JP7069871B2 - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, an image forming apparatus has been proposed in which confidential information is printed and prevented from being leaked to the outside such as outside the company (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an image reading unit for reading a document, and cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) formed based on image data of each color. An image holder for each color that holds a toner image for each color, an intermediate transfer belt that holds a toner image that is primarily transferred from each image holder, and paper feed that houses security paper or plain paper with a magnetic material embedded in it. The unit, the secondary transfer unit that secondarily transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit side, and the detection that detects that the paper fed from the paper feed unit is security paper. If the device and the detection device can detect that the paper is security paper, the image formation processing permission is output, and if the detection device cannot detect that the paper is security paper, the image formation processing is stopped. It is provided with a signal determination circuit unit for instructing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-90678

Depending on the timing at which the paper is fed from the paper feed unit, the image forming process may not be stopped in time, and confidential information may be printed on plain paper and discharged. Further, if the paper fed from the paper feed unit is not security paper and the paper transport is stopped, a paper jam may occur.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a program for ejecting data to be printed as blank paper without stopping the transfer of the paper when the data to be printed is to be printed on a paper other than a predetermined paper. be.

[1] A plurality of image holders that each hold toner images corresponding to a plurality of color components, and
An intermediate transfer body that holds toner images that are sequentially superimposed as primary transfer from the plurality of image holders, and
A secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to paper,
When print data is received as a print target on a predetermined paper, a conversion means for converting the print data into image data for each predetermined color component excluding black among the plurality of color components, and a conversion means.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component is moved relative to the intermediate transfer body. A means of transportation that does not come into contact with the intermediate transfer material,
An image forming apparatus including a determination means for determining whether or not the print data is a target for printing on a predetermined paper .
[2] In the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component, the position in contact with the intermediate transfer body is the normal position.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the moving means contacts the intermediate transfer body with an image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component. The image forming apparatus according to the above [1], which is relatively moved to a position where the image is not formed.
[3] The image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component has a normal position where it does not come into contact with the intermediate transfer body.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is the predetermined paper, the moving means positions the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component in contact with the intermediate transfer body. The image forming apparatus according to the above [1], which is relatively moved.
[ 4 ] Further equipped with an operation unit that accepts user operations.
The determination means according to the above [ 1 ], wherein when a print instruction for the print data is received by an operation on the operation unit, the determination means determines that the print data is a print target on a predetermined paper. Image forming device.
[ 5 ] When the determination means receives a print instruction for the print data from an external device, the determination means determines whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined paper based on the information included in the print instruction. The image forming apparatus according to the above [ 1 ] for determination.
[ 6 ] The print instruction includes storage destination information indicating a storage destination of the print data.
The determination means according to the above [ 5 ], wherein when the storage destination information is included in the storage destination information stored in advance, the determination means determines that the print data is a print target on a predetermined paper. Image forming device.
[ 7 ] The determination means determines whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined paper before the paper is fed from the paper feed unit . [1], [5] Or the image forming apparatus according to [6] .
[ 8 ] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [ 7 ], wherein the paper feeding unit feeds paper before the primary transfer.
[ 9 ] The print data is confidential information.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [ 8 ] above, wherein the predetermined paper is a paper provided with a magnetic material.
[ 10 ] The predetermined paper is a paper on which one side is printed or a paper on which both sides are not printed.
The paper other than the predetermined paper is a paper in which one side of the paper is printed and the one side is fed as a print target side, or a paper in which both sides are printed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [ 8 ].
[ 11 ] A plurality of image holders holding toner images corresponding to a plurality of color components, an intermediate transfer body holding a toner image sequentially superimposed as a primary transfer from the plurality of image holders, and the intermediate transfer. A computer of an image forming apparatus having a secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of the toner image on the body to paper.
When print data is received as a print target on a predetermined paper, a conversion means for converting the print data into image data for each predetermined color component excluding black among the plurality of color components, and a conversion means.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component is moved relative to the intermediate transfer body. A movement mechanism control means for controlling the movement mechanism of the image holder so that the position does not come into contact with the intermediate transfer body,
A program for functioning as a determination means for determining whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined sheet of paper .

According to the inventions according to claims 1 and 11 , when the data to be printed is to be printed on a paper other than the predetermined paper, the data can be discharged as blank paper without stopping the transport of the paper.
According to the inventions according to claims 2 and 3, when the data for plain paper is printed in black and white, the transport resistance of the intermediate transfer body is suppressed, and the transport speed can be increased.
According to the invention of claim 4 , the user can print a confidential paper document on a predetermined paper.
According to the invention of claim 5 , it is possible to specify a printing target on a predetermined paper from an external device.
According to the invention of claim 6 , confidential information can be managed by the storage destination information.
According to the invention of claim 7 , printing on a predetermined paper is compared with a configuration in which it is determined whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined paper before the paper is fed. Processing time can be shortened.
According to the invention of claim 8 , the processing time for printing on a predetermined paper can be shortened as compared with the configuration in which the paper is fed after the primary transfer.
According to the invention of claim 9 , a predetermined paper can be magnetically detected.
According to the invention of claim 10 , when the paper on which the print target surface is already printed is fed, useless printing can be avoided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a main part for explaining the retract mechanism. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a chart for explaining an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 7A and 7B are views for explaining a modified example of the retract mechanism, in which FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a main part before the retract and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the part after the retract.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, components having substantially the same function are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicated description thereof will be omitted.

[Summary of Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is an intermediate transfer that holds a plurality of image holders that hold toner images corresponding to a plurality of color components, and toner images that are sequentially superimposed as a primary transfer from the plurality of image holders. When print data is received as a body, a secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of a toner image on an intermediate transfer body to paper, and a predetermined printing target on paper, the print data is selected from a plurality of color components. A conversion means for converting to image data for each predetermined color component excluding black, and a predetermined color component when the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper. The corresponding image holder is provided with a moving means for setting the position so as not to come into contact with the intermediate transfer body due to relative movement with respect to the intermediate transfer body.

The "print data" includes, for example, data obtained by using the scanning function of the image forming apparatus and data transmitted from an external device. The "image data" is data in a bitmap format obtained by converting print data for printing processing, for example, CMYK image data in which the color of each pixel is represented by a CMYK value. The "predetermined color component" is, for example, a color component that becomes black when the toner images overlap, but may be a color component that becomes a color other than black. The "plural image holders" may be, for example, for cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and may include those for other colors.

The "predetermined paper" is, as a typical example, a specific paper such as a paper provided with a magnetic material, but is not limited to the specific paper. "Print data to be printed on a predetermined paper" is, as a typical example, confidential information, but is not limited to this. Confidential information includes confidential documents, drawings, photographs, images and the like. Confidential documents may include photographs, images and the like.

"Relative movement" is meant to include both the case where the image holder moves with respect to the intermediate transfer body and the case where the intermediate transfer body moves with respect to the image holder.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component is intermediate-transferred. Since the position does not come into contact with the body and the toner image of the predetermined color component is not transferred to the intermediate transfer body, the blank paper is ejected. When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is a predetermined paper, the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component comes into contact with the intermediate transfer body, and the toner image of the predetermined color component is generated. Paper that has been transferred to an intermediate transfer body and printed in a color (for example, black) on which toner images of predetermined color components overlap is ejected.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as copying, printing, and scanning.

The image forming apparatus 1 is detachably provided at a substantially box-shaped housing 2, a controller 3 arranged in the housing 2, and a lower portion of the housing 2, and can be a security paper or plain paper as the paper P. The paper feed tray 4A to be accommodated, the manual feed tray 4B detachably provided on the side surface of the housing 2, and the first to third discharges arranged on the upper part of the housing 2 and from which the printed paper P is discharged. It includes paper trays 5A to 5C (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “paper ejection tray 5”). The security paper is an example of a predetermined paper. The paper feed tray 4A and the manual feed tray 4B are examples of the paper feed unit.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, a paper transport path 6 is formed so as to reach the paper ejection tray 5 from the paper feed tray 4A. The paper transport path 6 has a takeaway pass 60, a manual feed pass 61, a registration pass 62, a paper ejection pass 63, and a double-sided printing pass 64.

The take-away pass 60 and the manual feed pass 61 are paths that guide the paper P taken in from the paper feed tray 4A to the registration path 62. The registration path 62 is a path for forming an image on the paper P. The paper ejection path 63 is a path for guiding the image-formed paper P to the paper ejection tray 5. The double-sided printing pass 64 is a path for guiding the paper P folded back in the paper ejection pass 63 to the registration pass 62 again. The paper ejection pass 63 includes a first paper ejection pass 63a for discharging to the first paper ejection tray 5A, a second paper ejection pass 63b for discharging to the second paper ejection tray 5B, and a third paper ejection tray. It has a third paper ejection path 63c to be ejected to 5B.

The paper transport path 6 is provided with a pickup roll 11 that takes in the paper P from the paper feed tray 4A into the takeaway pass 60 one by one, a transport roll 12 that conveys the paper P taken in by the pickup roll 11, and a pickup roll 11. The security paper detection unit 13 that detects that the captured paper P is security paper, the intermediate transfer belt 173 on which the toner image is primarily transferred, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 173 are secondarily transferred to the paper P. A secondary transfer roll 14 and a fixing device 15 for fixing the toner image on the paper P are arranged. The intermediate transfer belt 173 is an example of an intermediate transfer body. The secondary transfer roll 14 is an example of the secondary transfer means.

The image forming apparatus 1 has a paper transport mechanism 17 that transports the paper P along the paper transport path 6. The paper transport mechanism 17 includes a motor that rotationally drives the pickup roll 11, the transport roll 12, and the secondary transfer roll 14, and a drive circuit that drives the motor. The paper transport mechanism 17 has a reversing portion 17a that allows the paper P to pass through the double-sided printing path 64 and reverses the paper P.

The inversion unit 17a switches the guide so that when the paper P leaves the registration pass 62, the paper P does not advance to the output pass 63 but proceeds to the double-sided printing pass 64. The guide guides the paper P to advance to the paper ejection path 63 by the spring force of the spring member, and guides the paper P to advance to the double-sided pass 63 by the operation of the solenoid.

The image forming apparatus 1 arranges an image forming unit 16 for forming an image on the upper part of the paper feed tray 4A in the housing 2.

The image forming unit 16 includes a drive roll 170, a backup roll 171 and an intermediate transfer belt 173 stretched on the driven roll 172. The intermediate transfer belt 173 circulates in the direction of the arrow in the figure while in contact with the photoconductor drum described later.

Further, the image forming unit 16 forms an image forming unit 160C, 160M, 160Y, 160K on the intermediate transfer belt 173 to form a toner image of each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). (Hereinafter, when these are collectively referred to, they are also referred to as "image forming unit 160").

Each image forming unit 160 includes a photoconductor drum 161C, 161M, 161Y, 161K (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "photoreceptor drum 161") on which a toner image of each CMYK color is formed, and a photoconductor. An exposure that forms an electrostatic latent image of each CMYK color by irradiating a charger that uniformly charges the surface of the drum 161 and an exposure light modulated based on the image data of each CMYK color on the charged photoconductor drum 161. Developers 163C, 163M, 163Y, 163K (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "developer 163") form a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 161 by developing the device and the electrostatic latent image with toner. Also known as). Here, the photoconductor drum 161 is an example of an image holder. The photoconductor drum 161 may be a photoconductor belt.

Further, the image forming unit 160 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 173 on the opposite side of the photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, 161Y, 161K, and the primary transfer rolls 162C, 162M, 162Y, 162K (hereinafter, when these are collectively referred to, " A primary transfer roll 162 ”) is provided, and the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 161 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 173 by pressure contact force and electrostatic force in the nip region formed with the photoconductor drum 161. Further, among the components of the image forming portions 160C, 160M, 160Y, 160K, the components around the photoconductor drum 161 and the photoconductor drum 161 excluding the primary transfer rolls 162C, 162M, 162Y, 162K are hereinafter referred to as the photoconductor drum unit. It is called 164C, 164M, 164Y, 164K.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 moves the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, and 164Y other than K from the positions where the photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y contact the intermediate transfer belt 173 to the positions where they do not contact (retract position). It has a retract mechanism 18 to make it. The retract mechanism 18 will be described later with reference to FIG. The retract mechanism 18 is an example of a means of transportation. CMY is an example of a predetermined color component.

(Configuration to detect security paper)
A magnetic material is embedded in the security paper. As the magnetic material, a magnetic material capable of generating a large Barkhausen effect, for example, an amorphous magnetic material having a diameter of 15 to 35 μm and a length of 15 to 25 mm can be used. The large Barkhausen effect is a phenomenon that causes periodic magnetization reversal when an oscillating magnetic field acts.

The security paper detection unit 13 includes an exciting coil, an antenna, and a detection circuit. The exciting coil is supplied with AC power to generate an oscillating magnetic field. When the security paper in which the magnetic material is embedded passes through the security paper detection unit 13, the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field acting on the magnetic material increases, and when the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field reaches the threshold value, the magnetic material undergoes periodic magnetization reversal. Happens. The magnetic material generates an electrical pulse associated with the magnetization reversal. The detection circuit compares the waveform of the pulse received by the antenna with the waveform of the pulse stored in advance, and detects the security paper according to the degree of agreement between the two. When the security paper detection unit 13 detects the security paper, the security paper detection unit 13 transmits a detection signal to the paper determination means 305.

(Print mode)
The image forming apparatus 1 has, for example, a "single-sided printing mode" in which an image is formed on one side of the paper P, and a "double-sided printing mode" in which an image is formed on both sides of the paper P.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, the "single-sided printing mode" and the "double-sided printing mode" are "backside ejection" in which the first printed side is the back side of the paper P and ejected, and the first printed side is the front surface of the paper P. It is possible to specify "surface discharge" to be discharged.

In the case of "backside ejection" in the single-sided printing mode, the paper P is conveyed through the takeaway pass 60 or the manual feed pass 61, the front surface is printed by the registration pass 62, and the first output tray 5A or the second output tray is used. It is discharged to 5B.

In the case of "front side ejection" in the single-sided printing mode, the paper P is printed on the front surface of the paper P and ejected to the third output tray 5C via the same route as in the case of "backside ejection" in the single-sided printing mode. ..

In the case of "backside ejection" in the double-sided printing mode, the paper P is conveyed through the takeaway pass 60 or the manual feed pass 61, the front surface is printed by the registration pass 62, and then the paper P is folded back by the second paper ejection pass 63b. The paper P is inverted by passing through the double-sided printing pass 64, the back surface is printed by the registration pass 62, and the paper is discharged to the third paper ejection tray 5C.

In the case of "front side ejection" in the double-sided printing mode, when the paper P is security paper, the back side is printed after the front side of the paper P is printed through the same route as in the case of "backside ejection" in the double-sided printing mode. The paper is ejected to the first output tray 5A or the second output tray 5B.

In the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above, when the toner image of each color of CMYK is superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 173 based on the image data of each color of CMYK and primary transferred, the toner image is fed. The secondary transfer is performed on the paper P fed from the tray 4A. Then, the toner image transferred to the paper P is fixed on the paper P by the fixing device 15, and then the paper P is discharged to the paper ejection tray 5.

(Structure of retract mechanism)
FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, and 164Y are moved to the retract position. Under the control of the retract mechanism control means 305, the retract mechanism 18 places the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, 164Y in contact with the positions where the photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, 161Y contact the intermediate transfer belt 173 (retract position). ) And move it. In the present embodiment, the position where the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173 is normal.

The retract mechanism 18 includes, for example, a spring member that presses the CMY photoconductor drum yut 164C, 164M, and 164Y toward the intermediate transfer belt 173, a cam, a motor that rotates the cam, and a drive circuit that drives the motor. In the normal state, the retract mechanism 18 presses the CMY photoconductor drum yut 164C, 164M, and 164Y against the intermediate transfer belt 173 by the spring force of the spring member, and the CMY toner image is not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 173. The drive circuit drives the motor to rotate the cam, and moves the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, and 164Y to the retract position against the spring force of the spring member.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The security paper detection unit 13, the paper transport mechanism 17, and the retract mechanism 18 described above are connected to the controller 3 of the image forming apparatus 1, and further, an operation display unit 7, an image reading unit 8, and a communication unit 9 are connected. A terminal device 20 operated by a user and a document server 21 for managing documents are connected to the communication unit 9 via a network 19. The operation display unit 7 is an example of the operation unit. The terminal device 20 is an example of an external device.

The image forming apparatus 1 executes a copy job or a print job as a print job. The copy job is a job for causing the image forming unit 16 to execute a printing process using the data output from the image reading unit 8 to the control unit 30 (hereinafter, also referred to as “scan data”). The print job is a job for causing the image forming unit 16 to execute a print process using the data transmitted from the communication unit 9 to the control unit 30.

The operation display unit 7 has a touch panel display in which a touch panel is superposed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, displays a display screen on the display unit, and receives an operation from the user to the touch panel. The operation display unit 7 may be composed of an independently provided input unit and a display unit.

The image reading unit 8 reads a document image from a document and generates scan data (for example, RGB image data), and includes an automatic document feeder provided on the document table and a scanner on the document table. The original image is optically read from the arranged original or the original sent by the automatic original feeder. The image reading unit 8 transmits the generated scan data to the controller 3. The RGB image data is image data in which the color of each pixel is represented by an RGB value.

When the user activates the printer driver and specifies the file name of the document to be printed, the terminal device 20 stores the corresponding document data and the document data from the document server 21 based on the file name specified by the printer driver. Get information. The printer driver converts the document data into PDL (page description language) data to be printed, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 19 together with the PDL data and the storage destination information of the document data. A user ID that identifies a user who operates the terminal device 20 may be set in the printer driver, and the confidential document may be stored in a folder dedicated to the confidential document on the document server 21 corresponding to the user ID.

The document server 21 stores, for example, a confidential document in a folder dedicated to the confidential document, and stores a document other than the confidential document in another folder. The document server 21 transmits / receives files to / from the terminal device 20 and the image forming device 1 by HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Security) communication. The HTTPS communication uses, for example, an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol to perform encrypted communication in which the communication content is concealed. When the document server 21 is accessed from the terminal device 20, the document data corresponding to the file name and the storage destination information of the document data are transmitted to the terminal device 20 by HTTP communication.

The controller 3 includes a control unit 30 that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 and a storage unit 31 that stores various types of information.

The control unit 30 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an interface, and the like. By operating according to the program 310, the CPU functions as a reception unit 300, a confidential job determination unit 301, a decompose processing unit 302, a paper transport mechanism control unit 303, a paper determination unit 304, a retract mechanism control unit 305, and the like. Details of each means 300 to 305 will be described later. The confidential job determination means 301 is an example of the determination means. The decompose processing means 302 is an example of a conversion means. The retract mechanism control means 305 is an example of a moving means.

The storage unit 31 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, and the like, and stores various information such as a program 310 and confidential document storage destination information 311. The confidential document storage destination information 311 is storage destination information indicating the storage destination of the confidential document, for example, a folder path of the document server 21 or the like.

Next, each means 300 to 305 of the control unit 30 will be described.

The receiving means 300 accepts a copy job based on an operation on the operation display unit 7. The copy job receives scan data from the image reading unit 8. Further, the receiving means 300 receives the PDL (page description language) data and the storage destination information together with the print job from the printer driver of the terminal device 20. Hereinafter, scan data and PDL data are also referred to as print data.

The confidential job determination means 301 determines whether or not the print job received by the reception means 300 is a job related to confidentiality (hereinafter, also referred to as “confidential job”). If the print job received by the receiving means 300 is a copy job, the confidential job determining means 301 determines that the copy job is a confidential job. Further, when the print job received by the reception means 300 is a print job, the confidential job determination means 301 determines according to the storage destination information of the document data specified by the printer driver. That is, if the storage destination information is registered in the confidential document storage destination information 311, it is determined that the print job is a confidential job, and if it is not registered, it is determined that the print job is a normal print job. The confidential job determination means 301 makes the above determination, for example, before the paper P is fed from the paper feed tray 5.

When the confidential job determination means 301 determines that the job is a confidential job, the decompose processing means 302 performs decompose processing without using K. The decompose process is a process of converting PDL data or scan data into bitmap format image data for each CMYK. In this embodiment, since the decompose process does not use K, the PDL data or scan data for a color image or a black-and-white image is converted into CMY image data, and K image data is not generated.

Further, when the confidential job determination means 301 determines that the job is not a confidential job, the decompose processing means 302 performs a normal decompose process. That is, the PDL data or scan data for a color image is converted into CMYK image data, and the PDL data or scan data for a black-and-white image is converted into K image data.

The paper transport mechanism control means 303 controls the paper transport mechanism 17 according to the print mode specified by the user. Further, the paper transport mechanism control means 303 controls the paper transport mechanism 17 so as to feed the paper P from the paper feed tray 5A before the primary transfer.

The paper determination means 304 feeds the paper P from the paper feed tray 4A, and when the detection signal is transmitted from the security paper detection unit 13 at the timing when the paper P passes through the security paper detection unit 13, the paper is fed. If it is determined that the paper P is a security paper and the detection signal is not transmitted within a predetermined time including the timing when the paper P passes through the security paper detection unit 13, the paper P that has been fed is normal. Judge that it is paper.

The retract mechanism control means 305 controls the retract mechanism 18 when the print job is determined to be a confidential job by the confidential job determination means 301 and the paper P is determined to be plain paper by the paper determination means 304. Then, the photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y of the CMY are positioned so as not to come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173 due to the relative movement with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 173. The retract mechanism 18 of the present embodiment normally has a position where the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173. Therefore, when the print job is a confidential job and the paper P is plain paper, the retract mechanism control means 305 controls the retract mechanism 18 to control the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, and 164Y. The photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y of the above are moved to positions where they do not come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a chart for explaining an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

When the reception means 300 accepts the print job (S1), the confidential job determination means 301 determines whether or not the print job accepted by the reception means 300 is a confidential job (S2). If the print job is a copy job that scans and copies the original, it is determined to be a confidential job. When the storage destination information of PDL data and document data is transmitted from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 9 together with the print job, the storage destination information of the document data is stored in the confidential document storage destination information 311 stored in the storage unit 31. If it is registered, it is determined to be a confidential job.

If it is determined that the job is a confidential job (S2: Yes), the decompose processing means 302 performs decompose processing without using K (S3).

The paper transport mechanism control means 303 controls the paper transport mechanism 17 to feed paper. The paper P is taken out from the paper feed tray 4A, and the paper P is fed into the paper transport path 6 (S4).

The paper determination means 304 determines whether or not the paper P is a security paper based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the security paper detection unit 13 (S5).

When the control unit 30 determines that the paper is security paper (S5: Yes), the control unit 30 controls the image forming unit 16 to perform printing processing by CMY (S6).

Security paper printed with a color image or a black-and-white image made of CMY is ejected to the output tray 5 (S7).

If it is determined in step S5 that the paper is plain paper (S5: No), the retract mechanism control means 305 controls the retract mechanism 18 to use the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, and 164Y as the intermediate transfer belt 173. It is moved to a position where it does not come into contact with (S8).

The photoconductor drum 161K of K is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173, but since the toner image is not formed on the photoconductor drum 161K of K, even if the photoconductor drum 161K is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 173 to the paper P. The plain paper is ejected to the output tray 5 as a blank sheet (S10).

If it is determined in step S2 that the job is not a confidential job (S2: No), the decompose processing means 302 performs a normal decompose process (S11).

The paper transport mechanism control means 303 controls the paper transport mechanism 17 to feed paper. The paper P is taken out from the paper feed tray 4A, and the paper P is fed into the paper transport path 6 (S12).

The control unit 30 controls the image forming unit 16 so as to perform printing processing by CMYK (S13).

Plain paper printed with a color image or a black-and-white image made of CMYK is ejected to the output tray 5 (S14).

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the positions where the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M and 161Y are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173 are normal, but in the present embodiment, the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M and 161Y are used. The position where the intermediate transfer belt 173 does not come into contact (retract position) is the normal state, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

In the retract mechanism 18 of the present embodiment, when the toner image of CMY is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 173, the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, 161Y are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 173 under the control of the retract mechanism control means 305. Make contact.

First, as an initial state, the retract mechanism control means 305 controls the retract mechanism 18 to move the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y so as to be separated from the intermediate transfer belt 173 (S21).

When the receiving means 300 receives the print job as in the first embodiment (S22), the confidential job determining means 301 receives the print job received by the receiving means 300 as in the first embodiment. It is determined whether or not the job is a confidential job (S23).

If it is determined that the job is a confidential job (S23: Yes), the decompose processing means 302 performs decompose processing without using K (S24).

The paper transport mechanism control means 303 controls the paper transport mechanism 17 to feed paper. The paper P is taken out from the paper feed tray 4A, and the paper P is fed into the paper transport path 6 (S25).

The paper determination means 304 determines whether or not the paper P is a security paper based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the security paper detection unit 13 (S26).

When the security paper is detected (S26: Yes), the control unit 30 controls the retract mechanism 18 to bring the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173 (S26: Yes). S27).

The control unit 30 controls the image forming unit 16 so as to perform printing processing by CMY (S28).

Security paper printed with a color image or a black-and-white image made of CMY is ejected to the output tray 5 (S29).

If it is determined in step S26 that the paper is plain paper (S26: No), the retract mechanism control means 305 holds a position where the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y do not come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173. ..

The photoconductor drum 161K of K is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173, but since the toner image is not formed on the photoconductor drum 161K of K, even if the photoconductor drum 161K is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 173 to the paper P. The plain paper is ejected to the output tray 5 as a blank sheet (S31).

If it is determined in step S23 that the job is not a confidential job (S23: No), the decompose processing means 302 performs a normal decompose process (S32).

The paper transport mechanism control means 303 controls the paper transport mechanism 17 to feed paper. The paper P is taken out from the paper feed tray 4A, and the paper P is fed into the paper transport path 6 (S33).

The control unit 30 controls the image forming unit 16 so as to perform printing processing by CMYK (S34).

Plain paper printed with a color image or a black-and-white image made of CMYK is ejected to the output tray 5 (S35).

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first or second embodiment is placed in a specific area (including a room) provided with a gate for detecting security paper at an entrance / exit. It was installed.

The gate includes a security paper detection unit having the same function as the security paper detection unit 13, and a communication unit that communicates the detection result with an external device when the security paper detection unit detects the security paper.

Confidential documents can be printed on security paper and detected as they are taken out of a particular area through a gate. At this time, a warning may be notified from the gate to the terminal device of the administrator. The installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the area.

(Modification 1)
7A and 7B are views for explaining another configuration of the retract mechanism as a modification 1, in which FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a main part before the retract and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the part after the retract.

In each of the above embodiments, the retract mechanism 18 moves the CMY photoconductor drum units 164C, 164M, and 164Y to bring the CMY photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173. The primary transfer roll 162 is moved to bring the intermediate transfer belt 173 into contact with the photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, 161Y of CMY. Also in this case, the photoconductor drum 161K of K is always in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 173. According to this modification 1, since the primary transfer roll 162 of the movable portion is smaller and lighter than the photoconductor drum yut 164C, 164M, and 164Y, the retract mechanism can be made smaller and lighter.

(Modification 2)
In each of the above embodiments, security paper is fed from the paper feed tray 4A, and the security paper detection unit 13 is provided on the paper take-out side of the paper feed tray 4A. However, the security paper detection unit is provided on the paper take-out side of the manual feed tray 4B. 13 may be provided to feed security paper from the manual feed tray 4B.

(Modification 3)
In each of the above embodiments, the security paper has been described as a predetermined paper, but the predetermined paper is not printed on a plain paper (backing paper) on which one side is printed or on both sides. It may be plain paper. In this case, if one side of the backing paper on which the backing paper is printed is fed as the printing target side, or if paper on which both sides are printed is fed, paper other than the predetermined paper is fed. Since it corresponds to the above, it is possible to eject the blank paper without printing, and it is possible to avoid unnecessary printing.

(Modification example 4)
In step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and step S26 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, when it is determined that the paper is not a security paper, or when it is determined that the blank plain paper is ejected, the paper is not a security paper. A warning to that effect may be displayed on the operation display unit 7. The warning may be only a sound, or a sound may be generated together with the display of the warning.

(Modification 5)
In step S13 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and step S34 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the photoconductor drums 161C, 161M, and 161Y of CMY are not moved to positions (retract positions) that do not contact the intermediate transfer belt 173. If the print data is for a black-and-white image, it may be moved to the retract position. In this case, the transfer resistance of the intermediate transfer belt 173 is suppressed, and the transfer speed can be increased.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and implementations are possible without changing the gist of the present invention. be.

Each means of the control unit 30 may be configured by a hardware circuit such as a partially or wholly reconfigurable circuit (FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). good.

Further, it is possible to omit or change some of the components of the above embodiment without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, within the range that does not change the gist of the present invention, steps can be added, deleted, changed, replaced, etc. in the flow of the above embodiment. Further, the program used in the above embodiment can be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the program used in the above embodiment can be stored in an external server such as a cloud server and used via a network.

1 ... Image forming device, 2 ... Housing, 3 ... Controller, 4A ... Paper feed tray, 4B ... Manual feed tray, 5, 5A-5C ... Paper discharge tray, 6 ... Paper transport path, 7 ... Operation display unit, 8 ... Image reading unit, 9 ... communication unit, 11 ... pickup roll, 12 ... transfer roll, 13 ... security paper detection unit, 14 ... secondary transfer roll, 15 ... fuser, 16 ... image forming unit, 17 ... paper transfer mechanism, 17a ... Inversion part, 18 ... Retract mechanism, 19 ... Network, 20 ... Terminal device, 21 ... Document server, 30 ... Control unit, 31 ... Storage unit, 60 ... Takeaway pass, 61 ... Manual pass, 62 ... Registration path , 63, 63a-63c ... Paper ejection pass, 64 ... Double-sided printing pass, 160, 160C, 160M, 160Y, 160K ... Image forming unit, 161, 161C, 161M, 161Y, 161K ... Photoreceptor drum, 162, 162C, 162M , 162Y, 162K ... Primary transfer roll, 163, 163C, 163M, 163Y, 163K ... Developer, 164C, 164M, 164Y, 164K ... Photoreceptor drum unit, 170 ... Drive roll, 171 ... Backup roll, 172 ... Driven roll, 173. ... Intermediate transfer belt, 300 ... Reception means, 301 ... Confidential job determination means, 302 ... Decompose processing means, 303 ... Paper transfer mechanism control means, 304 ... Paper determination means, 305 ... Retract mechanism control means, 310 ... Program, 311 ... Confidential document storage location information, P ... Paper

Claims (11)

Multiple image holders that hold toner images corresponding to multiple color components,
An intermediate transfer body that holds toner images that are sequentially superimposed as primary transfer from the plurality of image holders, and
A secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of the toner image on the intermediate transfer body to paper,
When print data is received as a print target on a predetermined paper, a conversion means for converting the print data into image data for each predetermined color component excluding black among the plurality of color components, and a conversion means.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component is moved relative to the intermediate transfer body. A means of transportation that does not come into contact with the intermediate transfer material,
A determination means for determining whether or not the print data is to be printed on predetermined paper, and
An image forming apparatus equipped with. In the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component, the position in contact with the intermediate transfer body is the normal position.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the moving means contacts the intermediate transfer body with an image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component. Move relatively to a position that does not
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component has a normal position where it does not come into contact with the intermediate transfer body.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is the predetermined paper, the moving means positions the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component in contact with the intermediate transfer body. Move relatively,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. It also has an operation unit that accepts user operations.
When the determination means receives a print instruction for the print data by an operation on the operation unit, the determination means determines that the print data is a print target on a predetermined paper.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . When the determination means receives a print instruction for the print data from an external device, the determination means determines whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined paper based on the information included in the print instruction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . The print instruction includes storage destination information indicating a storage destination of the print data.
When the storage destination information is included in the storage destination information stored in advance, the determination means determines that the print data is a printing target on a predetermined paper.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 . The determination means determines whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined paper before the paper is fed from the paper feed unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 5 or 6 . The paper feed unit feeds paper before the primary transfer.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The print data is confidential information and is
The predetermined paper is a paper provided with a magnetic material.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The predetermined paper is paper on which one side is printed or paper on which both sides are not printed.
The paper other than the predetermined paper is a paper in which one side of the paper is printed and the one side is fed as a print target side, or a paper in which both sides are printed.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . A plurality of image holders that hold toner images corresponding to a plurality of color components, an intermediate transfer body that holds toner images sequentially superimposed as primary transfer from the plurality of image holders, and an intermediate transfer body on the intermediate transfer body. A computer of an image forming apparatus having a secondary transfer means for secondary transfer of the toner image to paper.
When print data is received as a print target on a predetermined paper, a conversion means for converting the print data into image data for each predetermined color component excluding black among the plurality of color components, and a conversion means.
When the paper fed from the paper feed unit is paper other than the predetermined paper, the image holder corresponding to the predetermined color component is moved relative to the intermediate transfer body. A movement mechanism control means for controlling the movement mechanism of the image holder so that the position does not come into contact with the intermediate transfer body,
A program for functioning as a determination means for determining whether or not the print data is to be printed on a predetermined sheet of paper .

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