Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming system which can suppress the generation of a difference in a line width of a varnish image at a boundary between a toner image and a blank portion when the varnish image is formed across the toner image and the blank portion.SOLUTION: When a varnish image is formed across a toner image and a blank portion, a line width (a line width initial value) of the varnish image is changed with a line width adjustment value of a portion superimposed on the toner image and a line width adjustment value of a portion superimposed on the blank portion. A user can perform setting of the line width adjustment value of the portion superimposed on the toner image and the line width adjustment value of the portion superimposed on the blank portion. The user can bring the line width of the varnish image actually formed on a recording material close to the line width of the varnish image set in initial data by performing setting of the line width adjustment value of the portion superimposed on the toner image and the line width adjustment value of the portion superimposed on the blank portion. Consequently, the user can suppress the generation of a difference in the line width of the varnish image at a boundary between the toner image and the blank portion when the varnish image is formed across the toner image and the blank portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system that includes an image forming device that forms a toner image on a recording material, and a varnish application device that can overprint a varnish image that is formed using varnish on the toner image formed on the recording material. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, in order to improve the gloss, water resistance, abrasion resistance, etc. of a toner image formed on a recording material, a varnish image using a colorless and transparent varnish is overprinted on the toner image. For example, an inkjet type varnish application device (called a varnish coater) is used as a device capable of forming a varnish image. A varnish coater can form a varnish image desired by a user by partially discharging varnish onto the recording material (so-called spot coating) (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-224111 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, when a varnish image is formed across a toner image and a white background, a difference in line width of the varnish image occurs between the toner image and the white background, and the appearance of the varnish image may change at the boundary between the toner image and the white background.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an image forming system that can suppress differences in the line width of a varnish image at the boundary between a toner image and a white background when the varnish image is formed across a toner image and a white background. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an image forming means capable of forming a toner image on a recording material, a varnish application means capable of ejecting varnish onto the recording material to form a varnish image, a control means capable of executing an image formation mode in which a toner image is formed on the recording material by the image forming means based on first image data relating to the toner image, and a varnish image is formed on the recording material on which the toner image has been formed by the varnish application means based on second image data relating to the varnish image, and an input means capable of inputting a line width adjustment value for at least one of the line width of the portion of the varnish image that overlaps the image portion and the line width of the portion of the varnish image that overlaps the non-image portion, for a varnish image that is formed so as to span an image portion on the recording material on which a toner image has been formed and a non-image portion on which no toner image has been formed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a configuration is provided in which a varnish image can be overprinted on a toner image on a recording material, and when the varnish image is formed across the toner image and a white background, it is possible to easily prevent differences in the line width of the varnish image from occurring at the boundary between the toner image and the white background. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the control voltage and the film thickness in forming a varnish image. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of an image formation control system in the image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a varnish image setting table. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing varnish image adjustment screens displayed on the operation unit, including (a) an initial screen, (b) an adjustment item selection screen, (c) an image data selection screen, and (d) a toner image selection screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing adjustment area selection buttons. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a line width adjustment screen. [Figure 8](a) A diagram showing a varnish image before adjustment, (b) A diagram showing a varnish image after adjustment, and (c) A model diagram explaining the line width adjustment of a toner image and a varnish image in a white background area. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a varnish image adjustment process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing varnish image preparation processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a model diagram for explaining adjustment of line width and film thickness. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a line width and film thickness adjustment screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a test mode screen. [Figure 14] A test chart in which the varnish image formed on the toner image is adjusted. [Figure 15] A test chart in which the varnish image formed on the white background has been adjusted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] First, an image forming system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The image forming system 1X shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 as an image forming unit that forms a toner image on a recording material S, and a varnish application device (referred to as a varnish coater) that forms a varnish image on the recording material S. The varnish coater 200 is a post-processing device connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for functional expansion, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish coater 200 are connected to each other so that the recording material S can be transferred between them. The image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish coater 200 are also connected by a data input / output interface (not shown) so that control signals, data, and the like can be transmitted and received between them. The recording material S on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is transported to the varnish coater 200, where a varnish image is formed on the recording material S by the varnish coater 200, in order to improve the gloss, water resistance, abrasion resistance, and the like of the toner image formed on the recording material S. The formation of the varnish image by the varnish coater 200 will be described later.

[0010] Although not shown, the image forming system 1X may also include other post-processing devices such as a relay device and a finisher device. The relay device is disposed between the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish coater 200, and reverses the recording material S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 and sends it to the varnish coater 200, or temporarily stacks it before sending it to the varnish coater 200. The finisher device performs, for example, a punching process to punch holes in the recording material S or a stapling process to bundle and staple multiple sheets of recording material S, and discharges the bundle of punched or stapled recording materials S to an output tray. In addition to these post-processing devices, the image forming system 1X may also include, for example, a recording material supplying device (not shown) capable of storing a large amount of recording material S therein, and the recording material S may be supplied from the recording material supplying device to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0011] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus 100 will now be described. The image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem-type electrophotographic full-color printer. The image forming apparatus 100 has image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd that form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images, respectively. The image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on a recording material S based on data relating to the toner image contained in image data sent from, for example, an original reading device (not shown) connected to the image forming apparatus 100 or an external device 1000 such as a personal computer. Examples of the recording material S include sheet materials such as plain paper, cardboard, rough paper, textured paper, and coated paper.

[0012] The conveyance process of the recording material S in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The recording material S is stored in a stacked form in a cassette 10, and is fed out of the cassette 10 by a supply roller 13 in accordance with the image formation timing. The recording material S fed out by the supply roller 13 is conveyed to a registration roller 12 arranged midway along a conveyance path 114. Then, after the registration roller 12 performs skew correction and timing correction on the recording material S, the recording material S is sent to a secondary transfer portion T2. ​​The secondary transfer portion T2 is a transfer nip portion formed by an inner secondary transfer roller 14 and an outer secondary transfer roller 11, and a toner image is transferred onto the recording material in response to the application of a secondary transfer voltage to the outer secondary transfer roller 11.

[0013] The image forming process for the recording material S being conveyed to the secondary transfer station T2 at the same timing as the process for conveying the recording material S to the secondary transfer station T2 will now be described. First, the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd for each color will be described. The image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd for each color are configured in almost the same way, except that the toner colors used in the developing devices 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Therefore, the following description will be given of the black image forming station Pd as a representative, and a description of the other image forming stations Pa, Pb, and Pc will be omitted.

[0014] The image forming unit Pd is mainly composed 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 uniformly charged in advance by the charging device 2d, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by the exposure device 5d, which is driven based on image information signals. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3d is then developed into a toner image using developer by the developing device 1d. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3d is then primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 80 in response to the application of a primary transfer voltage to a primary transfer roller 6d, which is disposed between the image forming unit Pd and the intermediate transfer belt 80. Any small amount of primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 3d is collected by the photosensitive drum cleaner 4d.

[0015] The intermediate transfer belt 80 is tensioned by an inner secondary transfer roller 14 and tension rollers 15 and 16, and is driven in the direction of arrow R2. In this embodiment, the tension roller 16 also serves as a drive roller that drives the intermediate transfer belt 80. The image formation processes for each color, which are processed in parallel by the image forming units Pa to Pd, are performed at a timing such that the image is sequentially superimposed on the toner image of the upstream color that has been primarily 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 is transported to the secondary transfer unit T2. Note that any residual toner remaining after secondary transfer after passing through the secondary transfer unit T2 is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 80 by a transfer cleaner 22.

[0016] Through the conveying process and image forming process described above, the timing of the recording material S and the full-color toner image are synchronized at the secondary transfer portion T2, and secondary transfer is performed. The recording material S is then conveyed to the fixing device 50, where heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner image onto the recording material. The fixing device 50 nip and conveys the recording material S on which the toner image has been formed, and heats and pressurizes the conveyed recording material S to fix the toner image to the recording material S. That is, the toner of the toner image formed on the recording material S is melted and mixed, and fixed to the recording material S as a full-color image. In this manner, the series of image forming processes is completed. Then, in this embodiment, the recording material S on which the toner image has been fixed is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 to the varnish coater 200.

[0017] In this embodiment, a two-component developer containing toner and carrier is used. The toner contains a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent (wax). Known binder resins can be used. For example, vinyl copolymers such as styrene-(meth)acrylic copolymers, polyester resins, hybrid resins in which vinyl copolymers and polyesters are chemically bonded, epoxy resins, styrene-butadiene copolymers, and other resins can be used. Known colorants can be used for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

[0018] Examples of the release agent 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, and block copolymers thereof; waxes containing fatty acid esters as the main component such as carnauba wax and montan acid ester wax; ester waxes which are synthetic reaction products of higher fatty acids and higher alcohols such as behenyl behenate and behenyl stearate; and partially or completely deoxidized fatty acid esters such as deoxidized carnauba wax.

[0019] In this embodiment, the image data also includes data relating to the varnish image to be formed by the varnish coater 200. In other words, the data relating to the varnish image (second image data) is set separately from the data relating to the four-color YMCK toner images to be formed by the image forming apparatus 100 (first image data). In this specification, the data relating to the varnish image included in the image data is referred to as "initial data." In the initial data, as with the data relating to the four-color YMCK toner images, each varnish image is associated with the coordinates of the image formation area on the recording material S for each page.

[0020] Next, the varnish coater 200 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. The varnish coater 200 is an inkjet-type varnish application device that ejects varnish onto the surface of a recording material S on which a toner image has been formed, and is capable of forming a varnish image, such as text, line drawings, or figures, desired by the user, separate from the toner image. In the case of the inkjet method, a varnish image is formed by ejecting droplets of varnish onto the recording material S, causing the varnish to adhere to the recording material S. The varnish coater 200 can form a varnish image on the recording material S based on data related to the varnish image. Note that the following description will be given taking as an example a varnish coater 200 that forms a varnish image using a colorless, transparent varnish liquid that solidifies when irradiated with ultraviolet light (so-called ultraviolet-curing UV varnish).

[0021] The varnish coater 200 includes a sheet conveying unit 241, a position detection unit 245, a varnish dispensing unit 246, and a varnish solidifying unit 247. The sheet conveying unit 241 conveys the recording material S by adsorbing it to the belt conveying surface using an air suction device (not shown) through holes formed in the conveying belt 242. Along the sheet conveying path of the sheet conveying unit 241, the position detection unit 245, the varnish dispensing unit 246, and the varnish solidifying unit 247 are arranged, in this order from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction of the recording material S (direction of arrow X). The position detection unit 245 is a detector using, for example, a CCD, and detects the position of the leading edge of the recording material S in the conveying direction and the positions of both ends in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction, as well as the position of the toner image on the recording material S, with respect to the recording material S being adsorbed and conveyed on the belt conveying surface. By detecting the position of the toner image using the position detection unit 245, the varnish coater 200 can overprint a varnish image on the toner image.

[0022] The varnish discharge unit 246 forms a varnish image on the recording material S by discharging varnish onto one side of the recording material S transported by the sheet transport unit 241. The varnish discharge unit 246 has multiple print heads (not shown). The print heads are, for example, line-type heads, and have multiple discharge ports (not shown) arranged in a width direction that intersects with the transport direction of the recording material S so as to cover the maximum width of the recording material S on which an image can be formed by the varnish coater 200. The print heads may use a method that uses heating elements, piezoelectric elements, electrostatic elements, MEMS elements, or the like to discharge varnish. Although not shown, the varnish is supplied to the print heads from tanks via tubes.

[0023] The thickness of the varnish image depends on the amount of varnish applied per unit area of ​​the recording material. This amount can be varied by adjusting the amount of varnish discharged from the print head. For example, in the case of a method using a piezoelectric element, as shown in Figure 2, the amount of varnish discharged changes depending on the control voltage, and the thickness of the varnish image is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of varnish discharged per unit area. In this embodiment, the thickness of the varnish image is adjusted, for example, to a range of 5 to 100 μm, preferably 10 to 70 μm. The line width of the varnish image is also adjusted by the number of outlets used to discharge varnish. For example, to increase the line width of the varnish image, the number of outlets used to discharge varnish is increased; to decrease the line width of the varnish image, the number of outlets used to discharge varnish is decreased.

[0024] Furthermore, the resolution of the varnish image that can be formed by the varnish coater 200 is, for example, 600 dpi, in which case the line width of the varnish image is adjusted in increments of 600 dpi. Note that the above-mentioned range of varnish image thickness, and the adjustment range of the varnish image resolution and line width may be changed as appropriate depending on the varnish ejection method of the print head in the varnish coater 200, the type of varnish, etc.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 1, the recording material S, on one side of which a varnish image has been formed by the varnish discharge unit 246, is sent by the sheet transport unit 241 to the varnish solidification unit 247 downstream in the transport direction, where the varnish on the recording material S is solidified. The varnish solidification unit 247, which serves as an ultraviolet irradiation unit, has an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates UV light of a wavelength corresponding to the varnish to solidify the varnish image formed on the recording material S. The ultraviolet lamp is arranged so that it can irradiate ultraviolet light (UV light) over almost the entire width of the recording material S, and is only turned on when the recording material S passes by. In this way, the varnish image can be overprinted on top of the toner image formed on the recording material S.

[0026] In this embodiment, UV varnish is used as the varnish, but this is not limiting and oil-based varnish, water-based varnish, etc. may also be used. However, when using oil-based or water-based varnish, it is preferable to use an IR (infrared) lamp rather than an ultraviolet lamp to solidify the varnish. The varnish may also be solidified by hot air, or by using an IR lamp and hot air in combination.

[0027] Next, the control configuration of the image formation control system in the image forming system 1X will be described using Fig. 3 while also referring to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 centrally manages and controls operation commands for the varnish coater 200. Note that various devices such as motors and power supplies in addition to those shown in Fig. 3 are connected to the main control unit 101 and varnish processing control unit 330 described below, but illustration and description of these devices will be omitted here as they are not the main focus of the invention.

[0028] In the image forming system 1X of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the varnishing control unit 330 is connected to the main control unit 101, which serves as control means, via communication units 501 and 502 so that operation commands and various data can be communicated. The varnishing control unit 330 operates the varnish coater 200 in accordance with operation commands from the main control unit 101. That is, the main control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 while sending operation commands and various data to the varnish coater 200, thereby controlling the entire image forming system 1X, including the varnish coater 200. In this case, the main control unit 101 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires image data.

[0029] The main control unit 101 and the varnishing control unit 330 may have the same configuration, for example, each having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] The main control unit 101 has a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. The ROM 103 stores various programs, such as an image formation process (not shown), as well as a "varnish image adjustment process" (FIG. 9) and a "varnish image preparation process" (FIG. 10), which will be described later. The RAM 104 stores various data, such as a "varnish image setting table" (FIG. 4), which will be described later, and test data related to a test toner image formed on a test chart, which will be described later, and test data related to the test varnish image. The RAM 104 can also temporarily store the results of calculations performed when the various programs are executed.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with an operation unit 110 having, for example, a liquid crystal display unit 111 (see FIG. 1), and the operation unit 110 is connected to the main control unit 101. The operation unit 110, which serves as an input means (setting unit, selection unit), is, for example, a touch panel. The operation unit 110 can display various screens on the liquid crystal display unit 111 that present various programs and various data, and accepts inputs such as those for starting various programs and inputting various data in response to a user's touch operation on the screen. The touch panel can display a screen including various buttons, switches, and the like as software switches.

[0032] A user can input the start of various programs such as "image formation mode" and "test chart output mode" from the operation unit 110. When the start of the "image formation mode" is input, the CPU 102 can execute the image formation process (program) stored in the ROM 103. When the start of the "test chart output mode" is input, the CPU 102 can execute the test chart output process (program) stored in the ROM 103. In response to this, the varnish coater 200 can be operated together with the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on the recording material S based on data related to the toner image, and the varnish coater 200 forms a varnish image on the recording material S based on data related to the varnish image.

[0033] The operation unit 110 displays a line width adjustment screen (FIG. 7) described below, and various screens (FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d)) for transitioning to the line width adjustment screen, and the user can input data related to "varnish image setting information" from the operation unit 110. The user can also change the line width and film thickness of the varnish image specified in the initial data from the operation unit 110.

[0034] The varnish processing control unit 330 has a CPU 331, a ROM 332, and a RAM 333. The CPU 331 operates the sheet conveying unit 241, the position detection unit 245, the varnish dispensing unit 246, and the varnish solidifying unit 247 of the varnish coater 200 based on a control program stored in the ROM 332. The varnish processing control unit 330 receives data (initial data) related to the varnish image included in the image data and "varnish image setting information" from the main control unit 101, and the varnish processing control unit 330 stores this data in the RAM 333. The varnish coater 200 performs a varnish application process that forms a varnish image on the recording material S based on the data related to the varnish image, and when the image formation mode is executed, the varnish image is formed on the recording material S based on the initial data and the "varnish image setting information."

[0035] The "varnish image setting table" is shown in Figure 4. The "varnish image setting table" is stored in advance in a storage unit such as ROM 103 or RAM 104 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 4, the "varnish image setting table" contains information about the recording material S, such as the type, basis weight, and brand of the recording material S (referred to as paper type in Figure 4).

[0036] "Varnish image setting information" (referred to as varnish coat setting value in Fig. 4) is set for each type of recording material S. "Varnish image setting information" includes the presence or absence of a varnish image, the type of varnish, the line width adjustment value of the varnish image, the film thickness adjustment value of the varnish image, etc. The film thickness adjustment value of the varnish image will be described later.

[0037] The presence or absence of a varnish image is set to "None" if a varnish image is not to be formed, including when the image data does not contain data related to the varnish image, and is set to "On (present)" if a varnish image is to be formed. The varnish type indicates the type of varnish used to form the varnish image. In this embodiment, it is UV varnish as described above.

[0038] The line width adjustment values ​​for the varnish image are stored as the initial line width value (Ws), the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image, and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background. The initial line width value (Ws) is updated based on the line width value of the varnish image specified in the initial data, and is set to "0" before updating. If the image data does not contain initial data, the initial line width value (Ws) remains "0." In this embodiment, the white background refers to the non-image portion on the recording material S where no toner image is formed, as opposed to the image portion on the recording material S where a toner image is formed.

[0039] The above line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) are updated in response to operations on the "line width adjustment screen" (see FIG. 7) described below. The line width of the varnish image formed by the varnish coater 200 is determined by the following formulas 1 and 2. Line width of the area overlapping the toner image = Initial line width (Ws) + Line width adjustment value (ΔXb) Formula 1 Line width of the part overlapping the white background = Initial line width (Ws) + Line width adjustment value (ΔXw) Formula 2

[0040] Next, the setting of the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background will be described with reference to Figs. 5(a) to 7. First, when a user selects "user mode" (not shown) on the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100, the "initial screen" shown in Fig. 5(a) is displayed on the operation unit 110. When the user selects "image adjustment mode" on the "initial screen", the screen is switched to the "adjustment item selection screen" shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0041] When the user selects "Varnish Coat Adjustment" on the "Adjustment Item Selection Screen," the display switches to the "Image Data Selection Screen" shown in Figure 5(c). The user can select the image data (here, the image file number) to form the varnish image from the list of image files displayed on the "Image Data Selection Screen." After selecting the image data, the user presses the "OK" button, and the "Toner Image Selection Screen" shown in Figure 5(d) is displayed. The "Toner Image Selection Screen" displays the toner images to be formed on the recording material S on a page-by-page basis according to the image data. The user can change the page of the image data to be displayed by scrolling the operation unit 110.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the "Toner Image Selection Screen" displays an image of the toner image to be formed on the recording material S, as well as "Text," "Line Art," and "Photo" buttons for selecting the adjustment area. When the user operates one of the "Text," "Line Art," or "Photo" buttons, the currently selected toner image changes from the corresponding toner image. The selected toner image is displayed differently from the other (non-selected) toner images (for example, surrounded by a dotted frame). The selected toner image is set as the target for adjusting the line width of the varnish image. The varnish image to be overprinted on the toner image thus set as the target is subjected to line width adjustment based on the adjustment value set on the "Line Width Adjustment Screen" shown in FIG. 7.

[0043] The user can select an adjustment section on the "Line Width Adjustment Screen" shown in Fig. 7 to determine whether to set the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image or to set the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background. The user can then change the adjustment levels "···, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, ···" for the selected line width adjustment value (ΔXb) or line width adjustment value (ΔXw) by operating the "+" and "-" adjustment buttons.

[0044] Operating the "+" adjustment button increases the adjustment level, and as the adjustment level increases, the line width of the varnish image becomes thicker. Conversely, operating the "-" adjustment button decreases the adjustment level, and as the adjustment level decreases, the line width of the varnish image becomes thinner. After changing the adjustment level, operating the "Confirm" button determines the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw). In this embodiment, the line width of the varnish image specified in the initial data increases or decreases by, for example, a width equivalent to 600 dpi (approximately 0.04 mm) in accordance with an increase or decrease in the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) by one level.

[0045] Next, we will explain line width adjustment of a varnish image using the above-mentioned line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb) and (ΔXw) using Figures 8(a) to 10. Figure 8(a) shows the varnish image before adjustment, and Figure 8(b) shows the varnish image after adjustment. Here, we use the letter "F," which has a constant line width of 0.5 mm set in the initial data, as an example of a varnish image specified in the initial data. This varnish image of the letter "F" is formed so that it spans the toner image and the white background. Note that the toner image shown by the solid line is a rectangular solid image.

[0046] Figure 8(c) is a model diagram explaining the line width adjustment of the toner image and the varnish image in the white background. Figure 8(c) is a model diagram showing the difference in line width that can occur between the toner image and the white background for the varnish image of the letter "F" mentioned above. In Figure 8(c), the dotted line indicates the line width of the initial data (0.5 mm), and the solid line indicates the line width of the actually formed varnish image.

[0047] As can be seen by comparing Figures 8(a) and 8(b), in the past, in the varnish image actually formed on the recording material S, the line width of the portion overlapping the toner image was thinner than the line width of the initial data, and the line width of the portion overlapping the white background was thicker than the line width of the initial data. This can be caused by factors such as the contact angle between the recording material S and the toner image (in other words, the thickness of the toner image), the permeability of the varnish into the recording material S, and the surface roughness of the recording material S. When a varnish image is formed on the recording material S, there may actually be differences in line width between the portion overlapping the toner image and the portion overlapping the white background. For example, if the varnish is repelled by a release agent such as wax contained in the toner image, the varnish image formed on the toner image may be thinner than the varnish image formed on the white background where there is no toner image and where the varnish is more easily absorbed.

[0048] In this embodiment, if the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image is set to a "+" value in the "Line Width Adjustment Screen," the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the toner image will expand toward the line width of the initial data, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8(c). Conversely, if the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background is set to a "-" value in the "Line Width Adjustment Screen," the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the white background will narrow toward the line width of the initial data, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8(c). In other words, when either or both of the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb) and (ΔXw) are set, the line width of the varnish image set in the initial data is adjusted when the varnish image is formed on the recording material S.

[0049] For example, by adjusting the line width of the varnish image, which was set to 0.5 mm in the initial data, according to the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw), the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the recording material S is made closer to the same width of 0.5 mm for the toner image and the white background. As can be seen by comparing Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the part of the varnish image that overlaps with the toner image is corrected positively by the line width adjustment value (ΔXb), and the part that overlaps with the white background is corrected negatively by the line width adjustment value (ΔXw), so that a toner image of the same line width is formed on the recording material S.

[0050] <Varnish image adjustment processing> Next, the "varnish image adjustment process" for setting the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) using the above-mentioned "line width adjustment screen" is shown in Figure 9. The "varnish image adjustment process" is started by the main control unit 101 (see Figure 3) when the image forming system 1X is powered on, and is executed repeatedly until the power is turned off.

[0051] 9, in response to the user's selection of a "user mode" (not shown), the main control unit 101 displays an "initial screen" (see FIG. 5(a)) on the operation unit 110. When the "image adjustment mode" on the "initial screen" is selected, the main control unit 101 switches the display on the operation unit 110 to an "adjustment item selection screen" (see FIG. 5(b)) (S101).

[0052] When the user selects "Varnish Coat Adjustment" on the "Adjustment Item Selection Screen," the main control unit 101 displays the "Image Data Selection Screen" (see FIG. 5(c)) on the operation unit 110 (S102). At this time, the main control unit 101 displays the "Image Data Selection Screen" in which the display items (File 1, File 2, etc.) are edited based on the "Varnish Image Setting Information" (see FIG. 4) stored in RAM 104. When the user selects image data and presses the "OK" button, the main control unit 101 displays the "Toner Image Selection Screen" (see FIG. 5(d)) (S103). In response to the user's operation of the "Text," "Line Drawing," or "Photo" buttons, the main control unit 101 selects an adjustment item (S104). If the "Line Drawing" button is pressed, the main control unit 101 displays the "Line Width Adjustment Screen" (see FIG. 7) on the operation unit 110 (S105).

[0053] The main control unit 101 determines whether the user has changed the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background and pressed the "OK" button (S106). If the width adjustment value (ΔXb) or the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) has been changed and the "OK" button has been pressed (Yes in S106), the main control unit 101 updates the line width adjustment value of the varnish image in the "varnish image setting information" (Fig. 4) stored in RAM 104 (S107).

[0054] <Varnish image preparation processing> Next, the "varnish image preparation process" for adjusting the line width of the varnish image using the above-mentioned line width adjustment value (ΔXb) and line width adjustment value (ΔXw) is shown in Figure 10. The "varnish image preparation process" is started by the main control unit 101 when the start input for the "image formation mode" is input.

[0055] The main control unit 101 reads the image data specified in response to the start input of the "image formation mode" from the RAM 104, and also reads the "varnish image setting information" (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the type of recording material S, for example, from the RAM 104 (S201). The main control unit 101 determines whether or not to form a varnish image on the recording material S in accordance with the "varnish image setting" of the "varnish image setting information" for the specified image data (S202).

[0056] If a varnish image is not to be formed (No in S202), the main control unit 101 selects the normal printing mode in which a toner image is formed on the recording material S based on the data related to the toner image in the image data (S203). At the same time, the main control unit 101 sends a signal to the varnish coater 200 (more specifically, the varnishing control unit 330) that a varnish image will not be formed (S204). Thereafter, the main control unit 101 operates the image forming apparatus 100 to form a toner image on the recording material S (S206). In this case, the varnish coater 200 does not form a varnish image on the recording material S on which a toner image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0057] If a varnish image is to be formed (Yes in S202), the main control unit 101 sends the "varnish image setting information" of the corresponding image data read from RAM 104, along with data related to the varnish image of the image data (initial data), to the varnish coater 200 (S205). The main control unit 101 then operates the image forming apparatus 100 to form a toner image on the recording material S (S206). In this case, the varnish coater 200 forms a varnish image on the recording material S on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100. The varnish coater 200 (more specifically, the varnishing control unit 330) forms the varnish image on the recording material S based on the initial data sent by the main control unit 101. However, when forming a varnish image that spans a toner image and a white background, the varnish processing control unit 330 changes the line width of the varnish image based on the initial line width value (Ws) of the "varnish image setting information", the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) of the part that overlaps the toner image, and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) of the part that overlaps the white background.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, when forming a varnish image that overlaps a toner image and a white background, the line width of the varnish image (initial line width (Ws)) is changed based on the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background. The line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background can be set. By setting the line width adjustment value (ΔXb) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the line width adjustment value (ΔXw) for the portion overlapping the white background, the user can adjust the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the recording material S to be closer to the line width of the varnish image set in the initial data. In this way, when a varnish image is formed across a toner image and a white background, differences in the line width of the varnish image at the boundary between the toner image and the white background can be reduced.

[0059] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, we explained the adjustment of the line width of the varnish image using the example of a case where the line width of the portion overlapping the toner image is thinner than the line width of the initial data, and the line width of the portion overlapping the white background is thicker than the line width of the initial data, as shown in Figure 8(c). However, if a resin film, for example, is used as the recording material S, as shown in Figure 11, the line width of the portion overlapping the toner image may be thicker than the line width of the initial data, and the line width of the portion overlapping the white background may be thinner than the line width of the initial data. This is thought to be because the surface properties of the resin film repel the varnish, resulting in a thinner varnish image formed on the white background than the varnish image formed on the toner image.

[0060] In this case, too, by adjusting the line width of the varnish image based on the adjustment value set on the "Line Width Adjustment Screen" shown in Fig. 7, the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the recording material S can be made closer to the line width of the varnish image set in the initial data. In this way, when a varnish image is formed across a toner image and a white background, it is possible to prevent differences in the line width of the varnish image at the boundary between the toner image and the white background.

[0061] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration was shown in which the line width of the portion overlapping the toner image and the portion overlapping the white background was adjusted, but adjusting the line width could result in a difference in thickness between the varnish image on the toner image and the varnish image on the white background. In this case, a difference in level would occur between the varnish image on the toner image and the varnish image on the white background, which could result in a difference in the appearance of the varnish image.

[0062] Therefore, in the third embodiment, in addition to the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw), the film thickness adjustment value of the varnish image is used to adjust the line width of the varnish image. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing mainly on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the explanation of the same points as the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0063] In the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the "varnish image setting information" stores the following thickness adjustment values ​​for the varnish image: the initial thickness value (Ds), the thickness adjustment value for the part that overlaps the toner image (ΔXd), and the thickness adjustment value for the part that overlaps the white background (ΔXv). The initial thickness value (Ds) is updated based on the thickness value of the varnish image specified in the initial data.

[0064] The above film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv) are updated in response to operations on the "film thickness adjustment screen" (FIG. 12) described below. The film thickness of the varnish image formed by the varnish coater 200 is determined by the following equations 3 and 4. Film thickness of the area overlapping the toner image = Initial film thickness (Ds) + Film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) Formula 3 Film thickness of the area overlapping the white background = initial film thickness (Ds) + film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) Formula 4

[0065] The setting of the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) for the portion overlapping the white background will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The user can select the adjustment unit on the “Film Thickness Adjustment Screen” shown in the lower part of FIG. 12 to set the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) for the portion overlapping the toner image or the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) for the portion overlapping the white background. By operating the “+” and “-” adjustment buttons, the user can increase or decrease the selected film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) or film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) in increments of, for example, 5 μm. Operating the “+” adjustment button increases the film thickness, and operating the “-” adjustment button decreases the film thickness. As shown in FIG. 12, the “Line Width Adjustment Screen” described above may be displayed together with the “Film Thickness Adjustment Screen” to allow the user to set the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw).

[0066] If the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) level for the area overlapping the toner image is lowered to the "-" side in the "Film Thickness Adjustment Screen" above, the amount of varnish applied is reduced, and the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the toner image narrows toward the line width of the initial data, as shown by the arrow in Figure 11. Conversely, if the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) level for the area overlapping the white background is raised to the "+" side in the "Film Thickness Adjustment Screen" above, the amount of varnish applied is increased, and the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the white background widens toward the line width of the initial data, as shown by the arrow in Figure 11. In other words, when either the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) or the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) or both are set, the varnish image is formed on the recording material S so as to approach the line width of the varnish image set in the initial data. For example, when forming a varnish image whose width is set to "0.5 mm" in the initial data, the amount of varnish applied is adjusted according to the film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv), so that the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the recording material S is the same width of "0.5 mm" for both the toner image and the white background.

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to set the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) for the portion overlapping the white background. By setting the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXd) for the portion overlapping the toner image and the film thickness adjustment value (ΔXv) for the portion overlapping the white background, the line width of the varnish image actually formed on the recording material S can be made closer to the line width of the varnish image set in the initial data. In this way, when a varnish image is formed across the toner image and the white background, it is possible to prevent differences in the line width of the varnish image at the boundary between the toner image and the white background.

[0068] [Fourth embodiment] In the first to third embodiments described above, the user's desired toner image and varnish image are actually output on the recording material S, allowing the user to visually check whether there is a difference in line width of the varnish image at the boundary between the toner image and the white background. Therefore, before the user can confirm the desired results, they may output multiple sheets of recording material S by appropriately changing the settings of the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) and film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv). However, this takes time to determine the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) and film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv), and there is a risk of wasting recording material S.

[0069] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a test chart is output so that the user can check whether there is a difference in the line width of the varnish image at the boundary between the toner image and the white background, and can efficiently set the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) and film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv). Below, a third embodiment in which a test chart is output is described.

[0070] 13 shows an example of a "test mode screen" for outputting a test chart. The "test mode screen" is displayed on the operation unit 110, and the user can set various conditions related to the test chart from the "test mode screen."

[0071] The "Paper Settings" button is used to select the cassette 10 (see Figure 1) containing the recording material S for which the varnish image will be adjusted. The user places the recording material S for which the varnish image is to be adjusted in any cassette 10 and operates the "Paper Settings" button to select the cassette 10 containing the recording material S. In this example, "Cassette 1" is selected, and the recording material S for the test chart is supplied from cassette 1. The "Line Width Center Setting Value (Line Width Reference Value)" button is used to set the line width reference value of the test varnish image to be output to the test chart. The user can set this value in the range of, for example, "0.1 mm to 5 mm." The "Film Thickness Center Setting Value (Film Thickness Reference Value)" button is used to set the film thickness reference value of the test varnish image to be output to the test chart. The user can set this value in the range of, for example, "5 to 50 μm." As will be described in detail later, multiple test varnish images are formed on the test chart based on the line width reference value and film thickness reference value set as the center setting value. The above-mentioned line width reference value and film thickness reference value are set for the portion overlapping the toner image and the portion overlapping the white background, respectively. Here, the central setting value of the line width is the initial value Ws shown in FIG. 4. Also, the central setting value of the film thickness is the initial value Ds shown in FIG. 4. On the screen shown in FIG. 13, the values ​​shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed as the initial values ​​Ws and Ds. Also, the central setting values ​​of the line width and film thickness set on the screen of FIG. 13 may be saved as the initial values ​​Ws and Ds, respectively.

[0072] The "OK" button is a button for confirming the center setting value described above. The "PRINT TEST IMAGE" button is a button for starting execution of the test chart output mode. In response to the "PRINT TEST IMAGE" button being operated, the main control unit 101 executes the test chart output mode (not shown), and two types of test charts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are output consecutively.

[0073] The test chart will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the test chart has test toner images (first test toner image, second test toner image) of different colors, YMCK, formed side by side as a test image on a single sheet of recording material S. The test toner images are, for example, solid images formed in the same size and rectangular shape.

[0074] The upper row of the test chart is printed with "Y, M, C, K" indicating the color of each toner image, corresponding to the test toner images formed side by side. These single-color YMCK test toner images are formed vertically at intervals with a white background in between, as indicated by the dotted lines for each color (first test toner image, third test toner image). Linear test varnish images (first test varnish image, second test varnish image) are formed so as to straddle these test toner images and the white background. Here, five test varnish images are formed for each test toner image (and white background).

[0075] The upper row of the test chart is printed with the colors "Y, M, C, K" and the line width adjustment levels "-2, -1, 0, +1, +2" for the five varnish images. The left side of the test chart is printed with the varnish thicknesses "+10, +5, center setting, -5, -10" for the test toner images arranged vertically.

[0076] In the case of the test chart shown in Fig. 14, all test varnish images on the white background are formed with the same film thickness (e.g., 10 µm) set by the "film thickness center setting value" (see Fig. 13) on the "test mode screen" mentioned above. Also, all test varnish images on the white background are formed with the same line width (e.g., 0.5 mm) set by the "line width center setting value" (see Fig. 13) on the "test mode screen" mentioned above.

[0077] In contrast, for each toner image, a test varnish image is formed for each color unit with five different film thicknesses (+10, +5, center setting value (μm), -5, -10). Also, for each test toner image, a test varnish image is formed with five different line widths (adjustment levels -2, -1, 0, +1, +2). The adjustment level "0" indicates the setting value set in the "Line Width Center Setting Value" (see Figure 13) on the "Test Mode Screen" described above, with "0" as the reference value.

[0078] In this way, multiple test varnish images are formed on each toner image using different combinations of line width and film thickness. A total of 25 test varnish images (5 x 5 combinations) are formed on the test toner images of each color (Y, M, C, K) using combinations of these five line widths (adjustment levels -2, -1, 0, +1, +2) and five film thicknesses (+10, +5, central setting value, -5, -10). By looking at the test chart shown in Figure 14, users can compare the line widths of the test varnish images formed on the toner images of each color (Y, M, C, K) with the line widths of the test varnish images formed with the same width on the white background.

[0079] On the other hand, in the case of the test chart shown in Fig. 15, all test varnish images in each toner image are formed to the same film thickness (e.g., 10 µm) set by the "film thickness center setting value" (see Fig. 13) on the "test mode screen" described above. Also, all test varnish images in each toner image are formed to the same line width (e.g., 0.5 mm) set by the "line width center setting value" (see Fig. 13) on the "test mode screen" described above.

[0080] In contrast, in each white background area corresponding to each toner image, a test varnish image is formed for each color unit with five different film thicknesses (+10, +5, central setting value (μm), -5, -10). Also, for each white background area, a test varnish image is formed with five different line widths (adjustment levels -2, -1, 0, +1, +2).

[0081] In this way, test varnish images are formed on each white background according to a combination of multiple different line widths and film thicknesses. A total of 25 varnish images (5 x 5 combinations) are formed on the white background corresponding to the test toner images of each color (Y, M, C, K) according to the combinations of these five line widths (adjustment levels -2, -1, 0, +1, +2) and five film thicknesses (+10, +5, central setting value, -5, -10). By looking at the test chart shown in Figure 15, the user can compare the line widths of the test varnish images formed on each white background with the line widths of the test varnish images formed with the same width on the test toner image.

[0082] By looking at the two types of test charts described above, the user can easily set line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) and film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv) that can suppress differences in the line width of the varnish image, as shown in Figures 8(c) and 11. By outputting the test charts, the user does not need to spend time deciding on the line width adjustment values ​​(ΔXb, ΔXw) and film thickness adjustment values ​​(ΔXd, ΔXv), and recording material S is not wasted.

[0083] The line width and film thickness of the test varnish image formed on the test chart are not limited to the above values, and may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 and varnish coater 200, and the conditions of the toner image and varnish image desired by the user.

[0084] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) an image forming means capable of forming a toner image on a recording material; a varnish application means capable of ejecting varnish onto a recording material to form a varnish image; a control means for executing an image forming mode in which a toner image is formed on a recording material by the image forming means based on first image data relating to a toner image, and a varnish image is formed on the recording material on which the toner image has been formed by the varnish applying means based on second image data relating to a varnish image; and an input means for inputting a line width adjustment value for at least one of a line width of a portion of the varnish image that overlaps the image portion where a toner image is formed on the recording material and a line width of a portion of the varnish image that overlaps the non-image portion where no toner image is formed, An image forming system comprising: (2) When the control means executes the image forming mode, if the varnish image is formed so as to span the image portion and the non-image portion based on the first image data and the second image data, the line width of the varnish image based on the second image data is corrected according to the line width adjustment value to form the varnish image. The image forming system according to (1) above, (3) The input means includes a display unit that displays the line width adjustment value, and a setting unit that can set the line width adjustment value. The image forming system according to (1) or (2) above, (4) The input unit includes a display unit that displays a toner image to be formed on a recording material based on the first image data, and a selection unit that selects, from the toner images displayed on the display unit, a toner image whose line width of a varnish image is to be corrected in accordance with the line width adjustment value. The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, (5) a storage unit that stores the line width adjustment value for each type of recording material; When the image forming mode is executed, the control unit changes the line width adjustment value acquired from the storage unit according to the type of recording material by the line width adjustment value input by the input unit, and corrects the line width of the varnish image based on the second image data. The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (4) above, (6) the input means is capable of inputting a film thickness adjustment value for at least one of a film thickness of a portion overlapping the image portion and a film thickness of a portion overlapping the non-image portion, When the control means executes the image forming mode, if the varnish image is formed so as to span the image portion and the non-image portion based on first image data relating to the toner image and second image data relating to the varnish image, the control means corrects the film thickness of the varnish image based on the second image data in accordance with the film thickness adjustment value to form the varnish image. The image forming system according to (1) above, (7) The input means includes a display unit that displays the film thickness adjustment value, and a setting unit that can set the film thickness adjustment value. The image forming system according to (6) above, (8) The input means includes a display unit that displays a toner image to be formed on a recording material based on the first image data, and a selection unit that selects, from the toner images displayed on the display unit, a toner image whose varnish image thickness is to be corrected in accordance with the film thickness adjustment value. The image forming system according to (6) or (7) above, (9) a storage unit that stores the film thickness adjustment value for each type of recording material; When the image forming mode is executed, the control means changes the film thickness adjustment value acquired from the storage unit according to the type of recording material using the film thickness adjustment value input by the input means, thereby correcting the film thickness of the varnish image based on the second image data. The image forming system according to any one of (6) to (8) above, (10) The control means is capable of executing a test chart output mode in which a test toner image is formed on a recording material by the image forming means, and a test chart is output in which a first test varnish image and a second test varnish image with a line width different from that of the first test varnish image are formed across an image portion on which the test toner image is formed by the varnish application means and a non-image portion on which the test toner image is not formed, the first test varnish image having a line width different from that of the second test varnish image, the second test varnish image having a line width different from that of the first test varnish image. The image forming system according to (1) above, (11) The test toner images are rectangular images of the same size, The first test varnish image and the second test varnish image are linearly formed images. The image forming system according to (10) above, (12) When the control means executes the test chart output mode, the control means causes the image forming means to form a first test toner image and a second test toner image of a different color from the first test toner image, and forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image of the same film thickness on the first test toner image and the second test toner image. The image forming system according to (10) or (11) above, (13) the input means is capable of inputting either a line width reference value of a portion overlapping the image portion or a line width reference value of a portion overlapping the non-image portion, When the control means executes the test chart output mode, the control means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image according to the line width reference value input by the input means. The image forming system according to any one of (10) to (12) above, (14) the input means is capable of inputting either a film thickness reference value of the portion overlapping the image portion or a film thickness reference value of the portion overlapping the non-image portion, When the control means executes the test chart output mode, the control means forms a third test toner image of the same color as the first test toner image by the image forming means, and forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image, each of which has a film thickness changed in accordance with the film thickness reference value input by the input means, on the first test toner image and the third test toner image. The image forming system according to (12) above, (15) The varnish is an ultraviolet curable varnish, The varnish applying unit has a discharge unit that discharges varnish onto the recording material, and an ultraviolet ray irradiating unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the varnish applied to the recording material. The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (14) above, [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1X...image forming system, 100...image forming apparatus, 101...main control section, 103...ROM, 104...RAM, 110...operation section, 111...liquid crystal display section, 200...varnish coater, 246...varnish discharge section, 247...varnish hardening section, S...recording material

Claims

1. An image forming means capable of forming a toner image on a recording material, and a varnish coating means capable of discharging varnish onto the recording material to form a varnish image, comprising: The image forming means forms at least one test toner image on the recording material, The varnish coating means forms a first test varnish image overlapping the image portion where the test toner image is formed and the non-image portion where the test toner image is not formed on the recording material, and a second test varnish image overlapping the image portion and the non-image portion, The line width of the first test varnish image is different from the line width of the second test varnish image, An image forming system characterized by this.

2. An input means capable of inputting a line width adjustment value for either the line width of the portion of the varnish image overlapping the image portion or the line width of the portion of the varnish image overlapping the non-image portion, The varnish coating means forms the varnish image across the image portion where the toner image is formed on the recording material and the non-image portion where the toner image is not formed on the recording material, The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The input means includes a display unit for displaying the line width adjustment value and a setting unit for setting the line width adjustment value, The image forming system according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The input means includes a display unit for displaying the toner image formed on the recording material based on the image data, and a selection unit for selecting the toner image to be corrected in accordance with the line width adjustment value among the toner images displayed on the display unit, The image forming system according to claim 2, characterized by this.

5. An input means capable of inputting a film thickness adjustment value for either the film thickness of the portion of the varnish image overlapping the image portion or the film thickness of the portion of the varnish image overlapping the non-image portion, The varnish coating means forms the varnish image across the image portion where the toner image is formed on the recording material and the non-image portion where the toner image is not formed on the recording material, The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized by this.

6. The input means includes a display unit for displaying the film thickness adjustment value and a setting unit for setting the film thickness adjustment value, The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized by this. **Claim 7**: The input means includes a display unit that displays a toner image to be formed on a recording material based on image data, and a selection unit that selects a target toner image among the toner images displayed on the display unit, where the film thickness of the varnish image is corrected according to the film thickness adjustment value. The image forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that. **Claim 8**: The test toner image includes an image formed in a rectangular shape with the same size. The first test varnish image and the second test varnish image are images formed in a linear shape. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that. **Claim 9**: The image forming means forms a first test toner image and a second test toner image of different colors. The varnish applying means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image with the same film thickness on the first test toner image and the second test toner image. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that. **Claim 10**: It includes an input means capable of inputting either one of a line width reference value of a portion overlapping the image portion of the varnish image and a line width reference value of a portion overlapping the non-image portion of the varnish image. The varnish applying means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image according to the line width reference value input by the input means. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that. **Claim 11**: It includes an input means capable of inputting either one of a film thickness reference value of a portion overlapping the image portion of the varnish image and a film thickness reference value of a portion overlapping the non-image portion of the varnish image. The image forming means forms a third test toner image of the same color as the first test toner image and the second test toner image. The varnish applying means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image with their film thicknesses changed according to the film thickness reference value input by the input means on the first test toner image and the third test toner image. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that. **Claim 12**: The varnish is an ultraviolet curable varnish. The varnish applying means has a discharge unit that discharges the varnish onto the recording material and an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the varnish applied to the recording material. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that. **Claim 13**: An image forming means capable of forming a toner image on a recording material. It is provided with sizing means capable of discharging sizing onto a recording material to form a sizing image. The image forming means forms at least one test toner image on the recording material. The sizing means forms a first test sizing image overlapping an image portion on the recording material where the test toner image is formed and a non-image portion where the test toner image is not formed, and a second test sizing image overlapping the image portion and the non-image portion. The film thickness of the first test sizing image and the film thickness of the second test sizing image are different. An image forming system characterized by the above.

14. It is provided with input means capable of inputting a line width adjustment value for either the line width of the portion of the sizing image overlapping the image portion or the line width of the portion of the sizing image overlapping the non-image portion. The sizing means forms the sizing image across the image portion on the recording material where a toner image is formed and the non-image portion on the recording material where a toner image is not formed. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized by the above.

15. The input means includes a display unit for displaying the line width adjustment value and a setting unit for setting the line width adjustment value. The image forming system according to claim 14, characterized by the above.

16. The input means includes a display unit for displaying a toner image formed on a recording material based on image data, and a selection unit for selecting a toner image to be corrected in terms of the line width of the sizing image according to the line width adjustment value from among the toner images displayed on the display unit. The image forming system according to claim 14, characterized by the above.

17. It is provided with input means capable of inputting a film thickness adjustment value for either the film thickness of the portion of the sizing image overlapping the image portion or the film thickness of the portion of the sizing image overlapping the non-image portion. The sizing means forms the sizing image across the image portion on the recording material where a toner image is formed and the non-image portion on the recording material where a toner image is not formed. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized by the above.

18. The input means includes a display unit for displaying the film thickness adjustment value and a setting unit for setting the film thickness adjustment value. The image forming system according to claim 17, characterized by the above.

19. The input means includes a display unit that displays a toner image to be formed on a recording material based on image data, and a selection unit that selects a toner image to be corrected in terms of the film thickness of the varnish image according to the film thickness adjustment value among the toner images displayed on the display unit. The image forming system according to claim 17, characterized in that.

20. The test toner image includes an image formed in a rectangular shape with the same size. The first test varnish image and the second test varnish image are images formed in a linear shape. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

21. The image forming means forms a first test toner image and a second test toner image of different colors. The varnish coating means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image with the same film thickness on the first test toner image and the second test toner image. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

22. It is provided with input means capable of inputting either one of the line width reference value of the portion overlapping the image portion of the varnish image and the line width reference value of the portion overlapping the non-image portion of the varnish image. The varnish coating means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image according to the line width reference value input by the input means. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

23. It is provided with input means capable of inputting either one of the film thickness reference value of the portion overlapping the image portion of the varnish image and the film thickness reference value of the portion overlapping the non-image portion of the varnish image. The image forming means forms a third test toner image of the same color as the first test toner image and the second test toner image. The varnish coating means forms the first test varnish image and the second test varnish image with their film thicknesses changed according to the film thickness reference value input by the input means on the first test toner image and the third test toner image. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

24. The varnish is an ultraviolet curable varnish. The varnish coating means has a discharge unit that discharges the varnish onto the recording material and an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the varnish applied to the recording material. The image forming system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

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