U.S. patent application number 15/246802 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for document administration system and document administration method.
The applicant listed for this patent is KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Hiroshi Hashidume, Koichi Moriya, Kazuhiro Ogura, Akira Saito, Minoru Yoshida.
Application Number | 20160366298 15/246802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47518780 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160366298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hashidume; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
DOCUMENT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM AND DOCUMENT ADMINISTRATION
METHOD
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a document administration system
includes an administration unit to administer administration
information of an image formed on a recording medium in connection
with discrimination information of the recording medium and a
decoloring device. The decoloring device includes a reading unit to
read a discrimination information image based on the discrimination
information, the discrimination information image being formed on
the recording medium with erasable coloring agent, a decoloring
unit to decolor the image formed on the recording medium with
erasable coloring agent after the reading unit has read the
discrimination information image, and a printer to print the
discrimination information image in which at least the number of
times of decoloring has been updated based on the discrimination
information image read by the reading unit on the recording medium
after decoloring.
Inventors: |
Hashidume; Hiroshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Ogura; Kazuhiro; (Kanagawa-ken, JP) ;
Yoshida; Minoru; (Tokyo, JP) ; Saito; Akira;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Moriya; Koichi; (Kanagawa-ken,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo
Tokyo |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
47518780 |
Appl. No.: |
15/246802 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13545249 |
Jul 10, 2012 |
9465349 |
|
|
15246802 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/3233 20130101;
G03G 15/5025 20130101; H04N 1/00832 20130101; H04N 1/32133
20130101; H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N 2201/3201 20130101; H04N
2201/323 20130101; H04N 1/00344 20130101; H04N 2201/3269 20130101;
G03G 9/0928 20130101; G03G 9/0926 20130101; G03G 21/00 20130101;
H04N 2201/3225 20130101; H04N 2201/3242 20130101; H04N 1/56
20130101; H04N 2201/3259 20130101; G06Q 10/10 20130101; H04N
2201/3271 20130101; G03G 15/01 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/32 20060101
H04N001/32; H04N 1/00 20060101 H04N001/00; H04N 1/56 20060101
H04N001/56; G03G 15/01 20060101 G03G015/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2011 |
JP |
2011-152922 |
Claims
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a first cassette to hold
a reuse recording medium on which a discrimination information
image is formed; a reading device to read the discrimination
information image on the reuse recording medium conveyed from the
first cassette; a decoloring device provided at the downstream from
the reading device to decolor the discrimination information image
if a conveyed medium is the reuse recording medium; and an image
forming device to form an image and an updated discrimination
information image with erasable coloring agent on the recording
medium which the discrimination information image is decolored.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
cassette to hold an unused recording medium, wherein the image
forming device forms the image and the discrimination information
image with erasable coloring agent on the unused recording medium
if a conveyed medium is the unused recording medium from the second
cassette.
3. A document administration system, comprising: an administration
device to administer administration information of an image formed
by an image forming device on a recording medium with erasable
coloring agent in connection with discrimination information of the
recording medium, wherein the image forming device includes: a
first cassette to hold a reuse recording medium on which a
discrimination information is formed; a reading device to read the
discrimination information on the reuse recording medium conveyed
from the first cassette; a decoloring device provided at the
downstream from the reading device to decolor the discrimination
information if a conveyed medium is the reuse recording medium; and
an image forming device to form an image and an updated
discrimination information with erasable coloring agent on the
recording medium which the discrimination information is
decolored.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the image forming
device further includes a second cassette to hold an unused
recording medium, and wherein the image forming device forms the
image and the discrimination information with erasable coloring
agent on the unused recording medium if a conveyed medium is the
unused recording medium from the second cassette.
5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the administration
information includes usage rate of the recording medium, and
wherein the image forming device performs the print or copy
limitation depending the usage rate of the recording medium.
6. A document administration method, comprising: administering
administration information of an image formed on a recording medium
with erasable coloring agent in connection with discrimination
information of the recording medium; holding, in a first cassette,
a reuse recording medium on which a discrimination information is
formed; reading the discrimination information on the reuse
recording medium conveyed from the first cassette; decoloring the
discrimination information if a conveyed medium is the reuse
recording medium; and forming an image and an updated
discrimination information with erasable coloring agent on the
recording medium which the discrimination information is
decolored.
7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: holding, in
a second cassette, an unused recording medium, and forming the
image and the discrimination information with erasable coloring
agent on the unused recording medium if a conveyed medium is the
unused recording medium from the second cassette.
8. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: performing
a print or copy limitation depending a usage rate of the recording
medium.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No.
13/545,249, filed on Jul. 10, 2012, the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference. This application is based
upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese
Patent Application No. 2011-152922, filed on Jul. 11, 2011, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a document
administration system and a document administration method which
can form an image using erasable coloring agent.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Recently, it has been performed to print an image on a sheet
using erasable coloring agent such as ink including leuco dye, in
order to erase the formed image and make the sheet to be reused by
an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function
Peripheral). On the other hand, in case that various images are
printed on a sheet, the necessity to administer the sheet or to
administer the image data has been generated from a standpoint of
security, from the time of forming the image to the time of
decoloring, recycling or disposing the sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a
document administration system of a first embodiment;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a
printer of the first embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a
decoloring device of the first embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration
example composed mainly of a control system of the MFP and the
decoloring device of the document administration system of the
first embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a table showing administration information to
control with a QR code of the first embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing flows of the
document (image) administration and sheet administration by the
document administration system of the first embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a case to leave the
scanned image data as an image by the document administration
system of the first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a case to leave the
scanned image data as original data by the document administration
system of the first embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a table showing a configuration example of an
administration table of the document administration system of the
first embodiment, wherein (a) shows a memory area of information
related to a document (image) (manuscript) to be printed, (b) shows
a memory area of information related to each page to be printed,
(c) shows a memory area of information related to printed or copied
image, (d) shows a memory area of information related to an
operation log, (e) shows a memory area of information related to an
amount of usable sheets, and (f) shows a memory area of information
related to a used amount of sheets;
[0013] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example
of an operation image plane in the standby state of the first
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example
of a copy image plane of the first embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example
of a print image plane of the first embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example
of a decolor entry image plane of the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of copy and print
processing in the MFP and decolor entry processing in the
decoloring device of the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of copy and print
processing in the print server and decolor entry processing in the
decoloring device of the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing decoloring processing in the
decoloring device of the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an operation of the MFP in
the processing to guide a usage rate of sheets of the first
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an operation of the print
server in the processing to guide a usage rate of sheets of the
first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of processing to
transmitting a mail to remind the decoloring of a sheet of the
first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the
mail to remind the decoloring of a sheet of the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of print
limitation processing of the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a
document administration system of a second embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing processing to calculate an
amount of CO.sub.2 emission accompanied with the decoloring of a
sheet of the second embodiment; and
[0027] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing adjustment processing of the
amount of sheets to be decolored of the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a
document administration system including: an administration unit to
administer administration information of an image formed on a
recording medium in connection with discrimination information of
the recording medium; and a decoloring device including: a reading
unit to read a discrimination information image based on the
discrimination information, the discrimination information image
being formed on the recording medium with erasable coloring agent;
a decoloring unit to decolor the image formed on the recording
medium with erasable coloring agent after the reader has read the
discrimination information image; and a printer to print the
discrimination information image in which at least the number of
times of decoloring has been updated based on the discrimination
information image read by the reading unit on the recording medium
after decoloring.
[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described.
First Embodiment
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a document administration system 100 of a first
embodiment. The document administration 100 includes a digital
complex machine 1 (hereinafter, referred to simply as an MFP: Multi
Function Peripheral), a print server 2 serving as an administration
unit, a user administration server 3, a user terminal 4, a
decoloring device 6, a smartphone 50 and a mobile terminal 51 and
so on. Each of the MFP 1, the print server 2, the user
administration server 3, the user terminal 4, the decoloring device
6, the smartphone 50 and the mobile terminal 51 and so on is
provided with communication function to perform data communication,
and the MFP 1, the print server 2, the user administration server
3, the user terminal 4, the decoloring device 6, the smartphone 50
and the mobile terminal 51 and so on are connected to each other
with a local area network 5. The local area network 5 may be put
into practice with wireless communication. In addition, the
communication function may be put into practice with cloud
network.
[0031] The document administration system 100 administers an image
using discrimination information, for example, and administers the
sheet that is a recording medium on which the image is printed or
copied. The document administration system 100 publishes a print
ID, for example, as the discrimination information. The document
administration system 100 connects the print ID with administration
information to thereby administer the image and administer the
sheet.
[0032] The administration information includes, image data, time
and date of printing the image, a person to print the image, a
machine to print the image, security setting of the image (a
security level), expiration date of the image, kind of coloring
agent at the time of printing (whether or not it is erasable
coloring agent), generation information of the image (the number of
times of coping, for example) and so on, for example.
[0033] The MFP 1 performs a couple of image forming processings,
such as image forming processing with erasable coloring agent which
is decolorized with chemical reaction when heated to a prescribed
temperature and image forming processing with unerasable coloring
agent which is not decolorized even when heated to the prescribed
temperature. The MFP 1 forms an image with erasable coloring agent
in order to make the sheet to be reused. But, the image forming
processing with erasable coloring agent is not limited to the case
where the reuse of the sheet is aimed. In addition, the MFP 1 forms
a discrimination information image corresponding to the
discrimination information connected to the administration
information to administer the image on a sheet using erasable
coloring agent. The document administration system 100 performs
processing to store the discrimination information in connection
with the administration information having image data in a
prescribed memory area.
[0034] Here, "the discrimination information" is information to
discriminate a sheet and further discriminate image data in
connection with the sheet, and is information to identify the sheet
and the image formed on the sheet. In addition, "the discrimination
information image" is an image corresponding to the discrimination
information, and an image formed on the sheet. For example, the
discrimination information is a character string composed of
numeric characters and characters, and the discrimination
information image is an image, such as a bar code and a QR code
(registered trademark), indicating the discrimination information,
which is readable by an image reading sensor. As a matter of
course, if the discrimination information of the character string
is readable, the discrimination information of the character string
may be used as the discrimination information image without
modification. In addition, "the discrimination information image"
is an image corresponding to the discrimination information, and
when a sheet is made of tangled thin fibers made from wood pulp,
the pattern in tangled state of the fibers is the image readable by
an image reading sensor. In the following description, an example
to use an image of QR code as the discrimination information image
will be described
[0035] The MFP 1 is provided with scanner function, printer
function and network communication function. For example, the MFP 1
performs, as a network printer, print processing which is requested
from the user terminal 4, the smartphone 50 or the mobile terminal
51.
[0036] The print server 2 is a server computer. The print server 2
administers the print job which is requested from the user terminal
4, the smartphone 50 or the mobile terminal 51, for example. The
user administration server 3 administers user information. The user
terminal 4, the smartphone 50 or the mobile terminal 51 is a
terminal device which a user uses. The user terminal 4 may be a
personal computer, for example.
[0037] Next, the MFP 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the
MFP 1 includes an operation panel 7, a scanner (an image reader) 8,
a printer (an image forming unit) 9, a finisher 9a. The MFP 1
inputs and outputs image data through the local area network 5. The
MFP 1 functions as a copying machine, a scanner, a printer or a
network communication device.
[0038] The scanner 8 reads out an image on a document surface as
color image data or monochrome image data. The scanner 8 optically
scans the document surface to thereby read out the image on the
document surface.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the printer 9. The
printer 9 includes a non-decoloring image forming unit 91 to
perform image forming with unerasable coloring agent, for example,
and a decoloring image forming unit 97 to perform image forming
processing with erasable coloring agent.
[0040] The non-decoloring image forming unit 91 is a device to
perform image forming with an electrophotographic system, and
includes photoconductive drums 91K, 91C, 91M, 91Y, an intermediate
transfer belt 93 driven by a drive roller 92, and a fixing unit 95
and so on.
[0041] The photoconductive drums 91K, 91C, 91M, 91Y form
electrostatic latent images corresponding the color data of black
(K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) on the surfaces of the photo
conductors of the photoconductive drums 91K, 91C, 91M, 91Y, and
form developer images which are formed by exposing the
electrostatic latent images with developers (toners) supplied from
developing rollers, respectively. The developer images formed on
the photoconductive drums 91K, 91C, 91M, 91Y are transferred
(primarily transferred) to the intermediate transfer belt 93.
[0042] The intermediate transfer belt 93 transfers (secondarily
transfers) the transferred developer image on a sheet that is an
image forming target at a transferring position 94. The fixing unit
95 fixes the developer image transferred to the sheet at the
developed image transferring position 94 to the sheet with
heat.
[0043] At the time of forming an image on a sheet with unerasable
coloring agent, the fixing unit 95 heats the unfixed toner image at
a temperature of about 80-100.degree. C. to thereby perform
pressure fixing. In addition, the fixing unit 95 heats the sheet by
applying pressure at a relatively high temperature of
180-200.degree. C., for example, to thereby decolor the image on
the sheet formed with erasable coloring agent. Accordingly, the
fixing unit 95 is provided with also the function of a decoloring
device.
[0044] The decoloring image forming unit 97 is a unit to perform
image forming using decoloring ink that is erasable coloring agent
with in ink jet system. In the present embodiment, the decoloring
image forming unit 97 includes print heads 97K, 97C, 97M, 97Y
corresponding to decoloring inks of black (K), cyan (C), magenta
(M), yellow (Y) respectively, and jets inks corresponding to the
print heads respectively, to form the image on the sheet with the
decoloring inks.
[0045] Here, dye such as leuco dye can be used as the decoloring
ink that is the erasable coloring agent. And, if heated at about
180-200.degree. C., for example, this decoloring ink is decolored.
Accordingly, the image formed on a reuse sheet with erasable
coloring agent can be decolored by adjusting the temperature of the
fixing unit 95.
[0046] In addition, a sheet supply scanner 98 is provided at the
former stage of the fixing unit 95. The sheet supply scanner 98 is
composed of a scanner 98a to read out the surface of a sheet and a
scanner 98b to read out the rear surface of the sheet. In case that
a reuse sheet is supplied at the time of the image forming, for
example, the sheet supply scanner 98 reads out the discrimination
information image (QR code, for example) printed on the prescribed
position of the reuse sheet.
[0047] In addition, when the decolored image is formed again on the
sheet on which the image was formed, the sheet supply scanner 98
reads out the discrimination information image formed on the sheet
with unerasable coloring agent. Discrimination information is
obtained from the read discrimination information image, and the
image data corresponding to the obtained discrimination information
is specified, and thereby the image data can be formed and
reproduced in the form of an image on the sheet again.
[0048] The sheet supply unit 96 includes a first sheet cassette 96a
to supply a reuse sheet from which the image has been decolored,
and a second sheet cassette 96b to supply a new unused sheet. The
sheet supply unit 96 gives priority to the first sheet cassette
96a, for example, and supplies a sheet thereto.
[0049] In addition, the printer 9 includes a conveying portion 99.
The conveying portion conveys a sheet set in the sheet supply unit
96. In addition, the conveying portion 99 outputs the sheet having
the image as a print result.
[0050] In addition, the printer 9 is not limited to the example
shown in the drawing, but may be a printer which can perform image
forming using non-decoloring toner, and can perform image forming
using unerasable coloring agent.
[0051] Returning to FIG. 1, the operation panel 7 is a user
interface. The operation panel 7 includes various operation buttons
and a display unit 7a with a built-in touch panel, for example. The
operation panel 7 functions as an operating unit for a user to
input an operation instruction and a display unit to display guide
messages and so on to a user. The finisher 9a performs finishing
processing of the sheets on which the image is formed, such as
ejection, sorting and stapling of the sheets.
[0052] Next, the decoloring device 6 will be described. As shown in
FIG. 3, the decoloring device 6 includes an operation panel 6a
provided with operation buttons and a display unit, a sheet supply
unit 61, a scanner 62 that is a reader for reuse, a decoloring unit
63, a first conveying portion 64a, a second conveying portion 64b,
a third conveying portion 64c, a fourth conveying portion 64d, a
fifth conveying portion 64e, an in-printer 69, a sixth conveying
portion 64f, an in-printer 69, a first eject tray 66, a second
eject tray (a reject box) 67 and a third eject tray (a security
box) 68. The decoloring device 6 is provided with a network
communication function. The decoloring device 6 handles the sheet
depending on the security level requested from the print server
2.
[0053] The first conveying portion 64a conveys a sheet from a sheet
supply tray 61a of the sheet supply unit 61 to the scanner 62. The
second conveying portion 64b conveys the sheet from the scanner 62
to the decoloring unit 63. The third conveying portion 64c conveys
the sheet from the decoloring unit 63 to the scanner 62 again. The
fourth conveying portion 64d conveys the sheet from the scanner 62
to the first eject tray 66. The fifth conveying portion 64e conveys
the sheet from the scanner 62 to the reject box 67. The sixth
conveying portion 64f conveys the sheet from the scanner 62 to the
security box 68.
[0054] The first eject tray 66 recovers the sheet which is reusable
after the image has been decolored, for example. The reject box 67
recovers the sheet which is not reusable and is normally to be
disposed for recycling processing. The security box 68 is a box
with a key and a password, and recovers the sheet having high
security and requiring a separate processing (security
disposition). Regarding the sheet recovered in the security box 68,
a person in charge who is authorized to deal with the key and the
password performs security disposition, such as shredding
processing of the sheet with a shredder or dissolution treatment,
to thereby keep the security of the image data of the image on the
sheet. In addition, the in-printer 69 includes a first printer 69a
and a second printer 69b, and prints the discrimination information
image (QR code, for example) on the reuse sheet. The decoloring
device 6 performs the following operations (1)-(6).
[0055] (1) The scanner 62 reads out a sheet which is supplied from
the sheet supply unit 61 by the first conveying portion 64a. The
scanner 62 includes a first scanner 62a and a second scanner 62b,
and reads out both surfaces of the sheet. The scanner 62 reads out
the print status of the sheet and a discrimination information
image. (2) The decoloring device 6 performs recognition of the
discrimination information from the discrimination information
image which has been read out by the scanner 62, storing of the
image data, and so on. In addition, the sheet with a high security
level recognized from the read out discrimination information image
is recovered in the security box 68 by the sixth conveying portion
64f. Furthermore, the decoloring device 6, in case that break or
ruck is present in the sheet recognized from the print status read
out by the scanner 62, conveys the sheet to the reject box 67 by
the fifth conveying portion 64e. The sheet in which break or ruck
is not present is conveyed to the decoloring unit 63 by the second
conveying portion 64b. (3) The sheet conveyed to the decoloring
unit 63 is heated while passing through the decoloring unit 63, and
the decoloring unit 63 decolors the decoloring image (the image and
the discrimination information image) formed on the sheet with
heat. The decoloring unit 63 decolors the image of the sheet which
has been formed with erasable coloring agent by heating and
pressurizing the sheet at a relatively high temperature of
180-200.degree. C., for example. (4) The sheet which has passed
through the decoloring unit 63 is conveyed again to the scanner 62
by the third conveying portion 64c. The scanner 62 reads out again
the print status in order to confirm whether the image formed on an
image region with erasable coloring agent has surely been
decolored. (5) Based on the print status read out by the scanner
62, the discrimination information image (QR code, for example) in
which the information such as decoloring time and date, the number
of times of decoloring is updated is printed by the in-printer 69
on the sheet from which the image formed with erasable coloring
agent has surely been decolored, based on the discrimination
information image stored in (2). The in-printer 69 prints the
discrimination information image on the sheet with erasable
coloring agent. (6) The reuse sheet on which the discrimination
information image has been printed is conveyed to the first eject
tray 66 by the fourth conveying portion 64d. In addition, in case
that the image formed with unerasable coloring agent or an image
written by hand remains on the image region recognized from the
print status read out by the scanner 62, or in case that break or
ruck is generated as a result that the sheet is passed through the
decoloring unit 63, such a sheet is conveyed to the reject box 67
by the fifth conveying portion 64e.
[0056] In addition, the decoloring device 6 is not limited to a
device which decolors an image with heat. The decoloring device 6
decolors an image with light or decolors an image through chemical
reaction depending on the erasable coloring agent, for example.
[0057] Next, a configuration which is mainly composed of a control
system of the MFP 1 and the decoloring device 6 of the document
administration system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
4.
[0058] The MFP 1 has a system controller 10 which totally controls
each unit. The system controller 10 controls the scanner 8, the
printer 9 and the operation panel 7, for example. The system
controller 10 obtains information from the operation panel 7, the
print server 2 and the user administration server 3 connected
through the local area network 5, and further obtains information
which a user or an administrator has inputted from the user
terminal 4, the smartphone 50 and the mobile terminal 51.
[0059] The system controller 10 includes a processor 11 that is a
CPU, for example, a random access memory (RAM) 12, a read only
memory (ROM) 13, a nonvolatile memory 14, an image processing
section 15, a network interface (I/F) 16, a page memory 17, a hard
disk drive (HDD) 18 and a timer 19, and so on.
[0060] The processor 11 executes the control program stored in the
ROM 13, the nonvolatile memory 14 or the HDD 18 to thereby put
various processing functions into practice. The RAM 12 is a main
memory which functions as a working memory. The ROM 13 stores a
control program to control the operation of the MFP 1 and control
data and so on. The nonvolatile memory 14 is a rewritable
nonvolatile memory, and stores a control program so as to put
various processing functions into practice and control data. The
nonvolatile memory 14 holds setting information, for example.
[0061] The image processing section 15 performs image processing of
the image data read out by the scanner 8 or the image data received
through the network. The network interface (I/F) 16 is an interface
to communicate with the external device through the local area
network 5. The page memory 17 is a memory with a memory area in
which the image data of at least one page can be expanded. The HDD
18 is a mass storage memory for data storage. The HDD 18
accumulates image data to be printed. The timer 19 adjusts the
timing of the system of the MFP 1.
[0062] The print server 2 includes a processor 21 that is a CPU,
for example, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, an HDD 24 serving as an
information memory unit, a network interface (I/F) 25 and a timer
25.
[0063] The processor 21 controls the whole of the print server 2.
The processor 21 executes the program stored in the ROM 23 or the
HDD 24 to thereby put various processing functions into practice.
The processor 21 is provided with processing function to administer
images and to administer the sheets in the document administration
system 100. The processor 21 executes the program to thereby put
the processing function into practice. The RAM 22 is a working
memory. The ROM 23 stores a control program to control fundamental
operation of the print server 2 and control data and so on. The
network interface 25 is an interface to perform data communication
with each device in the local area network 5. The HDD 24 is a
memory for data storage. The HDD 24 is provided with an
administration table 27 to administer images to be printed in the
whole document administration system 100.
[0064] The user administration server 3 includes a processor 31
that is a CPU, for example, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, an HDD 34, and a
network interface (I/F) 35. The processor 31 controls the whole of
the server 3. The processor 31 executes the program stored in the
ROM 33 or the HDD 34 to thereby put various processing functions
into practice. The RAM 32 is a working memory. The ROM 33 stores a
control program to control fundamental operation of the server 3
and control data and so on. The HDD 34 is a memory for data
storage. The HDD 34 stores data for user authentication, for
example. The network interface 35 is an interface to perform data
communication with each device in the local area network 5.
[0065] In the user administration server 3, the processor 31 is
provided with user authentication function. The user authentication
function authenticates a user. The user authentication function
obtains user information such as a user ID or a password which a
user has inputted from the operation panel 7 of the MFP 1. The user
authentication function cross-checks the user information obtained
from the MFP 1 with the data for user authentication stored in the
HDD 34 to thereby determine the feasibility of the authentication.
In addition, the MFP 1, the user terminal 4, the decoloring device
6 and so on may read out the user information used for the user
authentication from an IC card which a user has.
[0066] In addition, the MFP 1 or the print server 2 may be provided
with all or a part of the functions provided in the user
administration server 3. The processor 11 of the MFP 1 or the
processor 21 of the print server 2 may put the user authentication
function into practice, for example. The data for user
authentication may be stored in the HDD 18 of the MFP 1 or the HDD
24 of the print server 2.
[0067] In addition, the MFP 1 or the user administration server 3
may be provided with all or a part of the functions provided in the
print server 2. The processor 11 of the MFP 1 or the processor 31
of the user administration server 3 may put each of the functions
into practice which the processor 21 puts into practice by
executing the program, for example. In addition all or a part of
the information stored in the administration table 27 may be stored
in the HDD 18 of the MFP 1 or the HDD 34 of the user administration
server 3.
[0068] The decoloring device 6 includes a system controller 65 to
totally control each unit. The system controller 65 controls the
operation panel 6a, the sheet supply unit 61, the scanner 62, the
decoloring unit 63, the first to sixth conveying portions 64a-64f,
the first to third eject trays 66-68 and the in-printer 69, for
example. The system controller 65 obtains information from the
operation panel 6a, the print server 2 and the user administration
server 3 connected through the local area network 5, and further
obtains information which a user or an administrator has inputted
from the user terminal 4, the smartphone 50 and the mobile terminal
51. The system controller 65 includes a processor 65a that is a
CPU, for example, a random access memory (RAM) 65b, a read only
memory (ROM) 65c, a nonvolatile memory 65d, a hard disk drive (HDD)
65e, a network interface (I/F) 65f and a timer 65g and so on.
[0069] The processor 65a executes the control program stored in the
ROM 65c, the nonvolatile memory 65d or the HDD 65e to thereby put
various processing functions into practice. The RAM 65b is a main
memory which functions as a working memory. The ROM 65c stores a
control program to control an operation of the decoloring device 6
and control data and so on. The nonvolatile memory 65d is a
rewritable nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory 65d stores a
control program to put various processing functions into practice
and control data. The nonvolatile memory 65d holds judgment level
information to judge whether a sheet is to be reused or rejected
and information of the setting temperature of the decoloring unit
63.
[0070] The HDD 65e is a mass storage memory for data storage. The
HDD 65e accumulates comparison data with the scanned result, for
example. The network interface (I/F) 65f is an interface to
communicate with the external device through the local area network
5. The timer 65g adjusts timing of the system of the decoloring
device 6.
[0071] Hereinafter, printing an image on a sheet and the
administration of the sheet on which the image is printed in the
document administration system 100 will be described.
[0072] The document administration system 100 is able to limit
printing the image or copying based on the discrimination
information. The document administration system 100 is able to
limit the processing of the sheet on which the image is printed
based on the discrimination information. The discrimination
information is connected to administration information, such as,
time and date of printing the image, a person to print the image, a
machine to print the image, security setting of the image,
expiration date of the image, kind of coloring agent of the printed
or copied image (whether or not it is erasable coloring agent),
generation information of the image, number of uses of a sheet,
machine history and so on.
[0073] Each time the document administration system 100 newly
creates a document (image), issues a document ID that is
information to discriminate the created document (image), and in
case that the newly created document (image) is printed or copied,
the document administration system 100 issues a print ID as the
"discrimination information". The print ID is connected to the
document ID. The print ID is information which is convertible into
code information such as a two-dimensional bar code or a QR code.
The document administration system 100 prints a code made by
imaging the print ID on a sheet. In this embodiment, each time an
image is printed or copied on an unused sheet, a QR code is printed
on the sheet at a prescribed position with decoloring ink, for
example. In addition, the QR code may include related information
other than the print ID.
[0074] The document administration system 100 administers various
administration information such as image data which is connected to
a QR code (print ID) in the print server 2. The document
administration system 100 obtains administration information from
the print ID obtained from the QR code printed on the sheet, and
puts the administration of, such as, printing, copying, scanning,
and data creation of the image into practice, and thereby puts the
administration of the sheet on which the image is printed into
practice.
[0075] In case that a document (image) is newly created in the user
terminal 4 and so on, and the newly created document (image) is
firstly printed or copied on a unused sheet, the MFP 1 prints a
document (image) connected to a new document ID on a new sheet. The
MFP 1 prints the document (image) on an image region of the sheet,
and in addition, prints a QR code made by imaging a print ID which
is further issued in connection with the new document ID on a
non-image region of the sheet at a prescribed position, for
example.
[0076] The document (image) connected to the document ID is printed
by any of the non-decoloring image forming unit 91 or the
decoloring image forming unit 97 depending on an instruction of a
user. The QR code is printed using erasable coloring agent in the
decoloring image forming unit 97. In case that the MFP 1 prints a
document (image), if the sheet supply scanner 98 reads out the QR
code and that the sheet is a reuse sheet is detected, the QR code
is once decolored by the fixing unit 95, and the decoloring image
forming unit 97 of the MFP 1 prints the document (image) on the
print image region on the sheet, and prints the QR code in which
the information such as the number of times of printing is updated
on the non-image region based on the QR code read by the sheet
supply scanner 98.
[0077] A sheet is administered by the QR code from the start of
using the sheet till reuse by decoloring, recycle or security
disposition of the sheet. In addition, every time a document
(image) is formed on a reuse sheet, the information of the reuse
sheet is added to a print ID issued for the formed document (image)
as the administration information.
[0078] In case that the document administration system 100 reads
out the QR code along with the document (image) printed on the
sheet by the scanner 8, adds further new administration information
or new sheet information which is newly obtained by reading by the
scanner 8 to the administration information or the sheet
information which has been stored already in the print server
2.
[0079] An example of administration information controlled by the
QR code in connection with a print ID (QR code) which is issued in
case that the document administration system 100 creates a new
document (image), and an example of administration information
added in connection with the print ID (QR code) in case that the
document (image) is read out by the scanner 62 in order to decolor
the printed document (image) by the decoloring device 6 are shown
in FIG. 5.
[0080] In case that a new document (image) is created (at the time
of creating an initial stage document (image)), or in case that a
document (image) is printed or copied (at the time of printing),
administration information which is given in connection with the
print ID (QR code) includes a company name, a division one belongs
to/a floor/an area, a creator, a print machine, print time and
date, a security level, a decoloring acceleration level, an
original data reference location (directory), print coloring agent
attribute/a fixing temperature/a transfer voltage, and a decoloring
temperature of print coloring agent and so on, for example.
[0081] In case that the document (image) is read by the scanner 62
in order to decolor the document (image), administration
information which is added in connection with the print ID (QR
code) includes a reading machine, reading time and date, decoloring
time and date, number of decoloring times, a decoloring
temperature, data information at the time of decoloring, conversion
of read data into PDF, PDF electronic data, a difference
(difference administration from original data for each generation
information), OCR processing of read data, OCR electronic data, and
OCR translation data, and so on, for example.
[0082] Next, an example of a flow of the document (image)
administration and the sheet administration which the document
administration system 100 puts into practice using a print ID (QR
code) will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
[0083] In (F1), a user creates a document A that is a new document
(image) composed of three pages by the user terminal 4. The print
server 2 issues a document ID to the document A, and issues a new
print ID for each page of the document A in connection with the
document ID. The print server 2 stores the administration
information shown in FIG. 5 and so on in the administration table
27 of the HDD 24, for example, in connection with each document ID
and each of the print IDs thereof.
[0084] In case that the MFP 1 prints the document A in (F2), when a
reuse sheet supplied from the first sheet cassette 96a is used,
since the QR code has been printed on the reuse sheet already, the
print server 2 supplies, based on the QR code read out by the sheet
supply scanner 98, the QR code information (QR code image) which is
made by imaging the print ID in which the information such as the
number of times of printing has been updated to the MFP 1. In
addition, in case that the MFP 1 prints the document A, when an
unused sheet supplied from the second sheet cassette 96b is used,
the print server 2 converts the print ID for the image of each page
into QR code information (QR code image) made by imaging each print
ID and supplies it to the MFP 1.
[0085] In case that the MFP 1 prints a first page of the document A
on a reuse sheet P1 in (F2), the MFP 1 prints the document (image)
on the image region by the non-decoloring image forming unit 91 or
the decoloring image forming unit 97. In addition, the MFP 1 prints
a QR code B1 which is updated by decoloring the printed QR code on
the non-image region. As a result, on the sheet P1, the document
(image) A1 is printed on the image region and the QR code B1 is
printed on the non-image region.
[0086] In addition, in case that a second page and a third page of
the document A are printed on unused sheets P2, P3, respectively,
the print server 2 supplies QR code information B2, B3 to the MFP 1
corresponding to print IDs for the respective images of documents
A2, A3 to be printed. The MFP 1 prints the documents (images) A2,
A3 on the image regions of the sheets P2, P3, respectively, by the
non-decoloring image forming unit 91 or the decoloring image
forming unit 97, and prints the QR codes B2, B3 on the reference
positions of the non-image regions of the sheets P2, P3 with
decoloring ink by the decoloring image forming unit 97,
respectively. As a result, on the unused sheet P2, the document
(image) A2 is printed on the image region and the QR code B2 is
printed upper right on the non-image region. On the unused sheet
P3, the document (image) A3 is printed on the image region and the
QR code B3 is printed upper right on the non-image region.
[0087] The print server 2, in connection with the print ID of the
first page, additionally stores the QR code so as to administer
that the document is printed on the reuse sheet P1 and the number
of generations (the number of times of printing) as further
administration information in the administration table 27. The
print server 2 additionally stores the respective numbers of
generations (the respective numbers of times of printing) in
connection with the prints ID of the second and third pages as
further administration information in the administration table
27.
[0088] Next, in the case of copying the sheet P1 and the sheet P2
in (F3), the MFP 1 scans the sheet P1 and the sheet P2 by the
scanner 8, for example, and converts the images of the sheet P1 and
the sheet P2 into scan image data. The MFP 1 transfers the scan
image (the image of the sheet P1 and the image of the sheet P2)
data to the print server 2. The print server 2 extracts the
respective QR code information (B1, B2) from the scan images of the
sheet P1 and the sheet P2. The print server 2 determines print IDs
of the respective documents (images) A1, A2 from the extracted QR
code information.
[0089] The print server 2 confirms the administration information
connected to the determined print IDs in the administration table
27 to thereby judge whether or not the sheet P1 and the sheet P2
can be copied. When that the sheet P1 and the sheet P2 can be
copied is judged, the print server 2 adds new administration
information such as the number of generations (the number of times
of printing), copy condition and so on to the administration
information connected to the two print IDs to thereby update the
administration table 27.
[0090] In case that the MFP 1 copies the sheet P1, when a reuse
sheet P4 having a QR code D1 is used, the print server 2 updates
the information such as the number of times of printing of the QR
code D1 read out by the sheet supply scanner 98, and supplies the
QR code information (QR code image) made by imaging the print ID to
the MFP 1.
[0091] The MFP 1 decolors once the QR code D1 on the non-image
region by the fixing unit 95, and copies the document (image) A1 on
the image region of the sheet P4 by the non-decoloring image
forming unit 91 or the decoloring image forming unit 97. In
addition, the MFP 1 prints the updated QR code C1 on the non-image
region.
[0092] In addition, in case that the MFP 1 copies the sheet P2,
when a unused sheet P5 supplied from the second sheet cassette 96b
is used, the print server 2 supplies new QR code information (QR
code image) which is made by imaging the QR code B2 in connection
with the print ID of the document (image) A2 to the MFP 1. The MFP
1 prints the document (image) A2 on the image region of the sheet
P5 by the non-decoloring image forming unit 91 or the decoloring
image forming unit 97, and prints a new QR code C2 upper right on
the non image region of the sheet P5 with the decoloring ink by the
decoloring image forming unit 97.
[0093] The print server 2, in connection with the print ID of the
document (image) A1, additionally stores the QR code C1 so as to
administer that the document is printed on the reuse sheet P4 and
the number of generations (the number of times of printing) as
further administration information in the administration table 27.
The print server 2, in connection with the print ID of the document
(image) A2, additionally stores the new QR code C2 and the number
of generations (the number of times of printing) as further
administration information in the administration table 27.
[0094] That a user writes handwritten memos t1, t2, t3 which are
not erasable by heat on the sheet P3 with a ballpoint pen or the
like, in (F4) is assumed.
[0095] Next, in (F5), the MFP 1 scans the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5 and
the sheet P3 on which the handwritten memos t1, t2, t3 are written,
and leaves the information in the form of PDF (image). As shown in
FIG. 7, the MFP 1 scans the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5 and the sheet P3
by the scanner 8, for example, to thereby convert the images into
scan image data. The MFP 1 transfers the scan image data to the
print server 2. The print server 2 extracts the QR code information
(B1, B2, C1, C2, B3) from the scan images, respectively. The print
server 2 determines the print IDs of the documents (images) A1, A2,
A3, from the extracted QR information, respectively.
[0096] The print server 2 confirms the administration information
connected to the determined print IDs in the administration table
27 to thereby judge whether or not the image data are convertible
to PDF. When that the documents (images) A1, A2, A3 are convertible
to PDF is judged, the print server 2 permits the user terminal 4,
for example, to convert them into PDF. The print server 2 adds new
administration information, such as a condition of conversion to
PDF, to the administration information connected to the respective
print IDs, to thereby update the administration table 27. For
example, a user can obtain image data in the form of PDF from the
user terminal 4 and can attach the image data to an e-mail. After
the images are converted into PDF, the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5 and
the sheet P3 are decolored for reuse in (F7), for example.
[0097] (F6) does not convert the scanned image data into PDF, but
administers the scanned image data in the form of the original
data. As shown in FIG. 8, the MFP 1 scans the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5
and the sheet P3 on which the handwritten memos t1, t2, t3 are
written, and converts the images into scan image data. The MFP 1
transfers the scan image data to the print server 2. The print
server 2 extracts the QR code information (B1, B2, C1, C2, B3) from
the scan images, respectively. The print server 2 determines the
print IDs of the documents (images) A1, A2, A3 from the extracted
QR code information, respectively.
[0098] The print server 2, in connection with the determined print
IDs, compares the original data (A1, A2, A3) stored in the
administration table 27 with the scan image data. Since the scan
image data (A1, A2) of the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5 are not different
from the original data, but are the same as the original data, the
scan image data is administered by the electronic data of the
original data. The print server 2 adds new administration
information such as the QR codes B1, B2, C1, C2 of the scanned
sheet P1, P2, P4, P5 to the administration information connected to
the print IDs of the documents (images) A1, A2 of the original
data, to thereby update the administration table 27.
[0099] In addition, the print server 2 compares the original data
(A3) stored in the administration table 27 in connection with the
print ID determined from the QR code information B3 obtained by
scanning the sheet P3 on which the handwritten memos t1, t2, t3 are
written, with the scan image data of the sheet P3 on which the
handwritten memos t1, t2, t3 are written. With respect to the scan
image data of the sheet P3, the OCR electronic data of the
handwritten memos t1, t2, t3 becomes a difference from the original
data A3. The print server 2 newly adds the OCR electronic data of
the difference to the administration table 27 to thereby update the
administration table 27, so that the data of the handwritten memos
t1, t2, t3 is added for storing to the original data of the
administration information connected to the print ID of the
document (image) A3 of the original data. The scanned sheets P1,
P2, P4, P5 and the sheet P3 are decolored for reuse in (F7), for
example.
[0100] After the sheets are scanned in (F5), the user decolors the
sheets P1, P2, P4, P5, P3 for reuse in (F7). As shown in FIG. 3,
the user sets the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5, P3 on the sheet supply
tray 61a of the decoloring device 6. When the user instructs to
start the decoloring operation by the operation panel 6a, the first
conveying portion 64a conveys the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5, P3 to the
scanner 62 in sequence. The scanner 62 scans the print statuses of
the sheets P1, P2, P4, P5, P3 and the QR codes B1, B2, C1, C2, B3,
respectively. The print server 2 extracts the QR code information
from the scan images of the QR codes B1, B2, C1, C2, B3,
respectively. The print server 2 determines print IDs of the images
from the extracted QR code information, respectively.
[0101] The print server 2 confirms security levels connected to the
respective determined print IDs in the administration table 27. For
example, in case that security disposition to surely dispose a
sheet is required for the sheets P1, P4 judged from the security
levels, the sixth conveying portion 64f conveys the sheets P1, P4
to the security box 68 with a key or a password. The sheets P1, P4
recovered in the security box 68 are security disposed. The print
server 2 adds the disposition processing of the sheets P1, P4 as
new administration information to the administration information
connected to the print IDs extracted from the QR codes B1, C1 of
the sheets P1, P4 and determined, to thereby update the
administration table 27 (F8).
[0102] In case that the sheets P2, P5, P3 are reused from the
security levels, if break or ruck is not present in the sheet from
the print status, the second conveying portion 64b conveys the
sheets P2, P5, P3 to the decoloring unit 63. The decoloring unit 63
heats the sheets P2, P5, P3 in sequence to thereby decolor the
images. The third conveying portion 64c conveys the sheets P2, P5,
P3 again to the scanner 62 in order to confirm whether the images
of the sheets P2, P5, P3 have been surely decolored.
[0103] The QR code information in which the information such as
decoloring time and date, the number of times of decoloring is
updated is printed by the in-printer 69 with decoloring ink on each
of the sheets P2, P5 from which the images have been surely
decolored from the print statuses read by the scanner 62. And the
sheets P2, P5 are conveyed to the first eject tray 66 by the fourth
conveying portion 64d and are reused. In addition, the sheet P3 on
which the handwritten memos t1, t2, t3, for example, are not erased
and remaining from the print status read by the scanner 62 is
conveyed to the reject box 67 by the fifth conveying portion 64e
and is recycle processed.
[0104] The print server 2 adds the reuse of the sheets P2, P5 as
new administration information to the administration information
connected to the print IDs which are extracted from the QR codes
B2, C2 of the sheets P2, P5 and determined, to thereby update the
administration table 27 (F9). In addition, the print server 2 adds
the recycle processing of the sheet P3 as new administration
information to the administration information related to the print
ID which is extracted from the QR code C3 of the sheet P3 and
determined, to thereby update the administration table 27
(F10).
[0105] Next, the administration table 27 to store information
including the example of the administration information which is
controlled by the QR code shown in FIG. 5 will be described with
reference to FIG. 9. The administration table 27 includes a
document (image) memory area 27a to store information related to a
document (image/manuscript) to be printed shown in FIG. 9(a), a
page memory area 27b to store information related to each page of
the document (image/manuscript) to be printed shown in FIG. 9(b), a
print data area 27c to store information related to an image which
is printed or copied shown in FIG. 9(c), an operation log memory
area 27d to store information related to an operation log shown in
FIG. 9(d), an acceptable amount memory area 27e to store
information related to an amount of usable sheets shown in FIG.
9(e), and a used amount memory area 27f to store information
related to a used amount of sheets shown in FIG. 9(f).
[0106] The document (image) memory area 27a stores a file name, the
number of pages of the document (image/manuscript) in connection
with a document ID issued in case that a new document
(image/manuscript) is created, for example, and further stores, in
master data, master data (a company name, division one belongs to/a
floor/an area, a creator, a security level, a decoloring
acceleration level, original data. In case that the original data
itself is not stored, the document (image) memory area 27a stores
an original data reference location (directory and so on). The file
name is a name as electronic data of the document (image)
(manuscript). The number of pages is a total number of pages of the
images composing the document (image). The master data is image
data to form a master of each of the page images composing the
document (image).
[0107] The page memory area 27b stores information related to
(individual image) in connection with the document ID, and further
corresponding to a created page ID which is information so as to
discriminate an image for each page of a document (image). The page
memory area 27b stores a page number, a security level, an
expiration date, an output flag, and so on, for example. The
document ID is common in the document (image) memory area 27a and
the page memory area 27b.
[0108] In case that the document administration system 100
registers a new document (image) in the administration table 27,
issues a page ID, and registers the information related to each
page of the document (image) in the administration table 27. The
security level indicates security setting for the image of the
relevant page. For example, any one of a level 1 (lowest) to a
level 5 (highest) in the order of ascending security degrees is set
as the security level. A user may set this security level at the
time of creating a document (image), or an administrator may set
this later.
[0109] The security level is information indicating authority to
print (copy), decolor and create data and so on for the image of
the relevant page. The expiration date is information indicating an
expiration date of printing (copying) and so on for the image of
the relevant page. A user may register the expiration date, or an
administrator may set the expiration date. The output flag is a
flag indicating whether or not printing and copying are permissible
for the relevant page.
[0110] The print data area 27c, in connection with the page ID and
further corresponding to a created print ID, stores a print ID of
one generation before, the number of generations, a decoloring
flag, a user ID and so on. In addition, the print data area 27c
stores the information related to print processing, such as an
attribute/a fixing temperature/a transfer voltage of print coloring
agent, a decoloring temperature of the print coloring agent. The
page ID is common in the page memory area 27b and the print data
area 27c.
[0111] The print ID discriminates a single print processing for an
image of one page. The print ID of one generation before is a print
ID at the time of the previous print processing for the print
processed image. The number of generations is the accumulated
number of times of printing for the image of the page which has
been printed by the relevant print processing. The page ID
indicates a page of the printed image. The user ID is the
information to discriminate a user who has performed the relevant
print processing. The attribute of the coloring agent indicates
whether or not the printed image can be decolored. The decoloring
flag is a flag to indicate whether or not the print result (sheet)
is decolored. In addition, the decoloring flag is updated by the
decoloring flag registration processing to register the decoloring
of a sheet.
[0112] The operation log memory area 27d stores information
indicating an operation history (operation log) by a user, such as
a time and date, an operation content, a size and so on, in
connection with the print ID (user ID). In addition, the operation
log memory area 27d stores a machine and so on.
[0113] The time and date is information indicating a time and date
when an operation (processing) is executed. The user ID is
information to identify a user who has executed the operation
(processing). The operation content (processing content) is
information indicating the content of the executed operation
(processing). As the operation content (processing content), print,
copy, scan, decolor, recycle, security disposition processings and
so on are registered. The size is information indicating a size of
the operated (processed) sheet. The print ID discriminates the size
of the operated (processed) sheet. The machine is information to
discriminate a machine which is operated (processed) and (a
processing condition). The print ID is common in the print data
area 27c and the operation log memory area 27d.
[0114] The acceptable amount memory area 27e stores, in connection
with the user, ID information related to an acceptable amount of
sheets which can be used for print or copy such as an office
acceptable amount (sheets), a floor, an acceptable amount (sheets)
by floor, a division, an acceptable amount (sheets) by area, an
acceptable amount (sheets) by user.
[0115] The office acceptable amount is information indicating an
acceptable amount of sheets which can be printed or copied in the
whole office. The floor and the acceptable amount by floor indicate
an acceptable amount of sheets which can be printed or copied in
each floor. The division and the acceptable amount by division
indicate an acceptable amount of sheets which can be printed or
copied in each division. The user ID and the acceptable amount by
user indicate an acceptable amount of sheets which can be printed
or copied by each user. The administrator sets information such as
the acceptable amounts stored in the acceptable amount memory area
27e.
[0116] The used amount memory area 27f stores, in connection with
the user ID, information related to a used amount of sheets used by
print or copy, such as, a sheet used amount (sheets), an acceptable
amount (sheets), a usage rate (%) and so on. The information
related to the used amount of sheets can be set for each individual
or group for which the acceptable amount is set. The user ID is
common in the print data area 27c, the operation log memory area
27d, the acceptable amount memory area 27e and the used amount
memory area 27f.
[0117] The sheet used amount is information indicating an amount of
the sheets which the corresponding user is using. The acceptable
amount is information indicating an acceptable amount of sheets
which the corresponding user can print or copy. The usage rate is
information indicating a ratio of the used amount of sheets to the
acceptable amount.
[0118] Next, copy or print processing in the document
administration system 100 will be described.
[0119] The document administration system 100 shall copy, print or
decolor a sheet, in order to identify a user who has performed copy
or print, depending on an instruction of the user whose
authentication has succeeded. The MFP 1 performs user
authentication by the user administration server 3, using user
information (a user ID and a password) which a user has inputted in
the operation panel 7, or user information obtained from an ID card
such as an IC card presented by a user.
[0120] Next, examples of copy, print and decoloring registration
processing in the MFFP 1 will be described.
[0121] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an
operation image plane in a standby condition which is displayed on
the display unit 7a of the operation panel 7 in case that the user
authentication has succeeded. In the operation image plane shown in
FIG. 10, the display panel 7a displays a user name 70a, a copy
button 70b, a print button 70c and a decolor entry button 70d. A
user pushes the copy button 70b when performing copy by the MFP 1,
pushes the print button 70c when performing print, and pushes the
decolor entry button 70d when decoloring a sheet.
[0122] When a user pushes the copy button 70d, for example, the MFP
1 displays a copy image plane 71a on the display unit 7a. FIG. 11
is a display example of the copy image plane 71a. A user can input
various copy settings on the copy image plane 71a which displays
the user name 70a shown in FIG. 11. On the copy image plane 71a,
the user inputs copy setting and instructs start of copying. When
the user instructs the start of copying, the MFP 1 starts copy
processing for a document set by the user.
[0123] When a user pushes the print button 70c, the MFP 1 displays
a print image plane 71b on the display unit 7a. FIG. 12 is a
display example of the copy image plane 71b. On the print image
plane 71b shown in FIG. 12, data which the relevant user can print
are displayed by a list. On the print image plane 71b, the user
specifies data to be printed and instructs start of printing. When
the user instructs start of printing, the MFP 1 starts print
processing for the print data specified by the user.
[0124] When a user pushes the decolor entry button 70d, the MFP 1
displays a decolor entry image plane 71c on the display unit 7a.
FIG. 13 is a display example of the decolor entry image plane 71c.
A user can input setting related to the decoloring processing of a
sheet on the decolor entry image plane 71c shown in FIG. 13. The
user sets a sheet to be decolored on the scanner 8 and instructs
start of decolor entry on the decolor entry image plane 71c. When
the user instructs start of the decolor entry, the MFP 1 starts
decolor entry processing for the sheet set by the user. In
addition, a check box and "security disposition, inevitably" are
displayed so that a sheet with a high security level can be
directly disposed not by the decoloring processing. If "v" is
written in the check box, and "security disposition, inevitably" on
display is touched, the disposition processing can be
performed.
[0125] Copy processing in the MFP 1 will be described with
reference to FIG. 14. A user who requests copying sets a document
on the scanner 8 of the MFP 1, inputs copy setting by the operation
panel 7, and instructs start of copying. Here, it is assumed that,
under the condition that the copy image plane 71a is displayed as
shown in FIG. 11, a user sets a document on which a QR code is
printed on the scanner 8 and inputs instruction to perform coping
by the operation panel 7.
[0126] The system controller 10 of the MFP 1 receives the
instruction to perform copying from the operation panel 7. In case
that the instruction to perform copying is received (ACT101, YES),
the processor 11 reads the document set by the user by the scanner
8 (ACT102). The processor 11 of the system controller 10 transmits
a scan image and QR code information of the document which have
been read by the scanner 8 to the print server 2 (ACT103). After
transmitting the scan image of the document to be copied, the
processor 11 of the system controller 10 becomes in a wait state
for receiving print data from the print server 2.
[0127] Receiving the print data from the print server 2 which has
determined the print ID of the scan image from the QR code
information and has judged that the print data can be copied
(ACT104, YES), the processor 11 of the system controller 10 prints
the received print data on a sheet by the printer 9 (ACT105). When
printing the print data on the sheet by the printer 9 is completed,
the processor 11 of the MFP 1 transmits a notification indicating
completion of printing to the print server 2 that is a transmission
source of the relevant print data, through the network interface 16
(ACT106).
[0128] Print processing in the MFP 1 will be described with
reference to FIG. 14. A user to request print processing in the MFP
1 specifies a document (image) (image data) to be printed by the
print image plane 71b of FIG. 12, and inputs an instruction to
perform printing.
[0129] The system controller 10 of the MFP 1 receives the
instruction to perform printing from the operation panel 7. In case
that the instruction to perform printing is received (ACT111, YES),
the processor 11 obtains information (a document ID and a page ID,
for example) indicating image data of the print target specified by
the user (ACT112).
[0130] After transmitting the information indicating the image data
of the print target, the processor 11 of the system controller 10
becomes in a wait state for receiving print data from the print
server 2 (ACT104). Receiving the print data (PJL) from the print
server 2 which has determined the document ID and the page ID and
has judged that the print data can be printed (ACT104, YES), the
processor 11 of the system controller 10 prints the received print
data on a sheet by the printer 9 (ACT105). When printing the print
data on the sheet by the printer 9 is completed, the processor 11
transmits a notification indicating completion of printing to the
print server 2 that is a transmission source of the relevant print
data through the network interface 16 (ACT106).
[0131] In addition, the print processing by the MFP 1 may be
started depending on a print request from the user terminal 4. In
case that the print processing is performed depending on the print
request from the user terminal 4, the user terminal 4 performs
processings of the above-described ACT111-ACT112, and the MFP1
performs the processings of the above-described ACT104-ACT106.
[0132] Next, copy processing and print processing in the print
server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In case that
the print server 2 receives a copy request from the MFP 1 (ACT201,
YES), the print server 2 obtains the scan image and the QR code
information of a document from the MFP 1.
[0133] When the scan information of the document including the QR
code information is received, the processor 21 of the print server
2 extracts the QR code information (QR code image) from the scan
image (ACT202). Extracting the QR code information from the scan
image, the processor 21 of the print server 2 recognizes (decodes)
the extracted QR code information (ACT203). The processor 21
determines a print ID from the QR code information. The print ID is
issued each time an image is printed on a sheet.
[0134] After decoding the QR code information extracted from the
scan image, the processor 21 of the print server 2 issues a new
print ID given to a sheet on which the image of the relevant
document is to be copied (ACT204). The processor 21 registers, in
connection with the newly issued print ID, the information such as
the page ID of the image of the document, the print ID of one
generation before, the number of generations in the print data area
27c of the administration table 27, (ACT205). The processor 21
searches the administration table 27 to thereby determine the page
ID corresponding to the print ID of the document, the print ID of
one generation before, and the number of generations, for
example.
[0135] In addition, the processor 21 can convert (encode) the print
ID into QR code information (ACT206). In case that the MFP 1 uses a
reuse sheet, the processor 21 updates the QR code previously
printed on the reuse sheet, and supplies the QR code information
(QR code image) which is made by imaging the print ID to the MFP 1.
In case that the MFP 1 uses a unused sheet, the processor 21
converts the print ID for the image of each page into the QR code
information (QR code image) which is made by imaging the print ID
and supplies it to the MFP 1.
[0136] In case that the MFP 1 prints an image on a sheet, the
processor 21 forms print data in which the QR code information is
arranged (the image for printing and the QR code image are
combined) on the non-image region (ACT207). In addition, in the
case of the copy processing, the processor 21 may determine image
data of the master of the relevant document specified from the
print data area 27c and the page memory area 27b of the
administration table 27 as an image for printing.
[0137] After forming the print data, the processor 21 transmits the
formed print data to the MFP 1 (ACT208). After the print data is
transmitted, the print server 2 waits for a print completion
notification from the MFP 1 (ACT209). In case that the notification
of the print completion is received from the MFP 1 (ACT209, YES),
the processor 21 of the print server 2 registers the relevant print
processing in the operation log memory area 27d (ACT210). For
example, the processor 21 registers, in relation to the print ID,
the time and date when printing (copying) is performed, the user ID
of the user who has instructed printing, the information indicating
that the processing content is copying or printing, and the size of
the printed sheet in the operation log memory area 27d as the
history information of the print processing (or copy processing)
for one case.
[0138] In addition, the processor 21 updates the print data area
27c and the used amount memory area 27f (ACT211, ACT212-ACT215).
After the print completion notification is received, for example,
the processor 21 updates the decoloring flag corresponding to the
print ID of the printing completed sheet to the information "false"
indicating non-decolored or during use in the print data area 27c
(ACT211).
[0139] After the print completion notification is received, the
processor 21 determines the user ID corresponding to the print ID
of the printing completed sheet (the user ID of the user which is
to be updated in the used amount memory area 27f). Having
determined the user ID of the printing completed sheet, the
processor 21 counts the number of sheets which the user of the
relevant user ID has not decolored (during use) from the
information registered in the operation log memory area 27d
(ACT212). The number of sheets which the user is using may be
counted by adding the number of newly printed sheets to the used
amount of the sheets which has been registered in the used amount
memory area 27f.
[0140] When the used amount of sheets of the user to be updated is
counted, the processor 21 obtains the acceptable amount of sheets
for the relevant user from the acceptable amount memory area 27e
(ACT213). The processor 21 calculates a usage rate of sheets for
the relevant user from the obtained used amount and the acceptable
amount of sheets (ACT 214). For example, the processor 21
calculates the usage rate of sheets by (used amount)/(acceptable
amount).times.100[%]. Having calculated the usage rate, the
processor 21 updates the used amount of sheets and the usage rate
of sheets corresponding to the relevant user ID (ACT 215).
[0141] In addition, in case that the printer server 2 receives a
print request from the MFP 1 or the user terminal 4 (ACT221, YES),
the processor 21 of the print server 2 moves to ACT204, and issues
a new print ID given to a sheet on which the received image for
printing is to be printed (ACT204). After issuing the print ID for
the image data for printing, the processor 21 executes the
processing of the above-described ACT205 to ACT215.
[0142] The document administration system 100 stores the
information indicating the state of the sheet on which the document
is copied by copy processing or the sheet on which the image is
printed by print processing in the administration table 27, and
stores the information related to the used amount of sheets for
each user in the used amount memory area 27f. According to the
document administration system 100, the copied or printed sheet can
be administered, and the used amount of the sheets for each user
can easily be administered.
[0143] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT201 to ACT215) which the print
server 2 executes. Each of the processings ACT201 to ACT215 is a
function which the processor can put into practice by executing the
program. For this reason, the processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute
each of the processings ACT201 to ACT215. According to the
embodiment in which the processor 11 of the MFP 1 executes each of
the processings ACT201 to ACT215, even the stand-alone MFP 1 can
put the above-described copy processing and print processing into
practice.
[0144] Next, the decolor entry processing in the document
administration system 100 will be described. The decolor entry
processing is processing to register the decoloring of a sheet that
is the print result depending on the security level, for example.
In the decolor entry processing, the MFP 1 scans the sheet to be
decolored by the scanner 8. The MFP 1 transmits the scanned image
of the sheet to be decolored to the print server 2. The print
server 2 identifies the sheet to be decolored (print ID, for
example) by the QR code information included in the scanned image.
Having identified the print ID of the sheet to be decolored, the
print server 2 updates the state of the sheet to be decolored into
information indicating that the sheet is in the decolored state.
That is, the print server 2 makes the decoloring flag indicating
the state of the sheet corresponding to the relevant print ID
"true" (information indicating decolored state).
[0145] However, the processing to scan a sheet to be decolored may
be performed by a device which is separate from the MFP 1 and
capable of data communication with the print server 2 through the
network 5. For example, the scanner 62 of the decoloring device 6
to decolor the image of the sheet on which the image has been
formed with erasable coloring agent may execute the processing to
scan the sheet to be decolored, for example. This decoloring device
6 is provided with a function to transmit the QR code of the sheet
to be decolored to the print server 2. Having identified the print
ID of the sheet to be decolored by the QR code information read out
by the scanner 62, the print server 2 makes the flag indicating the
state of the sheet corresponding to the relevant print ID "true"
(information indicating decolored state).
[0146] In the following description, it is assumed that the scanner
8 of the MFP 1 scans a sheet to be decolored in the decolor entry
processing. The decolor entry processing in the MFP 1 will be
described with reference to FIG. 14. A user to request the decolor
entry sets a sheet to be decolored on the scanner 8 of the MFP 1,
and instructs start of the decolor entry by the operation panel 7.
When the user pushes the decolor entry button 70d in the standby
image plane shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 7a of the operation
panel 7 displays the decolor entry image plane 71c as shown in FIG.
13.
[0147] In the system controller 10 of the MFP 1, in case that an
instruction of start of the decolor entry is received from the
operation panel 7 (ACT121, YES), the processor 11 reads out an
image (an image including information indicating a sheet to be
decolored) of a sheet to be decolored set by the user by the
scanner 8 (ACT122). The processor 11 of the system controller 10
transmits the scan image of the sheet to be decolored which is read
out by the scanner 8 and the decolor entry request to the print
server 2 (ACT123).
[0148] In addition, the MFP 1 may transmit the QR code information
indicating the sheet to be decolored to the print server 2, in
place of the scan image of the sheet to be decolored. The MFP 1 may
decode the QR code image included in the scanned image of the sheet
to be decolored, and may transmit the print ID of the sheet to be
decolored which is determined from the decoded QR code information
along with the decolor entry request to the print server 2.
[0149] In addition, information indicating a sheet to be decolored
such as a print ID may be inputted from the operation panel 7. In
this case, the MFP 1 has only to transmit the information
indicating the sheet to be decolored such as the print ID inputted
from the operation panel 7 along with the decolor entry request to
the print server 2.
[0150] After the MFP 1 transmits the decolor entry request, the
processor 11 of the system controller 10 waits for a notification
of decolor entry completion from the print server 2 (AVT124).
Having received the notification of the decolor entry completion
from the print server 2 (ACT124, YES), the processor of the MFP 1
displays a guide message indicating that the decolor entry is
completed on the display unit 7a (ACT125).
[0151] Next, the decolor entry processing in the print server 2
will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In the case of
receiving the decolor entry request (ACT231, YES), the print server
2 obtains the scan image of the sheet to be decolored including the
QR code information along with the decolor entry request. When the
scan image of the sheet to be decolored including the QR code
information is obtained, the processor 21 of the print server 2
extracts the QR code information (QR code image) from the scan
image (ACT232). Having extracted the QR code information from the
scan image, the processor 21 recognizes (decodes) the extracted QR
code information (ACT233). The processor 21 determines the print ID
from the QR code information.
[0152] After decoding the QR code information extracted from the
scan image, the processor 21 of the print server 2 registers
information indicating that the sheet of the print ID determined
from the QR code information has been decolored in the operation
log memory area 27d (ACT234). For example, the processor 21
registers, in connection with the print ID, the time and date when
the decoloring is performed, the user ID of the user who has
instructed the decolor entry, the information indicating that the
processing content is decoloring (reuse, recycle, security
disposition) and the size of the decolored sheet in the operation
log memory area 27d as the history information of the decolor entry
processing for one case. Having registered the history information
indicating the decolor entry processing in the operation log memory
area 27d, the processor 21 notifies that the decolor entry is
completed to the MFP 1 (ACT235). The reuse means that the image on
the sheet is decolored to thereby use the sheet again. The recycle
means that the used sheets are used as raw materials and are
combined to form recycled sheets. The security disposition means
that the sheet on which the information with high security is
printed is disposed.
[0153] After obtaining the print ID of the sheet to be decolored,
the processor 21 of the print server 2 updates the print data area
27c and the used amount memory area 27f (ACT211, ACT212 to ACT215).
As the updating processing of the print data area 27c, the
processor 21 updates the decoloring flag corresponding to the print
ID of the sheet to be decolored to "true" (information indicating
the decolored state) in the print data area 27c, for example
(ACT211).
[0154] In addition, as the update processing of the used amount
memory area 27f, the processor 21 determines the user ID (the user
ID of the user which is to be updated in the used amount memory
area 27f) corresponding to the print ID of the decolored sheet, for
example. Determining the user ID of the user who has decolored, the
processor 21 counts the number of sheets which the user of the
relevant user ID has not decolored (during use) from the
information registered in the operation log memory area 27d
(ACT212). The processor 21 may subtract the number of the decolored
sheets from the used amount of the sheets which has been registered
in the used amount memory area 27f to thereby count the number of
sheets which the user is using.
[0155] When the used amount of sheets of the user to be updated is
counted, the processor 21 obtains the acceptable amount of sheets
for the relevant user from the acceptable amount memory area 27e
(ACT213). The processor 21 calculates a usage rate of sheets for
the relevant user from the obtained used amount and the acceptable
amount of sheets (ACT 214). The processor 21 calculates the usage
rate of sheets by (used amount)/(acceptable amount).times.100[%].
Having calculated the usage rate, the processor 21 updates the used
amount of sheets and the usage rate of sheets corresponding to the
relevant user ID in the used amount memory area 27f (ACT 215).
After updating the print data area 27c and the used amount memory
area 27f, the processor 21 may identify the decolor entry
completion to the MFP 1.
[0156] In the above-described decolor entry processing, the
document administration system 100 scans an image of a sheet to be
decolored by the scanner 8, and discriminates the print ID of the
sheet from the QR code information included in the scanned image.
The document administration system 100 discriminates the user ID
from the print ID, registers the information related to the
decolored sheet in connection with the print ID in the operation
log memory area 27d, updates the state of the sheet identified by
the print ID to the decolored state in the print data area 27c, and
also updates the information indicating the used amount in the used
amount memory area 27f. According to the above-described decolor
entry processing, the decoloring of the copied or printed sheet can
be administered, and the used amount of the sheets for each user
can easily be administered.
[0157] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT231 to ACT235, ACT211 to ACT215)
which the print server 2 executes. Each of the processings ACT231
to ACT235, ACT211 to ACT215 is a function which the processor can
put into practice by executing the program. For this reason, the
processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute each of the processings
ACT231 to ACT235, ACT211 to ACT215. If the processor 11 of the MFP
1 executes each of the processings ACT231 to ACT235, ACT211 to
ACT215, even the stand-alone MFP 1 can put the above-described
decolor entry processing into practice.
[0158] A user decolors a sheet whose decolor entry has been
completed in ACT125 by the decoloring device 6. The decoloring
device 6 decolors a sheet which the user desires to be decolored
including the sheet whose decolor entry has been completed.
[0159] The decoloring processing by the decoloring device 6 will be
described with reference to FIG. 16. The user sets a sheet which
the user desires to be decolored in the sheet supply tray 61a, and
inputs start of decoloring operation from the operation panel 6a.
The processor 21 confirms the security level of the sheet from the
QR code information extracted from the QR code read out by the
scanner 62 (ACT901). In case that the sheet requires security
disposition to surely dispose the sheet from its security level
(ACT902, YES), for example, the decoloring device 6 conveys the
sheet to the security box 68 with a key or a password (ACT903). The
sheet recovered in the security box 68 is security disposed. The
print server 2 adds the security disposition processing of the
sheet to the administration information connected to the print ID
determined from the QR code information as new administration
information, to thereby update the administration table 27. The
processor 21 of the print server 2 registers the relevant security
disposition processing in the operation log memory area 27d
(ACT904) and finishes the decoloring processing of the sheet.
[0160] In case that a sheet is reused from the security level
(ACT902, NO), if break or ruck is not present in the sheet from the
print status scanned by the scanner 62 (ACT906, YES), the
decoloring unit 63 decolors the image of the sheet (ACT907). The
scanner 62 scans again the sheet in order to confirm whether the
image of the sheet has been surely decolored (ACT908). In case that
the image of the sheet has been surely decolored (ACT910, YES), the
decoloring device 6 conveys the sheet to the first eject tray 66
for reuse (ACT911). The print server 2 adds the reuse of the sheet
as new administration information to the administration information
connected to the print ID determined from the QR code information,
to thereby update the administration table 27. The processor 21 of
the print server 2 registers the relevant reuse processing in the
operation log memory area 27d (ACT912), and finishes the decoloring
operation of the sheet.
[0161] In case that the image of the sheet has not been surely
decolored (ACT910, NO), the decoloring device 6 conveys the sheet
to the reject box 67 (ACT913). The print server 2 adds the recycle
of the sheet as new administration information to the
administration information connected to the print ID determined
from the QR code information, to thereby update the administration
table 27. The processor 21 of the print server 2 registers the
relevant recycle processing in the operation log memory area 27d
(ACT914), and finishes the decoloring operation of the sheet.
[0162] In case that a sheet is reused from the security level, if
break or ruck is present in the sheet from the print status scanned
by the scanner 62 (ACT906, NO), the decoloring device 6 conveys the
sheet to the reject box for recycle (ACT913). The print server 2
adds the recycle of the sheet as new administration information to
the administration information connected to the print ID determined
from the QR code information, to thereby update the administration
table 27. The processor 21 of the print server 2 registers the
relevant recycle processing in the operation log memory area 27d
(ACT914), and finishes the decoloring operation of the sheet.
[0163] Next, processing to display a usage rate of sheets to a user
will be described with reference to FIG. 17. The document
administration system 100 is provided with a function to display a
usage rate to a logged-in user. The MFP 1 is provided with a
function to display a usage rate of sheets of a logged-in user on
the display unit 7a of the operation panel 7, for example.
[0164] The MFP 1 obtains user information from a user who desires
to login (ACT301). The user to login inputs user information such
as a user ID and a password from the operation panel 7 of the MFP
1, for example. In addition, the MFP 1 may read out an IC card
which a user to login possesses to thereby obtain the user
information. When the user information is obtained, the processor
11 of the system controller 10 of the MFP 1 transmits a user
authentication request along with the obtained user information to
the user administration server 3. The user administration server 3
performs user authentication from the user information obtained
from the MFP 1, and transmits the user authentication result to the
MFP 1.
[0165] In case that a notification indicating that the
authentication of the relevant user has failed is received from the
user administration server 3 (ACT302, NO), the processor 11
performs error processing such as retrying (ACT303). In case that a
notification indicating that the authentication of the relevant
user has succeeded is received from the user administration server
3 (ACT302, YES), the processor 11 of the MFP 1 requests information
indicating the usage rate of the sheets of the relevant user (the
user indicated by the user ID) to the print server 2 (ACT304). In
case that the authentication has succeeded, the MFP 1 obtains the
user ID in order to identify at least the relevant user from the
user administration server 3. That is, the processor 11 requests
the usage rate of sheets corresponding to the user ID of the user
who has succeeded in the authentication to the print server 2.
[0166] After requesting the information indicating the usage rate
of sheets, the processor 11 enters a wait state for receiving the
information indicating the usage rate of sheets from the print
server 2. In case that the information indicating the usage rate of
sheets of the user from the print server 2 is received (ACT305,
YES), the processor 11 displays the present usage rate of sheets of
the user on the display unit 7a of the operation panel 7 (ACT306).
The processor 11 may display the used amount of sheets of the user
along with the usage rate of sheets by the user, for example, or
may display the usage rate of sheets of the division, the floor or
the whole office. In addition, the processor 11 may display the
usage rate of sheets on the standby image plane shown in FIG.
10.
[0167] The operation of the print server 2 in the processing to
display the usage rate of sheets will be described with reference
to FIG. 18. It is assumed that the print server 2 has received a
notification request of the usage rate of sheets corresponding to
the designated user ID from the MFP 1. In case that the
notification request of the usage rate of sheets is received
(ACT401, YES), the processor 21 of the print server 2 searches the
used amount memory area 27f with the designated user ID, to thereby
obtain the usage rate of sheets corresponding to the relevant user
ID from the used amount memory area 27f (ACT402). When the usage
rate of sheets corresponding to the relevant user ID is obtained,
the processor 21 transmits the information indicating the obtained
usage rate of sheets to the MFP 1 (ACT403).
[0168] In addition, the processor 21 may execute the processings of
ACT212 to ACT215 shown in FIG. 15 as the processing of ACT402. That
is, in case that the usage rate of sheets is requested, the
processor 21 may calculate the usage rate from the used amount and
the acceptable amount of sheets of the relevant user and may notify
the usage rate to the MFP 1. In case that the processings of ACT212
to ACT215 shown in FIG. 15 are executed as the processing of
ACT402, the processings of ACT212 to ACT215 can be omitted in the
print processing and the decolor entry processing shown in FIG.
15.
[0169] In addition, the print server 2 may also obtain information
(used amount (the number of used sheets), the acceptable amount and
so on, for example) except the usage rate of sheets corresponding
to the relevant user ID from the each of the areas 27c to 27f and
may notify such information to the MFP 1. In this case, the MFP 1
can also display the information except the usage rate of sheets on
the display unit 7a of the operation panel 7.
[0170] In the above-described display processing of the usage rate,
in case that a user has logged in, the MFP 1 obtains the usage rate
of sheets of the logged-in user from the print server 2. The MFP 1
displays the present usage rate of sheets of the relevant user from
the print server 2 on the display unit 7a of the operation panel 7.
Since the usage rate of sheets of oneself is displayed on the
display unit 7a, each time the user logs in the user can recognize
the present using status of the sheets.
[0171] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT401 to ACT403) which the print
server 2 executes. Each of the processings ACT401 to ACT403 is a
function which the processor can put into practice by executing the
program. For this reason, the processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute
each of the processings ACT401 to ACT403. If the processor 11 of
the MFP 1 executes each of the processings ACT401 to ACT403, even
the stand-alone MFP 1 can put the above-described processing to
guide the usage rate of sheets to the user into practice.
[0172] Next, processing (decoloring acceleration processing) to
accelerate a user whose usage rate of sheets is high to decolor a
sheet will be described with reference to FIG. 19. The print server
2 is provided with a function to transmit a mail to accelerate a
user whose usage rate of sheets is high to decolor a sheet. The
print server 2 judges whether or not the usage rate of sheets
exceeds a certain threshold value (80%, for example) for each user.
The print server 2 transmits a mail to a user whose usage rate of
sheets exceeds the threshold value to accelerate the decoloring of
a sheet whose expiration date is close. In addition, the decoloring
acceleration processing may be executed to all users having history
information to have used sheets in the document administration
system 100, or may be executed to all users (users whose usage rate
is 1% or more) who are using sheets.
[0173] The print server 2 performs processing (decoloring
acceleration processing) to transmit a mail for reminding a user
whose usage rate is high to decolor a sheet periodically (every
day, every 10 days, once every week or every month, or the like,
for example). In addition, the print server 2 may perform the
decoloring acceleration processing depending on an instruction of
an administrator of the document administration system 100. In the
decoloring acceleration processing, the processor 21 refers to the
used amount memory area 27f, to thereby check the usage rate of
sheets for each user.
[0174] The processor 21 determines a user whose usage rate of
sheets is to be checked (ACT501). The processor 21 refers to the
used amount memory are 27f, and judges whether or not the usage
rate of sheets of the relevant user is not less than the threshold
value (80%, for example) for reminding the decoloring (ACT502).
[0175] In case that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant user
is not less than the threshold value to remain the decoloring (ACT
502, YES), the processor 21 refers to the operation log memory area
27d, to thereby check the sheet which the relevant user is using
(not decolored). The processor 21 obtains a list of the history
information of the relevant user from the operation log memory area
27d (ACT 503). The processor 21 determines history information to
be checked from the obtained list. The processor 21 checks whether
or not the decoloring of the sheet as the print result (including
the print result by copying) is to be accelerated for each history
information (ACT505).
[0176] The processor 21 may determine a sheet which is accelerated
for decoloring (sheet of candidate to be decolored) based on the
expiration date of the printed image which is set by a decoloring
acceleration level and the present time and date. In this case, the
processor 21 checks the state of the decoloring flag corresponding
to the print ID included in the relevant history information by the
print data area 27c. If the decoloring flag is in a state
indicating the non-decolored state, the processor 21 obtains the
expiration date for the image of the page ID corresponding to the
relevant print ID from the page memory area 27b. The processor 21
judges whether or not a period from the present time and date till
the obtained expiration date is within a period for the decoloring
acceleration (a week ago, 10 days ago, a month ago, 2 months ago,
and so on, for example). In case that the period till the
expiration date is within the period for the decoloring
acceleration, the processor 21 judges that the decoloring of the
sheet as the print result which the relevant history information
indicates is to be accelerated.
[0177] In addition, the processor 21 may determine a sheet which is
to be accelerated for decoloring depending on the security level of
the printed image which is set by the decoloring acceleration
level. In this case, the processor 21 checks the state of the
decoloring flag corresponding to the print ID included in the
relevant history information by the print data area 27c. If the
decoloring flag is in a state indicating the non decolored state,
the processor 21 obtains the security level for the image of the
page ID corresponding to the relevant print ID from the page memory
area 27b. The processor 21 judges whether or not the obtained
security level is a level for the decoloring acceleration (not more
than a security level "2", for example). In case that the security
level is the level for decoloring acceleration, the processor 21
judges that the decoloring of the sheet as the print result which
the relevant history information indicates is to be
accelerated.
[0178] In case that the sheet is judged as a sheet which is to be
accelerated for decoloring from the history information, the
processor 21 stores the information (the printed time and date, the
operation content, the file name, the page number and so on, for
example) related to the sheet judged to be accelerated for
decoloring in the memory such as the RAM 22 (ACT506). The
information related to the sheet judged to be accelerated for
decoloring is the information of the sheet which is accelerated for
decoloring which is stated in a mail transmitted to a user. In
other words, the processor 21 determines the information of the
sheet which is accelerated for decoloring depending on the
specification of the mail transmitted to the user to accelerate the
decoloring of the sheet.
[0179] In case that the information of the sheet which is
accelerated for decoloring is stored in the RAM 22 (ACT506), or in
case that the print result of the relevant history information is
not a sheet which is accelerated for decoloring (ACT505, NO), the
processor 21 judges whether or not the checked history information
is the last history information (whether or not all history
information for the relevant user have been checked) (ACT507). When
that next history information to be checked is present is judged
(ACT507, NO), the processor 21 returns to the above-described
ACT504 and checks the next history information.
[0180] When that checking all the history information for one user
has been completed is judged (ACT507, YES), the processor 21
creates a decoloring acceleration mail to be transmitted to the
user terminal 4 and so on, for example, of the relevant user
(ACT508). The decoloring acceleration mail is a mail for
stimulating a user to decolor a sheet. The processor 21 states the
information of the sheet judged to be accelerated for decoloring
based on the expiration date or the security level.
[0181] FIG. 20 shows an example of a decoloring acceleration mail
41 which is to be transmitted to the user terminal 4, and in the
decoloring acceleration mail 41, a user name 41a, a guide message
41b to accelerate the decoloring of a sheet, and a list 41c of the
sheets to become the candidates to be decolored as sheets
accelerated for decoloring are stated, for example. The processor
21, as the list 41c of sheets to become the candidates to be
decolored, creates a list of the sheets on which the images whose
expiration dates are close are printed, for example. In the case of
creating the list of the sheets whose expiration dates are close,
the processor 21 accumulates the history information indicating the
sheets whose expiration dates are close (sheets on which images
whose expiration date end within one month are respectively
printed), for example) in the memory such as the RAM 22, as the
information indicating the sheets of the candidates to be
decolored, by the above-described processing of ACT 506. The
processor 21 creates the list 41c of sheets to become the
candidates to be decolored in which the sheets on which images
whose expiration date are close are printed are arranged in
ascending order of the expiration date.
[0182] Or, the processor 21, as a list of sheets to become the
candidates to be decolored, creates a list of sheets on which
images with low security level are printed. In the case of creating
a list of the sheets on which the images with low security level
are printed as the list of sheets to become the candidates to be
decolored, the processor 21 extracts the history information
indicating the sheets with low security level (sheets on which the
images with the security level of not more than "2" are printed,
for example) as the information indicating the sheets of the
candidates to be decolored in the memory such as the RAM 22, in the
above-described processing of the ACT506. The processor 21 creates
a list of the sheets to become the candidates to be decolored in
which the sheets on which the images with low security level are
printed are arranged in ascending order of the security level.
[0183] In addition, the processor 21 may attach a thumbnail image
of the image printed on the sheet which is accelerated for
decoloring to the decoloring acceleration mail. For example, the
processor 21 refers to each of the areas 27a-27d to thereby obtain
the master data of the page printed on a sheet which is accelerated
for decoloring, and can create a thumbnail image from the obtained
master data.
[0184] Having created the decoloring acceleration mail, the
processor 21 transmits the created decoloring acceleration mail to
the relevant user (the user terminal 4, for example). The processor
21 obtains the mail address of the user of the transmission
destination to which the decoloring acceleration mail is to be
transmitted from the user administration server 3. The mail address
of the user may be stored in the HDD 24 and so on of the print
server 2.
[0185] In the case of transmitting the decoloring acceleration mail
(ACT509), or when that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant
user is less than the threshold value for decoloring reminder is
judged (ACT502, NO), the processor 21 judges whether or not the
usage rates of sheets for all users have been checked (whether or
not the usage rate of sheets for the last user has been checked)
(ACT510). When that a next user is present whose usage rate of
sheets is to be checked is judged (ACT510, NO), the processor 21
returns to the above-described ACT501, and checks the usage rate of
sheets of the next user. When that the usage rate of sheets for all
users have been checked is judged (ACT510, YES), the processor 21
finishes the relevant decoloring acceleration processing.
[0186] In addition, the processor 21 may output the information
related to the sheet of the candidate to be decolored which is
elected by the above-described decoloring acceleration processing
to the MFP 1 as the information to be displayed on the display unit
7a of the operation panel 7. The processor 21 may output the
information indicating the list of sheets to become the candidates
to be decolored which is described in the above-described
decoloring acceleration mail to the MFP 1, for example. In case
that the information indicating the list of sheets to become the
candidates to be decolored is obtained, the MFP 1 displays, as the
list of the candidates to be decolored, a list of candidates to be
decolored which are arranged in ascending order of the expiration
date or a list of candidates to be decolored which are arranged in
ascending order of the security level.
[0187] In the above-described decoloring acceleration processing,
the processor 21 transmits a decoloring acceleration mail to
accelerate a user whose usage rate is high to decolor a sheet. In
addition, in the decoloring acceleration processing, the processor
21 extracts the information indicating a sheet which is to be
accelerated for decoloring, such as a sheet on which an image with
the close expiration date is printed or a sheet on which an image
with low security level is printed, from each of the areas 27a to
27d, and writes the information indicating the sheet which is to be
accelerated for decoloring in the decoloring acceleration mail.
According to the decoloring acceleration processing, it is possible
to accelerate a user whose usage rate of sheets is high to decolor
a sheet. According to the decoloring acceleration processing, it is
possible to present the information indicating the sheet to become
the candidate to be decolored.
[0188] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT501 to ACT510) which the print
server 2 executes. Each of the processings ACT501 to ACT510 is a
function which the processor can put into practice by executing the
program. For this reason, the processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute
each of the processings ACT501 to ACT510. If the processor 11 of
the MFP 1 executes each of the processings ACT501-ACT510, the
stand-alone MFP 1 can put the above-described decoloring
acceleration processing into practice.
[0189] Next, print limitation processing which limits printing
depending on the usage rate of sheets for each user will be
described with reference to FIG. 21. The print limitation
processing depending on the usage rate of sheets is a processing in
which the print server 2 limits printing an image depending on the
usage rate of sheets in a stepwise fashion. The print server 2
prohibits printing an image of the security level according to the
usage rate of sheets. The print server 2 stores a plurality of
threshold values in order to limit output (print) in a stepwise
fashion. Each of the threshold values is a threshold value for the
usage rate of sheets. The print limitation by the print limitation
processing can be executed for each user, for each division, for
each floor, or for whole office. The print limitation processing
can limit printing depending on the usage rate of sheets of each
user, the usage rate of sheets of each division, the usage rage of
sheets of each floor, or the usage rate of sheets of whole
office.
[0190] The print server 2 performs the print limitation processing
depending on the usage rate of sheets periodically (every day,
every 10 days, once every week or every month, or the like, for
example). In addition, the print server 2 may perform the print
limitation processing each time to execute printing or depending on
an instruction of an administrator of the document administration
system 100. In the example of the print limitation processing shown
in FIG. 21, the processor 21 shall perform processing to limit
printing (print limitation processing) an image of the security
level ("1" to "5", for example) according to the usage rate of
sheets for each user.
[0191] The processor 82 determines a user whose usage rate of
sheets is to be checked (ACT601). The processor 82 determines the
users registered in the used amount memory area 27f as check
targets in sequence, respectively. When the user of the check
object is determined, the processor 82 judges, with reference to
the used amount memory area 27f, whether or not the usage rate of
sheets of the relevant user is not less than a first threshold
value for print limitation (70%, for example) (ACT602). In case
that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant user is less than the
first threshold value for print limitation (ACT602, NO), the
processor 21 releases the output (print) limitations of all sheets
for the relevant user (ACT603), and then the processing moves to
ACT614.
[0192] For example, the processor 21 obtains the print ID of the
sheet which the relevant user has outputted (copied or printed)
from the operation log memory area 27d, and makes the output flags
for the all pages corresponding to the obtained print ID "false
(output permission state) in the page memory area 27b. In addition,
the processor 21 may store, as the print limitation processing for
each user, the information indicating that the print limitation is
not present corresponding to the relevant user ID in the used
amount memory area 27f.
[0193] In case that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant user
is not less than the first threshold value for print limitation
(ACT602, YES), the processor 21 judges whether or not the usage
rate of sheets of the relevant user is not less than a second
threshold value for print limitation (75%, for example) (ACT604).
Here, that the second threshold value is larger than the first
threshold value is determined. In case that the usage rate of
sheets of the relevant user is not less than the first threshold
value for print limitation and less than the second threshold value
(ACT604, NO), the processor 21 prohibits the relevant user from
outputting (printing) the image whose security level is a first
level ("1", for example) (ACT605), and releases the output
prohibition for the image whose security level is other than "1"
(ACT606).
[0194] For example, the processor 21 obtains the print ID of the
sheet which the relevant user has outputted (copied or printed)
from the operation log memory area 27d, and in the page memory area
27b, makes the output flag of the page whose security level is "1"
out of the pages corresponding to the obtained print ID "true
(output prohibition state), and makes the output flag of the page
whose security level is other than "1" "false (output permission
state). In addition, the processor 21, as the print limitation
processing for each user, may store the information ("1", for
example) indicating the security level for print limitation
corresponding to the relevant user ID in the used amount memory
area 27f.
[0195] In case that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant user
is not less than the second threshold value for print limitation
(ACT604, YES), the processor 21 judges whether or not the usage
rate of sheets of the relevant user is not less than a third
threshold value for print limitation (100%, for example) (ACT607).
Here, that the third threshold value is larger than the second
threshold value is determined. In case that the usage rate of
sheets of the relevant user is not less than the second threshold
value for print limitation and less than the third threshold value
(ACT607, NO), the processor 21 prohibits the relevant user from
outputting (printing) the image whose security level is not more
than a second level ("2", for example) (ACT608), and releases the
output prohibition for the image whose security level is other than
"1" or "2" (ACT609).
[0196] For example, the processor 21 obtains the print ID of the
sheet which the relevant user has outputted (copied or printed)
from the operation log memory area 27d, and, in the page memory
area 27b, makes the output flag of the page whose security level is
"1" and "2" out of the pages corresponding to the obtained print ID
"true (output prohibition state), and makes the output flag of the
page whose security level is not less than "3" "false (output
permission state). In addition, the processor 21, as the print
limitation processing for each user, may store the information (not
more than "2", for example) indicating the security level for print
limitation corresponding to the relevant user ID in the used amount
memory area 27f.
[0197] In case that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant user
is not less than the third threshold value for print limitation
(ACT607, YES), the processor 21 obtains information indicating an
authority level of the relevant user (ACT610). For example, the
processor 21 asks the authority level of the user to the user
administration server 3, and obtains the information indicating the
authority level of the relevant user from the user administration
server 3. In addition, the authority level of each user may be
stored in the HDD 24 of the print server 2.
[0198] Obtaining the information indicating the authority level of
the user, the processor 21 judges whether or not the authority
level of the relevant user is an administrator level (ACT611). In
case that the authority level of the user is the administrator
level (ACT611, YES), the processor 21 prohibits the relevant user
from outputting (printing) the image whose security level is other
than a third level ("5", for example) (ACT612).
[0199] For example, the processor 21 obtains the print ID of the
sheet which the relevant user has outputted (copied or printed)
from the operation log memory area 27d, and in the page memory area
27b, makes the output flag of the all pages whose security levels
are other than "5" out of the pages corresponding to the obtained
print ID "true (output prohibition state), and makes the output
flag of the page whose security level is "5" "false (output
permission state). In addition, the processor 21, as the print
limitation processing for each user, may store the information
(other than "5", for example) indicating the security level for
print limitation corresponding to the relevant user ID in the used
amount memory area 27f.
[0200] In addition, in case that the authority level of the user is
not the administrator level (ACT611, NO), the processor 21
prohibits the relevant user from outputting (printing) all the
images (ACT613). For example, the processor 21 obtains the print ID
of the sheet which the relevant user has outputted (copied or
printed) from the operation log memory area 27d, and makes the
output flags of the all pages corresponding to the obtained print
ID "true (output prohibition state) in the page memory area 27b. In
addition, the processor 21, as the print limitation processing for
each user, may store that printing all the pages are prohibited
corresponding to the relevant user ID in the used amount memory
area 27f.
[0201] In the above-described processings of ACT610 to ACT612, if
the authority level of the relevant user is the administrator
level, the processor 21 permits printing only the image whose
security level is not less than "5". According to the
above-described processings of ACT610 to ACT612, even for the user
whose usage rate of sheets is not less than a threshold value to
prohibit printing all the images, it becomes possible to control so
that printing only the image whose security level is high is
permitted depending on the authority level. For example, an
administrator can print the image with a previously set security
level (security level "5", for example) regardless of the usage
rage of sheets.
[0202] In addition, the above-described processings of ACT610 to
ACT612 may be omitted. When the processings of ACT610 to ACT612 are
omitted, in case that the usage rate of sheets of the relevant user
is not less than the third threshold value for print limitation
(ACT607, YES), the processor 21 prohibits the relevant user form
outputting (printing) all the images, regardless of the authority
of the user (ACT613).
[0203] In case that the print limitation was performed for the
relevant user depending on the usage rate of sheets, the processor
21 judges whether or not the print limitation processings for the
all users have been completed (whether or not the print limitation
processing for the last user has been completed) (ACT614). Having
judged that a next user is present for whom the print limitation
processing is to be performed depending on the usage rate of sheets
(ACT614, NO), the processor 21 returns to the above-described
ACT601, and performs the print limitation processing for the next
user. Having judged that the print limitation processings for all
the users have been completed (ACT614, YES), the processor ends the
relevant print limitation processing.
[0204] In the above-described print limitation processing, the
processor 21 performs the print limitation depending on the usage
rate of sheets. For example, if the usage rate of sheets is higher,
the processor 21 limits the printable image to the image whose
security level is higher as well. According to the print limitation
processing, in case that the usage rate of sheets is high, printing
can be limited so as to make the user restrain from printing.
According to the print limitation processing, if the usage rate of
sheets is higher, it becomes possible not to perform printing the
image whose security level is higher as well.
[0205] In addition, in the print limitation processing, even in
case that the usage rate of sheets is at a level which prohibits
printing all the images, if a user is a person who has the
authority of a prescribed level or more (an administrator, for
example), the processor 21 permits the user to print only the image
whose security level is higher than the prescribed level (the
largest security level "5", for example). According to the print
limitation processing, the administrator can print the image of a
high security level regardless of the usage rate of sheets.
[0206] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT601-ACT614) which the print server
2 executes. Each of the processings ACT601-ACT614 is a function
which the processor can put into practice by executing the program.
For this reason, the processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute each of
the processings ACT601-ACT614. If the processor 11 of the MFP 1
executes each of the processings ACT601-ACT514, the stand-alone MFP
1 can put the above-described print limitation processing into
practice.
[0207] As shown in the first embodiment, since the QR code is
formed on the sheet, and the image data of the image formed on the
sheet is administered in connection with this QR code, even if an
image is newly formed on another sheet, or operation (processing)
such as an operation to newly form image data from the image on the
sheet is performed, the follow up administration of the image data
or the processing of the image can be performed. In addition, the
follow up administration of an operation (processing) such as image
forming on the sheet, reuse of a sheet, recycle of a sheet,
disposition of a sheet and so on is enabled by the QR code formed
on the sheet.
Second Embodiment
[0208] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second
embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment in the
configuration of an image forming system. In the second embodiment,
the same symbols are given to the same constituent components as
the constituent components described in the above-described first
embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The second embodiment includes an external system which can
communicate with the print server.
[0209] As shown in FIG. 22, in a document administration system 100
of the second embodiment, the print server 2 is connected to an
external system 81 so that they can communicate with each other
through a local area network 82. The external system 81 administers
data indicating an amount of emission of CO.sub.2 generated when
the document administration system 101 decolors a sheet or an
amount of emission of CO.sub.2 generated with the electricity
consumption and so on of the document administration system
101.
[0210] Next, calculation processing of an amount of emission of
carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) accompanied by the sheet decoloring will
be described with reference to FIG. 23. The print server 2 is
provided with a function to calculate an amount of CO.sub.2
emission from an amount of sheets which have been decolored within
a certain period (one month, for example). The print server 2 is
provided with a function to output the calculated amount of
CO.sub.2 emission to the external system through the network. As
the external system, an ecosystem to monitor the amount of CO.sub.2
emission in the whole office is assumed, for example. In addition,
the amount of CO.sub.2 emission can be calculated for each user,
each division, each floor, or each office (the whole document
administration system 101). Here, processing to calculate the
amount of CO.sub.2 emission accompanied by the sheet decoloring in
the whole document administration system 101 will be described.
[0211] The print server 2 performs processing of calculating an
amount of CO.sub.2 emission for each period to calculate an amount
of CO.sub.2 emission (every day, every 10 days, every week, once
every month or the like, for example). In addition, the print
server 2 may execute the calculation processing of the amount of
CO.sub.2 emission depending on the administrator of the document
administration system 101. The print server 2 can calculate the
amount of CO.sub.2 emission with the period which the administrator
of the document administration system 101 designates. In an example
of calculation processing of the amount of CO.sub.2 emission shown
in FIG. 23, that the processor 21 calculates the amount of CO.sub.2
emission depending on the amount of sheets which have been
decolored by the all users during a month is assumed.
[0212] The processor 21 of the print server 2 extracts the whole
history information of the sheets which all users have decolored
within a period (one month, for example) from the operation log
memory area 27d (ACT701). The processor 21 calculates the amount of
CO.sub.2 emission from each of the history information in sequence
(ACT702). The processor 21 obtains the size and number of the
decolored sheets from the history information that is a calculation
target (ACT703). The processor 21 calculates the amount of CO.sub.2
emission from the amount of CO.sub.2 emission for the size of the
sheet and the number of sheets (ACT704). It is said that the amount
of carbon dioxide generated by burning the sheets of 1 kg is 1.61
kg, for example. The processor 21 integrates the amounts of
CO.sub.2 emission calculated from each of the history information
and stores the integrated amounts in the memory such as the RAM 22
(ACT705).
[0213] The processor 21 executes the processings of ACT702 to
ACT705 for each history information of the sheets decolored within
one month (ACT706). Having calculated the amounts of CO.sub.2
emission from the whole history information of the sheets decolored
within one month (ACT706, YES), the processor 21 outputs a value
obtained by integrating the amounts of CO.sub.2 emission calculated
from each of the history information stored in the RAM 22 (the
amount of CO.sub.2 emission calculated from the whole history
information) to the external system 81 (ACT707). In addition, that
the external system 81 has an interface for data communication and
is to be connected to the document administration system 101
through the network is assumed.
[0214] The amount of CO.sub.2 emission is not limited to that
generated by decoloring a sheet, but the amount obtained by
converting the energy required for printing an image on a sheet
into CO.sub.2 may be added. For example, in order to print an image
on a sheet, energy such as electric power or developing material
(toner, ink and so on) is consumed. As the energy required for
printing an image on a sheet, an average value can be set for each
size. If the average value of the energy for each sheet size is
converted into CO.sub.2, the processor 21 can calculate, for each
sheet size, the amount of CO.sub.2 required for printing.
[0215] In the above-described calculating processing of the amount
of CO.sub.2 emission, the processor calculates the amount of
CO.sub.2 emission by the sheets decolored within a period from the
history information of the sheets decolored within the period. The
processor notifies the calculated amount of CO.sub.2 emission to
the external system as the amount of CO.sub.2 emission which is
generated by decoloring the sheets in the document administration
system 101. According to the above-described calculation processing
of the amount of CO.sub.2 emission, the external system can grasp
the amount of CO.sub.2 emission generated by decoloring the sheets
in the document administration system 101.
[0216] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT701-ACT707) which the print server
2 executes. Each of the processings ACT701-ACT707 is a function
which the processor can put into practice by executing the program.
For this reason, the processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute each of
the processings ACT701-ACT707. If the processor 11 of the MFP 1
executes each of the processings ACT701-ACT707, the stand-alone MFP
1 can put the above-described calculating processing of the amount
of CO.sub.2 emission into practice.
[0217] Next, adjustment processing of the amount of sheets to be
decolored depending on the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission will
be described with reference to FIG. 24. The print server 2 performs
the adjustment processing to adjust the amount of sheets to be
decolored according to the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission in the
whole office and so on. For example, the print server 2 adjusts the
amount of sheets to be decolored in the document administration
system 101, in order to keep the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission
in the whole office (the whole area including the document
administration system 101) including the amount of emission due to
the factor other than decoloring sheets such as power consumption
constant. For example, that the external system 81 which can
communicate with the print server 2 administers the data indicating
the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission (including the factor such as
power consumption) in the whole office for a month is assumed.
[0218] The print server 2 performs the adjustment processing of the
amount of the sheets to be decolored for each period (every day,
every 10 days, every week, or once every month or the like, for
example.) to perform the adjustment of the amount of the sheets to
be decolored. In addition, the print server 2 may execute the
adjustment processing of the amount of sheets to be decolored
depending on an instruction of an administrator of the document
administration system 101. The print server 2 can also execute the
adjustment processing of the amount of sheets to be decolored
within a period designated by the administrator. In the example of
the adjustment processing shown in FIG. 24, that the processor 21
executes the adjustment processing of the amount of sheets to be
decolored once every month is assumed.
[0219] The processor 21 of the print server 2 obtains data
indicating the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission for a month in the
whole office from the external system 81 (ACT801). The processor 21
compares the obtained total amount of CO.sub.2 emission with a
reference value (ACT802). For example, that the reference value of
the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission for a year is determined in
the whole office is assumed. In this case, the reference value of
the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission for a year is allotted to
twelve months to thereby determine the reference value for each
month.
[0220] In case that the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission obtained
from the external system 81 is less than the reference value
(ACT802, NO), the processor 21 executes processing (acceleration
processing to increase the amount of sheets to be decolored) to
accelerate increase of the amount of sheets to be decolored in the
document administration system 101 (ACT803).
[0221] For example, as the acceleration processing to increase the
amount of sheets to be decolored, the processor 21 decreases the
acceptable amount of sheets of each user (for example, decreases
the acceptable amount of sheets of the all users by 5%). The
acceptable amount of sheets is decreased to thereby cause each user
to accelerate decoloring sheets. In addition, the processor 21 may
determine a range of reduction of the acceptable amount from a
difference value between the obtained total amount of CO.sub.2
emission and the reference value.
[0222] In addition, as the acceleration processing to increase the
amount of sheets to be decolored, the processor 21 may shorten the
expiration date of an image printed on a sheet (shorten the
expiration date of two months ahead by one month). The expiration
date is shortened to thereby cause each user to accelerate
decoloring sheets. In addition, the processor 21 may determine an
amount to shorten the expiration date from a difference value
between the obtained total amount of CO.sub.2 emission and the
reference value.
[0223] In case that the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission obtained
from the external system 81 is not less than the reference value
(ACT802, YES), the processor 21 executes processing (acceleration
processing to decrease the amount of sheets to be decolored) to
accelerate decrease of the amount of sheets to be decolored in the
document administration system 101 (ACT804).
[0224] For example, as the acceleration processing to decrease the
amount of sheets to be decolored, the processor 21 increases the
acceptable amount of sheets of each user (for example, increases
the acceptable amount of sheets of the all users by 5%). The
acceptable amount of sheets is increased to thereby cause each user
to accelerate the delay of decoloring sheets. In addition, the
processor 21 may determine a range of increase of the acceptable
amount from a difference value between the obtained total amount of
CO.sub.2 emission and the reference value.
[0225] In addition, as the acceleration processing to decrease the
amount of sheets to be decolored, the processor 21 may extend the
expiration date of an image printed on a sheet (extends the
expiration date of not more than one month by one month). The
expiration date is extended to thereby cause each user to
accelerate the delay of decoloring sheets. In addition, the
processor 21 may determine an amount to extend the expiration date
from a difference value between the obtained total amount of
CO.sub.2 emission and the reference value.
[0226] In the above-described adjustment processing, the processor
21 obtains the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission by the power
consumption and so on from the external system 81, and if the total
amount of CO.sub.2 emission is not less than the reference value,
the processor 21 executes the acceleration processing to decrease
the amount of sheets to be decolored, and if the total amount of
CO.sub.2 emission is less than the reference value, the processor
21 executes the acceleration processing to increase the amount of
sheets to be decolored. According to the adjustment processing, it
becomes possible to make the total amount of CO.sub.2 emission
close to the reference value by decoloring the sheets in the
document administration system 101.
[0227] In addition, the MFP 1 may execute a part or all of the
above-described processings (ACT801 to ACT804) which the print
server 2 executes. Each of the processings ACT801 to ACT804 is a
function which the processor can put into practice by executing the
program. For this reason, the processor 11 of the MFP 1 can execute
each of the processings ACT801 to ACT804. If the processor 11 of
the MFP 1 executes each of the processings ACT801-ACT804, the
stand-alone MFP 1 can put the above-described adjustment processing
into practice.
[0228] As shown in the second embodiment, since--the QR code is
formed on the sheet, and the image data of the image formed on the
sheet is administered in connection with this QR code, the
follow-up administration of the image data or the image processing
can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In
addition, the operation (processing) of the sheets can be followed
up by the QR code formed on the sheet. According to the second
embodiment, since the operation (processing) of the sheet can be
followed up by the QR code, the amount of CO.sub.2 can be
administered in case that the sheet is operated (processed).
[0229] As shown in the first embodiment and the second embodiment,
the follow up administration of the image data of the image formed
on the sheet in connection with the QR code of the sheet is
enabled, and the operation (processing) of the sheet can be
followed up.
[0230] While certain embodiments have been described, those
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *