiment and the processing in FIG. 14 alone. The HDD 315 of the erasing machine 30 has a log DB 106, an analysis result DB 107, and a weighting table 108.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the erasing machine 30 in the fourth embodiment.
The processor 310 of the erasing machine 30 receives user information (ACT 611). After acquiring the user information (ACT 611, YES), the processor 310 receives an instruction to start image erasing processing (sheet processing) or a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT 612, ACT 626). When instructed to start the erasing process (ACT612, YES), the processor 310 starts generating log data for the erasing process (ACT613). For example, the processor 310 holds the user information (user ID, group ID) and the erasing process start time on the RAM 313 as log data of the print job.

  The processor 310 defines an X counter, a Y counter, and a Z counter in the log data. The X counter counts the number of new sheet processes (new erase number). The Y counter counts the number of reuse sheets processed (number of reuse erasures). The Z counter counts the total number of erased sheets. Further, when starting the erasing process, the processor 310 initializes the values of the X counter, the Y counter, and the Z counter (set to “0”).

  When the erasing process is started, the processor 310 feeds a sheet from the paper feed tray by the paper feed unit 321 (ACT 614). The processor 310 conveys the fed sheet by the first conveyance unit 322a. The processor 310 reads both sides of the sheet conveyed by the first conveyance unit 322a by the first scanner 323 and the second scanner 324 (ACT 615). The processor 310 detects a mark from the images on both sides of the sheet read by the first scanner 323 and the second scanner 324.

  If the mark is not detected from the sheet (ACT 616, NO), the processor 310 increments the X counter indicating the new erase number (ACT 617). Further, when the mark can be detected from the sheet (ACT 616, YES), the processor 310 increments a Y counter indicating the number of reuse erasures (ACT 618). Further, when the processor 310 increments either the X or Y counter, the Z counter is also incremented (ACT 619).

  In addition, the processor 310 conveys the fed sheet to the erasing unit 325 by the second conveyance unit 322b. Note that the processor 310 may print the mark on the sheet by the mark printing unit 326 before conveying the mark to the erasing unit 325 when the mark cannot be detected from the sheet. The processor 310 erases (decolors) the image on the sheet by the erasing unit 325 (ACT 620).

  The processor 310 conveys the decolored sheet to the scanners 323 and 324 again. The processor 310 uses the scanners 323 and 324 to rescan the erased sheet image (ACT 621). The processor 310 confirms that the image on the sheet has been erased from the read image of the sheet after the decoloring process. If an image remains on the sheet, the processor 310 supplies the sheet again to the erasing unit 325 or rejects the sheet.

  If the sheet is a new sheet (if there is no mark), the processor 310 prints a mark on the sheet by the mark printing unit 326 (ACT 622).

  The processor 310 determines whether the sheet is reused or rejected based on an image rescanned by the scanners 323 and 324, and sorts the sheet (ACT 623). The processor 310 conveys the sheet determined to be reused to the first paper discharge unit 327 as a reuse tray. Further, the processor 310 conveys the sheet determined to be rejected to the second paper discharge unit 328 as a reject tray.

  Each time the processor 310 transports the sheet to the first paper discharge unit 327 or the second paper discharge unit 328, the processor 310 determines whether or not the erasing process is completed (ACT 624). For example, if the next sheet remains in the sheet feed tray (ACT 624, NO), the processor 310 repeatedly executes the processing from ACT 614.

After determining that the erasure process has ended (ACT 624, YES), the processor 310 stores the log data of the erasure process held in the RAM 313 in the erasure DB 106b of the HDD 315 (ACT 625). For example, the processor 310 adds information such as the end time to the log data of the erasure process held in the RAM 313 and records it in the erasure DB 106b.
With the above processing, the erasing process is completed.

  On the other hand, when the processor 310 receives a request for analyzing the usage status of the sheet (ACT 626, YES), the processor 310 performs a report creation process for creating a report indicating the usage status of the sheet (ACT 627). The report creation process is realized by the processor 310 executing the process shown in FIG. 10 or 12 described in the first embodiment.

  The processor 310 stores the report created by the report creation processing in the analysis DB 107 provided in the HDD 315 (ACT 628). Further, the processor 210 outputs the created report (ACT 629). For example, the processor 310 displays the created report on the display unit 241. Further, the processor 310 may print the created report on a sheet by the MFP 20 or may send the created report to the client terminal 40 of the user.

  As described above, in the printing system according to the fourth embodiment, the erasing machine also functions as a sheet management apparatus. The eraser alone accumulates log data in the erase process. In response to the analysis request, the eraser calculates the usage rate of the new sheet from the accumulated log data, and outputs a report including the usage rate of the new sheet. The fourth embodiment can provide a report that can confirm the usage status of a new sheet by an erasing machine alone without providing a server connected to the network.

Next, modified examples of the first to fourth embodiments will be described.
In the description of the first to fourth embodiments described above, a report indicating the usage status of a sheet is created upon receiving an analysis request. In the modification, a report is automatically created when a preset condition is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, the server 10 creates a report when receiving an analysis request from the MFP 20 or the client terminal 40. In the modified example of the first embodiment, the server 10 further creates a report when the preset output condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the server 10 as a modified example of the first embodiment. Note that ACTs 712, 713, and 714 shown in FIG. 17 can be realized by the same processing as ACT 131-133 shown in FIG.

  The processor 100 of the server 10 stores the report output condition (ACT 711). The processor 100 accepts specification of a report output condition by a user or an administrator at an arbitrary timing. When receiving the specification of the report output condition, the processor 100 stores the specified report output condition in the HDD 105 or the like. The report output condition may be any condition that the processor 100 can determine.

  The processor 100 monitors whether or not a report output condition is satisfied (ACT 715). When the processor 100 determines that the report output condition is satisfied (ACT 715, YES), the processor 100 creates a report by the above-described report creation processing (ACT 716). When creating the report, the processor 100 stores the created report in the analysis DB 107 (ACT 717). Further, the processor 100 outputs the created report in accordance with the set content (ACT 718). The report output method (for example, report transmission destination) may be set together with the report output conditions.

  For example, the processor 100 of the server 10 may set a specific time as a report output condition. When the time is set as the report output condition, the processor 100 can create and output the report at the set time. When the time is set as the report output condition, the processor 100 monitors whether or not the current time measured by the timer 101 has reached the set time (ACT 715). When the processor 100 determines that the current time has reached the set time (ACT 715, YES), the processor 100 creates a report (ACT 716). The processor 100 stores the created report in the analysis DB 107 (ACT 717), and outputs it according to the setting contents (ACT 718).

  Further, the processor 100 of the server 10 may set the usage rate of new sheets in a specific group (or a specific user or the entire system) as a report output condition. The processor 100 can create and output a report when the usage rate of a new sheet set as a report output condition is exceeded. When the usage rate of a new sheet in a specific group is set as the report output condition, the processor 100 monitors the usage rate of the new sheet in the group (ACT 715). What is necessary is just to calculate the usage rate of the new sheet | seat of a specific group whenever it receives the log data of the said group.

  When the processor 100 determines that the usage rate of the new sheets in the specific group exceeds the set value (ACT 715, YES), the processor 100 creates a report (ACT 716). The processor 100 stores the created report in the analysis DB 107 (ACT 717), and outputs it according to the setting contents (ACT 718). For example, the report may be transmitted to the client terminal of the administrator of the group or to the client terminal of the system administrator.

The modification described above can also be applied to the second, third, and fourth embodiments.
For example, for the third embodiment, the above-described modification can be applied by the server 10 acting as shown in FIG.

  Further, the second embodiment can be modified by adding a function for setting a report output condition and a function for monitoring whether or not the report output condition is satisfied to the MFP 20. For example, the processor 210 of the MFP 20 stores the specified report output condition in the HDD 215 or the like. The processor 210 monitors whether a report output condition is satisfied. When the processor 210 determines that the report output condition is satisfied, the processor 210 creates and outputs a report.

  Further, the fourth embodiment can be modified by adding a function for setting a report output condition and a function for monitoring whether or not the report output condition is satisfied to the erasing device 30. For example, the processor 310 of the erasing machine 30 stores the specified report output condition in the HDD 315 or the like. The processor 310 monitors whether or not a report output condition is satisfied. When the processor 310 determines that the report output condition is satisfied, the processor 310 creates and outputs a report.

  Moreover, it is also possible to implement each embodiment mentioned above in combination. For example, the server 10 may collect the print log data and the erasure log data by combining the first embodiment and the third embodiment. When the server 10 collects the print log data and the erasure log data, the processor 100 can analyze the usage status of the sheet using the print log data and the erasure log data. For example, the processor 100 may create a report including the usage rate of new sheets by adding the print log data and the deletion log data. Further, the processor 100 may compare a report created from the print log data with a report created from the erase log data. For example, the processor 100 may compare the printing log data from the MFP with the erasing log data from the erasing machine and analyze the erasing process status of the sheet printed by the MFP in the erasing machine.

  The sheet management apparatus according to the above-described embodiment can provide the usage rate of new sheets or the usage rate of reuse sheets in a predetermined period. The sheet management apparatus according to the embodiment can also report the usage rate of a new sheet or the usage rate of a reuse sheet for a specific user or a specific group. Furthermore, the sheet management apparatus according to the embodiment can report a usage rate of a new sheet based on a conversion value weighted according to a sheet type such as a size.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a case has been described in which a program executed by a processor is recorded in advance in a memory in the apparatus. However, the program executed by the processor may be downloaded from the network to the apparatus, or may be installed from the recording medium to the apparatus. The recording medium may be any recording medium that can store a program such as a CD-ROM and is readable by the apparatus. In addition, a function obtained by installing or downloading in advance may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or the like inside the apparatus.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Server (sheet management apparatus), 20 ... Digital multifunction peripheral (sheet management apparatus), 30 ... Eraser (sheet management apparatus), 40 ... Client terminal, 50 ... Network, 100 ... Processor, 104 ... Interface, 105 ... HDD 106a ... print log database (memory), 106b ... deletion log database (memory), 108 ... weighting table, 202 ... printer, 204 ... operation panel, 210 ... processor, 211 ... timer, 214 ... interface, 215 ... HDD (memory) , 302 ... Sheet processing unit, 304 ... Operation panel, 310 ... Processor, 314 ... Interface, 315 ... HDD (memory).

Claims (5)

A memory for storing log data including the number of processed new sheets and the number of processed reused sheets after erasable images;
A processor that extracts log data corresponding to the analysis condition of the sheet usage status from the memory, calculates a usage rate of a new sheet from the extracted log data, and creates a report including information indicating the calculated usage rate of the new sheet When,
A sheet management apparatus comprising: The memory further stores the number of processes of a new sheet and the number of processes of a reuse sheet in association with group information indicating a group of users who have performed the process,
The processor further extracts log data for each group information from the memory, calculates a usage rate of a new sheet for each group from the log data extracted for each group information, and calculates a usage rate of the calculated new sheet for each group Create a report with information showing
The sheet management apparatus according to claim 1. The memory further stores information indicating a sheet type of a sheet used as a new sheet or a reuse sheet,
The processor creates a report indicating the usage rate of new sheets using a value converted by a weighting coefficient according to the sheet type.
The sheet management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The processor determines whether or not a report output condition is satisfied, and creates a report when determining that the report output condition is satisfied.
The sheet management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A sheet management method used in a system for printing a decolorable image on a sheet,
Log data including the number of new sheets processed and the number of processed reuse sheets after deleting erasable images is stored in memory.
Extract log data according to the analysis conditions of sheet usage from the memory,
Calculate the usage rate of new sheets from the extracted log data,
Creating a report including information indicating the calculated new sheet usage rate;
Sheet management method.

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