JP2009137728A - Post-processing device and image forming device equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post-processing device capable of performing optimum confidential coping processing according to the presence or absence of the necessity of the confidential coping processing or a confidential level, when simple coping is enough for the confidential document. <P>SOLUTION: This post-processing device 14 is constituted of a folding means 14a, a staple means 14b and a control means for controlling the folding means 14a and the staple means 14b. The control means is provided with post-processing information capable of including confidential coping information on confidential coping of recorded sheet. The post-processing device 14 is constituted so that the control means may control the folding means 14a and the staple means 14b based on the presence or absence of inclusion of the confidential coping information in the post-processing information in relation to the recorded sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus used in an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the post-processing apparatus.

  Today, a digital multi-function peripheral having a copying function, a FAX function, a printing function, and the like is indispensable for office work in an office. An image forming apparatus is mainly used in this digital multi-function peripheral, and this image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming unit that forms (prints) an image on a recording sheet or the like.

  Some of these image forming apparatuses are provided with a post-processing device that stores recording paper or the like on which an image is formed by an image forming unit, and binds or binds (staple processing).

  By the way, today, various information is used by forming an image on a recording sheet. Some of this information does not want to be known by others. Therefore, in order to prevent the recording sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus from being read as a confidential document, the sheet is bound by a post-processing device provided in the image forming apparatus as a security countermeasure process. (For example, refer patent document 1).

The post-processing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 is configured to prevent the recording paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus from being read as a confidential document. The two sides are stapled, or the recording paper on which the image is formed is covered with another sheet, and the four sides are stapled.
JP-A-9-165136

  By the way, some confidential documents have high to low confidentiality levels, and all confidential documents require strict confidentiality processing to prevent them from being read as confidentiality processing. However, a simple handling may be sufficient for some confidential documents. In this case, it is reasonable to change the method of the security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process or the security level.

  However, in the post-processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, although there are a plurality of methods for handling confidentiality, all of them are considered to belong to a strict class of confidentiality handling processing for preventing interpretation. There are problems that the structure and control of the post-processing apparatus are complicated, and it is difficult to suppress an increase in the cost of the post-processing apparatus.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and as a confidential document, when a simple countermeasure is sufficient, depending on the necessity of the confidential countermeasure processing or the confidential level. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus capable of performing an optimum confidentiality handling process and an image forming apparatus provided with such a post-processing apparatus.

  The post-processing apparatus of the present invention includes folding means, stapling means, and control means. The folding means has a function of folding processing that folds the recorded paper on which the image is formed and conveyed by the image forming means. The stapling means has a stapling function for stapling the recorded paper folded in half by the folding means near the edge of the side opposite to the side of the paper folded in half. The control means has a function of controlling the folding means and the stapling means.

  In the post-processing apparatus, post-processing information that can include confidentiality handling information related to confidentiality handling of the recorded paper is provided to the control unit as the recorded paper is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus. Then, the control means controls the folding means and the stapling means based on the presence or absence of confidential information in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device.

  According to the post-processing apparatus described above, the folding means and the stapling means are controlled based on the presence / absence of the security information in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing apparatus. Therefore, the folding means and the stapling means can be operated only when the confidentiality handling process is necessary. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  In the post-processing apparatus, the following may be performed. That is, when the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device includes confidentiality handling information, the control means folds the recorded paper that has been conveyed. Control to do.

  In this way, the recorded paper that has been conveyed can be folded by the folding means only when confidentiality handling is required. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  In the post-processing apparatus, the following may be performed. In other words, the control means controls the stapling means based on the confidentiality handling information when the confidentiality handling information is included in the postprocessing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the postprocessing apparatus. is there.

  In this way, the stapling means can be controlled based on the security handling information for the recorded paper that has been conveyed only when the security handling processing is required. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  In the above case, the security countermeasure information may include any one of a plurality of security levels having different levels. In this case, when the security level of the security information included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device is the lowest level, the control unit records the recording transferred to the post-processing device. Control is performed so that the stapling unit does not perform stapling on the finished paper, and if the level is other than the lowest level, control is performed so that stapling is performed.

  By doing so, it is determined whether or not the stapling means performs the stapling process on the recorded paper depending on whether or not the security level is the lowest level. , Can handle the optimal confidentiality handling.

  In the above case, the security level other than the lowest level included in the security handling information is set to one of a plurality of security levels of different levels, and the staple processing of the recorded paper corresponding to the security level is performed. The number of staples and the staple position may be determined.

  In the above case, when the security level of the security information included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device is a level other than the lowest level, the control unit corresponds to the security level. According to the number of staples and the staple position, the stapling means controls to staple the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing apparatus.

  Here, the number of staples refers to the number of stapled portions in the vicinity of the edge of the side of the recorded sheet that is folded in half and that faces the folded side of the recorded sheet. The stapling position refers to a specific position of the portion to be stapled. Specifically, for example, when the folded side of the recorded paper is the left side and the side near the edge to be stapled is the right side, the position near the upper end of the right side or the lower end of the right side It is a position.

  As described above, when the confidentiality level of the confidential information is a level other than the lowest level, it is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus by the stapling means according to the number of staples and the staple position corresponding to the confidential level. Staple processing can be performed on the recorded paper. Accordingly, when a simple countermeasure is sufficient as a confidential document, an optimum confidentiality processing can be performed according to the necessity of the confidentiality processing.

  Further, an image forming apparatus can be configured with the post-processing apparatus as a constituent element. The image forming apparatus includes the image forming unit included in the above description as a constituent element, and the image forming unit includes a double-sided image forming function.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, when the security information is included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device, the address is included in the security information and before being transferred to the post-processing device. The destination is formed by the image forming unit on the back side of the surface of the recorded sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

  According to this image forming apparatus, when the security information is included in the post-processing information, the recorded sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is compared with the recorded sheet before being conveyed to the post-processing apparatus. A destination is formed on the rear surface of the surface by the image forming means. Therefore, it is convenient as a confidential handling process when a simple handling is sufficient as a confidential document.

  According to the present invention, the folding means and the stapling means of the post-processing apparatus are controlled based on the presence or absence of confidentiality handling information in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing apparatus. Therefore, the folding means and the stapling means can be operated only when the confidentiality handling process is necessary. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  Further, when the confidential information is included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device, the folding means is folded and the stapling means is operated based on the confidential information. Can be made. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  Further, by including any one of a plurality of security levels with different levels in the security handling information, when the security level is the lowest level, the stapling means does not cause the recorded paper to be stapled. In the case of a level other than the lowest level, the stapling means can staple the recorded paper. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  Further, the security level other than the lowest level included in the security handling information is set to one of a plurality of security levels of different levels, and the number of staples in the staple processing of the recorded paper corresponding to the security level, and By setting the staple position, the following can be achieved. That is, when the security level of the security handling information is a level other than the lowest level, on the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing apparatus by the stapling means according to the number of staples corresponding to the security level and the staple position. On the other hand, stapling can be performed. Accordingly, when a simple countermeasure is sufficient as a confidential document, an optimum confidentiality processing can be performed according to the necessity of the confidentiality processing.

  In addition, in an image forming apparatus having a double-sided image forming function and an image forming apparatus configured with a post-processing device as a constituent element, confidential information is included in post-processing information for a recorded sheet conveyed to the post-processing device. In addition, the confidentiality information includes a destination, and on the back side of the surface of the recorded paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit with respect to the recorded paper before being conveyed to the post-processing device, The destination can be formed by the image forming means. Therefore, it is convenient as a confidential handling process when a simple handling is sufficient as a confidential document.

  Next, a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a digital multi-function peripheral including the post-processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. First, an outline of the digital multi-function peripheral will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral that uses a post-processing unit as a post-processing apparatus according to the present embodiment as a component. In the figure, 1 is an image forming apparatus that is the main body of the digital multi-function peripheral, 20 is a telephone network, 30 is a network composed of a LAN, 21 is a facsimile machine connected to the telephone network 20, and 31 and 32 are A terminal device connected to the network 30, 40 is the Internet, 41 is a facsimile machine connected to the Internet 40, and 42 is a terminal device connected to the Internet 40.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can send and receive image data by FAX to and from the facsimile apparatuses 21 and 41 and can send and receive image data to and from the terminal apparatuses 31, 32 and 42 by using e-mail or the like. . Here, the image data in the present embodiment is not limited to image data, and includes document data or data composed of an image and a document.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of functions including a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and is the main component of the digital multifunction peripheral as described above. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is hereinafter referred to as a digital multifunction machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a digital multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads a document and inputs image data, a device control unit 3 that controls each function of the digital multifunction device 1, and an operation unit 4 that receives user input. A communication unit 5 that communicates with the terminal devices 31 and 32 via the network 30 such as a LAN, and communicates with the facsimile device 41 and the terminal device 42 via the Internet 40, and a data processing means that performs image data print processing. An image forming unit 6, a hard disk (HD) 7 for storing image data, a management unit 8 that is a memory for storing control information and setting information of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and image data in the HD 7 are deleted. An erasing unit 9 and a FAX modem 10 for communicating with a facsimile apparatus 21 via a telephone line network 20 are provided.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 1 includes a first paper feed tray 11 and a second paper feed tray 12 that are detachably attached to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and a manual paper feed tray 13 for manually feeding recording paper. It has. In the present embodiment, an example in which two sheet feeding trays, ie, the first sheet feeding tray 11 and the second sheet feeding tray 12 are provided, is shown, but it is sufficient that the number of sheet feeding trays is one or more.

  Hereinafter, each part of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. First, the image reading unit 2 is an input unit that reads a document and inputs image data. For example, the image reading unit 2 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 2a serving as an image reading unit, a document table, an automatic document feeder ( A document detection sensor 2b for detecting a document set on ADF) or the like. The operation unit 4 includes an input unit 4a having various input keys and the like, and a display unit 4b such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display: liquid crystal display). Enter the settings.

  Further, authentication information input means for inputting authentication information of a user who uses the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may be arranged in the input unit 4a. There are various user authentication information input methods such as direct input of a user code, ID card information reading input, and user biometric information (such as fingerprint) reading input. The user authentication of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be performed by any one of these methods. Further, the user can issue an interrupt instruction from the operation unit 4 to interrupt a job being recorded and to interrupt another job.

  The image forming unit 6 is a data processing (output) unit that processes (outputs) image data, and includes a memory 6a that is a page memory, a printing unit 6b such as an LSU (Laser Scanning Unit), and a recording sheet. And a first paper feed tray 11, a second paper feed tray 12, and a manual paper feed tray 13 that are supplied to the printing unit 6b.

  In this image forming unit 6, the image data once stored in the memory 6a is stored in the HD 7, and the image data stored in the HD 7 is decoded, sent to the memory 6a, transferred to the printing unit 6b, and printed on the recording paper. Output. Note that the printing unit 6b of the image forming unit 6 has a double-sided printing function (the double-sided image forming function described above), and can print not only on the front side of the recording paper but also on the back side if necessary. it can.

  The HD 7 is storage means for temporarily storing input image data. By configuring the HD 7 as a storage means including a magnetic storage medium, it becomes possible to accumulate a large amount of image data and sequentially process it, and to efficiently process instructions from a plurality of users. .

  The post-processing unit 14 processes the recorded paper by folding, bundling, or stapling the recorded paper printed by the image forming unit 6 as necessary, and stores it in the storage tray of the post-processing unit 14. Accommodate. The post-processing unit 14 will be described in detail later.

  Next, an operation example related to the image processing mode installed in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be briefly described.

(Copy mode)
When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 is output from the image forming unit 6 as a copy.

  The image reading unit 2 includes a CCD 2a, and can electronically read an image of a document set at a reading position. Then, the read image data of the original is completed as output data on the memory 6a and temporarily stored in the HD 7. When there are a plurality of documents, the reading and storing operations are repeated. Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 4, the image data stored in the HD 7 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the memory 6a. Then, the image data is transferred from the memory 6a to the printing unit 6b in accordance with the writing timing to the printing unit 6b.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, the output data is similarly stored as output data in the HD 7 and sent from the HD 7 to the memory 6a according to the output mode. The data is transferred to the printing unit 6b in accordance with the writing timing to the unit 6b.

  The printing unit 6b prints a figure or characters on the recording paper (image formation described above), and the printed recorded paper is conveyed to the post-processing unit 14. The recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing unit 14 is processed by being folded, bundled, or stapled as necessary, and is stored in the storage tray of the post-processing unit 14.

(Printer mode)
When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a printer, the image data received from the communication unit 5 is output from the image forming unit 6 via the memory 6a or the like.

  The communication unit 5 is connected to the network 30 using wired or wireless, and receives image data from the terminal devices 31 and 32 which are external devices connected on the network 30. The image data received in this way is sent to the memory 6a as page data as output image data, and is temporarily stored in the HD 7. Then, the image data is sent again from the HD 7 to the memory 6a and transferred to the printing unit 6b in the same manner as when used as a copying machine described above.

  The printing unit 6b prints a figure or characters on the recording paper (image formation described above), and the printed recorded paper is conveyed to the post-processing unit 14. The recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing unit 14 is processed by being folded, bundled, or stapled as necessary, and is stored in the storage tray of the post-processing unit 14.

(Scanner mode)
When the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a network scanner, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 is transmitted from the communication unit 5 via the network 30 to arbitrary terminal devices 31 and 32. Can be sent to. Also here, the original is electronically read by the CCD 2 a provided in the image reading unit 2. Then, the read image data of the original is completed as output data on the memory 6a and temporarily stored in the HD 7. Then, the signal is sent again from the HD 7 to the memory 6a, and is transmitted from the communication unit 5 to the target transmission destination after establishing communication with the transmission destination instructed via the operation unit 4.

(Facsimile mode)
When the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a facsimile, the facsimile device is connected to the communication unit 5 connected to the facsimile device 41 via the network 30 or the Internet 40 or the telephone line network 20. The FAX modem 10 connected to the terminal 21 is used.

  Each component of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the present embodiment described above is controlled by the device control unit 3 shown in FIG. Therefore, the control by the device control unit 3 includes control for the image forming unit 6 and the post-processing unit 14. That is, for the post-processing unit 14, the device control unit 3 serves as a control unit that is a component of the post-processing apparatus described above.

  In addition, the device control unit 3 monitors operation instructions from the input unit 4a such as a tablet and a key group provided in the operation unit 4, and information on the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the display unit 4b. Information to be notified to the user is accurately displayed.

  Also, the management unit 8 shown in FIG. 1 manages information related to each component controlled by the device control unit 3, and based on the information managed by the management unit 8, the device control unit 3 The operation of the entire machine 1 is controlled.

  Next, the post-processing unit 14 having the features of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a simplified configuration diagram showing the configuration of the post-processing unit 14. In FIG. 2, the post-processing unit 14 includes a folding unit 14a, a staple unit 14b, and a storage tray 14c. As shown in FIG. 2, the post-processing unit 14 is arranged in the order of the folding unit 14a, the staple unit 14b, and the storage tray 14c. Among these, the folding part 14a corresponds to the above-described folding means, and the staple part 14b corresponds to the above-described stapling means.

  The post-processing unit 14 is disposed adjacent to the image forming unit 6 inside the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Specifically, the folding unit 14 a of the post-processing unit 14 is disposed adjacent to the printing unit 6 b of the image forming unit 6. Therefore, the recorded paper printed by the printing unit 6b of the image forming unit 6 is first transported to the folding unit 14a, then transferred to the staple unit 14b, and finally stored in the storage tray 14c. .

  The folding unit 14a performs a folding process in which the recorded paper that has been printed and conveyed by the printing unit 6b of the image forming unit 6 is folded in two. The stapling unit 14b performs a stapling process in which the recorded paper folded in half by the folding unit 14a is stapled near the edge of the side opposite to the side of the folded sheet. The storage tray 14c stores the recorded paper that has been conveyed via the folding unit 14a and the staple unit 14b.

  The stapling process performed by the above-described staple unit 14b is performed on a half-folded recorded sheet, in the vicinity of the edge of the side opposite to the half-folded side of the sheet, and the designated number of staples and staples. To the position.

  The number of staples refers to the number of stapled portions in the vicinity of the edge of the side of the recorded sheet that is folded in half and that faces the folded side of the recorded sheet. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of staples is two. The stapling position refers to a specific position of the portion to be stapled. In this embodiment, when the folded side of the recorded paper is the left side and the side in the vicinity of the edge to be stapled is the right side, in this embodiment, the position near the upper end of the right side and the position near the lower end of the right side There are two places.

  Therefore, there are three types of stapling processes as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3A, the number of staples is two, and there are two staple positions: a position near the upper end of the right side and a position near the lower end of the right side. This process is referred to as a staple A process. In FIG. 3B, the number of staples is one, and the staple position is a position near the upper end of the right side. This process is referred to as a staple B process. In FIG. 3C, the number of staples is one, and the staple position is a position near the lower end of the right side. This process is referred to as a staple C process.

  The digital multi-functional peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment including the post-processing unit 14 described above needs and the degree of the security processing for the recorded paper printed by the image forming unit 6 (the above-described image formation). Accordingly, the folding process is performed by the folding unit 14a of the post-processing unit 14, or the stapling process for stapling is performed by the staple unit 14b of the post-processing unit 14. It is. Then, next, the security countermeasure processing in the post-processing unit 14 will be described.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1, as described above, the image forming unit 6 and the post-processing unit 14 are controlled by the device control unit 3. For this reason, print processing information such as print (the aforementioned image) data and control information is provided from the device control unit 3 to the image forming unit 6, and the image forming unit 6 is provided to the post-processing unit 14. The content of post-processing in the post-processing unit 14 for the recorded paper that is transported as the recorded paper printed (image formation described above) is conveyed from the image forming unit 6 to the post-processing unit 14. Post-processing information is provided to indicate

  These print processing information and post-processing information are simultaneously input to the digital multifunction device 1 and managed by the management unit 8 when the digital multifunction device 1 is instructed in each mode described above. Among these, the print processing information includes print data to be printed, recording paper size, and the like.

  In addition, the post-processing information includes the necessity / unnecessity of the security handling process, the security level used when the security handling process is required, destination information, and the like. In this case, the confidential information that can be included in the post-processing information includes the necessity of the confidential processing, the confidential level used when the confidential processing is required, destination information, and the like.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the print processing information and post-processing information. It should be noted that, in the necessity of the security countermeasure processing, the case where the security countermeasure processing is necessary corresponds to the presence of the inclusion of the security countermeasure information described above, and the case of the security countermeasure processing not required corresponds to the security countermeasure information described above. This corresponds to the case of no inclusion. In the present embodiment, there are three levels of confidentiality: “low”, “medium”, and “high”.

  In the present embodiment, the confidentiality handling process is performed as follows. First, when the necessity of the security handling process is NO, for the recorded paper, the folding process in the folding unit 14a of the post-processing unit 14 and the stapling process in the staple unit 14b of the post-processing unit 14 are performed. However, it is accommodated in the accommodation tray 14c without being performed at all.

  When the necessity of the confidentiality handling process is important, the folding process in the folding unit 14a of the post-processing unit 14 is performed on the recorded paper. In this case, if there is a destination in the destination information column of the post-processing information, the destination information is printed on the back side of the recording paper by the double-sided printing function when the image forming unit 6 performs printing on the recording paper. Is done. In this case, the necessity and method of stapling in the stapling unit 14b of the post-processing unit 14 are determined based on the security level indicated in the post-processing information.

  Specifically, when the security level is “low”, the stapling process is not performed. When the security level is “medium”, either the staple B process or the staple C process described above is performed. Which one is selected depends on the settings made in advance in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In the present embodiment, staple B processing is used. If the security level is “high”, the staple A process described above is performed.

  Next, based on the above description, a processing operation related to the security handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described. In the security processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the device control unit 3 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 uses the print processing information and post-processing information shown in FIG. It is implemented by controlling

  Therefore, the processing operation related to the confidentiality handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described by explaining the control performed by the device control unit 3 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 on the image forming unit 6 and the post-processing unit 14. I will do it. In the description of the processing operation related to the confidentiality handling process, a case where printing is performed on one recording sheet will be described as an example.

  5 to 8 are flowcharts showing processing operations related to the security handling processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Among these, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing basic processing. In FIG. 5, the device control unit 3 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 first checks whether there is a print request (S1). This print request is generated when an instruction in each mode described above is given to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

  If there is a print request in the check of whether there is a print request in S1 (S2), then the printing process (S3) is performed in the image forming unit 6, and after this printing process (S3) is completed, A post-process (S4) is performed by the processing unit 14, and the processing operation related to the security handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is completed.

  Next, the printing process (S3) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the printing process (S3). In FIG. 6, the device control unit 3 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 first provides the print processing information shown in FIG. 4 to the image forming unit 6 (S31). This print processing information is recorded on the surface of the recording paper.

  Therefore, next, the image forming unit 6 waits for the printing on the surface of the recording paper to be completed (S32, S33), and then whether or not the post-processing information destination information shown in FIG. 4 exists. Is checked (S34). If there is no destination information in the post-processing information (S35), it is not necessary to perform destination information printing on the recording paper in the image forming unit 6, and the process proceeds to S39.

  In the check of whether or not the destination information of the post-processing information exists in S34, if the destination information exists (S35), the destination information is then provided to the image forming unit 6 and the back side of the recording paper Is instructed to perform printing (S36).

  Then, after the printing of the destination information on the back side of the recording paper is completed (S37, S38), the process proceeds to S39. In S39, the image forming unit 6 is instructed to carry the recorded paper to the post-processing unit 14, and the printing process (S3) is terminated.

  Next, post-processing (S4) will be described. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing this post-processing (S4). 7 and 8, the device control unit 3 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 waits for the recorded paper to arrive at the post-processing unit 14 (S41, S42), and displays the post-processing information shown in FIG. It is checked whether or not confidential handling processing is necessary (S43).

  When the confidentiality handling process of the post-processing information is not requested (S44), it is not necessary to perform the confidentiality handling process, so that the process proceeds to S55, and the recorded paper is accommodated in the accommodation tray 14c of the post-processing unit 14 ( S55, S56, S57). In this case, folding in the folding unit 14a of the post-processing unit 14 is not performed.

  If the post-processing information confidentiality handling process is requested in S43, if the post-processing information confidentiality handling process is requested (S44), folding the recorded sheet to the folding unit 14a of the post-processing unit 14 is performed. (S45).

  Then, after the folding is completed (S46, S47), the security level of the post-processing information shown in FIG. 4 is checked (S48). When the security level is “low” (S49), the stapling process is not performed as described above. Therefore, the process proceeds to S55, and the recorded paper is stored in the storage tray 14c of the post-processing unit 14 (S55, S56, S57).

  In the check of the security level of the post-processing information shown in FIG. 4 in S48, if the security level is “medium” (S50), the staple unit 14b of the post-processing unit 14 is instructed to perform staple B processing (S51). The process proceeds to S53.

  In the check of the confidentiality level of the post-processing information shown in FIG. 4 in S48, if the confidentiality level is neither “low” nor “medium” (S50), that is, “high”, the staple of the post-processing unit 14 The unit 14b is instructed to perform staple A processing (S52), and the process proceeds to S53.

  In S53, the process waits for the above staple processing to be completed (S53, S54), and then instructs the post-processing section 14 to transport the recorded paper to the storage tray 14c (S55). When the recorded paper is conveyed to the storage tray 14c (S56, S57), the post-processing (S4) is finished.

  FIG. 9 shows the result of the security processing performed by the post-processing unit 14 for the recorded sheets having the process numbers 00001 to 00002 in FIG. 4. FIG. 9A shows the case of the process number 00001. 9B shows the case of process number 00002, and FIG. 9C shows the case of process number 00003.

  According to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 including the post-processing unit 14 in the present embodiment, the post-processing unit 14 is based on the necessity of the security processing in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing unit 14. The folding unit 14a and the staple unit 14b are controlled. For this reason, the folding unit 14a and the stapling unit 14b can be operated only when confidentiality handling processing is necessary. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  Further, when the confidential processing of the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing unit 14 is necessary, the folding unit 14a is folded and the staple unit 14b is included in the post-processing information. Can be operated based on level. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  When the confidential level is “low” representing the lowest level, the stapling unit 14b does not perform the stapling process on the recorded paper. Therefore, it is possible to perform the optimum security handling process according to the necessity of the security handling process.

  In correspondence with the confidential level, the number of staples and the staple position are determined in the staple processing of the recorded paper by the staple unit 14b. Specifically, when the security level is a level other than “low”, the recorded data that has been conveyed to the post-processing unit 14 by the staple unit 14b according to the number of staples corresponding to the security level and the staple position. Staple processing is performed on the paper. Accordingly, when a simple countermeasure is sufficient as a confidential document, an optimum confidentiality processing can be performed according to the necessity of the confidentiality processing.

  Further, in the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 having the post-processing unit 14 in the present embodiment, the image forming unit 6 has a double-sided printing function, and the confidentiality in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing unit 14 When the necessity of the countermeasure processing is necessary, the destination included in the post-processing information is printed on the back surface of the recorded paper. Therefore, it is convenient as a confidential handling process when a simple handling is sufficient as a confidential document.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 described above, the number of recording sheets processed at one time by the image forming unit 6 and the post-processing unit 14 is one, but a plurality of recording sheets may be used. In this case, the above description can be applied by regarding the state in which the plurality of sheets are bundled as the same state as the single sheet in the above description.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. 2 is a simplified configuration diagram of a post-processing unit of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. FIG. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which showed the kind of staple process in this Embodiment. It is the table which showed the example of the printing process information in this Embodiment, and post-processing information. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a security handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a security handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. 12 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating a security handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating a security handling process of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which showed the result of the security processing in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital MFP (image forming device)
2 Image reading unit 2a CCD
2b Document detection sensor 3 Device control unit 4 Operation unit 4a Input unit 4b Display unit 5 Communication unit 6 Image forming unit 6a Memory 6b Printing unit 7 Hard disk (HD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Management part 9 Erasing means 10 FAX modem 11 1st paper feed tray 12 2nd paper feed tray 13 Manual paper feed tray 14 Post-processing part 14a Folding part 14b Staple part 14c Storage tray 20 Telephone line network 21 Fax machine 30 Network 31 Terminal device 32 Terminal device 40 Internet 41 Facsimile device 42 Terminal device

Claims (6)

It is possible to fold the recorded sheet on which the image has been formed and conveyed by the image forming unit, and to fold the recorded sheet into two by the folding unit. The folding means and the stapling means capable of stapling the vicinity of the edge of the side opposite to the formed side by the stapling means, and the control means for controlling the folding means and the stapling means; A post-processing device comprising:
With the transport of the recorded paper to the post-processing device, post-processing information that can include confidentiality handling information regarding confidentiality handling of the recorded paper is provided to the control means;
The control means controls the folding means and the stapling means based on whether or not the confidential information is included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device. Post-processing device to do. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
When the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing apparatus includes the confidentiality handling information, the control means includes the recorded folding information that has been conveyed. A post-processing device that controls a sheet to be folded. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The control means controls the stapling means based on the confidentiality handling information when the confidentiality handling information is included in the postprocessing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the postprocessing apparatus. Processing equipment. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The confidentiality handling information includes any one of a plurality of confidentiality levels having different levels,
The control means is transported to the post-processing device when the confidentiality level of the security countermeasure information included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper transported to the post-processing device is the lowest level. And a post-processing device that controls the stapling unit not to perform the stapling process on the recorded paper, and controls the stapling process when the level is other than the lowest level. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
The security level other than the lowest level included in the security handling information is one of a plurality of security levels of different levels, and the number of staples in the stapling process of the recorded paper corresponding to the security level And the stapling position is determined,
When the security level of the security handling information included in the post-processing information for the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device is a level other than the lowest level, the control means A post-processing device that controls the stapling means to perform the stapling on the recorded paper conveyed to the post-processing device according to the corresponding number of staples and the staple position. An image forming apparatus comprising the post-processing device according to claim 1,
In addition to the image forming means, the image forming means has a double-sided image forming function,
When the post-processing information for the recorded paper transported to the post-processing device includes the confidentiality handling information, the confidentiality handling information includes a destination and the transported information before being transported to the post-processing device An image forming apparatus, wherein the destination is formed by the image forming unit on the back side of the surface of the recorded sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit.

Images