An image decoloring apparatus includes a reader configured to read an image on a sheet to acquire image data, a storage section configured to store the image data acquired by the reader, and a first heater configured to heat the sheet. The apparatus further includes a difference extractor configured to extract difference image data based on first image data read from the sheet before it is heated by the first heater and second image data read from the sheet after it is heated by the first heater. The apparatus additionally includes a setting section configured to set a password required to access the difference image data.

According to an embodiment, an image erasing apparatus includes a reading unit, an erasing unit, an image forming unit, and a controller. The reading unit reads identification information formed on a sheet conveyed. The erasing unit erases a part or all of a first image formed on the sheet after the identification information is read. The controller obtains image data corresponding to the identification information that is read by the reading unit. The controller controls the image forming unit so as to form a second image, which is indicated by the obtained image data, onto the sheet from which the first image has been erased.

A decoloring apparatus includes a reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet and outputs image information corresponding to the read image. A control unit is configured to recognize the image information output by the reading unit and determine whether decoloring using the decoloring unit is performed on the sheet based on the recognized image information.

Provided are a sheet processing device and a sheet manufacturing apparatus capable of removing color material from printed parts without excess or deficiency. A sheet processing device has a detector configured to detect a printed part printed on a sheet; and an eraser configured to selectively remove at least a surface part of a printed area including the printed part detected by the detector. The eraser includes a grinding tool to grind the sheet, and a pressure mechanism configured to selectively increase contact pressure between the sheet and the grinding tool in the printed area.

A method for inking a three-dimensional micro-optic structure includes jetting a first volume of a first radiation-curable ink having a first pigment concentration to a first portion of a three-dimensional icon layer, wherein the first portion of the three-dimensional icon layer has a first volumetric fill requirement, jetting a second volume of the first radiation-curable ink to a second portion of the three-dimensional icon layer, wherein the second portion of the three-dimensional icon layer has a second volumetric fill requirement, blading excess radiation-curable ink from the three-dimensional icon layer and radiation curing remaining radiation-curable ink.

An image forming apparatus having a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes includes a display device; and a controller circuit including: a display control unit configured to generate information to be displayed on the display device, the information including a sheet feeding cassette selection region and a first recording agent selection region; and a setting unit configured to apply a recording agent setting for each of the sheet feeding cassettes based on a selection made in the first recording agent selection region among at least a decolorable recording agent including a decolorable color material and a non-decolorable recording agent including a non-decolorable color material. The display control unit is further configured to generate for display on the display device a list of the sheet feeding cassettes along with the recording agent setting for each of the sheet feeding cassettes.

An image forming apparatus includes first and second sheet storages, a sheet conveyer, an image reading unit configured to read a surface of a sheet conveyed from the first sheet storage by the sheet conveyer, an image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet conveyed from the image reading unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an amount of a color material appearing on the surface of the sheet based on image data generated by the image reading unit, determine one of the image forming unit and the second sheet storage as a sheet feeding destination, based on the determined amount of the color material and a threshold value that is associated with at least one of a type and content of an image to be formed on the sheet, and control the sheet conveyer to convey the sheet to the sheet feeding destination.

According to one embodiment, a decoloring device includes a reading unit, a decoloring unit, and a control unit. The reading unit is configured to read control information from a first image formed in a predetermined area of a sheet. The decoloring unit is configured to decolor a portion or entirety of a second image, different from the first image, formed on the sheet using a decolorable recording material. The control unit is configured to control erasing of the data of the second image from a storage device, based on the control information, in a case where the decoloring unit decolors the second image.

A sheet processing device, a sheet manufacturing apparatus, and a sheet processing method enable effectively removing the color material of printed parts. A sheet processing device for processing a printed sheets has a detector configured to detect the printed parts of the sheet; and a refining prevention agent applicator configured to selectively apply a refining prevention agent that prevents refinement of the sheet to a printed area including the printed parts detected by the detector.

According to an embodiment, an image erasing apparatus includes a reading unit, an erasing unit, an image forming unit, and a controller. The reading unit reads identification information formed on a sheet conveyed. The erasing unit erases a part or all of a first image formed on the sheet after the identification information is read. The controller obtains image data corresponding to the identification information that is read by the reading unit. The controller controls the image forming unit so as to form a second image, which is indicated by the obtained image data, onto the sheet from which the first image has been erased.