JP7494088B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image forming device.

Location-free printing is provided, in which a user sends a print job to a server, and then the job is printed on one of the image forming devices. The user sends a print job, such as monochrome printing or color printing, to the server via a terminal such as a PC.

There is also an image forming device that prints images using decolorizable toner that is erased by heating.

There is a demand for technology that allows location-free printing using print jobs that use erasable toner and image forming devices that print images with erasable toner.

JP 2009-294889 A

To solve the above problem, we provide an image forming device that can properly perform location-free printing using decolorizable toner.

According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a communication unit, a non-erasable printing unit, a reception unit, and a processor. The communication unit transmits and receives data to and from an external device. The non-erasable printing unit prints an image on a medium using non-erasable toner. The reception unit receives operation input. The processor acquires a print job from the external device through the communication unit, and if the print job is a decolorizing job, receives operation input through the reception unit to instruct printing with the non-erasable toner, and upon receiving the operation input, causes the non-erasable printing unit to execute printing based on the decolorizing job.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monochrome machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a hybrid machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the erasing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
A printing system according to an embodiment realizes location-free printing. The printing system stores a print job in a server in accordance with a user's operation. The printing system performs printing based on the print job in one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses in accordance with the user's operation. For example, the printing system is used in an office or an educational facility.

Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a printing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the printing system 1 includes a server 2, a user terminal 3, a color machine 10a, a monochrome machine 10b, a hybrid machine 10c, and an erasing machine 10d. The server 2 is communicatively connected to the user terminal 3, the color machine 10a, the monochrome machine 10b, the hybrid machine 10c, and the erasing machine 10d. Note that the printing system 1 may include configurations as necessary in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 1, or certain configurations may be excluded from the printing system 1.

Here, the color machine 10a, the monochrome machine 10b, the hybrid machine 10c, and the decolorizer 10d are examples of image forming devices 10.

The user terminal 3 sets the print job according to the user's operation. The user terminal 3 sets the print job using an application such as a printer driver. The user terminal 3 transmits the set print job to the server 2. For example, the user terminal 3 is a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a wearable terminal.

Here, the print job is either a normal color job, a color machine exclusive job, a color machine priority job, a normal erasure job, or an erasure only job.

A normal color job is a print job that causes the image forming device 10 to perform color printing. A normal color job allows printing in monochrome or with color-changing toner according to user operation. A normal color job deletes the print job from the server even if printing in monochrome or with color-changing toner is performed.

A color machine exclusive job is a print job that causes the image forming device 10 to perform color printing. A color machine exclusive job does not allow printing in monochrome or with decolorizable toner.

A color machine priority job is a print job that causes the image forming device 10 to perform color printing. A color machine priority job allows printing in monochrome or with color-changing toner according to user operation. A color machine priority job does not delete the print job from the server if monochrome printing or color-changing toner printing is performed.

A normal erasing job, which is an example of an erasing job, is a print job that causes the image forming device 10 to print using erasing toner. A normal erasing job allows printing in monochrome according to user operation. A normal erasing job deletes the print job from the server even if monochrome printing is performed.

A decolorization-only job is a print job that causes the image forming device 10 to print using decolorization toner. A decolorization-only job does not allow monochrome printing according to user operations.

The server 2, which is an example of an external device, manages print jobs. The server 2 acquires print jobs from the user terminal 3. The server 2 stores the acquired print jobs in association with the user's ID.

Furthermore, the server 2 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 10 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the server 2 transmits a print job corresponding to a user's ID to the image forming apparatus 10 in response to the request.
For example, the server 2 may be a desktop PC or a workstation.

The color machine 10a performs color printing in accordance with user operations. The color machine 10a prints images on media such as paper using color toner. The color machine 10a will be described in more detail later.

The monochrome machine 10b performs monochrome printing in accordance with operations from a user. For example, the monochrome machine 10b prints images on a medium such as paper using monochrome toner. The monochrome machine 10b will be described in more detail later.

The hybrid machine 10c performs monochrome printing or printing with decolorizable toner according to user operations. For example, the hybrid machine 10c prints an image on a medium such as paper using monochrome toner for monochrome printing. The hybrid machine 10c also prints an image on a medium such as paper using decolorizable toner such as blue for decolorizable toner printing. The hybrid machine 10c will be described in more detail later.

The erasing machine 10d prints with erasing toner according to user operations. For example, the erasing machine 10d prints an image on a medium such as paper using an erasing toner of a color such as blue. The erasing machine 10d will be described in more detail later.

Next, we will explain the color machine 10a.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the color machine 10a.
As shown in Fig. 2, the color machine 10a includes a processor 11a, a main memory 12a, a storage device 13a, a communication interface 14a, an operation panel 15a, a scanner 16a, an input image processing unit 17a, a page memory 18a, an output image processing unit 19a, and a color printing unit 20a. These units are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. The color machine 10a may include other units as necessary in addition to the units shown in Fig. 2, or certain units may be excluded from the color machine 10a.

The processor 11a has the function of controlling the operation of the entire color machine 10a. The processor 11a may include an internal memory and various interfaces. The processor 11a realizes various processes by executing programs stored in advance in the internal memory or the storage device 13a.

Some of the various functions realized by the processor 11a executing the programs may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor 11a controls the functions executed by the hardware circuit.

The main memory 12a is a volatile memory. The main memory 12a is a working memory or a buffer memory. The main memory 12a stores various application programs based on instructions from the processor 11a. The main memory 12a may also store data necessary for executing the application programs and the execution results of the application programs.

The storage device 13a is a non-volatile memory to which data can be written and rewritten. For example, the storage device 13a is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage device 13a stores control programs, applications, and various data according to the operational use of the color machine 10a.

The communication interface 14a, which is an example of a communication unit, is an interface that transmits and receives data to and from the server 2. For example, the communication interface 14a transmits and receives data to and from the server 2 through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). For example, the communication interface 14a is an interface that supports a wired or wireless LAN connection.

The operation panel 15a, which is an example of a reception unit and a display unit, receives input of various operations by the user operating the color machine 10a. The operation panel 15a transmits a signal indicating the operation input by the user to the processor 11a. For example, the operation panel 15a includes an input unit that receives an operation to select a print job. The operation panel 15a includes, for example, a keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a touch panel as an operation unit.

The operation panel 15a also displays various information to the user who operates the color machine 10a. That is, the operation panel 15a displays a screen showing various information based on a signal from the processor 11a. The operation panel 15a is equipped with, for example, a liquid crystal display as a display unit.

Scanner 16a optically scans the document and reads the image of the document as image data. Scanner 16a reads the document as a color image. Scanner 16a is composed of a sensor array formed in the main scanning direction. Scanner 16a moves the sensor array in the sub-scanning direction to read the entire document.

The input image processing unit 17a processes image data read by the scanner 16a. Note that the input image processing unit 17a may also process image data from a source other than the scanner 16a. For example, the input image processing unit 17a may process image data sent from a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a PC, a smartphone, etc.

The page memory 18a stores image data processed by the input image processing unit 17a or image data based on a print job from the server 2, and the like.
The output image processing unit 19a processes the image data stored in the page memory 18a so that the color printing unit 20a can print the image data on paper.

The color printing unit 20a, which is an example of a non-erasable printing unit, prints the image data processed by the output image processing unit 19a onto a medium such as paper, based on the control of the processor 11a. The color printing unit 20a prints the image data onto the medium in color.

For example, the color printing unit 20a prints image data on a medium using color toner, which is an example of a non-erasable toner. The color printing unit 20a has multiple toner cartridges of different colors, such as magenta, cyan, and yellow. The color printing unit 20a forms a toner image on each photosensitive drum using toner from each toner cartridge. The color printing unit 20a transfers the toner image from each photosensitive drum to a transfer belt. The color printing unit 20a transfers the toner image from the transfer belt to a medium such as paper. The color printing unit 20a fixes the toner image to the medium by heating the medium to which the toner image has been transferred using a fixing device. The color printing unit 20a ejects the medium to which the toner image has been fixed to the outside.

Next, we will explain the monochrome machine 10b.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the monochrome machine 10b.
As shown in Fig. 3, the monochrome machine 10b includes a processor 11b, a main memory 12b, a storage device 13b, a communication interface 14b, an operation panel 15b, a scanner 16b, an input image processing unit 17b, a page memory 18b, an output image processing unit 19b, and a monochrome printing unit 21b. These units are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. Note that the monochrome machine 10b may include other units as necessary in addition to the units shown in Fig. 3, or certain units may be excluded from the monochrome machine 10b.

The processor 11b, main memory 12b, storage device 13b, communication interface 14b, operation panel 15b, scanner 16b, input image processing unit 17b, page memory 18b, and output image processing unit 19b are similar to the processor 11a, main memory 12a, storage device 13a, communication interface 14a, operation panel 15a, scanner 16a, input image processing unit 17a, page memory 18a, and output image processing unit 19a, respectively.

The monochrome printing unit 21b, which is an example of a non-erasing printing unit, prints the image data processed by the output image processing unit 19b onto a medium such as paper, based on the control of the processor 11b. The monochrome printing unit 21b prints the image data onto the medium in monochrome.

For example, the monochrome printing unit 21b prints image data on a medium using black toner, which is an example of a non-erasable toner. The monochrome printing unit 21b forms a toner image on a photosensitive drum using toner from a toner cartridge. The monochrome printing unit 21b transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum to a transfer belt. The monochrome printing unit 21b transfers the toner image from the transfer belt to a medium such as paper. The monochrome printing unit 21b fixes the toner image to the medium by heating the medium to which the toner image has been transferred using a fixing unit. The monochrome printing unit 21b ejects the medium to which the toner image has been fixed to the outside.

Next, we will explain the hybrid machine 10c.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hybrid machine 10c.
As shown in Fig. 4, the hybrid machine 10c includes a processor 11c, a main memory 12c, a storage device 13c, a communication interface 14c, an operation panel 15c, a scanner 16c, an input image processing unit 17c, a page memory 18c, an output image processing unit 19c, a monochrome printing unit 21c, and a decolorizing printing unit 22c. These units are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. The hybrid machine 10c may include other units as necessary in addition to the units shown in Fig. 4, or certain units may be excluded from the hybrid machine 10c.

The processor 11c, main memory 12c, storage device 13c, communication interface 14c, operation panel 15c, scanner 16c, input image processing unit 17c, page memory 18c, output image processing unit 19c, and monochrome printing unit 21c are similar to the processor 11a, main memory 12a, storage device 13a, communication interface 14a, operation panel 15a, scanner 16a, input image processing unit 17a, page memory 18a, output image processing unit 19a, and monochrome printing unit 21b, respectively.

The erasing printing unit 22c prints the image data processed by the output image processing unit 19c onto a medium such as paper, based on the control of the processor 11c. The erasing printing unit 22c prints the image data onto the medium using erasing toner.

When the decolorizing toner is heated to the fixing temperature, it is fixed to a medium such as paper. The fixing temperature is, for example, about 80 to 110 degrees. Furthermore, the decolorizing toner is decolorized when it reaches a decolorizing temperature that is equal to or higher than the fixing temperature. In other words, the decolorizing toner becomes transparent when it is heated to the decolorizing temperature or higher. The decolorizing temperature is, for example, about 110 to 150 degrees.

For example, the erasing printing unit 22c prints image data on a medium using an erasing toner such as blue. The erasing printing unit 22c forms a toner image on a photosensitive drum using an erasing toner from a toner cartridge. The erasing printing unit 22c transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum to a transfer belt. The erasing printing unit 22c transfers the toner image from the transfer belt to a medium such as paper. The erasing printing unit 22c fixes the toner image to the medium by heating the medium to which the toner image has been transferred using a fixing unit. The erasing printing unit 22c ejects the medium to which the toner image has been fixed to the outside.

The monochrome printing unit 21c and the decolorizing printing unit 22c may be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the monochrome printing unit 21c and the decolorizing printing unit 22c may share a transfer belt, a fixing unit, and the like.

Next, we will explain the decolorizer 10d.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the decoloring machine 10d.
As shown in Fig. 5, the decolorizer 10d includes a processor 11d, a main memory 12d, a storage device 13d, a communication interface 14d, an operation panel 15d, a scanner 16d, an input image processing unit 17d, a page memory 18d, an output image processing unit 19d, and a decolorizer printing unit 22d. These units are connected to each other via a data bus, etc. The decolorizer 10d may include a configuration as necessary in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 5, or a specific configuration may be excluded from the decolorizer 10d.

The processor 11d, main memory 12d, storage device 13d, communication interface 14d, operation panel 15d, scanner 16d, input image processing unit 17d, page memory 18d, output image processing unit 19d, and erasing printing unit 22d are similar to the processor 11a, main memory 12a, storage device 13a, communication interface 14a, operation panel 15a, scanner 16a, input image processing unit 17a, page memory 18a, output image processing unit 19a, and erasing printing unit 22c, respectively.

Next, the functions realized by the image forming device 10 will be described. The image forming device 10 is an example of a color device 10a, a monochrome device 10b, a hybrid device 10c, and an erasing device 10d. The functions realized by the image forming device 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the storage device 13 or the like. The functions realized by the processors 11a to 11d are similar, so they will be described as the functions realized by the processor 11.

First, the processor 11 has a function of acquiring a list of print jobs from the server 2 .
Here, it is assumed that the user transmits a print job to the server 2 through the user terminal 3. It is assumed that the server 2 stores the transmitted print job in association with the user ID.

The processor 11 authenticates the user. For example, the processor 11 accepts input of information for authenticating the user through the operation panel 15. The processor 11 may also obtain information for authenticating the user through a card reader or the like. When the processor 11 accepts input of information for authenticating the user, it authenticates the user based on the information.

When the user is authenticated, the processor 11 obtains a list of print jobs set by the user from the server 2. For example, the processor 11 transmits a request for a print job corresponding to the user's ID to the server 2 via the communication interface 14. The processor 11 receives a response including the list of print jobs corresponding to the user's ID from the server 2 via the communication interface 14.
The list may include multiple print jobs.

The processor 11 also has a function of selecting a print job to be used for printing.
When the list of print jobs is acquired, the processor 11 displays the acquired list of print jobs on the operation panel 15. For example, the processor 11 displays information identifying the print jobs on the operation panel 15. The processor 11 may also display the contents of the print jobs on the operation panel 15.

When the list of print jobs is displayed on the operation panel 15, the processor 11 accepts an operation of selecting a print job from the list. For example, the processor 11 accepts a tap on the print job on the operation panel 15.
The processor 11 selects a print job in accordance with the accepted operation.

The processor 11 also has a function of performing printing according to a selected print job.
The processor 11 performs different operations depending on the print job, etc. Fig. 6 is a table showing the printing operations performed by the processor 11. Fig. 6 shows the operations for each print job and each image forming apparatus 10.

First, a case where the print job is a normal color job will be described.
When the processor 11 is the color machine 10a equipped with the color printing unit 20a, the processor 11 causes the color printing unit 20a to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2. For example, the processor 11 transmits a request to the server 2 via the communication interface 14 to delete the selected print job.

In addition, if the processor 11 is a monochrome machine 10b equipped with a monochrome printing unit 21b, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to print in monochrome. When the processor 11 receives an operation input via the operation panel 15 instructing to print in monochrome, the processor 11 causes the monochrome printing unit 21b to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

Furthermore, when the processor 11 is a hybrid machine 10c equipped with a monochrome printing unit 21c and a color erasing printing unit 22c, the processor 11 accepts an input of an operation to set either monochrome printing or printing with color erasing toner. When the processor 11 accepts the input of the operation, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to perform the set printing. When the processor 11 accepts an input of an operation to instruct the operation panel 15 to perform the set printing, the processor 11 causes the monochrome printing unit 21c or the color erasing printing unit 22c to perform the set printing based on the print job. When the processor 11 has performed the printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

In addition, when the processor 11 is the erasing machine 10d equipped with the erasing printing unit 22d, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to print with the erasing toner. When the processor 11 receives an operation input via the operation panel 15 instructing to print with the erasing toner, the processor 11 causes the erasing printing unit 22d to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

Next, a case where the print job is a color machine exclusive job will be described.
When the processor 11 is the color machine 10a, the processor 11 causes the color printing unit 20a to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

In addition, if the processor 11 is a monochrome machine 10b, a hybrid machine 10c, or a decolorizing machine 10d, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display that printing is not possible. For example, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a message indicating that printing is not possible.

Next, a case where the print job is a color machine priority job will be described.
When the processor 11 is the color machine 10a, the processor 11 causes the color printing unit 20a to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

In addition, if the processor 11 is a monochrome machine 10b, the processor 11 causes the monochrome printing unit 21b to execute printing based on the print job. Even when the processor 11 executes printing, the processor 11 maintains the print job on the server 2. In other words, the processor 11 does not send a request to the server 2 to delete the selected print job.

In addition, when the processor 11 is a hybrid machine 10c, it accepts input of an operation to set either printing in monochrome or with color-changing toner. When the input of the operation is accepted, the processor 11 causes the monochrome printing unit 21c or the color-changing printing unit 22c to execute printing set based on the print job. Even when printing is executed, the processor 11 maintains the print job of the server 2.

When the processor 11 is the erasing machine 10d, the processor 11 causes the erasing printing unit 22d to execute printing based on the print job. Even when the processor 11 executes printing, the processor 11 maintains the print job of the server 2.

Next, a case where the print job is a normal erasing job will be described.
When the processor 11 is the color machine 10a, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to perform monochrome printing. When the processor 11 receives an operation input instructing to perform monochrome printing via the operation panel 15, the processor 11 causes the color printing unit 20a to execute monochrome printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

When the processor 11 is the monochrome machine 10b, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to print in monochrome. When the processor 11 receives an operation input via the operation panel 15 instructing to print in monochrome, the processor 11 causes the monochrome printing unit 21b to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

When the processor 11 is the hybrid machine 10c, the processor 11 causes the erasing printing unit 22c to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

When the processor 11 is the erasing machine 10d, the processor 11 causes the erasing printing unit 22d to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

Next, a case where the print job is a job dedicated to erasing will be described.
When the processor 11 is the color machine 10a or the monochrome machine 10b, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a message indicating that printing is not possible. For example, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a message indicating that printing is not possible.

When the processor 11 is the hybrid machine 10c, the processor 11 causes the erasing printing unit 22c to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

When the processor 11 is the erasing machine 10d, the processor 11 causes the erasing printing unit 22d to execute printing based on the print job. After executing printing, the processor 11 deletes the print job from the server 2.

Next, an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
First, an example of operation will be described in which the print job is a normal color job, a color machine exclusive job, or a color machine priority job.

Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining examples of the operation of the image forming device 10 when the print job is a normal color job, a color machine exclusive job, or a color machine priority job.

First, the processor 11 of the image forming device 10 authenticates the user (ACT 11). Once the user is authenticated, the processor 11 acquires a list of print jobs corresponding to the user through the communication interface 14 (ACT 12). Once the list of print jobs has been acquired, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display the list of print jobs (ACT 13).

When the list of print jobs is displayed, the processor 11 determines whether an operation input for selecting a print job has been received through the operation panel 15 (ACT 14). If it is determined that an operation input for selecting a print job has not been received (ACT 14, NO), the processor 11 returns to ACT 14.

When it is determined that an input operation to select a print job has been received (ACT 14, YES), the processor 11 determines whether the device is a color device 10a (ACT 15). When it is determined that the device is not a color device 10a (ACT 15, NO), the processor 11 determines whether the selected print job is a job exclusively for color devices (ACT 16).

When it is determined that the selected print job is a job for a color machine only (ACT 16, YES), the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display that printing is not possible (ACT 17). After displaying that printing is not possible on the operation panel 15, the processor 11 returns to ACT 13.

When it is determined that the device is a color device 10a (ACT 15, YES), the processor 11 causes the color printing unit 20a to execute printing based on the selected print job (ACT 18).

If it is determined that the selected print job is not a job for a color machine (ACT 16, NO), the processor 11 determines whether it is a monochrome machine 10b (ACT 19).

If it is determined that the device is a monochrome device 10b (ACT 19, YES), the processor 11 sets printing in monochrome (ACT 20).

If the processor 11 determines that the device is not a monochrome device 10b (ACT 19, NO), the processor 11 determines whether the device is a hybrid device 10c (ACT 21). If the processor 11 determines that the device is a hybrid device 10c (ACT 21, YES), the processor 11 sets either monochrome printing or printing with decolorizing toner according to the operation input through the operation panel 15 (ACT 22).

If it is determined that the device is not a hybrid device 10c (ACT 21, NO), the processor 11 sets printing with decolorizable toner (ACT 23).

When monochrome printing is set (ACT 20), when either monochrome printing or printing with color-changing toner is set (ACT 22), or when printing with color-changing toner is set (ACT 23), the processor 11 determines whether the selected print job is a normal color job (ACT 24).

When it is determined that the selected print job is a normal color job (ACT 24, YES), the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen to confirm whether to perform the specified printing (ACT 25).

When the confirmation screen is displayed, the processor 11 determines whether an input operation to instruct to perform the printing set through the operation panel 15 has been received (ACT 26). If it determines that an input operation to refuse to perform the printing set through the operation panel 15 has been received (ACT 26, NO), the processor 11 returns to ACT 13.

If it is determined that the selected print job is not a normal color job (ACT 24, NO), or if it is determined that an input operation instructing to perform the set printing has been received (ACT 26, YES), the processor 11 causes the monochrome printing unit 21b, the monochrome printing unit 21c, the color erasing printing unit 22c, or the color erasing printing unit 22d to perform the set printing based on the selected print job (ACT 27).

When the set printing is executed, the processor 11 determines whether the selected print job is a color machine priority job (ACT 28).

If it is determined that the selected print job is not a color machine priority job (ACT 28, NO), or if printing is performed based on the selected print job (ACT 18), the processor 11 deletes the selected print job from the server 2 (ACT 29).

If it is determined that the selected print job is a color machine priority job (ACT 28, YES), or if the selected print job is deleted from the server 2 (ACT 29), the processor 11 ends the operation.

Next, we will explain an example of operation when the print job is a normal erasing job or a dedicated erasing job.

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image forming device 10 when the print job is a normal erasing job or a dedicated erasing job.

First, the processor 11 of the image forming device 10 authenticates the user (ACT 31). Once the user is authenticated, the processor 11 acquires a list of print jobs corresponding to the user through the communication interface 14 (ACT 32). Once the list of print jobs has been acquired, the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display the list of print jobs (ACT 33).

When the list of print jobs is displayed, the processor 11 determines whether an operation input for selecting a print job has been received through the operation panel 15 (ACT 34). If it is determined that an operation input for selecting a print job has not been received (ACT 34, NO), the processor 11 returns to ACT 34.

When it is determined that an input operation to select a print job has been received (ACT 34, YES), the processor 11 determines whether the device is a hybrid device 10c or a decolorizer device 10d (ACT 35).

If the processor 11 determines that it is neither a hybrid machine 10c nor an erasing machine 10d (ACT 35, NO), the processor 11 determines whether the selected print job is a job dedicated to erasing (ACT 36).

When it is determined that the selected print job is a job dedicated to erasing (ACT 36, YES), the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display that printing is not possible (ACT 37). After displaying that printing is not possible on the operation panel 15, the processor 11 returns to ACT 33.

When it is determined that the device is either the hybrid device 10c or the decolorizing device 10d (ACT 35, YES), the processor 11 causes the decolorizing printing unit 22c or the decolorizing printing unit 22d to perform printing with decolorizing toner based on the selected print job (ACT 38).

If it is determined that the selected print job is not a job for erasing only (ACT 36, NO), the processor 11 causes the operation panel 15 to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to print in monochrome (ACT 39).

When the confirmation screen is displayed, the processor 11 determines whether an input operation instructing to perform monochrome printing has been received through the operation panel 15 (ACT 40). If it determines that an input operation refusing to perform monochrome printing has been received through the operation panel 15 (ACT 40, NO), the processor 11 returns to ACT 33.

When it is determined that an operation input instructing to print in monochrome has been received through the operation panel 15 (ACT 40, YES), the processor 11 causes the color printing unit 20a or the monochrome printing unit 21b to execute monochrome printing based on the selected print job (ACT 41).

When printing with color-changing toner is performed based on the selected print job (ACT 38), or when printing in monochrome is performed based on the selected print job (ACT 41), the processor 11 deletes the selected print job from the server 2 (ACT 42).

When the selected print job is deleted from the server 2, the processor 11 terminates operation.

Note that the processor 11 does not have to delete the print job. The processor 11 may also delete the print job in accordance with an operation input to the operation panel 15.

The printing system configured as described above can execute a print job using non-erasable toner in an image forming device that supports printing with erasable toner, depending on the user's operation, etc. In this case, the printing system can delete or maintain the print job depending on the print job.

In addition, the printing system can execute print jobs that use decolorizable toner on an image forming device that supports printing with non-decolorizable toner, depending on user operations, etc.

As a result, the printing system can appropriately perform location-free printing using a print job that uses a color-changing toner and an image forming apparatus that supports printing with color-changing toner. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1...printing system, 2...server, 3...user terminal, 10...image forming device, 10a...color device, 10b...monochrome device, 10c...hybrid device, 10d...eraser, 11...processor, 11a...processor, 11b...processor, 11c...processor, 11d...processor, 12a...main memory, 12b...main memory, 12c...main memory, 12d...main memory, 13...storage device, 13a...storage device, 13b...storage device, 13c...storage device, 13d...storage device, 14...communication interface, 14a...communication interface, 14b...communication interface, 14c...communication interface, 14d...communication interface , 15...operation panel, 15a...operation panel, 15b...operation panel, 15c...operation panel, 15d...operation panel, 16a...scanner, 16b...scanner, 16c...scanner, 16d...scanner, 17a...input image processing unit, 17b...input image processing unit, 17c...input image processing unit, 17d...input image processing unit, 18a...page memory, 18b...page memory, 18c...page memory, 18d...page memory, 19a...output image processing unit, 19b...output image processing unit, 19c...output image processing unit, 19d...output image processing unit, 20a...color printing unit, 21b...monochrome printing unit, 21c...monochrome printing unit, 22c...erasing printing unit, 22d...erasing printing unit.

Claims (5)

A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device;
a non-erasable printing unit that prints an image on a medium using a non-erasable toner;
A reception unit that receives an input of an operation;
acquiring a print job from the external device through the communication unit;
If the print job is a decoloring job, an input of an operation instructing printing with the non-decoloring toner is received through the reception unit;
When the input of the operation is accepted, the non-erasing printing unit is caused to execute printing based on the erasing job.
A processor;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A display unit for displaying information is provided,
The processor,
When the print job is a job dedicated to erasing, the display unit displays a message indicating that printing is impossible.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device;
a decolorizing printing unit that prints an image on a medium using a decolorizing toner;
A reception unit that receives an input of an operation;
acquiring a print job from the external device through the communication unit;
If the print job is a normal color job, an input of an operation for instructing printing with the color-changing toner is received through the reception unit;
When the input of the operation is accepted, the erasing printing unit executes printing based on the normal color job.
A processor;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The processor,
When the print job is a color machine priority job, the color erasure printing unit executes printing based on the color machine priority job;
maintaining the print job on the external device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 . a monochrome printing unit that prints an image on a medium using monochrome toner;
The processor,
accepts, via the reception unit, an input of an operation for setting printing with the color-changing toner or printing in monochrome when the print job is the normal color job or the color machine priority job;
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.