Image forming system

Abstract

An image forming system is disclosed. The image forming system includes: an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium; a varnish applying unit for applying varnish to the image on the recording medium; and a control unit for controlling the image forming unit to form a first image and a second image, and for controlling the varnish applying unit to apply varnish to the first image and the second image, such that a first varnish application amount for the first image applied by the varnish applying unit is different from a second varnish application amount for the second image applied by the varnish applying unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium and a varnish application apparatus capable of overprinting a fixer formed on the toner image on the recording medium using varnish. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, in order to improve the gloss, water resistance, and abrasion resistance of toner images separately from toner images, varnish images using colorless and transparent varnish are overlaid on toner images. As an apparatus capable of forming varnish images, for example, an inkjet-type varnish application device (called a varnish coater) is used. The varnish coater partially sprays varnish onto the recording medium (so-called dot coating), thus forming the varnish image desired by the user (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-224111).

[0003] Incidentally, surface gloss typically increases when varnish is applied to a recording medium. That is, the regular reflection of light increases in varnished areas compared to areas without varnish. For this reason, toner images with and without varnish applied appear different in color hue and texture when visually compared by a user. This is because, when varnish is applied overlaid onto a toner image, the color hue and texture of the toner image are affected by the concentration of the base toner image and the film thickness and linewidth of the varnish image, thus affecting the user's perception of the toner image. Incidentally, the film thickness and linewidth of the varnish image vary depending on the amount of varnish sprayed per unit area and the degree of penetration of the varnish into the recording medium.

[0004] Therefore, the user actually outputs a varnish image superimposed on a toner image pre-formed on the recording medium, and checks the color tone and texture of the toner image superimposed on the varnish image by actually observing the recording medium. However, under normal circumstances, the user must repeatedly output the recording medium while appropriately changing the concentration of the toner image and the film thickness of the varnish image until the user can confirm the desired color tone and texture, making such an operation potentially cumbersome and time-consuming, and easily resulting in wasted recording medium. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide an image forming system for outputting test charts for understanding the color tone and texture in the formation of varnish images.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is provided, comprising: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; a varnish applying unit configured to apply varnish to the image on the recording medium; and a control unit configured to: control the image forming unit to form a first image and a second image; and control the varnish applying unit to apply varnish to the first image and the second image such that a first varnish application amount applied by the varnish applying unit to the first image is different from a second varnish application amount applied by the varnish applying unit to the second image.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is provided, comprising: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; a varnish applying unit configured to apply varnish to form a varnish image on the recording medium; and a control unit configured to control the image forming unit and the varnish applying unit, wherein the control unit is capable of performing operations in an image forming mode and an operation in a test chart output mode, the image forming mode being used to form a varnish image by the varnish applying unit on a recording medium to which a toner has been formed by the image forming unit, and the test chart output mode being used to output a test chart without performing image formation on the recording medium by the image forming unit, wherein a first test varnish image and a second test varnish image are formed on the test chart by the varnish applying unit, the amount of varnish applied in the second test varnish image being different from that in the first test varnish image.

[0008] Other features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming system.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a graph showing the relationship between film thickness and control voltage related to varnish image formation.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a control block diagram of the image forming control system in an image forming system.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the test chart output processing in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the test chart selection screen.

[0014] Figure 6 Part (a) is a schematic diagram showing a test chart of multiple rectangular toner images formed with a single color and the same size.

[0015] Figure 6 Part (b) is a schematic diagram showing a test chart of multiple toner images formed by a single color and line pattern, and Figure 6 Part (c) is an enlarged view of the line pattern.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the test chart output processing in the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the screen for setting the film thickness.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the test chart output processing in the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the toner image selection screen. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [First Embodiment]

[0021] First, we will use Figure 1 The image forming system 1X of this embodiment is described. Figure 1 The image forming system 1X shown includes an image forming apparatus 100 for forming a toner image on a recording medium S and a varnish application apparatus (referred to as a varnish coater) for forming a varnish image on the recording medium S. The varnish coater 200 is reconfigurable as a subsequent step unit of the image forming apparatus 100 to expand functionality, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish coater 200 are connected to each other so that the recording medium S can be transferred therebetween. The image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish coater 200 are connected to each other via an input / output interface (not shown) so that control signals and data can be sent and received therebetween. For the purpose of improving the gloss, water resistance, abrasion resistance, etc., of the toner image formed on the recording medium S, the recording medium S with the toner image formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed toward the varnish coater 200, so that the varnish coater 200 forms a varnish image on the recording medium S separately from the toner image. The formation of the varnish image by the varnish coating machine 200 will be described later.

[0022] Incidentally, although not illustrated, the image forming system 1X may include other subsequent step units such as relay devices and finishing devices. The relay device is deployed between the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish coating machine 200, and reverses the recording medium S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 and sends it to the varnish coating machine 200, or sends the recording medium S to the varnish coating machine 200 after temporarily stacking the recording medium S. The finishing device performs, for example, punching, such that the recording medium S is perforated or bound, such that multiple recording media S are bundled and bound, and then the bundle of perforated or bound recording media S is discharged. In addition to these subsequent step units, for example, the image forming system 1X may include a recording medium supply device (not shown) capable of accommodating a large number of recording media S, wherein the recording media S can be supplied from the recording medium supply device to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] Image forming apparatus

[0024] Image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem type electrophotographic full-color printer. Image forming apparatus 100 includes image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd for forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images respectively. Image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on a recording medium S based on data related to a toner image included in image data sent from an original document reading device (not shown) connected to, for example, image forming apparatus 1000, or from an external device such as a personal computer connected to image forming apparatus 1000. Examples of recording medium S include sheet materials such as plain paper, thick paper, rough paper, non-uniform paper, and coated paper.

[0025] The feeding process of the recording medium S in the image forming apparatus 100 is described. The recording medium S is housed in a stacked manner in a cartridge 10 and is fed from the cartridge 10 in synchronization with the image forming timing via a supply roller 13. The recording medium S fed by the supply roller 13 is conveyed toward an alignment roller pair 12 arranged in the feed (transport) channel 114. Then, the recording medium S is subjected to tilt movement correction or timing correction by the alignment roller pair 12, after which the recording medium S is sent to the secondary transfer unit T2. The secondary transfer unit T2 is a transfer clamping unit formed by an inner secondary transfer roller 14 and an outer secondary transfer roller 11, and in response to the application of a secondary transfer voltage to the outer secondary transfer roller 11, a toner image is transferred onto the recording medium S.

[0026] Regarding the feeding process of the recording medium S up to the aforementioned secondary transfer unit T2, the image forming process of the image sent to the secondary transfer unit T2 at approximately the same timing will be described. First, although the image forming units will be described, the individual color image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured substantially similarly to each other, except that the colors of the toners used in the developing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. Hereinafter, as an example, the image forming unit Pd for black will be described, and the other image forming units Pa, Pb, and Pc will be omitted from the description.

[0027] The image forming unit Pd mainly consists of a developing device 1d, a charging device 2d, a photosensitive drum 3d, a photosensitive drum cleaner 4d, and an exposure device 5d. The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 3d is pre-charged uniformly by the charging device 2d, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed by the exposure device 5d driven by a signal based on image information. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3d is then developed into a toner image by the developing device 1d using a developer. Then, in response to a primary transfer voltage applied to a primary transfer roller 6d positioned opposite the image forming unit Pd and with an intermediate transfer belt 80 sandwiched therebetween, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3d is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 80 in a single pass. Slight residual toner from the primary transfer on the photosensitive drum 3d is collected in the photosensitive drum cleaner 4d.

[0028] The intermediate transfer belt 80 is stretched by the internal secondary transfer roller 14 and stretch rollers 15 and 16, and driven in the direction of arrow R2. In this embodiment, the stretch roller 16 also serves as a drive roller for driving the intermediate transfer belt 80. Individual color image forming processes are performed at the timing when the associated toner image is superimposed onto the upstream toner image that was first transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 80. As a result, a full-color toner image is finally formed on the intermediate transfer belt 80 and conveyed to the secondary transfer section T2. ​​Incidentally, the secondary transfer residual toner after passing through the secondary transfer section T2 is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 80 by the transfer cleaner 22.

[0029] As described above, through the feeding process and image forming process, in the secondary transfer unit T2, the timing of the recording medium S and the timing of the panchromatic toner image are synchronized, enabling secondary transfer. Subsequently, the recording medium S is conveyed to the fixing device 50, where heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium S, fixing the toner image onto the recording medium S. The fixing device 50 clamps and feeds the recording medium S with the toner image formed on it, applying heat and pressure to the fed recording medium S, fixing the toner image onto the recording medium S. That is, the toner in the toner image formed on the recording medium S is melted and mixed, and fixed as a panchromatic image on the recording medium S. Therefore, a series of image forming processes are completed. Then, in this embodiment, the recording medium S with the fixed toner image is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 to the varnish coating machine 200.

[0030] In this embodiment, a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier is used. The toner comprises a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent (wax). As the binder resin, known binder resins can be used. For example, resin materials such as ethylene copolymers represented by styrene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, polyester resins, hybrid resins obtained by chemically bonding ethylene copolymer units to polyester units, epoxy resins, styrene-butadiene copolymers, etc., can be used. As the colorant, known colorants for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black can be used.

[0031] As mold release agents, examples include aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes such as low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight olefin copolymer wax, microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, and paraffin wax; oxides of aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes such as oxidized polyethylene wax; their block copolymers; waxes that mainly contain fatty acid esters such as palm wax and lignite ester wax; ester waxes that are products of the synthetic reaction between higher fatty acids and higher alcohols, such as behenyl alcohol ester or behenyl alcohol stearate; partially or completely deoxygenated fatty acid esters such as deoxy palm wax; and so on.

[0032] In this embodiment, the image data also includes data related to the varnish image formed by the varnish coating machine 200. That is, the data related to the varnish image is set separately from the data related to the toner images of the four YMCK colors. Similar to the data related to the toner images of the four YMCK colors, for each page, each varnish image is associated with the coordinates of the image forming area on the recording medium S.

[0033] Next, we will use Figure 1 and Figure 2A varnish coating machine 200 is described. The varnish coating machine 200 is an inkjet-type varnish application device capable of forming varnish images such as characters, charts, and graphics as desired by the user. In the case of an inkjet type, varnish in droplet form is sprayed toward a recording medium S, causing the varnish to deposit on the recording medium S, thus forming a varnish image. The varnish coating machine 200 can form a varnish image based on data associated with the varnish image. Incidentally, the varnish coating machine 200 for forming varnish images using a colorless, transparent varnish liquid that cures by UV irradiation (e.g., a UV varnish that can be cured by ultraviolet (UV) light) will be described below as an example.

[0034] The varnish coating machine 200 includes a sheet feeding unit 241, a position detection unit 245, a varnish spraying unit 246, and a varnish curing unit 247. The sheet feeding unit 241 feeds the recording medium S while it is drawn onto the feed surface of the feed belt by an air suction device (not shown) through holes formed in the feed belt 242. Along the sheet feeding channel of the sheet feeding unit 241, the position detection unit 245, the varnish spraying unit 246, and the varnish curing unit 247 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream in the feeding direction (arrow X direction) of the recording medium S. The position detection unit 245 is, for example, a detection unit using a CCD, and with respect to the recording medium S being fed while being drawn onto the feed surface of the belt, the position detection unit 245 detects each of the following positions: the position of the leading edge of the recording medium S relative to the feeding direction, the position of each of the opposite ends relative to the width direction, and the position of the toner on the recording medium S. The position of the toner image is detected by the position detection unit 245, enabling the varnish coating machine 200 to overlay the varnish image onto the toner image.

[0035] The varnish ejection unit 246 forms a varnish image on the recording medium S by ejecting varnish onto one surface (side) of the recording medium S fed by the sheet feed unit 241. The varnish ejection unit 246 includes multiple printheads (not shown). The printheads are, for example, linear heads, with multiple ejection nozzles (not shown) arranged and deployed in a width direction intersecting the feed direction of the recording medium S. The varnish ejection method of the printheads can employ types using heating elements, piezoelectric elements, electrostatic elements, MEMS elements, etc. Although not shown in the figure, varnish is supplied from a can to one of the associated printheads via a tube.

[0036] The film thickness of the varnish image is affected by the amount of varnish applied per unit area on the recording medium S. The amount of varnish (varnish application rate) can be changed by adjusting the amount of varnish ejected from the printhead. For example, in the case of using piezoelectric elements, such as... Figure 2As shown, the amount of varnish sprayed varies depending on the adjustment of the control voltage, and the film thickness of the varnish image is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of varnish sprayed per unit area. In this embodiment, the film thickness of the varnish image is adjusted within a range of, for example, "5-100 μm," preferably "10-70 μm." Furthermore, the linewidth of the varnish image is adjusted depending on the number of spray nozzles among the multiple spray nozzles through which the varnish is sprayed. For example, adjustments are made such that the number of spray nozzles through which the varnish is sprayed increases when the linewidth of the varnish image is thick (wide), and decreases when the linewidth of the varnish image is thin (narrow).

[0037] Furthermore, the varnish image formed by the varnish coating machine 200 can have a resolution of, for example, 600 dpi, and in this case, the line width of the varnish image is adjusted in units of 600 dpi. Incidentally, the range of film thickness, resolution, and line width adjustment range of the varnish image can be appropriately changed depending on the varnish spraying method of the print head, the type of varnish, etc.

[0038] Return to Figure 1 A recording medium S, on which a varnish image is formed on one surface by a varnish spraying section 246, is fed by a sheet feed section 241 to a varnish curing section 247 located downstream of the varnish spraying section 246 relative to the feeding direction. The varnish on the recording medium S is then cured by the varnish curing section 247. The varnish curing section 247, serving as a UV irradiation section, includes a UV lamp, which irradiates the varnish with UV light (rays) corresponding to the wavelength of the varnish. The UV lamp is deployed over almost the entire area of ​​the recording medium S relative to its width direction to emit UV light (UV radiation) and is turned on only while the recording medium S is passing by. As described above, the varnish image can be overlaid onto a toner image formed on the recording medium S.

[0039] Incidentally, in this embodiment, a UV varnish is used as the varnish, but the invention is not limited thereto, and oil-based varnishes and water-based varnishes are used to cure the varnish. It is desirable to use an IR (infrared) lamp instead of a UV lamp. Additionally, the varnish can be cured by warm air or by a combination of an IR lamp and warm air.

[0040] Next, in reference Figure 1 At the same time, will use Figure 3 The control configuration in the image forming system 1X is described. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 (specifically, the main controller 101) uniformly manages and controls the operating instructions to the varnish coating machine 200. Incidentally, besides Figure 3In addition to the devices shown in the figure (partial), various devices such as motors and power supplies are connected to the main controller 101 and the varnish treatment controller 330, which will be described later, but these are not the main purpose of the invention herein and will therefore be omitted from the figures and description.

[0041] In the image forming system 1X of this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the varnish treatment controller 330 is connected to the main controller 101, which serves as a control unit, via communication cables 501 and 502, enabling the transmission of operation commands and various data. Based on the operation commands from the main controller 101, the varnish treatment controller 330 operates the varnish coating machine 200. That is, when the main controller 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, the main controller 101 can control the entire image forming system 1X, including the varnish coating machine 200, by sending operation commands and various data to the varnish coating machine 200.

[0042] The main controller 101 and the varnish treatment controller 330 described above may have the same configuration. For example, each of the controllers includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0043] The main controller 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. In the ROM 103, in addition to, for example, image forming processing (not shown), is the "test graph output processing" (see [link to ROM]) described later. Figure 4 , Figure 7 or Figure 9 Various programs, etc., are stored in RAM 104. This includes various data such as test data related to the test toner image formed on the test chart described later, and test data related to the varnish image. Incidentally, RAM 104 is capable of temporarily storing calculation (operation) processing results, etc., during the execution of various programs.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 100 includes, for example, an operation unit 110 including a liquid crystal display unit 111 (see...). Figure 1 The operation unit 110 is connected to the main controller 101. The operation unit 110, serving as a selection or input unit, is, for example, a touch panel. Various screens displaying programs and data can be shown on the liquid crystal display unit 111 via the operation unit 110. Furthermore, the operation unit 110 receives inputs such as program start-ups and data inputs depending on the user's touch operations. The touch panel can display screens including various buttons and switches that function as software switches.

[0045] The user can input the start of various programs for operations in "image forming mode" and "test chart output mode" from the operation unit 110. When the start of operations in "image forming mode" is input, the CPU 102 executes the image forming process (program) stored in the ROM 103. When the start of operations in "test chart output mode" is input, the CPU 102 executes the test chart output process (program) stored in the ROM 103. Using this execution, the varnish coating machine can operate together with the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on the recording medium S based on data related to the toner image, and the varnish coating machine 200 forms a varnish image on the recording medium S based on data related to the varnish image.

[0046] On the operation unit 110, a screen such as a test chart selection screen, which will be described later, is displayed. Figure 5 ), membrane thickness setting screen ( Figure 8 Image selection screen ( Figure 10 Various screens, such as those for test charts, clear coat image film thickness settings (clear coat spray volume), and toner image selection, can be viewed from these screens, as described later.

[0047] The varnish processing controller 330 includes a CPU 331, a ROM 332, and a RAM 333. The CPU 331 operates the sheet feeding unit 241, the position detection unit 245, the varnish spraying unit 246, and the varnish curing unit 247 of the varnish coating machine 200 based on a control program stored in the ROM 332. Data related to the varnish image, included in the image data, is sent from the main controller 101 to the varnish processing controller 330, and the varnish processing controller 330 stores this data in the RAM 333. The varnish coating machine 200 performs varnish application processing to form a varnish image on the recording medium S based on the data related to the varnish image.

[0048] <Test Chart Output Processing>

[0049] In this embodiment, the test chart is output based on image data of the test chart. The test chart has multiple images created by applying varnish. Therefore, next, it will be referred to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Simultaneous use Figures 4 to 6 The "Test Chart Output Processing" in the first embodiment is described in part (c). Upon starting operation in the "Test Chart Output Mode" input, the main controller 101 (see...) Figure 3 Repeatedly execute "Test Chart Output Processing".

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, the main controller 101 determines whether to output a test chart (S1). This determination depends on, for example, whether the user operates the "Test Button" displayed on the operation unit 110. If the "Test Button" is not operated and no test chart is output ("No" in S1), the main controller 101 terminates processing without outputting a test chart.

[0051] When the "Test Button" is pressed and the test chart is output ("Yes" in S1), the main controller 101 causes the operation unit 110 to display the "Test Chart Selection Screen" ( Figure 5 The main controller 101 determines whether the recording medium S is contained in the cartridge 10 (S2). Here, the recording medium S contained in the cartridge 10 is preferably the recording medium S that the user actually uses to form the desired image on. If the recording medium S is not contained in the cartridge 10 ("No" in S2), the main controller 101 stands by until the recording medium S is contained in the cartridge 10 (S5). At this time, the main controller 101 can notify the user by displaying a message on the liquid crystal display unit 111 indicating that the recording medium S is contained in the cartridge 10.

[0052] <Test Chart Selection Screen>

[0053] exist Figure 5 The image shows the "Test Chart Selection Screen" displayed during the execution of operations in Test Chart Output mode. Figure 5 In the "Test Chart Selection Screen" shown, buttons "A", "B", and "C" are displayed in naming order from left to right. Additionally, above these buttons on one side of the screen, the output format of the test chart (in short, a sample) is displayed when each button is pressed.

[0054] Users can specify the test chart to be output. When any of the buttons "A" through "C" is pressed, the associated test chart is output.

[0055] When the "A" button is operated, no toner image is formed, and as output, only a recording medium S with a varnish image formed at various film thicknesses is output. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 does not form a toner image, and only supplies the recording medium S to the varnish coating machine 200, which then forms a varnish image on the blank recording medium S supplied from the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, as the varnish image, a... Figure 6 The varnish image shown in part (a) or part (b). The difference between test chart "A" and test charts "B" and "C" is the presence or absence of the toner image.

[0056] Will use Figure 6Parts (a) and (b) describe the output format of the test chart when the "B" button is operated and when the "C" button is operated. Figure 6 Part (a) shows an example of the output format of the test chart when the "B" button is operated, and Figure 6 Section (c) shows an example of the output format of the test chart when the "C" button is operated.

[0057] Figure 6 The test chart shown in part (a) is an A4-sized test chart, which includes multiple test toner images as images of a certain area of ​​monochrome with different concentrations and includes a varnish image superimposed on each test toner image. In this embodiment, as test toner images, block images of the same color formed in a rectangular shape and of the same size are used. Each block image is formed as a 25mm square on each side. In addition, a grayscale from 0 to 255 obtained by digitally dividing the concentration is used, and these grayscale levels are divided into 8 levels (Lv: 31, 63, 95, 127, 159, 191, 223, 255) in every 32 grayscale levels, such that the block images as the first test toner image and the third test toner image are formed and arranged in the longitudinal direction (the width direction intersecting the feed direction of the recording medium S).

[0058] In the test chart, block images with the same concentration are arranged side-by-side in the feed direction (arrow X direction) to form a first test toner image (first image) and a second test toner image (second image). Here, block images with the same concentration refer to toner images formed with the same concentration data. The reason for forming multiple block images with the same concentration and arranging them in the feed direction is due to the varnish images superimposed on the block images. By spraying varnish with different spray amounts (different varnish application amounts) relative to the feed direction, varnish images with different film thicknesses are formed. Therefore, users can actually view the test chart and easily compare the differences in color tone and texture of the toner images that vary depending on the film thickness of the varnish images. In this embodiment, these block images are formed as toner images with the same concentration, and then three varnish images are formed such that the film thicknesses of the varnish images superimposed on the block images are different from each other. In this embodiment, the film thickness of the varnish images is set to three levels: "10μm, 40μm, 70μm" as a reference setting for the varnish spray amount.

[0059] Figure 6The test chart shown in section (b) is an A4-sized test chart that includes multiple test toner images as images of a certain area of ​​monochrome with different concentrations and includes a varnish image superimposed on each test toner image. Here, regarding Figure 6 The varnish image shown in part (b) is as follows: Figure 6 As shown in part (c), when varnish images with the same film thickness are superimposed on toner images with the same concentration, the varnish images are formed with multiple linewidths. That is, in Figure 6 In part (b), in addition to forming varnish images with different film thicknesses, varnish images with different linewidths are also formed. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown in section (c), the multiple straight lines forming the linewidth pattern of the varnish image have linewidths of "0.5pt, 1.0pt, 1.5pt". Incidentally, in this embodiment, straight lines formed along the longitudinal direction are shown as an example, but straight lines formed along the feed direction or obliquely formed straight lines can be used.

[0060] and Figure 6 Similarly, in the test chart shown in section (a), the aforementioned block images, which serve as test toner images, are formed by dividing 32 gray levels into 8 levels and arranged in the vertical direction. Additionally, block images with the same concentration are formed and arranged in the feed direction (arrow X direction).

[0061] In this embodiment, the film thickness of the varnish image is set to three levels: "10μm, 40μm, and 70μm," but these levels are not necessarily limited to these values ​​and are not limited to these three levels. Additionally, the linewidth of the varnish image is set to three levels: "0.5pt, 1.0pt, and 1.5pt," but these levels are not necessarily limited to these values ​​and are not limited to these three levels. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in... Figure 6 Part (b) describes a configuration for outputting a test chart that forms a varnish image with multiple levels related to film thickness and linewidth. However, a configuration can be used that outputs a test chart with multiple levels using only one of film thickness and linewidth. Furthermore, the film thickness of the varnish image applied to the recording medium S varies depending on the degree of varnish penetration into the recording medium S, and the degree of varnish penetration varies depending on the type of recording medium S. In this embodiment, the recording medium S used as the test chart is a recording medium (“OK top-coated”, basis weight: 157 g / m³). 2A4 size (feed direction length: 210mm, longitudinal direction length: 297mm, manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd.). Generally, regarding a varnish-coated recording medium S, it is assumed that the recording medium S undergoes a surface coating, such as art paper, coated paper, or high-gloss paper, and not that it is an uncoated recording medium S, such as so-called high-quality paper or ordinary paper. This is because the varnish penetrates more deeply into an uncoated recording medium S, and therefore the recording medium S may easily deform as the varnish penetrates.

[0062] Incidentally, the size and shape of the block images are not limited to those mentioned above, and symbols such as characters can be used, for example. Furthermore, the color of the block images is not limited to black (monochrome), but can be other single colors such as yellow, magenta, or cyan, or a mixture of these colors. Additionally, the arrangement of the block images is not limited to an arrangement of block images formed of the same color side-by-side, but can employ an arrangement where block images formed of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan respectively can be arranged side-by-side. Furthermore, a configuration can be formed on a common test toner image, where a first test toner image and a second test toner image of the same concentration are not formed with a certain interval between them, and varnish images with different film thicknesses or linewidths can be formed. That is, the first test toner image and the second test toner image can be formed in a continuous state.

[0063] Return to Figure 4 As described above, when the recording medium S is contained within the cartridge 10 ("Yes" in S2), the main controller 101 causes the operation unit 110 to display the "Test Chart Selection Screen" (see [link]). Figure 5 The system then determines whether a toner image is formed on the test chart (S3). Specifically, whether a toner image is formed on the test chart is determined by whether the user selects one of buttons "A" to "C" in the "Test Chart Selection Screen". If button "A" is selected, a test chart is output indicating that no toner image has been formed and only a varnish image is formed. Conversely, if button "B" or button "C" is selected, a test chart is output indicating that a toner image has been formed and only a varnish image is formed. Figure 6 The determination of the test charts showing the toner image and varnish image as shown in part (a) or (b).

[0064] If no toner image is formed ("No" in S3), the main controller 101 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to convey the recording medium S to the varnish coating machine 200, without causing the image forming apparatus 100 to form a toner image on the recording medium S, and causes the varnish coating machine 200 to form a varnish image on the recording medium S (S4). On the other hand, if a toner image is formed ("Yes" in S3), the main controller 101 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to form a toner image on the recording medium S (S6). Thereafter, the main controller 101 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to convey the recording medium S with the toner image formed to the varnish coating machine 200, and causes the varnish coating machine 200 to form a varnish image on the recording medium (S4). Therefore, a test chart in the output format selected by the user on the "Test Chart Selection Screen" is output.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, when the user evaluates the changes in color tone and texture of the toner image caused by the varnish, which can only be obtained when the varnish is actually applied overlaid onto the toner image, operation in the test chart output mode can be performed. On the test chart, multiple varnish images with different film thicknesses are formed on a single recording medium S, allowing the user to view the test chart and thus understand the differences in color tone and texture of the output product when the varnish images are formed. Therefore, the user can reduce the time required to check image quality when varnish images are overlaid onto the toner image, thereby increasing user productivity. Furthermore, the recording medium S is not wasted, resulting in cost reduction.

[0066] [Second Embodiment]

[0067] In the first embodiment described above, as Figure 6 As shown in parts (a) and (b), three levels of varnish film thickness are preset, but the invention is not limited to this, and the user can arbitrarily set the varnish film thickness within a predetermined range (e.g., 5-100 μm). Therefore, the varnish film thickness will be used... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The "test chart output processing" in the second embodiment, which allows the user to arbitrarily set the thickness of the varnish image film, is described below. The second embodiment will be described below, but for processes identical to those in the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals or symbols will be added, and their description will be brief or omitted.

[0068] Figure 7 The "Test Chart Output Processing" shown in the second embodiment is related to Figure 4The "test chart output processing" in the first embodiment shown is substantially the same in steps S1 to S6. However, when the recording medium S is contained in the cartridge 10 ("Yes" in S2), the main controller 101 causes the operation unit 110 to display the "film thickness setting screen" ( Figure 8 The system sets the applied film thickness based on the user's operation on the "film thickness setting screen" (S11). Afterward, the main controller 101 causes the operation unit 110 to display the "test chart selection screen" (see...). Figure 5 And based on the user's operation of the "test chart selection screen", it is determined whether a toner image is formed on the test chart (S3).

[0069] <Membrane Thickness Setting Screen>

[0070] exist Figure 8 The image shows the "film thickness setting screen". For example... Figure 8 As shown, in the "Film Thickness Setting Screen," three input boxes (coat application level 1, 2, and 3) are provided for the user to input arbitrary values ​​regarding the film thickness of the varnish image formed on the test chart. Figure 8 In the image, the default values ​​for the film thickness of the varnish are displayed such that Level 1 is "10μm", Level 2 is "40μm", and Level 3 is "70μm". In this embodiment, the user can manually enter any setting value within the range of, for example, "5-100μm" in these input boxes. The user enters the setting value and then presses the "End Setting" button to finalize the setting value.

[0071] Additionally, in this embodiment, the user operates the "Store Varnish Application Conditions" button, thereby allowing the aforementioned settings to be stored as a user library in RAM 104 (see [link]). Figure 3 Additionally, the user can access and utilize settings stored in RAM 104 by pressing the "Read Settings from User Library" button. Figure 3 The settings in (etc.)

[0072] As described above, in the second embodiment, a test chart can be output by allowing the user to arbitrarily adjust the amount of varnish applied. This allows the user to more easily grasp the changes in color tone and texture of the toner image caused by differences in the film thickness of the varnish image, making it easier to find the desired film thickness of the varnish image. Consequently, the user can reduce the time required to check image quality when the varnish image is superimposed on the toner image, resulting in further improved user productivity. Incidentally, in the second embodiment, while the varnish image film thickness can be arbitrarily adjusted by the user, the linewidth of the varnish image can also be arbitrarily adjusted. Even in this case, the user can more easily grasp the changes in color tone and texture caused by differences in the film thickness of the varnish image, making it easier to find the desired film thickness of the varnish image. Consequently, the user can reduce the time required to check image quality when the varnish image is superimposed on the toner image, resulting in further improved user productivity.

[0073] [Third Embodiment]

[0074] In the first embodiment described above, as Figure 6 As shown in parts (a) and (b), a toner image is predetermined as a base image on which the varnish image is superimposed; however, the invention is not limited thereto, and the user can select any toner image. Therefore, it will be used Figure 9 and Figure 10 The third embodiment describes the "test chart output processing" in which the user can select any toner image. The third embodiment will be described below, but for processes identical to those in the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals or symbols will be added, and their description will be brief or omitted.

[0075] Figure 9 The "Test Chart Output Processing" shown in the third embodiment is related to Figure 4 The "test chart output processing" in the first embodiment shown is the same as in steps S1 to S6. However, when the recording medium S is contained in cartridge 10 ("Yes" in S2), the main controller 101 causes the operation unit 110 to display the "toner image selection screen" (see...). Figure 10 The system then sets the toner image based on the user's operation of the "Toner Image Selection Screen" (S21). Afterwards, the main controller 101 causes the operation unit 110 to display the "Test Chart Selection Screen" (see...). Figure 5 The system determines whether to create a toner image on the test chart based on the user's actions during the "Test Chart Selection Screen" (S3). Incidentally, in the "Test Chart Selection Screen" (see...),... Figure 5The display shows a test chart reflecting the toner image selected from the toner image displayed on the toner image selection screen through the user's operation of the operation unit 110.

[0076] <Toner Image Selection Screen>

[0077] exist Figure 10 The image displayed shows the "Toner Image Selection Screen". For example... Figure 10 As shown, the "Toner Image Selection Screen" displays ROM 103 or RAM 104, which is used as a storage unit (see [link]). Figure 3 A list of toner images in ( ). In Figure 10 In the display, a list of toner images is shown, including images α, β, and γ. Images α, β, and γ can be, for example, characters, symbols, graphics, photographs, etc. On the right-hand side of the image list display, checkboxes are set for each toner image. Whenever the user clicks a checkbox, the checkmark (symbol) indicating that the associated toner image has been selected is repeatedly shown or hidden. The toner image with the checkmark is set as the toner image formed on the test chart. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the user can re-store any toner image as a user library in RAM 104.

[0078] As described above, in the third embodiment, when outputting the test chart, the user can select the desired toner image that the user actually intends to overlay the varnish (varnish image). Therefore, when the user can select the toner image formed on the test chart, the user can evaluate the changes in color tone and texture caused by the varnish by using the toner image intended as the final product obtained by the user. This reduces the time required for the user to check image quality when the varnish image is overlaid on the toner image, resulting in further improvements in user productivity.

[0079] According to the present invention, a test chart is formed on a recording medium by multiple varnish images with different output film thicknesses, so that by actually viewing and comparing multiple varnish images superimposed on a toner image, the user can understand the differences in color tone and texture when varnish images are superimposed on a toner image.

[0080] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to include all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming system, comprising: An image forming unit is configured to form an image on a recording medium; A varnish application unit is configured to apply varnish to an image on a recording medium; The selection unit is configured to select the formation of the test image; as well as The control unit is configured as follows: When the formation of the first test image is selected by the selection unit, the image forming unit is controlled to form the first test image and the second test image; and when the formation of the second test image is selected by the selection unit, the image forming unit is controlled not to form an image. as well as The varnish application unit is controlled to apply varnish to a first test image when the formation of a first test image is selected, thereby forming a first varnish image with a first varnish application amount, and to apply varnish to a second test image to form a second varnish image with a second varnish application amount, and when the formation of a second test image is selected, to directly form the first varnish image and the second varnish image on the recording material. The first test image and the second test image are formed at the same concentration, and The first varnish application amount is different from the second varnish application amount, so that the first varnish image and the second varnish image are formed with different varnish application amounts.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The first test image and the second test image are each formed into a rectangular shape of the same size.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The film thickness of the varnish on the first test image applied by the varnish application unit is different from the film thickness of the varnish on the second test image applied by the varnish application unit.

4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The first test image and the second test image are images formed by arranging them with different line widths.

5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the image forming unit to form the third test image and the fourth test image, and The control unit controls the varnish application unit to apply varnish to the third test image, thereby forming a third varnish image with a third varnish application amount, and applies varnish to the fourth test image, thereby forming a fourth varnish image with a fourth varnish application amount. The third test image is formed at a different concentration than the first and second test images. The fourth test image is formed at a different concentration than the first and second test images. The third and fourth test images were formed at the same concentration, and The third clear varnish is applied in the same amount as the first clear varnish but in a different amount than the second clear varnish, such that the third clear varnish image is formed with the same amount of clear varnish applied as the first clear varnish image but with a different amount of clear varnish applied than the second clear varnish image. The fourth varnish application amount is different from the first varnish application amount and the same as the second varnish application amount, such that the fourth varnish image is formed with a varnish application amount different from the first varnish image and the same varnish application amount as the second varnish image.

6. The image forming system of claim 1, further comprising an input unit configured to input the film thickness of the varnish to be applied by the varnish application unit. in, The control unit controls the thickness of the varnish applied to the image based on the film thickness input by the input unit.

7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, The varnish is a UV-curable varnish, and The varnish application unit includes a spraying section for spraying varnish onto an image on a recording medium, and an ultraviolet irradiation section for irradiating the varnish onto the image on the recording medium with ultraviolet light.

Images