JP2004279760A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of using as many used forms as possible. <P>SOLUTION: A hybrid machine 1 has a function capable of printing both surfaces of recording paper P, and comprises a print specification area information generation part 101 which generates printable area information A on the surface of the recording paper P, an existent image area generation part 102 which generates existent image area information C on the surface of the supplied recording paper P, a 1st overlap judgment part 106 which judges whether a 2nd sensor 72 detects the existent image area information C in the printable area, a print control part 109 which inhibit the surface of the recording paper P whose existent image area is detected from being printed when the 1st overlap judgment part 106 judges that the 2nd sensor 72 detects the existent image area, etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing double-sided printing on paper.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, many copying apparatuses are equipped with a double-sided printing function as standard equipment in consideration of environmental issues and the like, and the use of backing paper or the like for saving paper is increasing. However, among the papers, there are transparent or translucent papers (special papers) such as material papers (eg, OHP) and trace papers (thin papers), and these papers must not be printed on both sides. . Further, even in the case of ordinary paper, there is a case where the sheet is erroneously loaded on the sheet feeding stage with the printing surface facing up, or a case where dirt or scratches are rarely mixed. Even in that case, the user was able to cancel double-sided printing using the operation unit.
[0003]
However, regarding the type and state of the paper, the user has to open the paper feed tray and check the inside each time to know what paper is loaded. For this reason, the user may be unaware that the paper that should not be printed on both sides is printed on both sides, and the paper is wasted.
[0004]
Accordingly, a technology for detecting used paper and automatically discharging the paper has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3166039
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Also in the technique of Patent Document 1, if the dirt on the paper is partial, the dirt on the paper is detected and the paper is discharged. On the other hand, if the dirt or the like is, for example, in a blank portion where printing of the paper is not performed, the paper may be reused as it is.
[0007]
In addition, the above-described special paper is originally not to be subjected to double-sided printing, and is more expensive than ordinary paper. Therefore, when the special paper is mixed with the normal paper, the user does not know what kind of paper is contained unless the user opens the paper feed tray and checks the inside each time. . For this reason, the special paper may be printed on both sides without the user noticing, and the expensive paper may be spoiled.
[0008]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can reuse used paper and the like as much as possible.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of performing double-sided printing on paper, and detects an existing image area including an existing image on the front surface or the back surface of the supplied paper. An existing image area detecting means, an overlap determining means for determining whether or not an existing image area is detected by the existing image area detecting means in a printable area on the front or back surface of the sheet, When the determining means determines that the existing image area has been detected by the existing image area detecting means in the printable area, the image forming apparatus further comprises print prohibiting means for prohibiting printing of the detected paper on the surface. It is characterized by the following.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, the area of the existing image on the front surface or the back surface of the supplied paper is detected, and in the printable area, it is determined whether the existing image area is detected, and in the printable area, When it is determined that the existing image area is detected, printing of the detected paper on the surface is prohibited, so that the user does not have to open the paper feed tray and check the inside each time. It is possible to automatically prohibit printing of the sheet on which the image is detected on the surface, thereby preventing useless printing on the sheet. Note that the existing image includes not only images and characters that have already been printed on the back paper or miscopy paper to be reused, but also dirt attached to the paper.
[0011]
When the overlap determining means determines that the existing image area has been detected by the existing image detecting means on one side of the supplied sheet in the printable area, the sheet is determined to be in the printable area. When the overlap determination unit determines that the existing image detection unit has detected an existing image area on both sides of the supplied paper in the printable area, the overlap control unit discharges the paper. If the paper control means is provided, the paper can be reused without waste.
[0012]
By the way, when reusing backing paper, miscopy paper, or the like, an image or character that has been printed may be confused practically with what is printed this time. In addition, confidentiality of already printed images and characters may be required. For this reason, there is a case where the reuse of the backing paper or the miscopy paper cannot be promoted. Therefore, when the duplication determining means determines that the existing image area is detected by the existing image detecting means, the existing image data on the detected paper is designated in advance. By providing a masking means for performing a mask process for replacing with the set pattern data, the user can recycle the backing paper, the miscopy paper, and the like at ease, and promote the reuse. Note that the pattern data specified in advance includes filling with black solid, hatching, and the like.
[0013]
According to the present invention, when an existing image area is detected by the existing image area detecting means on the front surface or the back surface of the supplied paper, the existing image area is changed to the area of the separately input print data. When the print data area overlap determining means determines whether the existing image area is outside the area of the separately input print data, The existing image data in the existing image area subjected to the mask processing by the mask means is printed together with the print data, and the print data area duplication determination means determines that the existing image area is in the area of the separately input print data. Control is performed so that only the existing image data that has been subjected to the mask processing by the mask means is printed. If it has a printing control means, it can be reused without waste paper backing or mistakes copy paper or the like.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission sheet detecting means for detecting the light transmittance of a sheet, and for the supplied sheet, the transmission sheet detecting means sets a light transmittance exceeding a preset threshold value. When the transparent paper determining means for determining whether or not the detection has been performed, and the transparent paper determining means determines that the transparent paper detecting means has detected a light transmittance exceeding a threshold value for the supplied paper, If transparent paper printing prohibiting means for prohibiting printing on the paper is provided, the transparent or translucent paper is automatically automatically provided without the user having to open the paper feed tray and check the inside each time. When there is an existing image, printing on the sheet is prohibited, and the sheet is not wasted.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus. The multifunction device 1 has functions such as a facsimile function, a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function, and includes a main body 2, a stack tray 3 disposed on the left side of the main body 2, and an upper part of the main body 2. And a document feeding unit 6 disposed above the document reading unit 5.
[0016]
Further, an operation unit 47 is provided on a front portion of the multifunction peripheral 1. The operation unit 47 displays a start key 471 for the user to input a print execution instruction, a numeric keypad 472 for inputting the number of print copies, etc., operation guide information for various copying operations, and the like. Display 473 including a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function, a reset key 474 for resetting the settings and the like set on display 473, and a stop key for stopping a printing (image forming) operation being performed. 475, and a function switching key 477 for switching between a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.
[0017]
The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner unit 51 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, and a document table 52 and a document reading slit 53 formed of a transparent member such as glass. The scanner unit 51 is configured to be movable by a drive unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 52, the scanner unit 51 is moved along the document surface at a position facing the document table 52, and scans the document image. The image data acquired while scanning is output to a control unit described later. When reading the original fed by the original feeding unit 6, the original is moved to a position facing the original reading slit 53, and is synchronized with the operation of transporting the original by the original feeding unit 6 through the original reading slit 53. To obtain an image of the original, and output the image data to the control unit.
[0018]
The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placement unit 61 for placing a document, a document ejection unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placement unit 61 for placing a document placed on the document placement unit 61. An original transport mechanism 63 including a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport roller (not shown), and the like for feeding out the originals one by one and transporting the originals to a position facing the original reading slit 53 and discharging the originals to the original discharge unit 62 is provided. The document transport mechanism 63 further includes a sheet reversing mechanism (not shown) that reverses the document and re-transports the document to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and scans both sides of the document via the document reading slit 53 through the scanner unit. It is made readable from 51.
[0019]
The document feeding section 6 is provided rotatably with respect to the main body 2 so that the front side thereof can move upward. By moving the front side of the document feeder 6 upward and opening the upper surface of the document table 52, the operator can place a read document, for example, a book in a double-page spread state on the upper surface of the document table 52. Has become.
[0020]
The main body 2 is provided with a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds out the recording paper (paper) P one by one from the paper feed cassette 461, and transports it to the recording unit 40, and is transported from the paper feed cassette 461. And a recording unit 40 for forming an image on the recording paper P.
[0021]
The recording unit 40 includes an optical unit 42 that outputs a laser beam or the like based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 51 to expose the photosensitive drum 43, and a developing unit 44 that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer unit 41 for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 onto the recording paper P; a fixing unit 45 for heating the recording paper P on which the toner image has been transferred and fixing the toner image on the recording paper P; 40, transport rollers 463 and 464 for transporting the recording paper P to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48 are provided. Here, the stack tray 3 is a tray for unnecessary discharge, and the discharge tray 48 is a tray for normal discharge. However, the order may be reversed, or an unnecessary discharge tray may be separately provided. .
[0022]
When images are formed on both sides of the recording paper P, an image is formed on one side of the recording paper by the recording unit 40, and then the recording paper P is nipped by the transport rollers 462 on the discharge tray 48 side. And In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper P, and the recording paper P is sent to the paper conveyance path L and conveyed again to the upstream area of the recording unit 40, and the recording unit 40 prints an image on the other surface. After the formation, the recording paper P is discharged to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.
[0023]
The first sensor 71 is, for example, a photo-interrupter having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit disposed so as to sandwich the recording sheet P as a transmission sheet detection unit. The installation position of the second sensor is, for example, on the downstream side of the position where the sheet transport path joins the sheet cassette 461 and the sheet stack 461 ′.
[0024]
The second sensor 72 is, for example, a CIS sensor or a CCD sensor installed along the surface on the front side of the recording paper P as existing image area detection means. The installation position of the first sensor 70 is further downstream than the first sensor 71.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of an electric configuration of the multifunction peripheral 1, FIG. 3 is a view for explaining each area information, (a) shows a state in which printable area designation information is designated, and (b) shows A state where the printable area designation information and the existing image area information are overlapped, and FIG. 3C shows a state where the printable area designation information and the print data area information are overlapped.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 1 is provided with a control unit 100 for performing overall operation control, and the control unit 100 includes the above-described scanner unit 51, recording unit 40, transport roller 46, paper feed roller and the like. 462, the operation unit 47, the display unit 473, the first sensor 71, the second sensor 72, the RAM 80, and the ROM 90 are electrically connected.
[0027]
The control unit 100 includes a print designation area information (A) generation unit 101 as a printable area designation unit, a print data area information (B) generation unit 102, a paper feed control unit 103 as a sheet control unit, and an existing image. Area information (C) generating section 104, transmission determining section 105 as transparent sheet determining means, first overlapping determining section 106 as overlapping determining means, filling processing section 107 as filling processing means, print data area A second overlap determination unit 108 as overlap determination unit and a print control unit 109 as print control unit, print prohibition unit, and transparent paper print prohibition unit are provided. The units 101 to 109 are embodied by, for example, reading a program stored in the ROM 90 into the control unit 100 and executing the program.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the print designation area information generation unit 101 is for designating print designation area information A that can be printed on the recording paper P excluding margins. Although it is provided, the user can arbitrarily specify it using the operation unit 47. The generated print designation area information A is temporarily stored in the storage area of the RAM 80.
[0029]
The print data area information generation unit 102 generates area information B of data to be printed on the recording paper P, as shown in FIG. Print data area information B is generated corresponding to the print data subjected to the image processing. The generated print data area information B is temporarily stored in a storage area of the RAM 80 different from the print designation area information A.
[0030]
The paper supply control unit 103 is configured to sequentially supply the recording paper P with the paper supply roller 462 provided at the exit of the paper supply cassette 461 or the paper supply roller 462 ′ provided at the exit of the paper supply stack 261 ′. Controls the operation of the paper feed roller 461 and the like.
[0031]
The existing image area information (C) generating unit 104 generates area information C of the existing image on the recording paper P, as shown in FIG. An existing image on the paper P is read by the first sensor 71, and existing image area information C is generated corresponding to the existing image data on which predetermined image processing has been performed. The generated existing image area information C is temporarily stored in a storage area of the RAM 80 different from the print designation area information A and the print data area information B. The existing image includes not only the image already recorded on the used recording paper but also all existing image elements such as dirt and scratches on the recording paper and fogging of the recording paper. All of these image elements hinder printing on the recording paper P.
[0032]
The transmission determination unit 105 determines the light transmission characteristics of the recording paper P, and specifically, the light transmission of the recording paper P fed by the paper feed roller 461 or the like detected by the second sensor 72. It is determined whether the rate has exceeded a preset threshold. This threshold value is preferably set to a value obtained by giving a slight margin to a value of about 60%, which is an average light transmittance for OHP or trace paper, for example.
[0033]
The first overlap judging unit 106 judges whether or not the generated print designated area information A and the existing image area information C overlap on the recording paper P. Printing should not be performed on the paper P, but printing may be performed on the recording paper P if there is no overlap.
[0034]
When the first duplication determination unit 106 determines that the print designation area information A and the area information C of the existing image do not overlap on the recording paper P, the fill processing unit 107 determines whether to perform the fill processing. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the filling process is to be performed, the above-described filling process is performed by replacing the area information C of the existing image with the preset pattern data as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the pattern data includes black solid fill and hatching. By this filling process, the existing image area information C does not hinder the reading of newly printed data, and the confidentiality of the existing image data can be secured.
[0035]
The second overlap determination unit 108 determines whether the print data area information B generated above and the existing image area information C overlap on the recording paper P. The print data area information B and the area obtained by painting the area information C of the existing image are combined and printed. If there is no overlap, only the area obtained by painting the existing image area information C is printed.
[0036]
The print control unit 109 controls not only the printing process by the recording unit 43 but also the conveyance, reversal, and discharge of the recording paper P by the conveyance rollers 43 and the like. Note that the multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to a personal computer (PC) or the like via an interface (not shown), and can transmit and receive data to and from these devices.
[0037]
Next, the operation of the MFP 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation of the multifunction peripheral 1.
[0038]
First, when the power is turned on, various default values are automatically set in the RAM 80. At this time, the print area information generation unit 101 generates the print area information A. When a copy start instruction is input by the user pressing the start key 471 of the operation unit 47, the document is conveyed to the scanner unit 51 by the document feeding unit 6 and the image on the document is read. The read original is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 101. Based on the image data, the print data area information generation unit 102 generates print data area information B, and writes the print data area information B in the designated area of the RAM 80.
[0039]
Then, under the control of the paper feed control unit 103, when the paper feed roller 462 and the like of the paper feed cassette 461 are operated to feed the recording paper P (step S1), the first paper set on the paper feed route is set. The light transmittance of the recording paper P is detected by the sensor 71. The transmission determining unit 105 determines whether or not the detected light transmittance has exceeded a preset threshold value (step S2). If it is determined that the threshold value is not exceeded, the existing image data is detected by the second sensor 72 further installed on the paper feed route, and the existing image data is detected based on the detected existing image data. Existing image area information C is generated by the image area information generation unit 104 (step S3).
[0040]
Next, the first duplication judging unit 106 judges whether or not the generated print designated area information A and the existing image area information C overlap (step S4). If it is determined that they do not overlap, the process proceeds to the next step.
[0041]
Here, the paint processing unit 107 determines whether or not there is a paint (step S5). If it is determined that there is a paint, a predetermined paint process is performed (step S6). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no painting process, step S6 is skipped.
[0042]
Next, the second duplication determination unit 108 determines whether the print data area information B and the existing image area information C overlap (step S7). If it is determined that the two do not overlap, the print data area information B is replaced with the information B and the existing image area information C (step S8), and the recording section is controlled under the control of the print control section 109. Printing is carried out by 43 (step S9).
[0043]
After the printing is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a reversal (step S10). For this determination, for example, a flag r is prepared. When the flag r = 0, it means that the single-sided printing has been completed, and when the flag r = 1, it means that the double-sided printing has been completed. Therefore, when the recording paper P that is the back paper or the miscopy paper is reused, r = 0 is set as the default value.
[0044]
If the flag r = 0 and it is determined that reversal has occurred, the recording paper P is switched back by the conveyance roller 46 or the like and is reversed (step S11). At this time, the flag r = 1. Thereafter, the process returns to immediately before step S3. Therefore, in this case, no new recording paper is fed, and the inverted recording paper P is reused.
[0045]
On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no reversal with the flag r = 1, the recording paper P is discharged to the normal discharge tray 48 by the transport roller 46 or the like (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the printing has been completed (step S13). If it is determined that the printing has not been completed, the process returns to immediately before step S1, but if it is determined that the printing has been completed, all the operations are completed. I do. At this time, the flag r is reset to 0.
[0046]
If it is determined in step S7 that the print data area information B and the existing image area information C overlap, the print data area information B is replaced with the existing image area information C (step S14). ), Printing is performed by the recording unit 43 (step S15).
[0047]
After the printing is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a reversal (step S16). For this determination, for example, a flag r similar to the above is prepared. Then, when r = 0 and it is determined that there is reversal, the recording paper P is switched back by the conveying roller 46 or the like and is reversed (step S17). Thereafter, the process returns to immediately before step S3.
[0048]
On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no reversal at r = 1, unlike the above, the recording paper P is discharged to the stack tray 3 as unnecessary paper by the transport roller 46 or the like (step S18). Then, the process returns to immediately before step S1. At this time, the flag r is reset to 0.
[0049]
If it is determined in step S4 that there is an overlap between the print designation area information A and the existing image area information C, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S2, the light transmittance of the recording paper P is reduced. If it is determined that the threshold value has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S18. Then, steps S1 to S18 are repeated until the process ends in step S13.
[0050]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the existing image area on the surface of the supplied recording paper P is detected, and it is determined whether or not the existing image area is detected in the printable area. When it is determined that the existing image area is detected in the available area, printing of the detected recording paper P on the front surface is prohibited. Even without confirmation, printing of the recording paper P on which the existing image is detected on the surface is automatically prohibited, so that useless printing on the recording paper P can be prevented.
[0051]
In the above-described embodiment, a printable area A on the front surface of the recording paper P where printing is possible is specified in advance in response to the printing by the recording unit 43 being performed on the front surface. Is detected, the printable area A on the back surface of the recording paper P where printing is possible is designated in advance and supplied when the printing by the recording unit 43 is performed on the back surface. The existing image area on the back surface of the recording paper P is detected. In this case, the second sensor 72 is installed on the back side of the recording paper P. However, since the first sensor 71 is of a transmission type, there is no need to change its arrangement.
[0052]
In the above-described embodiment, the second sensor 72 is configured by a CIS or a CCD sensor, and the first sensor 72 is configured by a photointerrupter separately from this. However, both sensors are installed on the surface of the recording paper P. Both may be used by using a CCD and a lamp provided on the back surface of the CCD so as to face the CCD. In that case, simplification can be achieved and restrictions in a narrow body space are reduced, which is advantageous.
[0053]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 as an image forming apparatus has been described. However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a copy machine.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the area of the existing image on the front surface or the back surface of the supplied paper is detected, and in the printable area, it is determined whether the existing image area is detected, and in the printable area, When it is determined that the existing image area is detected, printing of the detected sheet on the surface is prohibited, so that the user does not have to open the paper feed tray and check the inside each time. It is possible to automatically prohibit printing of the sheet on which the image is detected on the surface, thereby preventing useless printing on the sheet.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral.
3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating each area information, wherein FIG. 3A shows a state in which printable area designation information is designated, FIG. 3B shows a state in which the printable area designation information and existing image area information overlap, (c) shows a state where the printable area designation information and the print data area information overlap.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation of the multifunction peripheral.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP (image forming device)
71 First Sensor (Transparent Paper Detecting Means)
72 Second sensor (existing image area detection means)
100 control unit 101 print designation area information generation unit (printable area designation means)
102 print data area information generation unit 103 paper feed control unit (paper control unit)
104 Existing image area information generation unit 105 Transmission judgment unit (transmission paper judgment unit)
106 First duplication judgment unit (duplication judgment means)
107 Fill processing unit (mask processing means)
108 Second Duplication Determination Unit (Print Data Area Duplication Determination Means)
109 print control unit (print control means, print prohibition means, transparent paper print prohibition means)
P Recording paper (paper)
A Print designation area information B Print data area information C Existing image area information

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus capable of performing double-sided printing on paper,
Existing image area detection means for detecting an existing image area including an existing image on the front surface or the back surface of the supplied paper,
Overlapping determining means for determining whether or not an existing image area has been detected by the existing image area detecting means in a printable area on the front or back surface of the sheet where printing is possible,
When the duplication determining means determines that the existing image area has been detected by the existing image area detecting means in the printable area, a print prohibiting means for prohibiting printing of the detected paper on the surface is provided. An image forming apparatus comprising: When the duplication determination means determines that the existing image area is detected by the existing image detection means on one side of the supplied paper in the printable area, the paper is reversed, and the duplication determination means is In the printable area, when it is determined that an existing image area has been detected by the existing image detection means on both sides of the supplied paper, paper control means for controlling discharge of the paper is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the duplication determining means determines that the existing image area has been detected by the existing image detecting means, a mask means for performing a masking process for replacing the detected existing image data on the sheet with previously designated pattern data The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: When the existing image area is detected by the existing image area detecting means on the front or back surface of the supplied paper, it is determined whether the existing image area is inside or outside the separately input print data area. The print data area duplication determining means for determining, and the print data area duplication determining means, when determining that the existing image area is outside the area of the separately input print data, the existing image subjected to the mask processing by the mask means. The existing image data in the area is printed together with the print data, and when the print data area duplication determination means determines that the existing image area is in the area of the separately input print data, the mask processing is performed by the mask means. And print control means for controlling to print only the existing image data that has been subjected to printing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein symptoms. Transparent paper detecting means for detecting the light transmittance of the paper, and transparent paper for determining whether or not the transparent paper detecting means has detected a light transmittance exceeding a preset threshold value for the supplied paper. When the determining means and the transparent paper determining means determine that the transmitted paper detecting means detects a light transmittance exceeding a threshold value for the supplied paper, the transparent paper for prohibiting printing on the paper is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print prohibition unit.

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