U.S. patent application number 14/536873 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for color erasing apparatus and control method of the color erasing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Ken Iguchi, Chiaki Iizuka, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Kikuo Mizutani, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Hiroyuki Taguchi, Hiroyuki Taki, Hiroyuki Tsuchihashi, Isao Yahata, Hidetoshi Yokochi.
Application Number | 20150138573 14/536873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45421867 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150138573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iguchi; Ken ; et
al. |
May 21, 2015 |
COLOR ERASING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE COLOR ERASING
APPARATUS
Abstract
A color erasing apparatus includes a conveyance member to convey
a sheet on which an image is formed of a color erasable coloring
material, a color erasing part to erase a color of the coloring
material of the image formed on the sheet conveyed by the
conveyance member, a control part that counts the processed number
of sheets images of which are color-erased by the color erasing
part and determines whether the processed number of sheets exceeds
a previously set threshold, and a notification interface to output
a signal for notifying that cleaning of the color erasing part is
required if the processed number of sheets exceeds the
threshold.
Inventors: |
Iguchi; Ken; (Shizuoka-ken,
JP) ; Tsuchihashi; Hiroyuki; (Shizuoka-ken, JP)
; Yahata; Isao; (Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Kawaguchi;
Takahiro; (Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Taguchi; Hiroyuki;
(Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Taki; Hiroyuki;
(Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Sugizaki; Yoshiaki;
(Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Mizutani; Kikuo;
(Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Iizuka; Chiaki;
(Shizuoka-ken, JP) ; Yokochi; Hidetoshi;
(Shizuoka-ken, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo
Tokyo |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
45421867 |
Appl. No.: |
14/536873 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13315732 |
Dec 9, 2011 |
8913287 |
|
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14536873 |
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61421607 |
Dec 9, 2010 |
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61493369 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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61493365 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 2/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.9 |
International
Class: |
B41J 2/32 20060101
B41J002/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2011 |
JP |
2011-245081 |
Nov 9, 2011 |
JP |
2011-245082 |
Claims
1. A color erasing apparatus comprising: a conveyance member that
conveys a sheet on which an image is formed of a color erasable
coloring material; a color erasing part that erases a color of the
coloring material of the image formed on the sheet conveyed by the
conveyance member; an opening and closing structure that opens and
closes the color erasing part; a notification part that notifies a
message for calling user's attention to open the color erasing part
by the opening and closing structure; and a control part that
causes the notification part to notify the message for calling
user's attention if a color erasing process of the color erasing
part stops.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the notification part includes
at least one of a light emitting part to emit light as a
notification of the message and a display part to display a message
screen as a notification of the message.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: at least one sheet
sensor that detects the sheet conveyed by the conveyance member,
wherein the notification part includes the display part, the
control part determines a position of the sheet based on a signal
from the sheet sensor if a sheet jam occurs, and displays the
message on the message screen for calling user's attention to open
the color erasing part if the color erasing part needs to be opened
by the opening and closing structure to remove the jammed
sheet.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the control part causes the
display part to display on the message screen indicating that the
color erasing part is not required to be opened by the opening and
closing structure if the opening of the color erasing part is not
required when a sheet jam occurs to remove the jammed sheet.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the notification part includes
the light emitting part, the control part causes the light emitting
part to emit light if the color erasing process is ended and the
erasing part is stopped.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, where the notification part includes
the light emitting part, the control part causes the light emitting
part to emit light if the color erasing process is ended and the
erasing part is stopped.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control part causes the
message to be notified until the temperature of the erasing part
becomes lower than a predetermined specified temperature after the
color erasing process by the erasing part is stopped, or until the
measure time elapses a predetermined specified time after the color
erasing process by the erasing part is stopped.
8. A control method of a color erasing apparatus, comprising:
erasing a color of an image formed on a sheet which is heated by a
color erasing part; determining whether the erasing process by the
color erasing part is ended or not; and outputting a message for
calling user's attention to open the color erasing part through an
opening and closing structure if the erasing process by the color
erasing part is determined as ended
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: determining a position
of the sheet conveyed by a sensor if the erasing process by the
color erasing part is determined as ended; determining whether the
color erasing part needs to be opened or not though the opening and
closing structure; and displaying a message on the message screen
for calling user's attention to open the color erasing part if
determined as the color erasing part is required to be opened.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: determining a
position of the sheet conveyed by the sensor if the erasing process
by the color erasing part is determined as ended; determining
whether the color erasing part needs to be opened or not through
the opening and closing structure; and displaying a message on the
message screen for calling user's attention to open the color
erasing part if determined as the color erasing part is not
required to be opened.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising: causing a light
emitting part to emit light if the color erasing process by the
color erasing part is determined as ended.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No.
13/315,732 filed on Dec. 9, 2011, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/421,607
filed on Dec. 9, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/493,369 filed on Jun. 3, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/493,365 filed on Jun. 3, 2011, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0003] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application 2011-245081 filed on Nov.
9, 2011, and Japanese Patent Application 2011-245082 filed on Nov.
9, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0004] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a color
erasing apparatus for erasing a color of an image formed on a sheet
by using a color erasable coloring material and a control method of
the color erasing apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0005] There is a color erasing apparatus for erasing a color of an
image from a sheet subjected to image formation. This color erasing
apparatus performs a heating process on the sheet on which the
image is formed using a color erasable coloring material and erases
the color of the coloring material forming the image on the sheet.
Besides, the color erasing apparatus determines whether or not the
sheet as the object of the color erasing process can be
color-erased and whether or not the color erasing process is
successful.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view for explaining a structure of a
color erasing apparatus.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware
structure of the color erasing apparatus.
[0008] FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing a state where an opening
and closing cover of the color erasing apparatus is closed.
[0009] FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing a state where the
opening and closing cover of the color erasing apparatus is
opened.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a color
erasing apparatus of a first embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the
color erasing apparatus of the first embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining a notification
part.
[0013] FIG. 7A is a schematic view for explaining a light-emitting
part as a notification part.
[0014] FIG. 7B is a schematic view for explaining a state where the
light-emitting part as the notification part is lighted.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a setting screen relating to cleaning of a color
erasing part.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic view for explaining the color erasing
part.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a color
erasing apparatus of a second embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a color
erasing apparatus of a modified example of the second
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a color
erasing apparatus of a third embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic view for explaining a notification
part.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a color
erasing apparatus of a fourth embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a schematic view for explaining a notification
part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] According to an embodiment, a color erasing apparatus
includes a conveyance member to convey a sheet on which an image is
formed of a color erasable coloring material. A color erasing part
to erase a color of the coloring material of the image formed on
the sheet conveyed by the conveyance member. A control part that
counts the processed number of sheets of images of which are
color-erased by the color erasing part and determines whether the
processed number of sheets exceeds a previously set threshold. A
notification interface to output a signal for notifying that
cleaning of the color erasing part is required if the processed
number of sheets exceeds the threshold.
[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described
with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view for explaining a structure of a
color erasing apparatus. The color erasing apparatus 100 performs a
color erasing process to a sheet on which an image is formed using
a color erasable coloring material, such as color erasing toner or
color erasing ink, and erases the color of the image formed using
the color erasable coloring material (hereinafter simply referred
to as the recording material). The color erasing apparatus 100
includes a paper feed tray 102, a paper feed member, for example, a
roller 104, a reading part 106, a color erasing part 108, a first
tray 110, a second tray 112, a discharge member, for example,
rollers 114 and 116, a conveyance path 118 and an operation part
124.
[0026] The paper feed tray 102 stacks sheets for reuse. The paper
feed tray 102 stacks sheets of various sizes such as A4, A3 and B5.
The sheets stacked on the paper feed tray 102 are sheets which were
subjected to image formation by, for example, the recording
material which is color-erased by being heated to a specified
temperature or higher. The paper feed member 104 includes a pickup
roller, a sheet supply roller and a separation roller, and supplies
the sheets on the paper feed tray 102 one by one to the conveyance
path 118 in the inside of the color erasing apparatus 100. Besides,
the paper feed tray 102 includes a detection sensor 103 to detect
the presence or absence of the sheet on the paper feed tray 102.
The detection sensor 103 can be, for example, a micro sensor or a
micro actuator. The reading part 106 includes a reading unit such
as a CCD (Charge
[0027] Coupled Device) scanner or a CMOS sensor. In this
embodiment, the reading part 106 includes two units provided along
the conveyance path 118, and reads respective images on a first
surface and a second surface of the sheet conveyed by a conveyance
roller pair 120. That is, the reading part 106 can perform
two-sided reading of the image of the conveyed sheet. The image
read by the reading part 106 is stored in an after-mentioned
storage part 210. For example, the image on the sheet read by the
reading part 106 before the color erasing process is performed is
electronized and is stored in the storage part, so that if data of
the color-erased image is later required, the image data can be
acquired. Besides, an after-mentioned control part 200 determines
based on the image read by the reading part 106 whether or not the
sheet can be color-erased or the sheet can be reused.
[0028] The color erasing part 108 erases the color of the recording
material forming the image of the conveyed sheet. For example, the
color erasing part 108 heats the sheet to a specified color erasing
temperature in a state of contact with the conveyed sheet and
erases the color of the image formed on the sheet by the recording
material. For example, the color erasing part 108 of the color
erasing apparatus 100 of the embodiment can include two color
erasing units 108a and 108b for color erasing the first surface of
the sheet and for color erasing the second surface. The color
erasing units 108a and 108b can be arranged to face each other
across the conveyance path 118. The color erasing unit 108a can
contact the sheet from one side of the sheet and heats the sheet.
The color erasing unit 108b can contact the sheet from the other
side of the sheet and heats the sheet. That is, the color erasing
part 108 erases the colors of the images on both surfaces of the
conveyed sheet simultaneously. The color erasing part 108 includes
temperature sensors 109a and 109b to detect temperatures of heating
parts of the color erasing units 108a and 108b. The temperature
sensors 109a and 109b can be of contact type or non-contact
type.
[0029] The conveyance path 118 conveys the sheet to the reading
part 106, the color erasing part 108, the first tray 110 and the
second tray 112. The color erasing apparatus 100 includes plural
conveyance roller pairs 120 and plural branch members 122 on the
conveyance path 118. Each of the conveyance roller pairs 120
includes, for example, a pair of a drive roller and a driven
roller. The branch members 122 change the conveyance direction of
the conveyed sheet at respective branch points on the conveyance
path 118. For example, the color erasing apparatus 100 can convey
the sheet supplied from the paper feed member 104 in order of the
reading part 106, the color erasing part 108 and the reading part
106. Besides, plural detection sensors 123 for detecting the
conveyed sheet can be provided on the conveyance path 123. The
detection sensor 123 can be, for example, a micro sensor or a micro
actuator. In FIG. 1, although the detection sensor 123 near the
color erasing part 108 is shown as an example, the detection sensor
123 can be arranged at an appropriate position of the conveyance
path 118.
[0030] The operation part 124 provided at an upper part of a body
includes a touch panel display part 126 and various operation keys.
The operation keys include, for example, a numeric keypad, a stop
key and a start key. The user uses the operation part 124 and
instructs the function operation of the color erasing apparatus
100, such as start of color erasing or reading of the image on the
sheet to be color-erased. The display part 126 displays the setting
information and operation status of the color erasing apparatus
100, log information or an after-mentioned notification to the
user.
[0031] The discharge members 114 and 116 discharge sheets to the
first tray 110 and the second tray 112. The first tray 110 stacks
the sheets from which images have been color-erased and which can
be reused. The second tray 112 stacks the sheets which are
determined to be unreusable. Incidentally, the sheets received by
the first tray 110 and the second tray 112 can be interchanged. The
setting as to which sheet is stacked on which tray, that is, the
setting of the conveyance destination of the sheet can be set
through, for example, the operation part 124.
[0032] The conveyance path of the sheet can be suitably changed
based on a process mode performed by the color erasing apparatus
100. The color erasing apparatus 100 can have plural process modes.
The color erasing apparatus 100 can have, for example, a first
color erasing mode in which image reading is not performed and only
a color erasing process is performed, a second color erasing mode
in which after an image is read, the color erasing process is
performed, a third color erasing mode in which a reading process
before color erasing is not performed, and after the color erasing
process is performed, a determination can be performed as to
whether the sheet P is reusable, a fourth color erasing mode in
which after an image is read, the color erasing process is
performed and the determination process is further performed, and a
reading mode in which the image color erasing is not performed and
the image reading process is performed. The respective modes can be
selected by the operation part 124 of the color erasing apparatus
100. Besides, the selection of the respective process modes is not
limited to the operation part 124 of the color erasing apparatus
100, and the setting may be made from an external user terminal. In
the first to the fourth color erasing modes, the sheet is always
conveyed to the color erasing part 108. On the other hand, in the
reading mode, the sheet is not conveyed to the color erasing part
108 but is discharged through the reading part 106.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a hardware
structure of the color erasing apparatus. The color erasing
apparatus 100 includes a control part 200, a storage part 210, a
detection part 212, a communication interface (communication I/F)
214, a display interface (display I/F) 216, the reading part 106,
the color erasing part 108 and the operation part 124.
[0034] The control part (controller) 200 includes a processor 202
comprising a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro
Processing Unit) and a memory 204. The control part 200 controls
the reading part 106, the color erasing part 108 and the operation
part 124. The memory 204 is, for example, a semiconductor memory,
and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 206 for storing various
control programs and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 208 for providing
a temporal work area to the processor 202. For example, the ROM 206
can store a printing ratio of a sheet as a threshold for
determining reusability, a density threshold for determining
whether an image was color-erased, and the like. The RAM 208 can
temporarily store an image read by the reading part 106. The
respective components of the color erasing apparatus 100 can be
connected via a bus 218.
[0035] The control part 200 controls the reading part 106, the
erasing part 108 and the other components according to the process
mode set by the operation part 124. For example, if the first to
the fourth color erasing modes are selected, the control part 200
causes the color erasing part 108 to erase the color of the image
on the sheet. If the reading part 106 reads the sheet before the
sheet is conveyed to the color erasing part 108 (the second color
erasing mode, the fourth color erasing mode), the control part 200
stores the image read by the reading part 106 into the storage part
210. Here, the control part 200 can determine whether or not
inhibition data for which color erasing is inhibited, such as
confidential data, is included in the data of the sheet image read
by the reading part 106. Besides, if, after the color erasing part
108 erases a color of an image on a sheet, the reading part 106
reads the image on the color-erased sheet (the third color erasing
mode, the fourth color erasing mode), the control part 200
determines, based on the data of the image read by the reading part
106, whether or not the sheet can be reused from the remaining
state of the color erasing of the sheet. The control part 200
determines the conveyance destination of the sheet based on the
determination result. If the reading mode is set in which the image
is read without performing image color erasing, the control part
200 conveys the sheet to the reading part 106 without passing
through the route to the color erasing part 108, and stores the
image read by the reading part 106 into the storage part 210.
[0036] The control part 200 controls the respective components in
the inside of the apparatus based on signals from the detection
part 212. The detection part 212 includes the detection sensor 103,
the temperature sensors 109a and 109b and the detection sensor 123
shown in FIG. 1, and a cover opening and closing detection sensor
304 shown in FIG. 3B.
[0037] The control part 200 determines the presence or absence of
the sheet on the paper feed tray 102 based on the signal from the
detection sensor 103. Besides, the control part 200 uses the
temperature sensors 109a and 109b to detect the temperatures of the
heating parts of the color erasing units 108a and 108b, and
controls the temperatures of the heating parts of the color erasing
units 108a and 108b. Besides, the control part 200 uses the
detection sensor 123 to grasp the position of the sheet in the
conveyance path 118. For example, the control part 200 uses the
detection sensor 123 in the vicinity of the color erasing part 108,
and detects the sheet which passed through the color erasing part
108. The cover opening and closing detection sensor 304 will be
described later.
[0038] The storage part 210 stores an application program and an
OS. The application program includes a program to execute functions
of the color erasing apparatus, such as a read function of the
reading part 106 and a color erasing function of the color erasing
part. The application program further includes an application (Web
browser) for a Web client and other applications. The storage part
210 stores an image read by the reading part 106. Besides, the
storage part 210 stores the processed number of sheets processed by
the color erasing apparatus 100. The storage part 210 can be, for
example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive, an
optical storage device, a semiconductor storage device such as a
flash memory, or an arbitrary combination of these.
[0039] The communication I/F 214 is an interface to connect with an
external equipment. The communication I/F 214 communicates with an
external device on a network via a suitable wireless or wired
connection, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared
connection, optical connection, IEEE802.15, IEEE802.11, IEEE802.3
or IEEE3304. The communication I/F 214 may further include a USB
connection part to which a connection terminal in conformance with
USB standards is connected, a parallel interface or the like. The
control part 200 communicates with external equipment, such as a
multi-function peripheral, via the communication I/F 214. For
example, although the storage part 210 of the color erasing
apparatus 100 stores the image read by the reading part 106, no
limitation is made to this. For example, communication can be
performed with a user terminal (personal computer) as external
equipment, a multi-function peripheral or a server via the
communication I/F 214, and the image may be stored in storage parts
of these external equipments. The image data stored in the external
equipment can be read through the operation part of the
multi-function peripheral or the user terminal. Besides, if the
color erasing apparatus 100 has login and logout functions for
personally identifying the user, at the time of logout of the color
erasing apparatus 100, image data stored in the RAM 208 or the
storage part 210 of the color erasing apparatus 100 can be
transmitted to the external device and can be stored.
Alternatively, data to be displayed on the external device or an
instruction can be received from another component connected to the
bus 218 of the color erasing apparatus 100, and a signal
corresponding to the data to be displayed on the external device or
the instruction can be outputted.
[0040] The display I/F 216 is connected to the display part 126.
The display I/F 216 receives data to be displayed on the display
part 126 or an instruction from another component connected to the
bus 218. The display I/F 216 outputs a signal corresponding to the
data to be displayed or the instruction to the display part
126.
Cleaning of the Color Erasing Part
[0041] The color erasing part 108 heats the sheet to the specified
color erasing temperature in the state of contact with the sheet
and erases the color of the image formed on the sheet by the
recording material. However, the recording material is color-erased
by heating of the color erasing part 108 whereupon the recording
material is melted a little. There can be a case where the melted
recording material adheres to the color erasing part 108. If
residual material, such as paste, adheres to the sheet, there can
be a case where the residual material on the sheet passes through
the color erasing part 108 and adheres to the color erasing part
108. In this case, the heating performance of the color erasing
part can be reduced, and there can be an apprehension that the
color erasing process will not be suitably performed. Accordingly,
the color erasing part 108 of the color erasing apparatus 100 needs
to be cleaned.
[0042] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic outer appearance views for
explaining the color erasing apparatus 100. FIG. 3A shows a state
where an opening and closing cover 300 is closed. FIG. 3B shows a
state where the opening and closing cover 300 is opened.
[0043] The color erasing apparatus 100 includes the opening and
closing cover 300 and a cover open switch 302. When the cover open
switch 302 shown in FIG. 3A is pressed, the opening and closing
cover 300 is opened as shown in FIG. 3B. A cover opening and
closing detection sensor 304 can be provided on the body side of
the color erasing apparatus 100. The cover opening and closing
detection sensor 304 detects whether the opening and closing cover
300 is in the open state or in the closed state. The cover opening
and closing detection sensor 304 can be, for example, a micro
sensor or a micro actuator. The color erasing unit 108a, as one of
the color erasing units, can be attached to the opening and closing
cover 300. Besides, one of the conveyance roller pairs 120 at the
upstream side and the downstream side of the color erasing part 108
can be attached to the opening and closing cover 300. The opening
and closing cover 300 can rotate around a rotation shaft 306 and
can be opened, so that the color erasing apparatus 100 opens the
space between the color erasing units 108a and 108b of the color
erasing part 108. Accordingly, the user can easily clean a
contaminated portion of the opened color erasing part 108.
Alternatively, the sheet stopped in the vicinity of the color
erasing part 108 can be easily removed. Incidentally, the color
erasing unit 108a is not necessarily required to be attached to the
opening and closing cover 300. For example, a structure can be such
that the opening and closing cover 300 and the color erasing unit
108a are respectively opened and closed as separate members, and
after the opening and closing cover 300 is opened, the color
erasing unit 108a can be rotated to open the space between the
color erasing units 108a and 108b.
Timing of Cleaning
[0044] The color erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment further
controls the timing of cleaning of the color erasing part 108. FIG.
4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts for explaining the process of the color
erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment.
[0045] At ACT 401, the control part 200 reads data of the processed
number of sheets subjected to the color erasing process from the
storage part 210. For example, at the time of start of the
apparatus, the control part 200 reads the data of the processed
number of sheets from the storage part 210 into the RAM 208. The
processed number of sheets subjected to the color erasing process
indicates the total value (count value) of the number of sheets
subjected to the color erasing process after the color erasing part
108 is cleaned. The processed number of sheets can be reset by the
user through the operation part 124 or the external user
terminal.
[0046] If one of the foregoing process modes is selected through
the operation part 124, and the start of the color erasing process
is instructed, the control part 200 of the color erasing apparatus
100 feeds one sheet from the paper feed tray 102, and conveys the
sheet to the color erasing part 108 (ACT 402). Next, the control
part 200 causes the color erasing part 108 to erase the color of
the image on the sheet (ACT 403). At ACT 404, the control part 200
increases the processed number of sheets subjected to the color
erasing process by one. That is, the control part 200 increments
the processed number of sheets.
[0047] Next, the control part 200 determines whether or not the
processed number of sheets exceeds a predetermined threshold (ACT
405). If the processed number of sheets does not exceed the
predetermined threshold (No at ACT 405), the control part 200
determines the presence or absence of a subsequent sheet (ACT 406).
The control part 200 uses, for example, the detection sensor 103
and the detection sensor 123 and determines the presence or absence
of the subsequent sheet. If there is no subsequent sheet (Yes at
ACT 406), the control part 200 ends the color erasing process. On
the other hand, if there is a subsequent sheet (No at ACT 406), the
control part 200 repeats the process of ACT 402 to ACT 406.
[0048] At ACT 405, if the processed number of sheets exceeds the
predetermined threshold (Yes at ACT 405), the control part 200
causes the notification part to notify a user that cleaning of the
color erasing part 108 is required through the notification
interface (notification I/F) (ACT 407). For example, as shown in
FIG. 6, the control part 200 causes the display part 126 to display
a screen 600 indicating that the cleaning of the color erasing part
is required through the display I/F 216. Incidentally, the
notification part is not limited to the display part 126 of the
color erasing part 108. For example, a structure can be such that
image data or a message to be displayed on a display part
(notification part) of an external user terminal is transmitted
through the external I/F 214 as the notification I/F.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7A, the color erasing apparatus 100
may include a light-emitting part 700 as the notification part. The
light-emitting part 700 is a light source body such as an LED. The
light-emitting part 700 is connected with the display I/F 216 as
the notification I/F. For example, if the processed number of
sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, as shown in FIG. 7B,
the control part 200 causes the light-emitting part to emit light.
Alternatively, the notification part may notify the user by sound.
By this, the user can easily know that the cleaning of the color
erasing part 108 is required.
[0049] If the processed number of sheets exceeds the predetermined
threshold, the control part 200 displays a message or notifies a
user that cleaning is required, and stops the sheet color erasing
process of the color erasing part at an after-mentioned specified
timing based on predetermined setting information (ACT 408).
[0050] Here, the threshold at ACT 405 may be a previously
experimentally determined value or may be set and inputted by the
user through the operation panel 112. FIG. 8 shows an example of a
setting screen relating to the cleaning of the color erasing part
108. The setting screen 800 is displayed on the display part 126 of
the color erasing part 108 or a display part of an external user
terminal. The processed number of sheets subjected to the color
erasing process by the color erasing part 108 is displayed in an
area 802. The value of the processed number of sheets in the area
802 is reset when the color erasing part 108 is cleaned or at an
arbitrary timing set by user operation. That is, the count value of
the processed number of sheets in the area 802 becomes zero.
Reference numeral 804 denotes a setting column of a threshold
indicating the timing of cleaning of the color erasing part. In
FIG. 8, 5000 is set as the threshold in the setting column 804.
That is, in this example, the color erasing apparatus 100 is set
such that the color erasing process can be continuously performed
for 5000 sheets without cleaning the color erasing part 108.
Accordingly, if the count value of the processed number of sheets
reaches the threshold set in the setting column 804, the control
part 200 causes the notification part to notify a user that
cleaning of the color erasing part is required. Incidentally,
embodiments of the invention are not limited to the count-up system
described above; a count-down system can also be adopted.
[0051] Besides, the setting information can be uniquely determined
by the maker's design or may be such that the user can change the
setting. Hereinafter, an example in which the user can change the
setting information will be described. A process (setting
information 806) to be executed by the control part 200 if the
processed number of sheets exceeds the threshold previously set in
the column 804 is set in an area 805 of FIG. 8. In this embodiment,
as an example, the setting information 806 includes three process
settings, that is, "color erasing process stop", "color erasing
process continuation (within specified number of sheets)" and
"color erasing process continuation (unlimitedly)". As the setting
information 806, one of these three process settings is set. If the
processed number of sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, the
control part 200 causes the display part 126 to notify that the
cleaning of the color erasing part is required, and stops the sheet
color erasing process of the color erasing part at a specified
timing in accordance with the process setting which is set in the
setting information 806.
[0052] If a color erasing process stop button 808 is selected as
the setting formation 806, the control part 200 quickly stops the
color erasing process. That is, even if a sheet exists on the paper
feed tray 102, after the processed number of sheets exceeds the
predetermined threshold (or after the notification part notifies
that the cleaning of the color erasing part is required), the
control part 200 stops feeding of sheets from the paper feed tray
102. However, with respect to the feeding of sheets, several sheets
may be fed because of the time lag of control. After the color
erasing process of the subsequent sheet in the conveyance path 118
is performed, the control part 200 stops the color erasing process.
Alternatively, the control part 200 may perform paper feeding so
that the number of sheets conveyed on the conveyance path 118 is
calculated by using the detection sensor 123, and the processed
number of sheets reaches the threshold by processing the sheet at
the most upstream side in the conveyance path 118.
[0053] Accordingly, if the color erasing process stop button 808 is
selected as the setting information 806 (Yes at ACT 408), the
control part 200 quickly stops the color erasing process (ACT 409).
The processed number of sheets subjected to the color erasing
process is reset after the color erasing part 108 is cleaned.
[0054] If a color erasing process continuation (within specified
number of sheets) button 810 is selected as the setting information
806, after the color erasing process is continued for the specified
number of sheets (continuation allowed number of sheets) previously
set in the setting column 812, the control part 200 stops the color
erasing process. If the color erasing process continuation (within
specified number of sheets) button 810 is selected, the setting
column 812 becomes effective, and reception of the continuation
allowed number of sheets becomes possible. A difference between the
processed number of sheets displayed in the area 802 and the
threshold of the setting column 804 is displayed in an area 814.
That is, if the processed number of sheets exceeds the
predetermined threshold, the control part 200 counts the processed
number of sheets exceeding the threshold. If the processed number
of sheets continued after exceeding the threshold reaches the
continuation allowed number of sheets inputted to the setting
column 812, the control part 200 stops the color erasing process.
In other words, after the display part 126 notifies, if the
continuation processed number of sheets continuously erased by the
color erasing part 108 reaches the predetermined continuation
allowed number of sheets, the control part 200 stops the sheet
color erasing process. However, with respect to the feeding of
sheets, several sheets may be fed because of the time lag of
control. After the color erasing process of the subsequent sheets
in the conveyance path 118 is performed, the control part 200 stops
the color erasing process. Alternatively, the control part 200 may
perform paper feeding so that the processed number of sheets
reaches the specified number of sheets (continuation allowed number
of sheets) by processing the sheet at the most upstream side in the
conveyance path 118.
[0055] Accordingly, if the color erasing process continuation
(within specified number of sheets) button 810 is selected as the
setting information 806 (No at ACT 408, Yes at ACT 501), the
control part 200 continues to feed sheets from the paper feed tray
102 and conveys the sheet to the color erasing part 108. Next, the
control part 200 causes the color erasing part 108 to erase the
color of the image of the sheet (ACT 502). At ACT 503, if the
processed number of sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, the
control part 200 counts the processed number of sheets exceeding
the threshold.
[0056] After the display part 126 notifies a user, if the color
erasing part 108 is not cleaned (No at ACT 504), the control part
200 determines whether or not the processed number of sheets
continuously processed after exceeding the threshold reaches the
predetermined specified number of sheets (continuation allowed
number of sheets) (ACT 505). If the continuously processed number
of sheets does not reach the specified number of sheets (No at ACT
505), the control 200 determines the presence or absence of a
subsequent sheet (ACT 506). If there is no subsequent sheet (Yes at
ACT 506), the control part 200 ends the color erasing process. If a
new sheet is placed on the paper feed tray 102 and the color
erasing process is instructed in a state where the color erasing
part 108 is not cleaned and the continuously processed number of
sheets does not reach the predetermined specified number of sheets
(continuation allowed number of sheets), the control part 200
performs the process from ACT 502. On the other hand, if there is a
subsequent sheet (No at ACT 506), the control part 200 repeats the
process of ACT 502 to ACT 506.
[0057] At ACT 505, if the continuously processed number of sheets
reaches the predetermined specified number of sheets (Yes at ACT
505), the control part 200 stops the color erasing process (ACT
507). In other words, after the display part 126 notifies a user,
if the continuously processed number of sheets continuously erased
by the color erasing part 108 reaches the predetermined
continuation allowed number of sheets, the control part 200 stops
the sheet color erasing process. The control part 200 stops the
process until the color erasing part 108 is cleaned (ACT 508).
[0058] After the display part 126 notifies a user, if the color
erasing part 108 is cleaned (Yes at ACT 504), the control part 200
resets the processed number of sheets in the area 802 of FIG. 8 and
the count number in the area 814 (ACT 509).
[0059] If a color erasing process continuation (unlimitedly) button
816 is selected as the setting information 806, the control part
200 continues the color erasing process until sheets to be conveyed
are used up. In other words, the control part 200 performs the
color erasing process to all sheets on the paper feed tray 102.
[0060] That is, if the color erasing process continuation
(unlimitedly) button 816 is selected as the setting information 806
(No at ACT 408, No at ACT 501), the control part 200 continues to
feed sheets from the paper feed tray 102 and performs the color
erasing process (ACT 510). The control part 200 continues the color
erasing process until sheets to be conveyed are used up (ACT 511).
In other words, the control part 200 performs the color erasing
process to all sheets on the paper feed tray 102.
[0061] Whether the color erasing part 108 is cleaned is determined
such that for example, after the processed number of sheets exceeds
the predetermined threshold (or after the display part 126
notifies), if the opening and closing of the opening and closing
cover 300 is detected through the cover opening and closing
detection sensor 304, the control part 200 determines that the
color erasing part 108 is cleaned. When determining that the color
erasing part 108 is cleaned (when detecting the opening and closing
of the opening and closing cover 300), the control part 200 causes
the display part 126 to display the screen to inquire whether the
cleaning is completed. When receiving the input indicating that the
cleaning is completed, the control part 200 resets the processed
number of sheets in the area 802 and the count number in the area
814. When determining that the color erasing part 108 is cleaned
(when detecting the opening and closing of the opening and closing
cover 300), the control part 200 can inquire from the user whether
the processed number of sheets in the area 802 and the count number
in the area 814 are to be reset. Incidentally, if the color erasing
apparatus 100 includes a key for resetting the processed number of
sheets and the count number, when the reset key is depressed, the
control part 200 can reset the processed number of sheets and the
count number without determining whether the color erasing part 108
has been cleaned.
[0062] Besides, in the embodiment, although the description is made
such that the color erasing part 108 heats the sheet to the
specified temperature in the state of contact with the sheet, the
color erasing part 108 is not limited to this. The color erasing
part 108 can heat the sheet to the specified color erasing
temperature by a non-contact heating part. Also in the case of the
non-contact type, the color erasing part 108 guides the conveyed
sheet. That is, a melted recording material of the sheet adheres,
or a residual material adhered to the sheet adheres to the color
erasing part 108. Accordingly, even if the color erasing part 108
is of the non-contact type, cleaning is required.
[0063] Besides, in the embodiment, although the description is made
on the apparatus in which if the processed number of sheets exceeds
the predetermined threshold (Yes at ACT 405), the control part 200
causes the notification part to notify a user that the cleaning of
the color erasing part 108 is required through the notification
interface (notification part I/F), the color erasing apparatus 100
is not limited to this. For example, the color erasing apparatus
100 may cause the notification part to notify that cleaning is
required through the notification interface (notification IIF) when
the processed number of sheets reaches a number smaller than the
predetermined threshold by a specified number of sheets (near
full). For example, if the number of sheets at which cleaning
should be performed is set to 5000, the color erasing apparatus can
notify that cleaning is required at the time when the processed
number of sheets reaches 4900.
[0064] The color erasing apparatus 100 of the embodiment can notify
the user that the cleaning of the color erasing part is required at
the suitable timing. Besides, since the timing when the color
erasing process is stopped can also be arbitrarily set by the user,
the usability is high.
[0065] Incidentally, in the embodiment, the description is made on
the color erasing apparatus 100 which is independently provided as
the color erasing apparatus, no limitation is made to this. For
example, an integrated system structure may be adopted in which the
color erasing apparatus is incorporated in an image forming
apparatus such as a printer or a multi-function peripheral. The
notification part may be an operation panel of the image forming
apparatus or a display part of an external user terminal connected
through a network.
Second Embodiment
[0066] In the first embodiment, the description is made on the
apparatus in which the timing of cleaning is determined based on
the processed number of sheets. In a second embodiment, a control
part 200 measures temperature of a color erasing part 108 and
determines the timing of cleaning of the color erasing part
108.
[0067] That is, a color erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment
includes a conveyance path along which a sheet is conveyed, a color
erasing unit which includes a heating member and a first surface
member arranged between the heating member and the conveyance path
and erases a color of an image on the sheet by heating the sheet by
the heating member through the surface member, a second surface
member provided at an opposite side of the color erasing unit
across the conveyance path, a first temperature sensor to detect
temperature of the first surface member, a second temperature
sensor to detect temperature of the second surface member, a
control part which heats the heating member and determines whether
a difference between the temperatures detected by the first
temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is larger than
a predetermined threshold, and a notification part to notify that
cleaning of the color erasing part is required if the temperature
difference is larger than the threshold.
[0068] Besides, when the sheet color erasing process is not
performed, the control part heats the heating member of the color
erasing unit, and determines whether the difference between the
temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor and the
second temperature sensor is larger than the predetermined
threshold.
[0069] Besides, the color erasing apparatus further includes
another color erasing unit arranged to face the color erasing unit
across the conveyance path. The another color erasing unit includes
a heating member and a second surface member arranged between the
heating member and the conveyance path, and when the sheet color
erasing process is not performed, the control part heats only the
heating member of the color erasing unit, and determines whether
the difference between the temperatures detected by the first
temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is larger than
the predetermined threshold.
[0070] With respect to the respective parts of this embodiment, the
same portions as those of the color erasing apparatus of the above
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the
feature portion of this embodiment will be described.
[0071] FIG. 9 is a schematic view for explaining the color erasing
part 108. A color erasing unit 108a of the color erasing part 108
includes a first heating part 900, a first guide member (first
surface member) 902, and a first temperature sensor 904. The color
erasing unit 108b includes a second heating part 906, a second
guide member (second surface member) 908, and a second temperature
sensor 910. The first heating member 900 of the color erasing unit
108a and the second heating part 906 of the color erasing unit 108b
are arranged to face each other across a conveyance path 118.
[0072] The first heating part 900 and the second heating part 906
heat a conveyed sheet to erase a color of an image formed on the
sheet. The first guide member 902 and the second guide member 908
are members facing the conveyance path 118. The first guide member
902 is arranged between the first heating part 900 and the
conveyance path 118. The second guide member 908 is arranged
between the second heating part 906 and the conveyance path 118.
The first temperature sensor 904 detects the temperature of the
first guide member 902. The second temperature sensor 910 detects
the temperature of the second guide member 908.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the
color erasing apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. At ACT 1001,
the control part 200 determines whether the color erasing process
is being performed. For example, if the color erasing process is
ended, the control part 200 proceeds to a process at ACT 1002. No
limitation is made to the case where the color erasing process is
ended, and the control part 200 may determine at specified timing
whether or not the color erasing process is being performed. For
example, the specified timing may be each period such as a specific
time or the number of days. Alternatively, a determination may be
made when a check instruction is received from the user.
[0074] At ACT 1002, the control part 200 heats one of the first
heating part 900 of the color erasing unit 108a and the second
heating part 906 of the color erasing unit 108b. Here, description
is made on the assumption that the first heating part 900 is
heated. Next, at ACT 1003, the control part 200 uses the first
temperature sensor 904 and the second temperature sensor 910 and
detects the temperatures of the first surface member and the second
surface member. That is, the control part 200 detects the
temperatures of the first guide member 902 and the second guide
member 908.
[0075] At ACT 1004, the control part 200 determines whether or not
the difference between the temperatures detected by the first
temperature sensor 904 and the second temperature sensor 910 is
larger than a predetermined threshold. If the difference between
the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor 904 and
the second temperature sensor 910 is smaller then the predetermined
threshold (No at ACT 1004), the control part ends the process. On
the other hand, if the difference between the temperatures detected
by the first temperature sensor 904 and the second temperature
sensor 910 is larger than the predetermined threshold (Yes at ACT
1004), the control part 200 causes the notification part to notify
that cleaning of the color erasing part 108 is required (ACT 1005).
The threshold may be a previously experimentally determined value
or may be set and inputted by the user through an operation panel
112.
[0076] Incidentally, when the control part 200 causes the
notification part to notify that the cleaning of the color erasing
part 108 is required, the control part may inhibit the color
erasing process until the cleaning process is performed, or may
allow the color erasing process to be performed until a specified
number of sheets have been processed. Alternatively, when the
control part 200 causes the notification part to notify a user that
the cleaning of the color erasing part 108 is required, the control
part can perform the erasing process without inhibiting the color
erasing process until a user's instruction is given.
[0077] Besides, although the color erasing part 108 in the above
description includes the two color erasing units arranged to face
each other, no limitation is made to this. For example, one color
erasing unit may be provided, or two color erasing units may be
arranged side by side along the conveyance direction.
[0078] The color erasing apparatus 100 of the embodiment can notify
the user that the cleaning of the color erasing part 108 is
required at the suitable timing.
Modified Example of the Second Embodiment
[0079] In the above embodiment, description is made on the
apparatus using the temperature difference between the first
surface member and the second surface member. In this embodiment,
description will be made on an apparatus in which based on a
difference between temperature of a surface member before heating
and temperature of the surface member after heating, a
determination is made as to whether or not cleaning of the color
erasing part 108 is required. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining
the process of the color erasing apparatus 100 of a modified
example of the second embodiment.
[0080] If a color erasing process is not being performed (No at ACT
1101), the control part 200 uses the first temperature sensor 904
and the second temperature sensor 910 and detects temperatures of
the first guide member (first surface member) 902 and the second
guide member (second surface member) 908 (ACT 1102). The control
part 200 determines whether the temperatures detected by the first
temperature sensor 904 and the second temperature sensor 910 are
not higher than a predetermined temperature (standby temperature)
(ACT 1103). If the detected temperatures are not higher than the
predetermined temperature (apparatus is in a standby state) (Yes at
ACT 1103), the control part 200 stores the detected temperatures as
the initial temperatures in the memory 204 (ACT 1104). That is, the
memory 204 stores the initial temperature (first initial
temperature) of the first guide member (first surface member) 902
and the initial temperature (second initial temperature) of the
second guide member (second surface member) 908.
[0081] Next, the control part 200 heats one of the first heating
part 900 of the color erasing unit 108a and the second heating part
906 of the color erasing unit 108b for a specified time (ACT 1105).
Here, the first heating part 900 is heated. After the control part
200 heats the first heating part 900 for the specified time, the
control part 200 uses the first temperature sensor 904 and the
second temperature sensor 910 and measures the temperature (first
temperature) of the first guide member 902 and the temperature
(second temperature) of the second guide member 908 (ACT 1106). The
control part 200 calculates a difference (first temperature
difference) between the first temperature and the first initial
temperature and a difference (second temperature difference)
between the second temperature and the second initial temperature.
The control part 200 compares the first temperature difference with
a predetermined first value. Besides, the control part 200 compares
the second temperature difference with a predetermined second
value. The control part 200 determines whether or not the first
temperature difference and the second temperature difference fall
within an allowable range as compared with the first value and the
second value (ACT 1107). Here, the first value and the second value
are experimentally determined values, and are values determined on
the assumption that a material is not adhered to the color erasing
part 108.
[0082] If a melted recording material or residual material is
adhered to the first guide member 902 and the second guide member
908, heat conduction of heat from the first heating member 900 to
the second guide member 908 is reduced as compared with a case
where the first guide member 902 and the second guide member 908
are not contaminated. That is, if the first guide member 902 and
the second guide member 908 are contaminated, there is a case where
although the difference between the first temperature difference
and the first value falls within the allowable range, the
difference between the second temperature difference and the second
value does not fall within the allowable range. If the difference
between the second temperature difference and the second value does
not fall within the allowable range (No at ACT 1107), the control
part 200 causes the notification part to notify that the cleaning
of the color erasing part 108 is required (ACT 1108).
[0083] Incidentally, in the above embodiment, although the
description is made on the case where the control part 200
determines whether or not the difference between the second
temperature difference and the second value falls within the
allowable range, the color erasing apparatus 100 of the embodiment
is not limited to this. For example, the color erasing apparatus
100 includes corresponding data between initial temperature
detected before heating and estimated temperature which is obtained
based on the detected initial temperature and is to be detected
when heating is performed for a specified time, and may determine
whether a difference between the estimated temperature obtained
based on the initial temperature and the detected temperature as
the result of actual heating falls within an allowable range.
[0084] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, although
the notification part is made to notify that cleaning is required
when the timing of cleaning of the color erasing part 108 occurs,
the notification part may be made to notify that replacement of the
color erasing part 108 is required.
Third Embodiment
[0085] The color erasing units 108a and 108b of the color erasing
part 108 can attain high temperatures during the color erasing
process or for a while after the color erasing process has ended.
Accordingly, at least while the color erasing part is in a high
temperature state, the user can preferably be prevented from
touching the color erasing part. In a third embodiment, a color
erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment determines whether or not
the color erasing process of the color erasing part 108 is stopped,
and if the color erasing process is stopped, a message for
preventing the color erasing part from being opened is
notified.
[0086] The color erasing units 108a and 18b of the color erasing
part 108 can attain a significantly high temperature during the
color erasing process or for a while after the color erasing
process has completed. Accordingly, at least while the color
erasing part is in a high temperature state, the user can be
preferably prevented from touching the color erasing part. In a
third embodiment, a color erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment
determines whether or not the color erasing process of the color
erasing part 108 is stopped, and if the color erasing process is
stopped, a message for preventing the color erasing part from being
opened, that is, a message for calling user's attention is notified
from the display part 126.
[0087] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the
color erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment. If one of the
foregoing process modes is selected through the operation part 124,
and the start of the color erasing process is instructed, the
control part 200 of the color erasing apparatus 100 feeds one sheet
from the paper feed tray 102 and conveys the sheet to the color
erasing part 108. The control part 200 causes the color erasing
part 108 to erase a color of an image on the sheet (ACT 1201). At
ACT 1202, the control part 200 determines whether or not the color
erasing process of the color erasing part 108 is stopped. Here, the
"stop of the color erasing process" includes a case where the color
erasing part 108 is stopped after the color erasing process to the
sheet is ended and a case where the color erasing part 108 is
stopped since a sheet jam occurs somewhere in the conveyance path
118 during the color erasing process.
[0088] If the color erasing process is stopped (Yes at ACT 1202),
the control part 200 causes the notification part to provide a user
a message that the color erasing part 108 should not be opened (ACT
1203). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the control part 200
causes the display part 126 to display a message screen 1300 for
preventing opening. Incidentally, the notification part is not
limited to the display part 126 of the color erasing part 100. For
example, screen data or a message to be displayed on a display part
of an external user terminal may be transmitted through the
external I/F 214. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7A, the color
erasing apparatus 100 may include the light-emitting part 600 as
the notification part. The light-emitting part 600 is a light
source body such as an LED. When the color erasing process is
stopped, the control part 200 causes the light-emitting part 600 to
emit light as shown in FIG. 7B. Alternatively, the notification
part may notify the user by sound. By this, the user refrains from
opening the color erasing part 108 for a while, or even if the user
opens the color erasing part, the opening can be carefully
performed.
[0089] At ACT 1204, the control part 200 determines whether or not
specified timing occurs. If the control part 200 determines that
the specified timing occurs (Yes at ACT 1204), the control part
ends the message notification of the notification part (ACT 1205).
For example, the control part 200 turns off the message screen 1300
for preventing opening shown in FIG. 13. If the notification part
is the light-emitting part 600 as shown in FIG. 7, the control part
200 stops the light emission of the light-emitting part 600. If the
control part 200 determines that the specified timing does not
occur (No at ACT 1204), the control part 200 continues the message
notification of the notification part. That is, here, the specified
timing is the time when, after the color erasing part 108 is
stopped, the temperature of the color erasing part 108 becomes
equal to or lower than a value at which there is no problem even if
the user touches.
[0090] The control part 200 determines whether the specified timing
occurs based on information of at least one of the temperature of
the color erasing part 108 and the elapsed time after the color
erasing process is stopped. If the determination is made based on
the temperature of the color erasing part 108, the control part 200
measures the temperature of the color erasing part 108 through the
temperature sensor 109, and causes the message to be notified until
the temperature of the color erasing part 108 becomes equal to or
lower than a predetermined specified temperature. The specified
temperature is stored in the memory 204 or the storage part 210.
The specified temperature may be uniquely determined by the maker's
design or may be set and changed by the user. On the other hand, if
the determination is made based on the elapsed time after the color
erasing process is stopped, the control part 200 measures the time
elapsed after the color erasing process is stopped, and causes the
message to be notified until the measured time reaches a
predetermined specified time. The specified time is stored in the
memory 204 or the storage part 210. The specified time may be
uniquely determined by the maker's design or may be set and changed
by the user. By this, the color erasing apparatus 100 can call
user's attention until the temperature of the color erasing part
108 becomes sufficiently low.
[0091] According to the embodiment, the color erasing apparatus 100
can prevent the user from carelessly touching the color erasing
part 108 at least during the period in which the color erasing part
is in the high temperature state.
Fourth Embodiment
[0092] In the third embodiment, when the color erasing process is
stopped, the message for calling user's attention is notified. In a
fourth embodiment, if the color erasing part 108 is required to be
opened, the control part 200 causes the notification part to notify
a message for calling user's attention, and if the color erasing
part 108 is not required to be opened, the control part notifies
that the color erasing part 108 is not required to be opened. With
respect to the respective parts of this embodiment, the same
portions as those of the color erasing apparatus of the above
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the
feature portion of this embodiment will be described.
[0093] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the
color erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment. If one of the
foregoing process modes is selected through the operation part 124
and the start of the color erasing process is instructed, the
control part 200 of the color erasing apparatus 100 feeds one sheet
from the paper feed tray 102 and conveys the sheet to the color
erasing part 108. The control part 200 causes the color erasing
part 108 to erase a color of an image on the sheet (ACT 1401).
Next, the control part 200 determines whether or not the color
erasing process is stopped.
[0094] The control part 200 determines whether or not a sheet jam
occurs in the conveyance path 118 during the color erasing process
(ACT 1402). If the sheet jam does not occur (No at ACT 1402), the
control part 200 determines whether or not the color erasing
process to the sheet is ended (ACT 1403). If the color erasing
process to the sheet is not ended (No at ACT 1403), the control
part continues the color erasing process.
[0095] On the other hand, if the color erasing process is stopped
due to the occurrence of a sheet jam (Yes at ACT 1402), the control
part 200 determines the position of the sheet based on a signal
from the detection sensor 123 located at the conveyance path 118
(ACT 1404). The control part 200 determines, based on the detected
sheet position, whether the color erasing part 108 is required to
be opened in order to remove the sheet (ACT 1405). If a
determination is made that the color erasing part 108 is required
to be opened (Yes at ACT 1405), the control part 200 causes, for
example, the display part 126 to display a message screen 1300 for
preventing opening as shown in FIG. 13 (ACT 1406). On the other
hand, if a determination is made that the color erasing part 108 is
not required to be opened (No at ACT 1405), the control part 200
causes the display part 126 to display a message screen 1500
indicating that the color erasing part 108 is not required to be
opened as shown in FIG. 15 (ACT 1407). By this, when a jam occurs,
if the opening of the color erasing part 108 is required, the color
erasing apparatus 100 can call user's attention, and can avoid a
situation where the color erasing part 108 is opened although there
is no necessity.
[0096] Besides, at ACT 1403, if the color erasing process to all
sheets is ended and the color erasing part is stopped, the control
part 200 causes the light-emitting part 600 shown in FIG. 7B to
emit light (ACT 1408). If the screen as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 15
is displayed each time the normal color erasing process is ended,
there is a fear that the user feels annoying. Then, if the color
erasing part is stopped since the color erasing process to the
sheet is ended, the color erasing apparatus 100 causes the
light-emitting part 600 as the light emitting body to emit light,
so that the annoying feeling for the user can be reduced. Further,
the color erasing apparatus 100 causes the light-emitting part 600
to emit light, and indicates that the color erasing part 108 is
hot. By this, the color erasing apparatus 100 has also the effect
of calling user's attention.
[0097] At ACT 1409 and ACT 1410, the control part 200 performs the
same process as ACT 1204 and ACT 1205 shown in FIG. 12.
[0098] According to the above embodiment, the same effect as the
first embodiment is obtained, and the user's attention can be
called more suitably.
[0099] Incidentally, at ACT 1408, instead of causing the
light-emitting part 600 to emit light, the message screen 1500
shown in FIG. 15 may be displayed to indicate that the color
erasing part 108 is not required to be opened.
[0100] Besides, the color erasing apparatus 100 of this embodiment
is not limited to the structure in which if an abnormal end such as
a jam occurs (Yes at ACT 1402), the screen as shown in FIG. 13 or
FIG. 15 is displayed on the display part 126. If an abnormal end
such as a jam occurs, the color erasing apparatus 100 may call
user's attention by controlling the mode of lighting of the
light-emitting part 600. For example, based on the position of the
sheet, if the color erasing part 108 is required to be opened (ACT
1406), the control part 200 causes the light-emitting part 600 to
blink, and if the opening of the color erasing part 108 is not
required (ACT 1407) or a normal end occurs (ACT 1408), the control
part 200 may cause the light-emitting part 600 to be always
lighted. Besides, the modes of lighting at ACT 1406, ACT 1407 and
ACT 1408 may be made different from each other. Alternatively, the
color erasing apparatus 100 may be constructed so that the colors
of emitted lights are different from each other.
[0101] While certain embodiments of the invention have been
described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
These novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other
forms, and various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments
and modifications thereof fall within the scope and gist of the
invention and within the scope of the invention recited in the
claims and their equivalents.
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