JP2020134696A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can obtain a desired copy without leaving a copy of a page failed to be copied, and a program.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 30 that, when copying a document with a limited number of times of copying, acquires a read image obtained by reading a page of the document as a copied image; a registration unit 32 that registers page information corresponding to a page of the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit 30 and makes the page in an uncopyable state; a deletion unit 34 that, when a read image obtained by reading a copy of a page failed to be copied is present in the copied images acquired in the acquisition unit 30, deletes page information corresponding to a page of the copied image to make the page in a re-copyable state; and a mechanism control unit 36 that performs control related to a mechanism that makes unusable a copy in which the page information is deleted by the deletion unit 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that includes an IC tag reader / writer attached to a publication including a book and prints a copy image of the publication. This image forming apparatus is a copyright-related information reading means for reading the copyright information and the total number of pages of the publication recorded in advance on the IC tag by the reader / writer, and the work read by the reader / writer. It is provided with a copyright validity determination means for determining whether or not the copyright of the publication is valid based on the information regarding the copyright. In addition, this image forming apparatus is a copyable page number calculation means for calculating the number of copyable pages of the publication based on the information on the total number of pages of the publication read by the reader / writer, and the publication. It is provided with a copy page number counting means for counting the number of copied pages of. Further, this image forming apparatus determines the number of pages that can be copied by the publication based on the information on the number of copyable pages obtained from the copyable page number calculation means and the information on the number of copy pages counted by the copy page number counting means. A means for determining the number of copy pages for determining whether or not the image is being copied in excess of the number of copies, or whether or not the image is copied in excess of the number of copyable pages is provided. Further, when the image forming apparatus determines that the copy is about to be performed in excess of the number of copyable pages of the publication by the copy page number determination means, or the copy exceeds the number of copyable pages. Provided is a warning information generating means for generating warning information when it is determined that the warning information has been performed.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes a copying device that restricts / prevents copying that violates the provisions of the Copyright Law. This copying device stores the user identification information that identifies the user and the classification information of the books classified according to academics and knowledge in association with the first classification information that the user is permitted to copy. Corresponds between the manuscript identification information that identifies the copied manuscript and the second classification information that is the classification information to which the copied manuscript belongs and is the classification information of the books classified by the same classification method as the classification method used for the first classification information. It is provided with a storage device that is attached and stored, and stores the user identification information and the manuscript identification information in association with the copy history information indicating the history of the copied manuscript copied in the past for each user. This copying device includes a user identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information and a first acquisition means for acquiring first classification information associated with the user identification information acquired by the user identification information acquisition means from a storage device. , The manuscript identification information acquisition means for acquiring the manuscript identification information, the second acquisition means for acquiring the second classification information associated with the manuscript identification information acquired by the manuscript identification information acquisition means from the storage device, and the first acquisition. A copy control means for determining whether or not the second classification information is included in the first classification information by comparing the first classification information acquired by the means with the second classification information acquired by the second acquisition means. , A page identification means for identifying the page number of the copy original.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-91717 Japanese Patent No. 4372668

By the way, some documents have a limited number of copies. For example, when copying a book in a library or the like, free copying is not permitted due to copyright law. For example, there are restrictions such as "a part per person" and "up to a predetermined ratio of the total number of pages (for example, 50%)". On the other hand, copying of pages of a manuscript with a limited number of copies may fail. A copy of a page that fails to be copied is not useful as a copy, but is counted as a copy page, so it may not be possible to recopy it. In other words, if copying of a page with a manuscript with a limited number of copies fails, a copy of the failed page remains, and the failed page cannot be recopied to obtain a desired copy. It may not be possible.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program capable of obtaining a desired copy without leaving a copy of a page that has failed to be copied.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect acquires a scanned image obtained by scanning the pages of the document as a copied image when copying a document having a limited number of copies. Obtained by reading the acquisition unit, the registration unit that registers the page information corresponding to the page of the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit and makes the page uncopyable, and the copy of the page that failed to be copied. When the scanned image is present in the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit, the page information corresponding to the page of the copied image is deleted, and the page is made recopiable. It includes a unit and a control unit that controls a mechanism for disabling a copy whose page information has been deleted by the deletion unit.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mechanism is a disposal box, and the control unit causes a copy in which the page information is deleted by the deletion unit. Control is performed so that the copy is transported to the waste box and the copy is housed in the waste box.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the control unit has acquired the copied image of the copy of the page that failed to be copied by the acquisition unit. When it does not exist in the inside, the copy is controlled to be discharged to the outside without accommodating the copy in the disposal box.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mechanism is an image forming unit, and the control unit is a copy in which the page information is deleted by the deleting unit. Is conveyed to the image forming unit, and the image forming unit is used to control the formation of an image on the copy so that the information described in the copy becomes indistinguishable.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the control unit has acquired the copied image of the copy of the page that failed to be copied by the acquisition unit. When it does not exist in the image, the image forming unit is used to control the copying to be discharged to the outside without forming an image on the copy.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the mechanism is a cutting device, and the control unit performs a copy in which the page information is deleted by the deletion unit. It is conveyed to the cutting device, and the copying device is used to control the cutting of the copy.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the control unit has acquired the copied image of the copy of the page that failed to be copied by the acquisition unit. When the copy is not present in the image, the copying device is used to control the copying to be discharged to the outside without cutting the copy.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the program according to the eighth aspect causes the computer to function as each part included in the image forming apparatus according to any one aspect of the first to seventh aspects.

According to the first aspect and the eighth aspect, there is an effect that a desired copy can be obtained without leaving a copy of the page that failed to be copied.

According to the second aspect, there is an effect that the copy can be appropriately disabled as compared with the case where the copy is not housed in the disposal box.

According to the third aspect, the copy is unnecessarily unusable as compared with the case where the copy is stored in the disposal box regardless of whether the read image of the copy is present in the copied image. It has the effect of being able to suppress being done.

According to the fourth aspect, there is an effect that the copy can be appropriately disabled as compared with the case where the image is not formed so that the information described in the copy is indistinguishable.

According to the fifth aspect, the copy is unnecessarily disabled as compared with the case where the scanned image of the copy is formed in the copy regardless of whether it is present in the copied image. It has the effect of being able to suppress this.

According to the sixth aspect, there is an effect that the copy can be appropriately disabled as compared with the case where the copy is not cut.

According to the seventh aspect, the copy is unnecessarily disabled as compared with the case where the copy is cut regardless of whether the read image of the copy is present in the copied image. Has the effect of being able to suppress.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electric structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the user DB which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the manuscript DB which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the page DB which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow of the copy control program which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow of the copy control program which concerns on embodiment, and is the continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a figure which provides the explanation of the operation of the image forming apparatus when a disposal box is applied as a mechanism which makes a copy unusable. It is a figure which provides the operation of the image forming apparatus when the image forming part is applied as the mechanism which makes a copy unusable. It is a figure which provides the operation of the shredder with a reading function which makes a copy unusable.

Hereinafter, an example of a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 12, a storage unit 14, a display unit 16, an operation unit 18, an image forming unit 20, a document reading unit 22, and a document reading unit 22. It includes a communication unit 24.

The control unit 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12C, and an input / output interface (I / O) 12D, and each of these units is via a bus. Are connected to each other.

Each functional unit including a storage unit 14, a display unit 16, an operation unit 18, an image forming unit 20, a document reading unit 22, and a communication unit 24 is connected to the I / O 12D. Each of these functional units can communicate with the CPU 12A via the I / O 12D.

The control unit 12 may be configured as a sub control unit that controls a part of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be configured as a part of a main control unit that controls the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Good. For example, an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) or an IC (Integrated Circuit) chipset is used for a part or all of each block of the control unit 12. An individual circuit may be used for each of the above blocks, or a circuit in which a part or all of them are integrated may be used. Each of the above blocks may be provided integrally, or some blocks may be provided separately. In addition, a part of each of the above blocks may be provided separately. The integration of the control unit 12 is not limited to the LSI, and a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor may be used.

As the storage unit 14, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like is used. The copy control program 14A according to the present embodiment is stored in the storage unit 14. The copy control program 14A may be stored in the ROM 12B. Further, the storage unit 14 is referred to as a user database (hereinafter referred to as "user DB") 14B, a manuscript database (hereinafter referred to as "manuscript DB") 14C, and a page database (hereinafter referred to as "page DB") described later. ) 14D is stored. These user DB 14B, manuscript DB 14C, and page DB 14D may also be stored in ROM 12B.

The copy control program 14A may be pre-installed in, for example, the image forming apparatus 10. The copy control program 14A may be realized by storing it in a non-volatile storage medium or distributing it via a network and appropriately installing it in the image forming apparatus 10. Examples of non-volatile storage media include CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), optical magnetic disks, HDDs, DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), flash memories, memory cards, and the like. To.

For the display unit 16, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like is used. The display unit 16 integrally has a touch panel. The operation unit 18 is provided with various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The display unit 16 and the operation unit 18 receive various instructions from the user of the image forming apparatus 10. These various instructions include, for example, an instruction to start reading the original, an instruction to start copying the original, and the like. The display unit 16 displays various information such as the result of the process executed in response to the instruction received from the user and the notification for the process.

The document reading unit 22 captures the documents placed on the paper feed tray of an automatic document feeder (not shown) provided above the image forming apparatus 10 one by one, and optically reads the captured documents to obtain image information. .. Alternatively, the document reading unit 22 optically reads the document placed on the platen such as platen glass to obtain image information.

The image forming unit 20 obtains image information obtained by reading by the document reading unit 22 or an image based on image information obtained from an external personal computer (PC) or the like connected via a network. Form on a recording medium such as paper. In the present embodiment, the electrophotographic method will be described as an example of the method for forming an image, but another method such as an inkjet method may be adopted.

When the method of forming an image is an electrophotographic method, the image forming unit 20 includes a photoconductor drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit. The charging unit applies a voltage to the photoconductor drum to charge the surface of the photoconductor drum. The exposed unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum by exposing the photoconductor drum charged by the charged unit with light corresponding to the image information. The developing unit develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum with toner to form a toner image on the photoconductor drum. The transfer unit transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum to the recording medium. The fixing unit fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium by heating and pressurizing.

The communication unit 24 is connected to the network, and can communicate with an external PC via the network. The communication unit 24 and the network may be connected by wire or wirelessly. As an example, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and the like are applied to the network.

By the way, as described above, when copying a page of a manuscript with a limited number of copies fails, a copy of the failed page remains and the failed page cannot be recopied. It may not be possible to obtain the desired copy.

Therefore, the CPU 12A of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment functions as each unit shown in FIG. 2 by writing the copy control program 14A stored in the storage unit 14 to the RAM 12C and executing it.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 12A of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment functions as an acquisition unit 30, a registration unit 32, a deletion unit 34, and a mechanism control unit 36. The mechanism control unit 36 is an example of a control unit. Further, as described above, the storage unit 14 stores the user DB 14B, the manuscript DB 14C, and the page DB 14D.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user DB 14B according to the present embodiment.
In the user DB 14B shown in FIG. 3, a user ID (Identification) and a name of a user who can use the image forming apparatus 10 and a telephone number and an address of the user are registered, although not shown. The user ID is identification information given to each user in order to identify the user. As an example, the user ID includes an identification number for each user, biometric information (fingerprint, etc.) of the user, and the like. When an identification number is used as the user ID, the user is identified using a contact-type or non-contact-type ID card in which the identification number is stored. Note that (K) shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 represents a DB key.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the manuscript DB 14C according to the present embodiment.
In the manuscript DB 14C shown in FIG. 4, the manuscript ID, manuscript name, total number of pages, copyable number of manuscripts to be copied, author name of manuscript, publisher name, etc. are registered, although not shown. ing. The manuscript ID is identification information given to each manuscript for identifying the manuscript to be copied. As an example, an identification number for each manuscript is used as the manuscript ID. When an identification number is used as the original ID, the original is identified by attaching an IC tag, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like in which the identification number is stored to the original. Further, the number of times that can be copied represents the number of times that copying is possible for each page of each manuscript, and in this embodiment, it is set to once per page (that is, the same page cannot be copied twice).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of page DB 14D according to the present embodiment.
In the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5, a user ID, a manuscript ID, and page information representing a copied page are associated and registered. That is, the page number of which document is copied is registered for each user. As an example, in the case of the user with the user ID "UID001", it is registered that the fifth and sixth pages of the manuscript with the manuscript ID "BID001" are copied. In this page DB 14D, one record (one line) is assigned to each copied page for each manuscript, so that the total number of copied pages for each manuscript can be obtained by counting the number of records. Will be done.

Returning to FIG. 2, the acquisition unit 30 according to the present embodiment acquires the scanned image obtained by scanning the pages of the original as a copied image when copying the original with a limited number of copies. As an example, a book in which the number of copies per page is limited to one is applied to the manuscript referred to here. This book includes all books such as books and magazines.

The registration unit 32 according to the present embodiment registers the page information corresponding to the page of the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit 30 in the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5 as an example, and makes the page uncopyable. To do. That is, recopying of the page in which the page information is registered in the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5 is prohibited. Specifically, an IC tag, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like is used as an example for specifying the copied manuscript and page. For example, when an IC tag is used, the manuscript ID and the page ID are stored in advance in the IC tag, and when the manuscript is read, the manuscript ID and the page ID can be obtained by reading the IC tag attached to the manuscript. To be acquired. This page ID represents a unique page number and is an example of page information. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) may be used to identify the copied page. In this case, as an example, the page is specified by character recognition of the page number described in the footer or the like of the manuscript.

The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a dedicated reading device (not shown) corresponding to the IC tag. Even when a barcode or a two-dimensional code is used, the original ID and the page ID can be acquired by providing the image forming apparatus 10 with a dedicated reading device in the same manner.

The deletion unit 34 according to the present embodiment reads a copy of a page that failed to be copied (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “failure page”), and the scanned image obtained by reading the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit 30. Determine if it exists in. The failure here is to make a mistake in the paper feed direction of the tray (for example, change the LEF (Long edge Feed: horizontal feed) to SEF (Short Edge Feed)). There are cases such as making a mistake in adjusting the concentration. The copied image is stored in the storage unit 14, and can be accessed from the deletion unit 34. As an example, a known pattern matching method or the like is used for determining the similarity of these images. When comparing images, the inclination and color of the images may be different. In this case, it is desirable to make a similar determination after making adjustments using a known method such as tilt correction or tint correction. Then, when the deletion unit 34 determines that the read image of the copy of the failed page exists in the copied image, the page information of the page corresponding to the copied image is used as an example from the page DB 14D shown in FIG. Delete and make the page recopyable.

The mechanism control unit 36 according to the present embodiment controls the mechanism for disabling the copy whose page information has been deleted from the page DB 14D by the deletion unit 34. A specific example of this unusable mechanism will be described later, but in this embodiment, a disposal box (see FIG. 8), an image forming unit (see FIG. 9), and a cutting device (see FIG. 10) are applied. When the disposal box is applied, the mechanism control unit 36 controls to transport the copy whose page information has been deleted to the disposal box and to accommodate the copy in the disposal box. Further, the mechanism control unit 36 controls to discharge the copy to the outside without storing the copy in the discard box when the read image of the copy of the failed page does not exist in the copied image.

Further, when the image forming unit is applied, the mechanism control unit 36 conveys the copy from which the page information has been deleted to the image forming unit, and the information described in the copy cannot be identified by using the image forming unit. It controls the formation of an image on the copy. Further, when the read image of the copy of the failed page does not exist in the copied image, the mechanism control unit 36 discharges the copy to the outside without forming an image in the copy using the image forming unit. Control to do.

When the cutting device is applied, the mechanism control unit 36 conveys the copy from which the page information has been deleted to the cutting device, and controls the copy to be cut by using the cutting device. Further, the mechanism control unit 36 controls to discharge the copy to the outside without cutting the copy by using the cutting device when the read image of the copy of the failed page does not exist in the copied image. Do.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Note that FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the copy control program 14A according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 7 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, as an example, when the image forming apparatus 10 detects an ID card held by the user, the copy control program 14A is activated and the following steps are executed.

In step 100 of FIG. 6, the acquisition unit 30 acquires user information including the user ID from the ID card detected above.

In step 102, the acquisition unit 30 determines whether or not the user ID acquired in step 100 is registered in the user DB 14B shown in FIG. 3, and if registered, logs on the user. ..

In step 104, when the acquisition unit 30 operates the start button with the image forming apparatus 10 set to the copy mode and the page with the original is placed on the platen, the acquisition unit 30 refers to the original reading unit 22. , Instruct to start copying pages of the manuscript. As an example, the manuscript referred to here is a book in which the number of copies per page is limited to one, as described above.

In step 106, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the scanned image obtained by scanning the pages of the document by the document reading unit 22 as a copied image in response to the instruction to start copying in step 104.

In step 108, the acquisition unit 30 acquires page information corresponding to the page of the copied image acquired in step 106. This page information is obtained from the above-mentioned IC tag, barcode, or two-dimensional code as an example.

In step 110, the registration unit 32 determines whether or not the page information acquired in step 108 is registered in the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5 above, as an example. When it is determined that the page information is not registered in the page DB 14D (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step 112, and when it is determined that the page information is registered in the page DB 14D (in the case of an affirmative determination). The process proceeds to step 122.

In step 112, as an example, the registration unit 32 acquires the total number of copied pages by designating the user ID and the manuscript ID from the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5 above.

In step 114, the registration unit 32 determines whether or not the total number of copied pages acquired in step 112 exceeds the threshold value (for example, half of the total number of pages of the manuscript). When it is determined that the total number of copied pages exceeds the threshold value (in the case of affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 140 in FIG. 7, and when it is determined that the total number of copied pages is equal to or less than the threshold value (in the case of a negative determination). The process proceeds to step 116.

In step 116, the registration unit 32 associates the copied page represented by the page information acquired in step 108 with the user ID and the manuscript ID, and registers them in the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5 as an example. The page corresponding to the page information is not copyable.

In step 118, the registration unit 32 associates the copied image acquired in step 106 with the user ID, the manuscript ID, and the copied page, and stores the copied image in the storage unit 14 as an example.

In step 120, the registration unit 32 instructs the image forming unit 20 to output a copy corresponding to the copied image stored in step 118. Upon receiving this instruction, the image forming unit 20 outputs a copy.

In step 122, the registration unit 32 determines whether or not to copy the next page of the manuscript. When it is determined that the next page of the original is to be copied (in the case of affirmative determination), the process returns to step 104 and the process is repeated, and when it is determined that the next page of the original is not copied (in the case of negative determination), the process proceeds to step 124 in FIG. To do.

In step 124 of FIG. 7, the deletion unit 34 determines whether or not to read a copy of the page for which copying has failed (hereinafter, referred to as “copy P”). If it is determined that the copy P is read (in the case of affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 126, and if it is determined that the copy P is not read (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step 140. For example, the touch panel of the display unit 16 displays the message "Do you want to read the copy of the failed page?", And if "Yes" is selected, a positive judgment is made, and if "No" is selected, a negative judgment is made. It becomes.

In step 126, as an example, the start button is pressed by the deletion unit 34 in a state where the copy P is placed at a predetermined position (the upper part of the disposal box 42 in the example shown in FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. 8 described later. When operated, the reading unit (reading unit 22A in the example shown in FIG. 8) is instructed to start reading the copy P.

In step 128, the read image obtained by the deletion unit 34 reading the copy P by the reading unit (reading unit 22A in the example shown in FIG. 8) in response to the instruction to start reading in step 126 is stored in the storage unit. It is searched whether or not it exists in the copied image stored in 14. As described above, a known pattern matching method or the like is used to search for this image. When this pattern matching method is used, a similar determination may be made by comparing only specific parts of the read image and the copied image of the copy P.

In step 130, the deletion unit 34 determines whether or not the read image is found as a result of the search in step 128. If it is determined that the scanned image is found (in the case of affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 132, and if it is determined that the scanned image is not found (in the case of negative determination), the process proceeds to step 136.

In step 132, as an example, the deletion unit 34 deletes a record including page information associated with the copied image matching the read image from the page DB 14D shown in FIG. 5 above, and the page information. Make the page recopyable.

In step 134, as an example, as shown in FIG. 8 described later, the mechanism control unit 36 disables the copy P whose page information has been deleted in step 132 (discard box 42 in the example shown in FIG. 8). ) Is controlled.

In step 136, the mechanism control unit 36 controls the display unit 16 to display a message indicating that the scanned image cannot be found, and the process proceeds to step 138. If the scanned image is not found in the copied image as a result of the search, the page information corresponding to the scanned image is not deleted.

In step 138, the mechanism control unit 36 determines whether or not there is a copy P of the failed page. If it is determined that there is a copy P of the failed page remaining (in the case of affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 126, and if it is determined that there is no copy P of the failed page remaining (in the case of a negative determination), step 140 Move to.

In step 140, the mechanism control unit 36 deletes all the copied images stored in the storage unit 14 in step 118.

In step 142, the mechanism control unit 36 logs off the user according to the log-off operation by the user, and ends a series of processes by the copy control program 14A.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the mechanism for disabling the copy P will be specifically described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 10A when the disposal box 42 is applied as a mechanism for disabling the copy P.
FIG. 8 partially shows the peripheral configuration of the waste box 42 provided in the image forming apparatus 10A. The disposal box 42 may not be integrally configured with the image forming apparatus 10A, or may be separately configured outside the image forming apparatus 10A.

FIG. 8 (S1) shows the image forming apparatus 10A in a steady state. The image forming apparatus 10A includes a platen cover 44 provided on the upper part of the platen 46 and a disposal box 42 provided on the upper part of the platen cover 44. A gate 42A that can be opened and closed is provided at the left end of the waste box 42. The waste box 42 has a hollow inside, and the gate 42A can be opened and closed to accommodate the copy P inside. Further, a transport roller 40 is provided adjacent to the left end side of the waste box 42. Below the transport roller 40, a reading unit 22A for reading the copy P is provided so as to face the transport roller 40. The reading unit 22A according to the present embodiment may be configured as the same reading unit as the document reading unit 22, or may be configured as a reading unit different from the document reading unit 22.

When the copy P is set on the upper part of the disposal box 42 and the start of reading the copy P is instructed, the gate 42A is opened and the transport roller 40 is driven to start reading the copy P. Will be done. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 (S2), the copy P is conveyed by the reader 22A while being conveyed by the transfer roller 40 in the direction toward the inside of the waste box 42 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). Is read.

Here, it is determined whether or not the scanned image obtained by scanning the copy P is present in the copied image stored in the storage unit 14. As a result of the determination, when the scanned image is present in the copied image, as shown in FIG. 8 (S3), the copy P is housed in the discard box 42 as it is, and the gate 42A is closed. .. The discard box 42 cannot be opened by a general user who does not have the access authority, and can be opened only by a specific administrator who has the access authority. Therefore, the copy P housed inside the disposal box 42 is collected by a specific manager at an appropriate timing. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the scanned image does not exist in the copied image, as shown in FIG. 8 (S4), the transport roller 40 is rotated in the reverse direction to direct the copy P toward the upper part of the disposal box 42. The copy P is discharged from the disposal box 42 in the direction (direction of the arrow in the figure), and the gate 42A is closed. These operations are executed according to the control by the mechanism control unit 36.

FIG. 9 is a diagram provided for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 10B when the image forming unit 20 is applied as a mechanism for disabling the copy P.
FIG. 9 schematically shows the peripheral configuration of the image forming unit 20 provided in the image forming apparatus 10B.

FIG. 9 (S11) shows the image forming apparatus 10B in a steady state. The image forming apparatus 10B includes a platen cover 44 provided on the upper part of the platen 46, and an image forming portion 20 provided below the platen 46. A manual feed tray 48 is provided on the right side surface of the image forming apparatus 10B. Further, a transport roller 49 is provided in the vicinity of the insertion port of the manual feed tray 48. Above the transport roller 49, a reading unit 22B for reading the copy P is provided so as to face the transport roller 49. The reading unit 22B according to the present embodiment is configured as a reading unit different from the document reading unit 22.

As shown in (S12) of FIG. 9, when the copy P is set in the bypass tray 48 and the start of reading the copy P is instructed, the transport roller 49 is driven to start reading the copy P. To. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (S13), the copy P is read by the reading unit 22B while being conveyed by the transfer roller 49 in the direction toward the image forming unit 20 (the direction of the arrow in the figure). Will be done.

Here, as in the example shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the read image obtained by reading the copy P is present in the copied image stored in the storage unit 14. As a result of the determination, when the scanned image is present in the copied image, as shown in (S14) of FIG. 9, the image forming unit 20 is used so that the character portion described in the copy P cannot be identified. After the image is formed on the copy P, the copy P is discharged to the outside. The image may be any image as long as it makes the character portion described in the copy P unreadable, and black coating, shading, or the like is applied as an example. This image may be selectively formed only on the character portion described in the copy P, or may be formed on the entire surface including the character portion described in the copy P. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the scanned image does not exist in the copied image, the copy P is discharged to the outside as it is without forming an image on the copy P by using the image forming unit 20. These operations are executed according to the control by the mechanism control unit 36.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the shredder 10C with a reading function that disables the copy P.
FIG. 10 partially shows the main component configuration of the shredder 10C with a reading function provided separately from the image forming apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1). The shredder 10C with a reading function is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 10 and is configured as an external device that can be controlled by the image forming apparatus 10.

FIG. 10 (S21) shows a shredder 10C with a reading function in a steady state. The shredder 10C with a reading function has a reading function and a cutting function of the copy P. An insertion port 56 for inserting a copy P is provided in the upper part of the shredder 10C with a reading function. Further, a transport roller 50 is provided in the vicinity of the insertion port 56. A reading unit 22C for reading the copy P is provided adjacent to the left end side of the transport roller 50. Further, below the transport roller 50, a cutter 52 for cutting the copy P is provided so as to face the transport roller 50. The cutter 52 is an example of a cutting device. Further, below the cutter 52, a dust box 54 for accommodating the dust cut by the cutter 52 is provided.

When the copy P is set in the insertion slot 56 and the start of reading the copy P is instructed, the transport roller 50 is driven to start reading the copy P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 (S22), the copy P is read by the reading unit 22C while being conveyed by the transfer roller 50 in the direction toward the reading unit 22C (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). Is done.

Here, it is determined whether or not the scanned image obtained by scanning the copy P is present in the copied image stored in the storage unit 14. As a result of the determination, when the scanned image is present in the copied image, as shown in FIG. 10 (S23), the drive of the transport roller 50 is controlled to transport the copy P in the direction toward the cutter 52. .. In this case, the copy P is cut by the cutter 52, and the cut dust is stored in the dust box 54. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the scanned image does not exist in the copied image, as shown in FIG. 10 (S24), the drive of the transport roller 50 is controlled to direct the copy P toward the insertion port 56. The copy P is discharged to the outside through the insertion port 56 as it is. These operations are executed according to the control by the mechanism control unit 36.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the copy of the failed page is read, and when the obtained read image is present in the copied image, the recopy of the failed page is permitted. Therefore, the user can obtain a desired copy even if the copy fails.
Also, a copy of the failed page is disabled using a specific mechanism. Therefore, the risk that the information described in the copy is provided to a third party is reduced.
Furthermore, if the obtained scanned image is not present in the copied image, the copy of the failed page is not disabled. This prevents the copy of the failed page from being unnecessarily disabled.

The image forming apparatus has been described above as an example of the embodiment. The embodiment may be in the form of a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of each part included in the image forming apparatus. The embodiment may be in the form of a storage medium that can be read by a computer that stores this program.

In addition, the configuration of the image forming apparatus described in the above embodiment is an example, and may be changed depending on the situation within a range that does not deviate from the gist.

Further, the processing flow of the program described in the above embodiment is also an example, and even if unnecessary steps are deleted, new steps are added, or the processing order is changed within a range that does not deviate from the purpose. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the processing according to the embodiment is realized by the software configuration by using the computer by executing the program has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The embodiment may be realized by, for example, a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

10, 10A, 10B Image forming device 10C Shredder with reading function 12 Control unit 12A CPU
12B ROM
12C RAM
12D I / O
14 Storage unit 14A Copy control program 14B User DB
14C manuscript DB
14D page DB
16 Display unit 18 Operation unit 20 Image forming unit 22 Document reading unit 22A to 22C Reading unit 24 Communication unit 30 Acquisition unit 32 Registration unit 34 Deletion unit 36 Mechanism control unit 40, 49, 50 Conveying roller 42 Disposal box 42A Gate 44 Document stand Cover 46 Document stand 48 Manual feed tray 52 Cutter 54 Dust box 56 Insertion port

Claims (8)

When copying a document with a limited number of copies, an acquisition unit that acquires the scanned image obtained by scanning the pages of the document as a copied image, and
A registration unit that registers page information corresponding to the page of the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit and makes the page uncopyable.
When the scanned image obtained by reading the copy of the page that failed to be copied exists in the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit, the page information corresponding to the page of the copied image is deleted. , The delete part that makes the page recopyable, and
A control unit that controls a mechanism for disabling a copy whose page information has been deleted by the deletion unit.
An image forming apparatus equipped with. The mechanism is a disposal box
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit conveys a copy whose page information has been deleted by the deletion unit to the disposal box, and controls the storage of the copy in the disposal box. When the read image of the copy of the page that failed to be copied does not exist in the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit does not accommodate the copy in the discard box. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus controls to discharge a copy to the outside. The mechanism is an image forming unit, and is
The control unit conveys a copy whose page information has been deleted by the deletion unit to the image forming unit, and uses the image forming unit so that the information described in the copy cannot be identified. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to form an image on a copy. The control unit forms an image on the copy using the image forming unit when the read image of the copy of the page that failed to be copied does not exist in the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the copy is controlled to be discharged to the outside without doing so. The mechanism is a cutting device and
The image forming according to claim 1, wherein the control unit conveys a copy whose page information has been deleted by the deletion unit to the cutting device, and controls cutting the copy using the cutting device. apparatus. The control unit does not cut the copy by using the cutting device when the read image of the copy of the page that failed to be copied does not exist in the copied image acquired by the acquisition unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the copy is controlled to be discharged to the outside. A program for causing a computer to function as each part included in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.