JP3812618B2 - Print discrimination device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printed matter discriminating apparatus suitable for use in sorting when a printed matter on which an image is formed is recycled.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recycling has been attracting attention as environmental problems have been rising in recent years. Especially for paper resources, the production of virgin paper will cut down forest resources, leading to environmental destruction. For this reason, there is a call for efficient recycling of used paper.
[0003]
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a general used paper recycling process. When manufacturing recycled paper from recovered used paper, first, in the disaggregation step of S201, the recovered used paper is treated with a mechanical force and chemicals with a pulper to loosen it into a fiber, and the printing ink and ash are peeled from the fiber. Next, in the dust removal step of S202, foreign matters such as plastic and dust contained in the used paper are removed by a screen, a cleaner, or the like. In the chemical mixing step of S203, a deinking agent composed of a surfactant, a builder such as NaOH and sodium hydroxide, and a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide are added and mixed and mechanically stirred to separate the ink from the pulp fiber. , Disperse. In the ripening step of S204, ink separation by the mixed chemicals is promoted and deinking is performed by a physicochemical reaction such as alkali swelling. Finally, in the deinking step of S205, the ink peeled and dispersed from the fiber is removed by a flotation method or a cleaning method. Paper is made using paper fibers deinked by such a process to produce recycled paper.
[0004]
Such a used paper recycling process still uses an optimum method according to the type of used paper. For example, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and the like are collected separately and regenerated by a method optimal for each.
[0005]
In general offices, the use of OA equipment such as printers and copiers has advanced, and the amount of paper used has increased. Many of the recording sheets used in such OA equipment are high-quality paper such as PPC. Many of the high quality paper can be regenerated as high quality paper if the used recording paper is collected and regenerated. At this time, for example, when an electrophotographic system is used as a printer or a copying machine, if the amount of toner adhering to the same recording sheet is large, deinking is difficult during reproduction. For example, in black and white printed matter, only black toner is used, but when color printing is performed, toner of three to four colors is overlapped, so that the amount of toner increases. In addition, the printing area is large as in the case of printing a photograph by color printing. For this reason, a color printed matter including a photograph or the like has a much larger toner amount than a black-and-white printed matter only, and is difficult to deink. Because of this general situation, currently black and white printed materials are collected as recyclable, and color printed materials are treated as non-recyclable and treated in the same way as other discarded paper.
[0006]
However, even if the printed matter is black and white, a large amount of toner is used in the case where there are many solid areas, which is not suitable for the current reproduction method, and such a mixture of recording sheets is not preferable in the reproduction process. Even for color printed matter, there are some toners that can be sufficiently regenerated if they are character documents of one or two colors. Thus, it is not optimal to distinguish between black and white that can be reproduced and color that cannot be reproduced.
[0007]
Further, even if the amount of toner is large, it may be possible to regenerate to high quality paper by changing the aging time and deinking method of the reproduction process shown in FIG. 21, and furthermore, magazines and toilet paper other than high quality paper In some cases, it is possible to reproduce the content. However, it has been difficult to determine which recycling process should be performed, such as whether the recording paper that is no longer needed can be recycled as high-quality paper or whether it can be recycled as a magazine. These separations are possible if the side that discards the amount of toner can grasp, but it is difficult to grasp the amount of toner just by looking at the printed recording paper, and currently only separation such as black and white or color is possible. is there.
[0008]
As a method for determining a printed matter, for example, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-74360, a printed matter is photographed with a video camera, and a printed area is determined by obtaining a non-printed portion based on the luminance signal. A method for discriminating printed matter has been devised. However, in the technique described in this document, since the determination is made only by the printing area, it is impossible to grasp the accurate toner amount in the color printed matter in which the toner is overlaid as in the color copying machine. There is a problem that accurate separation cannot be made.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a printed matter discriminating apparatus capable of discriminating and outputting an index for optimally separating printed matter regardless of color printed matter or black and white printed matter. It is.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an image reading unit that reads an image from a printed material, and a detection that detects, for each color, the amount of colorant used to form the image from image information read by the image reading unit. And a discriminating unit for discriminating an index for separating the printed matter based on the usage amount of the colorant detected for each color by the detection unit, and the colorant from the number of layers of the colorant formed in layers It is characterized by detecting the amount, detecting the amount of colorant on both sides of the printed material, judging by considering the paper size and quality, or detecting the amount of colorant excluding the background color. is there. In this way, the amount of colorant used for image formation is detected for each color, and an index for separating printed materials is determined based on the detected amount of colorant used for each color. Accurate total colorant, even for printed materials with color images formed by layering agents, printed materials with color images formed on both sides, printed materials with different paper sizes and quality, printed materials with underlying colors, etc. The amount can be detected. Of course, the total amount of colorant can be accurately detected even in a black and white image. Thereby, regardless of a color image or a black and white image, it is possible to determine an index for separating the printed material into an optimal reproduction process, and it is possible to perform optimal reproduction for the printed material.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a first embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an image reading unit, 2 is a photoelectric conversion element, 3 is an A / D converter, 4 is a detection unit, 5 is a color conversion unit, 6 is a pixel number counting unit, and 7 is a discrimination unit.
[0012]
The image reading unit 1 reads an image of a printed material. For example, a document image is read using a photoelectric conversion element 2 such as a CCD and converted into an electrical signal. Further, the electrical signal of the document image read by the image reading unit 1 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 3. In this example, it is assumed that the image reading unit 1 reads and outputs a printed material image as an RGB color space image. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image in another color space may be output. In addition, the color signals may be output in parallel or sequentially for each color signal.
[0013]
The detection unit 4 detects the amount of colorant used for forming the image for each color from the image information read by the image reading unit 1. In this example, the detection unit 4 includes a color conversion unit 5 and a pixel number counting unit 6. The color conversion unit 5 converts the color space output from the image reading unit 1 into the color components of the colorant of each color. For example, if colorants of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are used as colorants, YMCK color from the color space (for example, RGB color space) of the image reading unit 1 is used. Perform color space conversion to space. In this example, image information DATA of color components is sequentially output for each color of each colorant. Of course, the color components of the respective colorants may be output in parallel.
[0014]
The pixel number counting unit 6 counts the amount of colorant for each colorant based on the image information DATA converted into the color component signal of each colorant by the color conversion unit 5. Thereby, the amount of colorant necessary for forming an image of the printed matter can be counted for each color. Here, it is assumed that the count value by the pixel count unit 6 is not reset until the count values for all the colorants are equal. The results counted for each colorant are output as signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K for each colorant.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the pixel number counting unit 6 in the first embodiment of the printed matter discriminating apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 101 is a counter and 102 is a latch. The counter 101 is provided with CL, CK, and CKENB as input terminals. The output terminal is connected to the latch 102. The counter 101 outputs “0” when CL is “H”. When CL is “L” and CKENB is “L”, the count value is held. When CL is “L” and CKENB is “H”, the count value is incremented by 1 at the rising edge of CL. A signal DATA, a signal CLK, and a signal Reset described later are input to the input terminals CKENB, CK, and CL, respectively. Note that the signal DATA and the signal Reset are inverted logics of the input terminals CKENB and CL. Here, the signal DATA is binary, but multilevel data may be input. In this case, the counter 101 functions as an adder. In the following description, the case of adding pixel values in this way is referred to as “counting”.
[0016]
The latch 102 sequentially latches the count value counted by the counter 101 according to the signal PS. The latched count values are output as signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K, respectively. The signal PS changes for each scan, and the count value is sequentially latched at the falling edge.
[0017]
Returning to FIG. 1, the determination unit 7 determines an index for classifying the printed matter whose image has been read by the image reading unit 1 based on the usage amount of the colorant detected for each color by the detection unit 4. In this example, signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K indicating the count values obtained by counting the amount of the colorant for each colorant are output from the pixel number counting unit 6 of the detection unit 4, and thus based on these signals. Make a decision. As an index for sorting printed materials, for example, the amount of colorant for each colorant in the pixel number counting unit 6 can be visualized and output. Alternatively, various values based on the amount of the colorant for each colorant, for example, a value such as the total amount of colorant or a use ratio may be calculated and output. Furthermore, it is possible to determine and output, for example, whether playback is possible, playback type, playback method, playback conditions, and the like. As the type of recycling, for example, it is possible to determine an optimal recycled product such as playback on high-quality paper, playback on rough paper, and playback on toilet paper. Further, as a reproduction method, for example, an optimum reproduction process such as a reproduction process to high-quality paper and a reproduction process to colored paper can be determined. Furthermore, as a condition for regeneration, for example, when special ink is used as a colorant, an instruction for adding a special process to the normal regeneration process or a condition for prohibiting a part of the normal process is determined. You can also. These determination results can be output to various usage destinations, for example, to the user or to a printed matter sorting device.
[0018]
Next, an outline of the operation in the first embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. The color image on the printed matter is converted into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) electrical signals by the photoelectric conversion element 2 of the image reading unit 1 and converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 3. Is done. The RGB image information converted into the digital signal is converted into image information (signal DATA) of Y, M, C, or K in the color conversion unit 5 of the detection unit 4. Here, four scans are performed in the image reading unit 1, and each scan is sequentially converted into image information (signal DATA) of Y, M, C, or K, and Y in four scans. , M, C, and K, image information (signal DATA) corresponding to the colorant is output. The image information (signal DATA) output from the color conversion unit 5 is input to the pixel number counting unit 6, and the amount of colorant is counted for each scan, and the corresponding values (GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, GASO_K) are counted. One of the above). The count value of the pixel number counting unit 6 is reset before each scan. Signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K indicating the count values in the pixel number counting unit 6 are input to the determination unit 7 to determine an index for separating the printed matter and output a determination result.
[0019]
The above operation will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation in the first embodiment of the printed matter discriminating apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the first image. In FIG. 3, a signal CLK is a reference clock for the circuit. The signal DATA is image information output from the color converter 5, where “H” indicates a portion where the color does not exist and “L” indicates a portion where the color exists. The signal DATA is synchronized with the signal CLK. The signal LS is a synchronizing signal in the main scanning direction, and “H” is active. The signal PS is a synchronizing signal in the sub-scanning direction, and “H” is active. Here, since four images of Y, M, C, and K are sequentially output from the color conversion unit 5, four scans of synchronization signals are shown. The signal Reset is a signal for resetting each part, which becomes “L” in a pulse form immediately before the signal PS becomes “H”. The signal GASO is a count value output from the pixel number counting unit 6 and indicates one of the signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K. Note that the signal LS, the signal CLK, the signal DATA, and the signal GASO show only a part for one scan, but the same applies to the second to fourth scans.
[0020]
In FIG. 3, the signal Reset becomes “L” in a pulse form before the start of the first scan. When the signal Reset becomes “L”, the input terminal CL of the counter 101 of the pixel number counting unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 becomes “H” and the count value is reset. Thereafter, the signal Reset becomes “H”, the signal PS rises as the image reading unit 1 starts reading the image of the printed matter, and the image of the first scan is read.
[0021]
Here, as a specific example, a color image as shown in FIG. 4A is recorded on a printed matter. Each rectangle in FIG. 4 represents a pixel. Here, an image of 12 pixels per line and 17 lines is shown. Of course, the number of pixels in one page is actually very large, but it will be read as an image as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the difference in color is shown as the difference in hatching.
[0022]
The signal LS becomes “H”, the original image is read by the photoelectric conversion element 2 by the first line scan, and is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 3. Then, the color conversion unit 5 converts the image into, for example, a Y image and outputs it as a signal DATA. As for the signal DATA indicating the Y image, 12 pixels in the first line of the image shown in FIG. 4B are output in synchronization with the signal CLK. In the hatched portion of FIG. 4B, the counter 101 of the pixel number counting unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 counts up to count the colorant amount. For example, in the first line, the count is increased at 3, 4 pixels, 9 and 10 pixels, and the integrated value is 4. Similarly, the operation up to the 17th line is performed, and the signal PS becomes “L”. At the timing when the signal PS becomes “L”, the latch 102 of the pixel number counting unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 latches the count value output from the counter 101 as the Y count value. This count value is output as a signal GASO_Y. In this example, “37” is output.
[0023]
Next, the signal Reset becomes “L” before the second scan, and the counter 101 of the pixel number counting unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 is reset. Thereafter, the signal PS rises to perform the second scan. The image reading unit 1 scans the printed matter for the second time, and the color conversion unit 5 outputs the M image shown in FIG. 4C, for example, as image information to the signal DATA. The counter 101 of the pixel number counting unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 counts the colorant amount of the M image. In this way, the amount of M colorant is counted in the second scan, and is latched by the latch 102 of the pixel number counting unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 at the falling edge of the signal PS and output as the signal GASO_M. In this example, “13” is output.
[0024]
Similarly, in the third scan, for example, the colorant amount of the C image shown in FIG. 4 (D) is counted, and in the fourth scan, for example, the colorant amount of the K image shown in FIG. 4 (E) is counted. Output as signals GASO_C and GASO_K. In this example, “4” and “21” are output, respectively. When the reading of the fourth scan image is completed in this way, the count values of the colorant amounts of the Y, M, C, and K images read by the fourth scan are output as signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K. Is done.
[0025]
The discriminating unit 7 receives the signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K output from the pixel number counting unit 6, and uses these count values as the usage amounts of the colorants of Y, M, C, and K, and the image reading unit 1 is used to determine and output an index for separating the printed material from which the image has been read. When an index for sorting the printed material is output to the user, the user determines the index, sorts the printed material, and inputs it to the recycling process. In addition, when an index for separating the printed material is passed to another device or system, the device or system may handle the printed material according to the index.
[0026]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a color material overlapping state when a color image is formed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, an example in which the colors Y, M, C, and K do not overlap is shown. However, in practice, a full color image is formed by superimposing these colorants. For example, in a portion such as a black character, as shown in FIG. 5C, only one layer of K colorant is attached to the printed matter. Similarly, in the yellow image portion, as shown in FIG. 5D, only one layer of Y colorant is attached to the printed matter. However, when forming secondary colors such as red and blue, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, two layers of colorants Y, M or M, C overlap the printed matter. May adhere. Further, in the case of an intermediate color or the like, three or more layers of colorant may adhere to the printed material. Thus, when a color image is formed on a printed material, the amount of colorant per pixel increases. Therefore, even if the number of recorded pixels is counted as in the conventional case, an accurate colorant amount cannot be obtained. In the present invention, each color component is separated and the amount of the colorant is obtained. Therefore, even if an image of a color in which two or more colorants are superimposed is formed, the amount of the colorant for each color component is determined. Can be detected.
[0027]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the second image in the first embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. Assume that there is a printed material on which a color image as shown in FIG. In this image, there is a portion where a plurality of colorants are overlapped to form an image of a color other than the color of the colorant (for example, red or blue). By the operation as described above, the amount of colorant is counted by being separated into four images of Y, M, C, and K by four scans. That is, for example, in the first scan, the Y component image is separated by the color conversion unit 5 from the RGB image read by the image reading unit 1 as shown in FIG. Are counted. Even if the Y component overlaps with other colorants such as M and C, the Y component is also extracted from the overlapping portion due to the separation of the Y component. As a result, Y pixels can be accurately counted. Similarly, in the second scan, the M component is extracted and counted as shown in FIG. In the third scan, the C component is extracted and counted as shown in FIG. 6 (D), and in the fourth scan, the K component is extracted and counted as shown in FIG. 6 (E).
[0028]
In this manner, the amount of colorant is counted for each colorant. For example, if a red image is present in an image formed on a printed material, it is counted for both the Y colorant and the M colorant. As a result, the amount of colorant adhering to the printed matter can be accurately grasped. The discriminating unit 7 can discriminate accurately by discriminating an index for separating the printed matter on the basis of the colorant amounts of the respective colors thus obtained.
[0029]
By sorting with reference to the index for sorting in this way, even with the same quality paper, according to the recorded contents, it is possible to reproduce a large amount of colorant from old recycled paper with a small amount of colorant. Even relatively difficult waste paper can be sorted according to the recycling process, and can be recycled smoothly. At this time, an accurate index can be output regardless of whether the image recorded on the printed material is a color image or a black and white image. In addition, it is possible to determine for each color of the image recorded on the printed matter. For example, it is difficult to reproduce a specific color, or an image of only a specific color is recorded. In some cases, it is possible to deal with cases where reproduction is easy.
[0030]
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a second embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 11 denotes a print information display unit. In the second embodiment, a configuration example in which the discrimination result output from the discrimination unit 7 is displayed in the first embodiment described above and an index for sorting the printed matter is presented to the user is shown. Yes.
[0031]
In this example, the discriminating unit 7 receives signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K indicating the colorant amount count values of the respective colors Y, M, C, and K passed from the detection unit 4, and prints these count values as they are. While outputting to the information display part 11, the count value is totaled, the total amount of colorants is calculated, and it outputs to the printing information display part 11 as signal GASO_T. Of course, other indicators for sorting printed materials may be discriminated and output as discrimination results.
[0032]
The print information display unit 11 displays and outputs the discrimination result output from the discrimination unit 7 so that the user can visually recognize it. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the print information display unit 11 in the second embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. When the colorant amounts of the colors Y, M, C, and K counted by the detection unit 4 are 500, 20, 5000, and 1000, respectively, these colorant amounts are passed to the print information display unit 11 and the determination unit. 7, the total (6520) is calculated, and this total is also passed to the print information display unit 11. The print information display unit 11 converts these count values and total values into a decimal display form so that the user can recognize them, and displays them on a display device as shown in FIG. 8, for example.
[0033]
The user sorts the printed matter for reproduction based on the colorant amount for each colorant and the total colorant amount displayed in this way. For example, when the printed material is A4 size, if the total amount of colorant is greater than 10,000 pixels, for example, it is sorted as recycled to miscellaneous paper, and if it is less than 10,000 pixels, it is recycled to fine paper Can be sorted as When the printed matter is A3 size, for example, when the total of the colorants is larger than 20,000 pixels, it can be sorted into recycled paper, and when it is small, it is sorted as high quality paper. Of course, the amount of the colorant is an example, and the user may determine the amount of the colorant. In addition, the type of reproduction such as high-quality paper and miscellaneous paper is also arbitrary. Of course, it is not limited to two stages, and may be classified into three or more stages.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing a modification of the second embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 111 denotes a conversion table. FIG. 9 shows an example of only the determination unit 7 and the print information display unit 11. In the above-described display example shown in FIG. 8, for example, an example in which the amount of colorant for each colorant is displayed is shown. The present invention is not limited to this, and various indicators for classification can be determined by the determination unit 7 and displayed on the print information display unit 11. In the example shown in FIG. 9, an example is shown in which the determination unit 7 determines the classification method and the determined classification method is displayed on the print information display unit 11.
[0035]
The determination unit 7 has a conversion table 111. The conversion table 111 stores a classification method in association with a set of signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K. When signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K indicating the count values of the colorant amounts of the respective colors Y, M, C, and K are passed from the detection unit 4, the associated classification method is output as a determination result.
[0036]
In the example shown in FIG. 9, separation methods such as “recycle to fine paper”, “recycle to waste paper”, “recycle to color paper (yellow)”, “recycle to color paper (red)” are converted as separation methods. Registered in the table 111. Then, according to the signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K passed from the detection unit 4, “reproduce to high-quality paper” is output as a discrimination result as a sorting method. As a result, the print information display unit 11 displays “Recycle to fine paper”. Note that the determination result passed from the determination unit 7 to the print information display unit 11 does not have to be a character string as described above. For example, a code indicating the determination result is sent to the print information display unit 11 to print the print information display unit 11. Various forms are possible, such as a configuration in which a character string is converted into a character string and displayed.
[0037]
According to this example, since the sorting method is displayed by direct expression on the print information display unit 11, the user may sort the printed matter as displayed, and can easily perform the sorting.
[0038]
Of course, the present invention is not limited to the display examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and various displays can be performed. For example, according to the determination result, it is possible to display various information such as a sorting place and a collection date and time, a precaution for sorting, and a condition for reproduction after sorting.
[0039]
FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a third embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 12 denotes a reference value holding unit. In the third embodiment, when the discrimination unit 7 discriminates the index for separating the printed matter, a preset value is used, and the detection result by the detection unit 4 is compared with the preset value. A configuration example for performing the determination is shown.
[0040]
The reference value holding unit 12 is preset with a reference value for changing the classification depending on the amount of the colorant, and holds the value. For example, a threshold value for a colorant amount of a certain color can be held, or a threshold value for a total colorant amount can be held. Of course, these values are not limited to one, and a plurality of values may be held, or various values may be held.
[0041]
For example, when the reference value holding unit 12 holds a value relating to the colorant amount of a specific color, the determination unit 7 holds the count value of the color obtained from the detection unit 4 and the reference value holding unit 12. Compare the value and output the comparison result. For example, when a value related to the total colorant amount is held in the reference value holding unit 12, the count values of the respective colors obtained from the detection unit 4 are summed, and the total value and the value held in the reference value holding unit 12 And the comparison result is output.
[0042]
An outline of the operation in the third embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. It is assumed that a reference value is set in advance in the reference value holding unit 12. Here, it is assumed that a value corresponding to each colorant is set. The image reading unit 1 scans the printed material four times, and the count values corresponding to the Y, M, C, and K colorants are output from the detection unit 4 as signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K. The operations from reading the image to outputting the count value are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0043]
The determination unit 7 compares the signals GASO_Y, GASO_M, GASO_C, and GASO_K output from the detection unit 4 with the set values for each colorant held in the reference value holding unit 12, and outputs the comparison result as a determination result. To do.
[0044]
In this way, according to the determination result output from the determination unit 7, for example, if K exceeds the set reference value, the printed matter is sorted to be recycled to miscellaneous paper, and if only Y exceeds. The paper can be sorted to be recycled to yellow paper, and if only C is exceeded, the paper can be sorted to be recycled to cyan, blue, and green paper. If all are below the reference value, they can be sorted to be recycled to fine paper.
[0045]
Further, for example, when the threshold value of the total colorant amount is held in the reference value holding unit 12 as a reference value, the determination unit 7 sums the respective colorant amounts output from the detection unit 4, and the reference value holding unit 12. And the comparison result may be output as a discrimination result. In this case, for example, if the total colorant amount exceeds the reference value, it can be sorted to be recycled as used paper, and if it is less than the reference value, it can be sorted to be recycled as high-quality paper.
[0046]
When a plurality of reference values for each colorant and a reference value for the total colorant amount are set in the reference value holding unit 12, it is possible to classify them into a plurality of stages.
[0047]
In this embodiment, the determination result output from the determination unit 7 can be directly associated with whether or not playback is possible, the type of playback, the playback method, playback conditions, and the like. As a result, it is possible to directly instruct the user or external device to perform separation, and it is possible to reduce separation errors and to perform separation easily.
[0048]
FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, parts similar to those in FIG. Reference numeral 13 denotes a reference value input unit. In the fourth embodiment, the reference value held in the reference value holding unit 12 can be set from the outside.
[0049]
The reference value input unit 13 is provided for setting or changing a reference value when the classification changes depending on the amount of each colorant or the total amount of colorant. With this reference value input unit 13, the reference value held by the reference value holding unit 12 can be set, or the set reference value can be changed. When the reference value holding unit 12 holds a plurality of reference values, each reference value can be set and changed. Of course, some reference values may not be set or changed.
[0050]
When discriminating a printed matter, a reference value is set in advance from the reference value input unit 13 and held in the reference value holding unit 12. Then, in the same manner as in the third embodiment described above, the image of the printed matter is read, and the determination unit 7 compares and compares the count value for each colorant with the reference value held in the reference value holding unit 12. The result is output as a discrimination result. By using this discrimination result, it is possible to perform the same classification as in the third embodiment. Further, when the determination result is different from the actual reproduction reference, it can be dealt with by changing the reference value held in the reference value holding unit 12 from the reference value input unit 13.
[0051]
In this way, the reference value can be set or changed so that a discrimination result in accordance with actual reproduction can be obtained, and accurate reproduction can be performed by performing more accurate classification.
[0052]
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 14 denotes a document size recognition unit. In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the ratio of the colorant amount to the size of the printed material is output as the determination result output from the determination unit 7 is shown.
[0053]
The image reading unit 1 is provided with a document size recognition unit 14 for recognizing the size of the printed material. The document size recognizing unit 14 can be constituted by, for example, a plurality of reflective sensors and the like, and identifies the size of the printed matter such as A3, A4, B4, B5, etc., and outputs it to the determining unit 7.
[0054]
The determination unit 7 calculates the ratio of the usage amount of each colorant to the size of the printed material from the count result for each colorant output from the detection unit 4 and the size of the printed material output from the document size recognition unit 14. Output as a discrimination result.
[0055]
The outline of the operation in the fifth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. When the printed material to be discriminated is set in the image reading unit 1, the size of the printed material set by the document size recognition unit 14 is recognized, and information on the size of the recognized printed material is sent to the discriminating unit 7. Alternatively, the printed material may be pre-scanned, and the size of the printed material may be recognized from the pre-scanned image. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the colorant amount for each colorant is counted from the image reading, and the count value is sent to the determination unit 7.
[0056]
The determination unit 7 obtains the area of the printed material from the size of the printed material recognized by the document size recognition unit 14. The area of the printed material can be easily obtained by creating a table in association with the size of the printed material, for example. Also, the area covered with each colorant is calculated from the amount of colorant for each colorant counted by the detection unit 4. Generally, since the area per pixel formed by each colorant can be obtained in advance, the area covered with each colorant can be obtained from the amount of colorant counted by the detection unit 4. And the ratio of the area covered with each colorant with respect to the area of printed matter can be calculated | required, respectively, and it can output as a determination result.
[0057]
Alternatively, the volume of the printed material is obtained from the size of the printed material, the volume of each colorant per pixel is obtained, the volume of each colorant is obtained from the count value in the detection unit 4, and the ratio of the volume of each colorant to the volume of the printed material You may ask for. Further, the weight of the printed material is obtained from the size of the printed material, the weight of each colorant per pixel is obtained, the weight of each colorant is obtained from the count value in the detection unit 4, and the weight of each colorant relative to the weight of the printed material is obtained. The ratio may be determined.
[0058]
For example, when the area ratio is determined based on the ratio thus obtained, for example, when the area ratio of all the colorants is less than 10%, the paper is sorted so as to be reproduced as high-quality paper. In addition, for example, if there is a colorant of 10% or more and less than 20%, it can be sorted so as to be reproduced on a paper of a different paper quality such as a rough paper of the color of the colorant. Of course, the standard of area ratio is arbitrary. In the case of volume ratio, weight ratio, etc., it can be used in the same manner. Of course, the total colorant amount ratio may be calculated and output as a discrimination result.
[0059]
In the fifth embodiment, since the ratio of the amount of the colorant to the size of the printed material is obtained, it is possible to capture the amount of each colorant relative to the pulp amount of the printed material. Can be done. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a judgment criterion for reproduction for each size of the printed matter, and it is possible to uniformly classify according to the judgment criterion, so that separation can be performed easily and accurately.
[0060]
FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 15 denotes a background color detection unit. In the sixth embodiment, an example is shown in which erroneous detection of the colorant amount due to the ground color of the printed matter is prevented.
[0061]
The background color detection unit 15 detects the background color from the printed image read by the image reading unit 1. The detected background color is sent to the color conversion unit 5 of the detection unit 4 as a reference color value and also sent to the determination unit 7 as paper color information. The color conversion unit 5 removes the background color detected by the background color detection unit 15 from the image of the printed matter read by the image reading unit 1 and outputs image information for each color of each colorant. As a result, the background color of the printed material is not counted by the pixel number counting unit 6, and the problem that the background color is counted to a specific colorant amount can be avoided.
[0062]
The discriminating unit 7 determines an index for separating the printed matter whose image has been read by the image reading unit 1 based on the colorant amount counted for each color in the pixel number counting unit 6 of the detecting unit 4. At this time, the determination can be made in consideration of the paper color information detected by the background color detection unit 15.
[0063]
The outline of the operation in the sixth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. First, the image of the printed matter set in the image reading unit 1 is pre-scanned, and the background color detection unit 15 detects, for example, the color of the portion with the lowest density as the background color. The detected background color is passed to the color conversion unit 5 as a reference color value, and is also passed to the determination unit 7 as a paper color.
[0064]
Next, as in the first embodiment described above, the image reading unit 1 reads an image of the printed matter, and the color conversion unit 5 converts the image into an image for each color of each colorant and outputs the image. At this time, compared with the reference color value passed from the background color detection unit 15, the background color or a portion having a lower density than the background color is determined as the background portion and is not used as image information of each colorant. As a result, the background color is removed. The pixel number counting unit 6 counts the colorant amount for each colorant based on the image information from which the background color is removed.
[0065]
The determination unit 7 determines an index for separating the printed matter using the count value for each colorant counted by the pixel number counting unit 6 based on the image information from which the background color is removed. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine an index for separating the printed material without being influenced by the background color of the printed material. Further, paper color information is acquired from the background color detection unit 15, and determination is performed in consideration of the background color of the printed matter. For example, if the printed material originally uses colored paper, it can be determined to regenerate the original colored paper if the colorant amount is within a predetermined range.
[0066]
If a memory for holding the image read by the image reading unit 1 is provided, the background color detection unit 15 detects the background color and the color conversion unit 5 sets the image information for each colorant only with one reading. Can be extracted.
[0067]
As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the colorant amount is not erroneously detected depending on the background color, and the index for separating the printed matter based on the accurate colorant amount is determined. Can do. In addition, if the paper is originally colored, it is desirable to reproduce it separately from the white paper, and if information on the background color is taken into account, it is possible to sort the paper for reproduction on each color.
[0068]
FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 16 denotes a manuscript paper quality recognition unit. In the seventh embodiment, an example is shown in which sorting according to the paper quality of the printed material is possible.
[0069]
The original paper quality recognition unit 16 recognizes the paper quality of the printed material. As a paper quality recognition method, for example, it can be recognized by using a sensor such as a reflective photocoupler, or can be recognized by a selection input from a user. The discriminating unit 7 discriminates an index for separating the printed matter in consideration of the paper quality recognition result in the original paper quality recognizing unit 16.
[0070]
An outline of the operation in the seventh embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. First, the original paper quality recognition unit 16 recognizes the paper quality of the printed material that is read by the image reading unit 1. For example, when the user selects and inputs the paper quality of the printed material, the user selects the paper quality of the original to be sorted from the original paper quality selection menu of the original paper quality recognition unit 16. As the original paper quality selection menu, for example, selection items such as plain paper, OHP, thermal paper, and cardboard can be prepared. Further, even for plain paper, it may be possible to select high-quality paper, recycled paper, etc., or to select the generation of recycled paper (how many times it is recycled).
[0071]
Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the colorant amount for each colorant is counted from the image reading, and the count value is sent to the determination unit 7. The discriminating unit 7 discriminates an index for sorting the printed matter, taking into account the color quality detected by the detecting unit 4 and the paper quality of the printed material selected and input by the original paper quality recognition unit 16. That is, even if the amount of each colorant output from the detection unit 4 is the same, the reproduction method and reproduction type can be varied depending on the paper quality. For example, when the paper quality is plain paper, it is possible to output an index for sorting so that the paper is reproduced on various types of paper such as high-quality paper and rough paper according to the amount of colorant as described above. For example, when the paper quality is OHP, it is possible to output an index for instructing separation into an OHP regeneration process different from the paper regeneration process regardless of the amount of colorant.
[0072]
As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, since the index for classification is determined in consideration of the paper quality information and the reproduction method and the reproduction type are output, the accurate classification according to the paper quality of the printed matter can be performed. It becomes possible.
[0073]
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing an eighth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 17 denotes a double-sided reading mechanism. In the eighth embodiment, an example corresponding to the case where images are formed on both sides of a printed material is shown. In the case where images are formed on both sides of a printed material, if the index for separating the printed material is determined based on the image on only one side, the amount of colorant will be underestimated. For this reason, in the eighth embodiment, the amount of each colorant is detected for the images formed on both sides of the printed material, and an index for separating the printed material is determined.
[0074]
For this purpose, the image reading unit 1 includes a double-sided reading mechanism 17. The double-sided reading mechanism 17 reads an image formed on one surface of the printed material with the photoelectric conversion element 2, and then automatically or manually reverses the printed material, and the image formed on the other surface becomes the photoelectric conversion element. Feed it so that it can be read in 2.
[0075]
The pixel number counting unit 6 counts the colorant amount for each colorant of the image formed on both sides of the printed material. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the pixel count unit 6 in the eighth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. The reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG. The pixel number counting unit 6 first counts the colorant amount for each colorant in the image formed on one side by the counter 101 in order to count the colorant amount for each colorant in the image formed on both sides of the printed material. Then, the latch 102 is caused to latch. Thereafter, image information for each colorant in the image formed on the other surface of the same printed matter is input. The counter 101 counts the amount of colorant according to this image information and outputs it to the latch 102. The latch 102 outputs the latched count value, but the count value is returned to the input side. When the count value on the other side of the printed material is output from the counter 101, the latch 102 currently latches. And the newly input count value are added and latched as a count value on both sides. The count value for each colorant latched in the latch 102 after reading the images on both sides of the printed material is the colorant amount for each color adhered to both sides of the printed material. The latch 102 is initialized before reading one side of the printed material, and is not initialized when reading the other side.
[0076]
Next, an outline of the operation in the eighth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an example of images formed on both sides of a printed material. For example, it is assumed that an image as shown in FIG. 17A is formed on the front surface of the printed material, and an image as shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 17, an image of 12 pixels per line and 17 lines is assumed. Of course, the number of pixels in one page is actually very large, but for the sake of explanation, it will be read as an image as shown in FIG.
[0077]
As for the image formed on the printed matter, the image on one side is first read by the photoelectric conversion element 2, and A / D conversion, color conversion, and counting of the amount of colorant are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The amount of colorant for each colorant is counted. At this time, if an image as shown in FIG. 17A is read, Y = 37, M = 13, C = 4, and K = 21 are latched by the latch 102 in FIG. For example, when the colorant amount for one colorant is counted by one scan, four scans are performed on this one surface.
[0078]
Thereafter, the printed material is reversed by the double-sided reading mechanism 17, and the image formed on the other surface of the printed material is read by the photoelectric conversion element 2. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, A / D conversion, color conversion, and the amount of colorant are counted, and the amount of colorant for each colorant is counted. At this time, if an image as shown in FIG. 17A is read, Y = 24, M = 24, C = 20, and K = 20 are obtained. For the other surface, for example, when the colorant amount for one colorant is counted by one scan, four scans are performed for this surface.
[0079]
The latch 102 adds the already-latched colorant amount, and Y = 61, M = 37, C = 24, and K = 41 are latched and output to the determination unit 7. The discriminating unit 7 discriminates an index for separating the printed material based on the amount of each colorant adhering to both surfaces of the printed material thus obtained. The discriminating method is the same as in the case of single-sided in the above-described embodiments.
[0080]
According to the eighth embodiment, even when images are formed on both sides of the printed matter, there is no possibility of erroneous separation depending on the amount of colorant of the image formed on one side, and the printed matter. Thus, it is possible to correctly detect the amount of each colorant adhering to the toner and perform separation.
[0081]
FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 18 denotes an automatic document feeding mechanism. In the ninth embodiment, when there are a plurality of printed materials, the case where the printed materials are not separated one by one but is separated as a bundle of a plurality of printed materials is shown. By handling as a bundle of printed materials in this way, the accuracy of sorting is reduced, but sorting is easy for the side performing sorting. In such a case, even if an index for sorting one by one is output, it is not known how the entire bundle of printed materials may be sorted. Therefore, in the ninth embodiment, an example is shown in which an index for sorting as a bundle of printed materials is output.
[0082]
In the ninth embodiment, the image reading unit 1 has an automatic document feeding mechanism 18. A bundle of printed materials is set in the automatic document feeding mechanism 18. The automatic document feeding mechanism 18 feeds the set printed matter one by one to a position where it is read by the photoelectric conversion element 2.
[0083]
The pixel number counting unit 6 counts the amount of colorant for each colorant for each printed material set in the automatic document feeding mechanism 18 and accumulates the counted value for a bundle of printed materials. As the configuration of the pixel count unit 6, the configuration shown in FIG. 16 described in the eighth embodiment can be used. The value of the latch 102 may be configured not to be reset until reading of all the bundles of printed materials is completed. Thereby, the cumulative value of the colorant amount for each colorant can be obtained for all the printed materials in a bundle.
[0084]
The discriminating unit 7 discriminates an index for separating the printed matter as a bundle based on the amount of each colorant in the bundle of printed matter detected by the detecting unit 4. For example, even if a printed material having a large amount of colorant is mixed in a bundle of printed materials, if the amount of the colorant is small as a whole, it is possible to perform separation into a reproduction process when the amount of the colorant is small. In addition, when the amount of the coloring material is large as a whole, it is determined that even if there is a printed matter with a small amount of the coloring material, the separation to the regeneration process when the coloring material amount is large is performed.
[0085]
As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, since the index for separation is determined as a bundle of printed materials, when sorting a large amount of printed materials, the printed material is handled as a bundle, so that the labor of separation is reduced. It can be omitted.
[0086]
FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing the tenth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 19 denotes a conversion coefficient input unit. In the tenth embodiment, a configuration for dealing with a difference in colorant when an image is formed on a printed matter is shown. It is considered that images are formed on the printed matter by various recording devices. Each recording apparatus may use a specific colorant. For example, even if Y, M, C, and K colorants are used as described above, the colors are slightly different, and if the color conversion is uniformly performed by the color conversion unit 5, different colorant amounts are detected. Sometimes. In addition, there may be a slight difference in the colorant used for color reproduction. Furthermore, colorants other than Y, M, C, and K may be used. In such a case, when the color conversion unit 5 converts the color material amount into image information indicating the color material amount, it can be converted into an accurate color material amount by setting a conversion coefficient.
[0087]
For example, when an image is formed on a printed matter using a red colorant, if it is detected as the amount of Y, M colorant, it is detected as a colorant amount approximately twice that of the actual amount. At this time, by setting 0.5 as a conversion coefficient for the amounts of Y and M colorants, the total amount of colorants becomes the same as when one colorant is used. For example, when an image is formed using only the Y, M, and C colorants without using the K colorant, the conversion coefficient is set so as not to be converted into K image information. In other words, the K component may be set to be added as Y, M, and C values. Normally, for colors close to black, the conversion coefficients for Y, M, and C are decreased and the conversion coefficient for K is increased as the color approaches black. However, when the K colorant is not used, the K conversion coefficient may be set to 0 and the Y, M, and C conversion coefficients may be set to 1.
[0088]
The conversion coefficient input unit 19 inputs a conversion coefficient when the color conversion unit 5 converts the image information indicating the amount of colorant for each color as described above, and sets the conversion coefficient in the color conversion unit 5. The color conversion unit 5 converts the image information output from the image reading unit 1 into image information indicating the color component of each colorant using the conversion coefficient input and set by the conversion coefficient input unit 19.
[0089]
Next, an outline of the operation in the tenth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. First, the conversion coefficient at the time of color conversion corresponding to the colorant used for image formation on the printed matter is input and set from the conversion coefficient input unit 19. For the input setting of the conversion coefficient, various input methods such as direct input of the conversion coefficient or setting of several conversion coefficient sets in advance and selection of one of them can be applied. it can.
[0090]
Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the image information read from the printed material and converted into a digital signal is passed to the detection unit 4. The color conversion unit 5 of the detection unit 4 converts the image read by the image reading unit 1 into image information indicating the colorant amount of each color. At this time, conversion is performed using the conversion coefficient previously set by the conversion coefficient input unit 19. Thereby, according to the state of the colorant used for the image formed on the printed matter, it can be accurately converted into image information indicating the amount of each colorant.
[0091]
The operation after color conversion in the color conversion unit 5 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above. The pixel number counting unit 6 counts the amount of colorant for each colorant, and the determination unit 7 determines the printed matter from the count value. An index for discriminating is determined.
[0092]
As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the index for separating the printed material is determined according to the state of the colorant used in the image formed on the printed material, and the determination result is output. Therefore, it is possible to accurately sort the printed matter.
[0093]
FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 20 denotes an image forming method input unit. In the above description, a specific method is assumed as an image forming method. However, there are many methods for forming an image. For example, the color material adhering to the printed material differs between a printed material printed using a normal printing technique and a printed material on which an image is formed by a copying machine or a printer. In addition, various image forming methods such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, and a thermal transfer method are also used in copying machines and printers. For example, in an electrophotographic system, toner is used as a colorant and hardly penetrates into printed matter. Further, for example, in the ink jet system, dye-based ink is used as a colorant, and the paper fiber is deeply penetrated to dye paper fibers. Even in the same electrophotographic system, the toner used may be different, or in the color electrophotographic system, a coating material may be applied in addition to the toner as a colorant. Depending on the difference in image forming method, there may be a case where a reproduction process is different or an adjustment is required in each process. Therefore, it is desirable to take these into account as an index for separating printed materials.
[0094]
The image forming method input unit 20 is used to set and input a forming method of an image formed on a printed material by a user. In accordance with the setting input by the user, the conversion coefficient is set for the color conversion unit 5 and the image forming method information for the determination unit 7 is output. Instead of setting input by the user, automatic determination may be made by a sensor or the like if possible.
[0095]
Similar to the above-described tenth embodiment, the color conversion unit 5 uses the conversion coefficient input and set by the image forming method input unit 20 and converts the image information output from the image reading unit 1 into the colorant for each color. Is converted into image information indicating the color component of the image. The discriminating unit discriminates an index for separating the printed matter according to the image forming method information set and inputted in the image forming method input unit 20 together with the colorant amount counted in the pixel number counting unit 6, and the discrimination result Is output.
[0096]
Next, an outline of the operation in the eleventh embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention will be described. First, an image forming method used for forming an image on a printed material is input and set from the image forming method input unit 20. The image forming method input unit 20 sets a conversion coefficient for performing optimum color conversion in accordance with the input image forming method and sends it to the color converting unit 5, and sets the input image forming method as image forming method information. To the determination unit 7.
[0097]
Thereafter, in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment described above, the image on the printed material is read and converted into a digital signal, and the image information for each colorant using the conversion coefficient set in the color converter 5 is used. Then, the amount of colorant is counted by the pixel number counting unit 6.
[0098]
In accordance with the image forming method information set and input in the image forming method input unit 20 together with the colorant amount counted in the pixel number counting unit 6 in this way, the determining unit 7 determines an index for separating the printed matter. In this determination, for example, not only a sorting method such as outputting the amount of colorant or sorting into high-quality paper or miscellaneous paper, but also, for example, “deinking time is increased” or “bleaching agent is used depending on the image forming method”. It is possible to discriminate including an index for regeneration, such as “Large” and “Insert coating agent separation process”, and use it as an index for separation.
[0099]
As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, the index for separating the printed material is determined according to the image forming method when the image is formed on the printed material, and the determination result is output. It is possible to accurately perform the separation, and it is also possible to give instructions in the subsequent regeneration process.
[0100]
In the above, several embodiments have been described. Each of the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. For example, in the second to tenth embodiments described above, the print information display unit 11 can be provided as shown in the first embodiment to display various determination results.
[0101]
In addition, for example, if it is possible to detect foreign matter such as a label or IC chip attached on a printed material, it is also possible to determine an index related to the removal of these foreign matter and classification of the foreign matter and output the result as a determination result. .
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, even for a printed matter on which a color image is formed, the colorant amount can be accurately detected, and an index for separating the printed matter can be determined. Thus, it is possible to perform optimum separation irrespective of color printed matter and black and white printed matter, and there is an effect that the printed matter can be reproduced by an optimum reproduction process.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a first embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a pixel number counting unit 6 in the first embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of an operation in the first embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of a first image in the first embodiment of the printed matter determination apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a superposition state of colorants when a color image is formed.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of a second image in the first embodiment of the printed matter determination apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a second embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of the print information display unit 11 in the second embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing a modification of the second embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a third embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing an eighth embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a pixel number counting unit 6 in an eighth embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of images formed on both sides of a printed material.
FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing a tenth embodiment of a printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of the printed matter discrimination apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a general used paper recycling process.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image reading part, 2 ... Photoelectric conversion element, 3 ... A / D converter, 4 ... Detection part, 5 ... Color conversion part, 6 ... Pixel number count part, 7 ... Discrimination part, 11 ... Print information display part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Reference value holding | maintenance part, 13 ... Reference value input part, 14 ... Original size recognition part, 15 ... Background color detection part, 16 ... Original paper quality recognition part, 17 ... Double-sided reading mechanism, 18 ... Automatic original feeding mechanism, 19 ... Conversion coefficient input unit 20... Image forming method input unit 101 101 Counter 102 Latch 111 Conversion table

Claims (12)

  Image reading means for reading an image from a printed matter, detection means for detecting the amount of colorant used for forming the image for each color from image information read by the image reading means, and for each color by the detection means And determining means for discriminating an index for separating the printed material based on the amount of the colorant detected in the printing material, and the printed material is formed by layering the color material in layers, and the detecting means A printed matter discriminating apparatus for detecting a usage amount of each colorant for each color by using the number of layers of the colorant corresponding to the color of the image read by the image reading means.   Image reading means for reading an image from a printed matter, detection means for detecting the amount of colorant used for forming the image for each color from image information read by the image reading means, and for each color by the detection means A discriminating unit for discriminating an index for separating the printed matter based on the usage amount of the colorant detected in the step, and a paper size recognizing unit for recognizing the size of the printed matter, wherein the discriminating unit recognizes the paper size. A printed matter discriminating apparatus characterized in that discrimination is performed in consideration of information on the size of the printed matter detected by the means.   Image reading means for reading an image from a printed matter, detection means for detecting the amount of colorant used for forming the image for each color from image information read by the image reading means, and for each color by the detection means Determining means for discriminating an index for separating the printed matter based on the amount of colorant detected, and a background color detecting means for detecting a background color of the printed matter, the detecting means comprising the background color A printed matter discriminating apparatus that detects the amount of colorant used for each color, excluding the background color detected by the detecting means.   The printed matter discriminating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit performs the determination in consideration of the background color detected by the background color detection unit.   Image reading means for reading an image from a printed matter, detection means for detecting the amount of colorant used for forming the image for each color from image information read by the image reading means, and for each color by the detection means A discriminating means for discriminating an index for separating the printed matter based on the use amount of the colorant detected in the step, and a paper quality recognizing unit for recognizing the paper quality of the printed matter. A printed matter discriminating apparatus characterized in that discrimination is performed in consideration of the recognized paper quality of the printed matter.   Image reading means for reading an image from a printed matter, detection means for detecting the amount of colorant used for forming the image for each color from image information read by the image reading means, and for each color by the detection means The image reading means is capable of reading images on both sides of the printed matter, and the detecting means is capable of reading images on both sides of the printed matter. A printed matter discriminating apparatus that detects the total amount of colorant used on both sides of the printed matter for each color.   The printed matter discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discriminating unit discriminates by comparing a detection result of the detecting unit with a preset value.   The printed matter discrimination apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a setting unit configured to set the preset value.   The said detection means detects the sum total of the usage-amount of a coloring material for each color about the said printed matter of several sheets, The said discrimination means discriminate | determines with respect to the bundle | flux of the said multiple printed matter. The printed matter discrimination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   10. The printed matter discrimination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discrimination unit outputs a sorting method as an index for sorting the printed matter.   The detection means includes conversion coefficient input means capable of setting a conversion coefficient used when detecting the use amount of the colorant for each color from the image information read by the image reading means, and the detection means includes the conversion coefficient. 11. The printed matter discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the colorant usage amount is detected for each color by using the conversion coefficient set by the input unit.   The printed matter discrimination apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays an index for sorting the printed matter discriminated by the discrimination unit.

Images