Image formation apparatus and image formation system

Abstract

To appropriately print an end image on a header side end of a sheet bundle regardless of a type of bookbinding.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: a control part that controls an image forming part on the basis of image data including end image data such that an end image is printed on a header side end of a sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of sheets; an image data correction part that corrects the image data including the end image data in accordance with a number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle, a thickness of the sheets, and a type of bookbinding; and a printing position correction part that corrects a printing position of the end image in accordance with the type of bookbinding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of electrophotographic image forming devices, a technology has been disclosed in which a predetermined pattern is printed on the edge of paper so that an identification mark appears as an edge image on the edge (side) of the paper when it is stacked (see Patent Document 1). According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to identify the sorting destination of the paper simply by looking at the paper from a horizontal direction when it is stacked. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-310982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is used to print an edge image on the edge of the fore-edge side of a paper bundle (booklet) made up of multiple overlapping sheets of paper, the following problem occurs.

[0005] Depending on the type of bookbinding, the edges of multiple sheets of paper may be misaligned or cut during the bookbinding process. In such cases, the misalignment or cutting of the edges of multiple sheets of paper can cause the edge image to be displayed (printed) incorrectly on the edge of the paper stack, making it difficult to read the edge image.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can properly print an edge image on the fore-edge side edge of a sheet bundle, regardless of the type of bookbinding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming unit for printing an image on paper; a control unit that controls the image forming unit based on image data including edge image data so that an edge image is printed on the edge of a paper stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets of paper; an image data correction unit that corrects image data including edge image data according to the number of sheets constituting the paper stack, the thickness of the sheets, and the type of bookbinding; The printing position correcting section corrects the printing position of the end image according to the type of bookbinding.

[0008] One aspect of the image forming system of the present invention is the image forming apparatus; and a post-processing device that is installed downstream of the image forming device and performs post-processing on printed sheets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an edge image can be appropriately printed on the edge of the fore-edge side of a sheet bundle, regardless of the type of bookbinding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle created by edge binding processing, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle created by end binding processing, viewed from the fore-edge side. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a sheet stack created by saddle stitching and center folding processing, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle created by saddle stitching and center folding processing, viewed from the fore-edge side. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram taken along line IVC-IVC in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a sheet stack created by saddle stitching, center folding and trimming processes, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a sheet stack created by saddle stitching, center folding and trimming, viewed from the fore-edge side. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing imposition-printed paper. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a sheet stack created by cutting imposed printed sheets, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a sheet stack created by cutting imposed printed sheets, viewed from the fore-edge side. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram taken along the line VID-VID in FIG. 6B. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a stack of sheets, viewed from the bottom side, that has a convex spine and a concave fore-edge. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a stack of sheets, created so that the spine is formed convexly and the fore edge is formed concavely, as viewed from the fore edge side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the specification and claims of this application, the upstream side refers to the upstream side in the paper transport direction, and the downstream side refers to the downstream side in the transport direction. In the drawings, "front" refers to the front direction, "rear" refers to the rear direction, "left" refers to the left direction, "right" refers to the right direction, "up" refers to the up direction, and "down" refers to the down direction.

[0012] The overall configuration of an image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0013] 1, an image forming system 10 according to this embodiment is a system that prints an image on a sheet S and performs post-processing such as bookbinding on the printed sheet S. The image forming system 10 includes an image forming device 12 that prints an image on the sheet S using an electrophotographic method, and a post-processing device 14 that is installed downstream of the image forming device 12. The post-processing device 14 performs post-processing such as bookbinding on the printed sheet S that has been transported from the image forming device 12.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 12 has a box-shaped apparatus main body (apparatus main body for the image forming apparatus) 16, which constitutes the base frame of the image forming apparatus 12. An original reading unit 18 for reading an image of an original D is provided on the top of the apparatus main body 16. The original reading unit 18 optically scans the original D placed on a contact glass or the original D transported onto the contact glass. The original reading unit 18 optically reads the image of the scanned original using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor to generate image data.

[0016] An image processing unit 20 is provided at an appropriate position within the device body 16, and performs image processing such as shading correction and compression on image data from the document reading unit 18. In addition, a document transport unit 22 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) is provided above the document reading unit 18 in the device body 16. The document transport unit 22 transports the document D set on a document tray onto the contact glass of the document reading unit 18.

[0017] An image forming unit 24 for electrophotographically printing an image on paper S is provided at the top of the device main body 16. The image forming unit 24 has a photosensitive drum 26 and, arranged around the drum 26, a charging unit 28, an exposure unit 30, a development unit 32, a transfer unit 34, a separation unit 36, and a drum cleaning unit 38.

[0018] The photoreceptor drum 26 is a negatively charged organic photoreceptor having an undercoat layer, a charge generating layer, and a charge transport layer laminated in this order on the peripheral surface of a conductive cylinder made of, for example, aluminum. The photoreceptor drum 26 is rotated at a constant peripheral speed by a rotary motor (not shown).

[0019] The charging unit 28 uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 26 to a negative polarity. The exposure unit 30 emits laser light as scanning light to expose and scan the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 26, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 26. The developing unit 32 attaches toner to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 26, thereby visualizing the electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 26 and forming a toner image.

[0020] The transfer unit 34 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 26 and transfers the toner image from the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 26 to the paper S. The separation unit 36 ​​is disposed immediately downstream of the transfer unit 34 and separates the paper S from the photosensitive drum 26 by erasing the charge on the side of the paper S opposite the transfer side of the toner image. The drum cleaning unit 38 cleans off any residual toner remaining on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 26 after the toner image has been transferred.

[0021] A fixing section 40 for fixing the toner image onto the paper S is provided downstream of the separating section 36 within the apparatus main body 16. The fixing section 40 has a heating roller 42 and a pressure roller 44.

[0022] Heating roller 42 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS (stainless steel), and a heating device such as a halogen lamp provided inside the core. Pressure roller 44 is positioned opposite heating roller 42 and presses against heating roller 42 with a predetermined fixing load. Pressure roller 44 cooperates with heating roller 42 to hold paper S. Pressure roller 44 has a hollow cylindrical core made of, for example, aluminum, iron, or SUS, an elastic layer made of, for example, silicone rubber provided on the outer circumferential surface of the core, and a surface layer made of, for example, PFA tubing provided on the surface of the elastic layer.

[0023] The pressure roller 44 is rotated by a rotary motor (not shown), which causes the heating roller 42 to rotate accordingly. As a result, the heating roller 42 and the pressure roller 44 work together to heat and pressurize the paper S while transporting it, thereby fixing any toner images that have not yet arrived on the paper S.

[0024] A paper feed unit 46 for feeding paper S to the transfer unit 34 is provided at the bottom of the device main body 16. The paper feed unit 46 has a plurality of paper feed trays 48 that store a plurality of sheets of paper S. Each paper feed tray 48 stores a type of paper S that has been preset based on basis weight, size, etc. A media sensor 50 for detecting the type of paper S may be provided between the paper feed trays 48 and the transfer unit 34 inside the device main body 16.

[0025] A paper discharge section 52 is provided downstream of the fixing section 40 within the device body 16 to discharge the printed paper S to the outside of the device body 16. The paper discharge section 52 has a pair of paper discharge rollers 54. By rotating the pair of paper discharge rollers 54, the printed paper S can be discharged to the outside of the device body 16 (towards the post-processing device 14).

[0026] A main transport path 56 is provided between the paper feed unit 46 and the paper discharge unit 52 in the device main body 16, and transports the paper S via the transfer unit 34 and the fixing unit 40. Also, a reversing transport path 58 is provided near the paper feed unit 46 in the device main body 16, and reversing the paper S from front to back. One end of the reversing transport path 58 is connected to the main transport path 56 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 40. The other end of the reversing transport path 58 is connected to the main transport path 56 on the upstream side of the fixing unit 40. The reversing transport path 58 is a path along which the paper S is transported when face-down discharge is performed in single-sided printing, or when double-sided printing is performed.

[0027] A switching gate 60 that switches the transport direction of the paper S is provided between one end of the reverse transport path 58 and the main transport path 56. When performing face-up discharge in single-sided printing, the switching gate 60 causes the transport direction of the paper S to face the paper discharge unit 52. When performing face-down discharge in single-sided printing, the switching gate 60 first switches the transport direction of the paper S to face the reverse transport path 58, and then, when the rear end of the paper S passes the switching gate 60, returns the transport direction of the paper S to the direction toward the paper discharge unit 52. When performing double-sided printing, the switching gate 60 switches the transport direction of the paper S to face the reverse transport path 58.

[0028] An operation display unit 62 is provided on the top of the device main body 16, and the operation display unit 62 has a touch panel, a start key, etc. The operation display unit 62 functions as an input unit that allows the user to input job information (print job) for operating the image forming device 12 and the post-processing device 14 through input operations. After inputting the job information, when the user presses the start button, the image forming device 12 and the post-processing device 14 start operating based on the input job information. Examples of job information include information on the type of paper S, information on the size of paper S, information indicating the operating mode of the post-processing device 14, information indicating the type of bookbinding, the number of sheets of paper S that make up the booklet (sheet stack), the number of copies to be printed of the booklet, and imposition information for the booklet.

[0029] The job information can also be input from an operation unit of a personal computer 64 (see FIG. 2) that serves as an external device connected via a network to the image forming apparatus 12. In this case, image data in a PDL (Page Description Language) format that represents the image can be included in the job information.

[0030] A specific configuration of the post-processing device 14 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0031] 1, post-processing device 14 according to this embodiment performs post-processing such as bookbinding on printed sheets S transported from image forming device 12. Post-processing device 14 includes a box-shaped device main body (device main body for post-processing device) 66, which constitutes a base frame of post-processing device 14.

[0032] An introduction conveyance path 68 is provided on the right side of the device body 66, which introduces the paper S conveyed (discharged) from the image forming device 12 into the device body 66. An upper conveyance path 70 is provided above the introduction conveyance path 68 within the device body 66, which conveys the paper S. The entrance end of the upper conveyance path 70 is connectable to the exit end of the introduction conveyance path 68. The exit side of the upper conveyance path 70 branches into two branch conveyance paths 70a, 70b. Furthermore, a lower conveyance path 72 is provided below the introduction conveyance path 68 within the device body 66, which conveys the paper S. The entrance end of the lower conveyance path 72 is connectable to the exit end of the introduction conveyance path 68.

[0033] A switching gate (not shown) is provided between the exit end of the lead-in conveyance path 68, the entrance end of the upper conveyance path 70, and the entrance end of the lower conveyance path 72 to send out the sheets S to either the upper conveyance path 70 or the lower conveyance path 72. When the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the normal mode or the edge binding mode, the sheets S transported to the exit end of the lead-in conveyance path 68 are sent out from the lead-in conveyance path 68 to the upper conveyance path 70. When the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the saddle stitching / center folding mode, the sheets S transported to the exit end of the lead-in conveyance path 68 are sent out from the lead-in conveyance path 68 to the lower conveyance path 72. The edge binding mode is a mode in which edge binding is performed to bind the fore-edge edges of multiple sheets S. The saddle stitching / center folding mode is a mode in which saddle stitching and center folding are performed on multiple sheets S.

[0034] A switching gate (not shown) is provided at the branching portion on the exit side of the upper conveying path 70 to send the paper S to either the branching conveying path 70a or 70b. When the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the normal mode and the paper S is special paper such as cardboard, the paper S conveyed to the branching portion on the exit side of the upper conveying path 70 is sent to one of the branching conveying paths, 70a. When the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the normal mode and a large amount of paper S is being discharged, or when the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the end binding mode, the paper S conveyed to the branching portion on the exit side of the upper conveying path 70 is sent to the other branching conveying path, 70b.

[0035] An upper tray 74 for placing the paper S sent to one of the branched conveying paths 70a is provided on the upper end side of the left side of the device main body 66. When the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the normal mode and the paper S is special paper such as cardboard, the paper S sent to one of the branched conveying paths 70a is discharged onto the upper tray 74.

[0036] A first stacker 76 for stacking the sheets S sent to the other branched conveying path 70b is provided below the other branched conveying path 70b within the device body 66. A first stapler 78 for stapling the fore-edge side end of a plurality of sheets S is provided near the first stacker 76 within the device body 66. A middle tray 80 for placing sheets S or a stack of sheets SB is provided below the upper tray 74 on the left side of the device body 66.

[0037] When the operation mode of the post-processing device 14 is the normal mode and a large amount of paper S is discharged, the multiple sheets of paper S discharged to the first stacker 76 are discharged to the middle tray 80. When the operation mode of the post-processing device 14 is the end binding mode, the multiple sheets of paper S discharged to the first stacker 76 are end-bound by the first stapler 78 and then discharged to the middle tray 80 as a paper stack SB (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0038] A second stacker 82 for stacking the sheets S sent to the lower transport path 72 is provided below the first stapler 78 within the device body 66. The second stacker 82 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the left end of the second stacker 82 is higher than the right end. A second stapler 84 for saddle-stapling a plurality of sheets S is provided near the second stacker 82 within the device body 66. When a set number of sheets S have been accumulated in the second stacker 82, the sheets are transported from the second stacker 82 to the second stapler 84. A center-folding unit 86 for center-folding a plurality of sheets S is provided near the second stapler 84 within the device body 66.

[0039] The second stapler 84 is made up of a driver 88 and a clincher 90, and the driver 88 and the clincher 90 are arranged opposite each other with the second stacker 82 in between. The driver 88 inserts a staple (staple) into the center of the sheet S, and the clincher 90 bends the tip of the staple inserted into the sheet S by the driver 88. In this way, saddle-stitching is performed on multiple sheets S, and a sheet bundle (saddle-stitched bundle) SB is created. The sheet bundle SB created by the saddle-stitching process is transported from the second stacker 82 to the center-folding section 86.

[0040] The center folding section 86 has a pair of folding rollers 92 arranged on the underside of the second stacker 82, and a folding plate 94 arranged on the upper side of the second stacker 82 so as to face the pair of folding rollers 92. The folding plate 94 is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the second stacker 82. The folding plate 94 pushes the center position of the sheet stack SB between the pair of folding rollers 92, while the pair of folding rollers 92 rotate in opposite directions (directions of the arrows), causing the folding plate 94 to center fold the sheet stack SB.

[0041] A lower tray 96 for placing the sheet stack SB is provided on the lower end side of the left side of the device main body 66. When the operating mode of the post-processing device 14 is the saddle stitching / folding mode, the center-folded sheet stack SB (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is discharged from the folding unit 86 to the lower tray 96.

[0042] Note that, downstream of post-processing device 14, there are provided a cutting device (not shown) that cuts center-folded sheet stack SB or imposition-printed sheets S, and an attaching device (not shown) that attaches a cover to sheet stack SB. The cutting device and attaching device may be provided inside device main body 66. The cut sheet stack SB (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) and the sheet stack (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) made by overlapping cut sheets S are each discharged to an appropriate tray (not shown).

[0043] The control configuration of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0044] 2, the image forming device 12 of the image forming system 10 includes a control unit 98 that controls the document reading unit 18, the image processing unit 20, the document conveying unit 22, the image forming unit 24, and the fixing unit 40. The control unit 98 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is responsible for controlling the entire image forming system 10.

[0045] A storage unit 100 is connected to the control unit 98, and the storage unit 100 has a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The ROM stores programs and the like that control the basic operations of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM temporarily holds the programs as a working area. The control unit 98 reads out various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM, stores them in the RAM, and executes the programs to perform various arithmetic processing. The HDD stores an operating system, programs, and the like. The storage unit 100 also uses a table to store the type of paper S and the thickness of the paper S in association with each other.

[0046] A communication unit 102 is connected to the control unit 98, and the communication unit 102 communicates job information (print jobs) with a personal computer 64 serving as an external device. The control unit 98 is also connected to a media sensor 50, an operation display unit 62, and the like.

[0047] The specific configuration of the control unit 98 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7B. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle (edge-stitched sheet) SB created by edge-stitching processing, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created by edge-stitching processing, viewed from the fore-edge side. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle (saddle-stitched sheet) SB created by saddle-stitching and center-folding processing, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created by saddle-stitching and center-folding processing, viewed from the fore-edge side. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram along line IVC-IVC in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle (saddle-stitched sheet) SB created by saddle-stitching, center-folding and trimming processing, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created by saddle-stitching, center-folding and trimming processing, viewed from the fore-edge side.

[0048] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing imposition-printed sheets S. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created by cutting imposition-printed sheets S, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created by cutting imposition-printed sheets S, viewed from the fore-edge side. FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram along the VID-VID line in FIG. 6B. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created so that the spine is formed convexly and the fore-edge is formed concavely, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a sheet bundle SB created so that the spine is formed convexly and the fore-edge is formed concave, viewed from the fore-edge side.

[0049] 2 to 7B, the control unit 98 controls the image forming unit 24 based on image data including edge image data so that an edge image I is printed (displayed) at the edge of the fore-edge side of the sheet bundle SB, which is made by stacking multiple sheets of paper S. The edge image I is, for example, a barcode image, and may include identification information for the sheet bundle SB. The edge image data is data for printing the edge image I at the edge of the fore-edge side of the sheet bundle SB.

[0050] The control unit 98 executes various control programs to function as a thickness acquisition unit 104, an image data correction unit 106, and a print position correction unit 108. The specific contents of each function of the control unit 98 are as follows:

[0051] 2, the thickness acquisition unit 104 acquires from the storage unit 100 the thickness of the paper S associated with the type of paper S input via the operation and display unit 62. The thickness acquisition unit 104 may acquire the thickness of the paper S input via the operation and display unit 62, the thickness of the paper S detected by the media sensor 50, or the thickness of the paper S input via the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0052] The image data correction unit 106 corrects the image data, including the edge image data, according to the number of sheets S that make up the sheet bundle SB, the acquired thickness of the sheets S, and the type of binding. The number of sheets S that make up the sheet bundle SB and the type of binding are input as job information via the operation display unit 62 or the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the print position correction unit 108 corrects the print position of the edge image I on the sheet stack SB according to the type of bookbinding. The print position correction unit 108 corrects the print position of the divided image Id on the sheet S according to the type of bookbinding. The divided image Id is an image obtained by dividing the edge image I according to the number of sheets S and the thickness of the sheets S. If the edge image I (divided image Id) tends to be misaligned in the main scanning direction, the print position correction unit 108 may correct the print position of the edge image I (divided image Id) based on a correction value input from the operation display unit 62 or the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0054] The print position correction unit 108 may correct the print position of the end image I (divided image Id on the paper S) on the paper stack SB in accordance with the temperature and / or humidity during printing. This is because the image characteristics of the photosensitive drum 26, the developing unit 32, and the transfer unit 34 change depending on the temperature or humidity. The print position correction unit 108 may also correct the print position of the end image I (divided image Id on the paper S) on the paper stack SB in accordance with the usage amount (usage period) of the photosensitive drum 26 and / or the developing unit 32. This is because the image characteristics change depending on the usage amount of the photosensitive drum 26 or the developing unit 32.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 to 3B, when multiple printed sheets of paper S are stacked and bound at the fore-edge side edge of the multiple sheets of paper S to form a book, the image data correction unit 106 performs the following processing.

[0056] The image data correction unit 106 corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images Id obtained by dividing the edge image I according to the number of sheets of paper S and the thickness of the sheets S are printed (displayed) on the edge of the fore-edge side of each of the multiple sheets of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 compares the thickness of the edge image I with the thickness of the sheet stack SB (the value obtained by multiplying the thickness of the sheets S by the number of sheets of paper S), and may enlarge or reduce the edge image I as necessary to divide the edge image I into pieces for each sheet of paper S.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 and 4A to 4C, when saddle-stitching and center-folding are performed on multiple printed sheets of paper S and the multiple sheets are bound without cutting the fore-edge side edge of the sheets, the image data correction unit 106 and the print position correction unit 108 perform the following processing.

[0058] The image data correction unit 106 corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images Id, obtained by dividing the edge image I according to the number of sheets of paper S and the thickness of the sheets of paper S, are printed (displayed) at the edge of the fore-edge side of each of the multiple sheets of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 compares the thickness of the edge image I with the thickness of the paper stack SB (the value obtained by multiplying the thickness of the sheets of paper S by the number of sheets of paper S), and may enlarge or reduce the edge image I as necessary to divide the edge image I into portions for each sheet of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 may correct the image data including the edge image data so that the edge image I (divided images Id) are printed (displayed) continuously at the edge of the fore-edge side of the multiple sheets of paper S by adjusting the density of the edge image I.

[0059] The printing position correction unit 108 calculates the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S based on the acquired thickness of the paper S. Then, the printing position correction unit 108 corrects the printing position of the divided image Id on the paper S (the edge image I in the paper stack SB) based on the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S. Note that instead of the printing position correction unit 108 calculating the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S, the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S may be input as part of the job information via the operation / display unit 62 or the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2, 5A, and 5B, when saddle-stitching and center-folding are performed on multiple printed sheets of paper S, and the edges of the multiple sheets of paper S are trimmed to bind them into a book, the image data correction unit 106 and the print position correction unit 108 perform the following processing.

[0061] The image data correction unit 106 corrects the image data including the edge image data so that the divided images Id are printed (displayed) at the fore-edge side edges of the multiple sheets of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 compares the thickness of the edge image I with the thickness of the paper stack SB, and may enlarge or reduce the edge image I as necessary to divide the edge image I into pieces for each sheet of paper S.

[0062] The print position correction unit 108 calculates the cutting position on the fore-edge side of the multiple sheets of paper S based on the acquired thickness of the paper S. Then, the print position correction unit 108 corrects the printing position of the divided image Id on the paper S (edge ​​image I in the paper stack SB) so that it matches the cutting position on the fore-edge side of the multiple sheets of paper S. Note that instead of the print position correction unit 108 calculating the cutting position on the fore-edge side edge of the multiple sheets of paper S, the cutting position on the fore-edge side edge of the multiple sheets of paper S may be input as part of the job information via the operation / display unit 62 or the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0063] As shown in Figures 2 and 6A to 6D, when imposition-printed sheets S are cut and the cut sheets S are stacked together to form a book, the image data correction unit 106 and the print position correction unit 108 perform the following processing.

[0064] The image data correction unit 106 corrects the image data including the edge image data so that the divided images Id are printed (displayed) on the fore-edge side edges of the cut sheets of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 compares the thickness of the edge image I with the thickness of the paper stack SB, and may enlarge or reduce the edge image I as necessary to divide the edge image I into pieces for each sheet of paper S.

[0065] The print position correction unit 108 calculates the cutting position on the fore-edge side of the cut multiple sheets of paper S based on the acquired thickness of the paper S. Then, the print position correction unit 108 corrects the printing position of the divided image Id on the paper S (edge ​​image I in the paper stack SB) so that it matches the cutting position on the fore-edge side of the multiple sheets of paper S. Note that instead of the print position correction unit 108 calculating the cutting position on the fore-edge side edge of the multiple sheets of paper S, the cutting position on the fore-edge side edge of the multiple sheets of paper S may be input as part of the job information via the operation / display unit 62 or the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2, 7A, and 7B, when multiple sheets of paper S are stacked and bound together so that the spine of the paper stack SB is formed convexly and the edge of the paper stack SB is formed concavely, the image data correction unit 106 and the print position correction unit 108 perform the following processing.

[0067] The image data correction unit 106 corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images Id, obtained by dividing the edge image I according to the number of sheets of paper S and the thickness of the sheets of paper S, are printed on the edge of the fore-edge side of each of the multiple sheets of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 may compare the thickness of the edge image I with the thickness of the paper stack SB, and may enlarge or reduce the edge image I as necessary to divide the edge image I for each sheet of paper S. The image data correction unit 106 may correct the image data including the edge image data so that the edge image I (divided images Id) are printed (displayed) continuously on the edge of the fore-edge side of the multiple sheets of paper S by adjusting the density of the edge image I.

[0068] The printing position correction unit 108 calculates the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S based on the acquired thickness of the paper S. Then, the printing position correction unit 108 corrects the printing position of the divided image Id on the paper S (the edge image I in the paper stack SB) based on the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S. Note that instead of the printing position correction unit 108 calculating the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S, the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge edges of the multiple sheets of paper S may be input as part of the job information via the operation / display unit 62 or the operation unit of the personal computer 64.

[0069] 2, the post-processing device 14 of the image forming system 10 includes a control unit 110 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 14. The control unit 98 has a CPU and the like, and controls the operation of the post-processing device 14 based on job information transmitted from the image forming device 12, thereby performing post-processing such as edge binding, saddle stitching, center folding, and trimming.

[0070] A communication unit 112 is connected to the control unit 110, and the communication unit 112 communicates job information (print jobs) with the communication unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 12. A first stapler driving unit 114, a second stapler driving unit 116, a folding plate driving unit 118, a folding roller driving unit 120, and a cutting driving unit 122 are also connected to the control unit 110.

[0071] The first stapler driving unit 114 drives the first stapler 78 based on a driving signal supplied from the control unit 110, thereby performing edge binding processing by stapling on a plurality of sheets S. The second stapler driving unit 116 drives the second stapler 84 based on a driving signal supplied from the control unit 110, thereby performing saddle stitch processing on a plurality of sheets S by stapling.

[0072] Based on a drive signal supplied from the control unit 110, the folding plate drive unit 118 moves the folding plate 94 in a direction perpendicular to the second stacker 82, thereby pushing the sheet bundle (saddle-stitched sheet) SB between the pair of folding rollers 92. Based on a drive signal supplied from the control unit 110, the folding roller drive unit 120 performs a center-folding process on the sheet bundle (saddle-stitched sheet) SB by driving the pair of folding rollers 92 to rotate. Based on a drive signal supplied from the control unit 110, the cutting drive unit 122 drives a cutting device (not shown) to perform a cutting process on the sheet bundle SB that has been edge-stitched or saddle-stitched and center-folded.

[0073] According to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 12 of this embodiment, as described above, the image data correction unit 106 corrects image data including edge image data according to the number of sheets S constituting the sheet stack SB, the acquired thickness of the sheets S, and the type of bookbinding. The print position correction unit 108 corrects the print position of the divided image Id on the sheets S (edge ​​image I on the sheet stack SB) according to the type of bookbinding. Therefore, even if the edges on the fore edge of multiple sheets S are misaligned or cut during the bookbinding process, the edge image I can be properly printed (displayed) on the fore edge of the sheet stack SB without being affected by the misalignment or cutting of the edges on the fore edge of the multiple sheets S.

[0074] In other words, according to the image forming device 12 of this embodiment, regardless of the type of binding, the end image I can be properly printed (displayed) at the fore-edge end of the paper stack SB, and the end image I can be accurately read by a reading device such as a barcode reader.

[0075] Although the present embodiment has been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above. In addition, various modifications and changes to the specific examples described in the above embodiment are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as defined in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The present invention is useful as an image forming apparatus that can appropriately print an edge image on the fore-edge edge of a sheet bundle, regardless of the type of bookbinding. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10. Image forming system 12 Image forming device 14 Aftertreatment device 16 Device body (device body for image forming device) 18 Document reading section 20 Image processing section 22 Document transport section 24 Image forming unit 26 Photosensitive drum 28 Charging section 30 Exposure section 32 Development section 34 Transcription section 36 Separation part 38 Drum Cleaning Department 40 Fixing section 42 heated roller 44 Pressure roller 46 Paper feed section 48 Paper tray 50 Media Sensor 52 Paper output section 54 Paper ejection roller pair 56 Main transport route 58 Reversing conveyance path 60 Switching Gate 62 Operation display section 64 Personal Computer 66 Device body (device body for post-processing device) 68 Introduction transport path 70 Upper conveyor 70a Branching conveyor 70b Branching conveying path 72 Lower conveyor 74 Upper tray 76 1st Stacker 78 First Stapler 80 Middle Tray 82 2nd Stacker 84 Second Stapler 86 Centerfold 88 Driver 90 Clincher 92 Folding roller 94 Folding Plate 96 Lower Tray 98 Control Unit 100 Storage section 102 Communications Department 104 Thickness acquisition unit 106 Image data correction unit 108 Print position correction section 110 control section 112 Communications Department 114 First stapler drive unit 116 Second stapler drive unit 118 Folding plate drive unit 120 Folding roller drive unit 122 Cutting drive unit D Manuscript I Edge image ID Split Image S paper SB paper stack

Claims

1. an image forming unit for printing an image on paper; a control unit that controls the image forming unit based on image data including edge image data so that an edge image is printed on the edge of a paper stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets of paper; an image data correction unit that corrects image data including edge image data according to the number of sheets constituting the paper stack, the thickness of the sheets, and the type of bookbinding; a print position correction unit that corrects the print position of the edge image according to the type of bookbinding; Image forming device.

2. a storage unit that stores the type of paper and the thickness of the paper in association with each other; a thickness acquisition unit that acquires from the storage unit the thickness of paper associated with the input paper type, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. When stacking multiple printed sheets of paper and binding them together at the fore-edge, the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images obtained by dividing the edge image according to the number of sheets of paper and the thickness of the sheets of paper are printed on the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets of paper, respectively. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. When saddle-stitching and center-folding multiple printed sheets of paper and binding them without trimming the edges of the sheets, the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images obtained by dividing the edge image according to the number of sheets and the thickness of the sheets are printed on the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets of paper, the print position correction unit corrects the print positions of the divided images based on the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge ends of the plurality of sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that the edge images are printed continuously at the edge of the fore-edge side of the plurality of sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. the print position correction unit calculates the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets of paper based on the thickness of the sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. When saddle-stitching and center-folding multiple printed sheets of paper and trimming the edges of the multiple sheets to form a booklet, the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images obtained by dividing the edge image according to the number of sheets and the thickness of the sheets are printed on the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets, respectively; the print position correction unit corrects the print positions of the divided images to match the cutting positions on the fore-edge sides of the plurality of sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

8. the print position correction unit calculates a cutting position on the fore-edge side of the plurality of sheets of paper based on the thickness of the sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 .

9. When cutting imposed printed sheets and stacking multiple cut sheets to bind them into a book, the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images obtained by dividing the edge image according to the number of cut sheets and the thickness of the sheets are printed on the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets, respectively; the print position correction unit corrects the print positions of the divided images to match the cutting positions on the fore-edge sides of the plurality of sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. When binding a plurality of sheets of paper together so that the spine of the paper stack is formed convexly and the edge of the paper stack is formed concavely, the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that divided images obtained by dividing the edge image according to the number of sheets of paper and the thickness of the sheets of paper are printed on the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets of paper; the print position correction unit corrects the print positions of the divided images based on the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge ends of the plurality of sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. the image data correction unit corrects the image data including the edge image data so that the edge images are continuously formed at the edge of the fore-edge side of the plurality of sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. the print position correction unit calculates the amount of misalignment of the fore-edge side edges of the plurality of sheets of paper based on the thickness of the sheets of paper; The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a post-processing device that is installed downstream of the image forming device and performs post-processing on printed paper; Imaging system.

Images