Image forming system and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce a consumption of powder adhesive bond used for bonding images to create a booklet.SOLUTION: An image forming system includes: image forming means for forming a user image prepared arbitrarily by a user and a bonding image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to bond a plurality of sheets forming the booklet together; and bonding means for bonding the plurality of sheets by applying heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets. Image forming means forms a user image on a sheet that satisfies a bonding condition among the plurality of sheets, and also forms a bonding image at a first density. For a sheet that does not satisfy the bonding condition among the plurality of sheets, a user image is formed, and either no bonding image is formed or the bonding image is formed at a second density lower than the first density.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A booklet making device makes a booklet by stapling multiple sheets on which images are printed using an electric stapler. However, metal staples prevent the booklet from being recycled. According to Patent Document 1, a post-processing device is proposed that makes a booklet by bonding multiple sheets with a powder adhesive (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-209858 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are cases where the sizes of sheets are not uniform, or the material of the sheets is not suitable for adhesion. In such cases, if an image forming device forms an image on the sheets with a powder adhesive (e.g., toner), the powder adhesive will be consumed even though it is difficult to adhere the sheets. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the consumption of the powder adhesive used for adhesive images for creating booklets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to, for example, an image forming means for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; and an adhesive means for applying heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets to adhere the plurality of sheets to each other, The image forming means includes: forming the user image on a sheet that satisfies an adhesive condition of the adhesive means among the plurality of sheets, and forming the adhesive image at a first density; An image forming system is provided which forms the user image on any sheet among the plurality of sheets that does not satisfy the adhesive condition, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the consumption of powder adhesive used for bonding images for making booklets is reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a position where an adhesive image is formed. [Diagram 3] A diagram explaining the operation of the intermediate stacking unit. [Figure 4] A diagram explaining the operation of the thermocompression bonding unit. [Diagram 5] A diagram explaining the control unit [Figure 6] Diagram explaining the functions of the control unit [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an error determination unit. [Figure 8] Flowchart explaining an error determination method [Figure 9] Flowchart for explaining a printing operation [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a mask signal and an adhesive image. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the light intensity setting value and the adhesive image. [Figure 12] Diagram explaining the functions of the control unit [Figure 13] Diagram explaining adhesive images [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an error determination unit. [Figure 15] Flowchart explaining an error determination method [Figure 16] Flowchart for explaining a printing operation [Figure 17] A flowchart for explaining the process of the finisher control unit. [Figure 18] Flowchart for explaining a printing operation DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <Example 1> (1) Image forming system 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 300. The post-processing apparatus 300 is a sheet processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet S, which is a recording material. The intermediate conveying unit 200 conveys the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the post-processing apparatus 300. The post-processing apparatus 300 performs post-processing on the sheet S as necessary and outputs the sheet S.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet cassette 8, an image forming section 10, a fixing device 6, and a housing 19 that houses these components. The image forming section 10 forms a toner image on a sheet S fed from the sheet cassette 8. The fixing device 6 executes a fixing process to fix the toner image on the sheet S.

[0011] The sheet cassette 8 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet cassette 8 is inserted into the housing 19 so as to be removable, and can store a large number of sheets S. A feed roller 81 feeds the sheet S from the sheet cassette 8, and delivers the sheet S to a pair of conveying rollers 82. The multi-tray 20 can also feed the sheets S one by one.

[0012] The image forming unit 10 is a tandem-type electrophotographic unit equipped with four process cartridges 7k, 7y, 7m, and 7c, a scanner unit 2, and a transfer unit 3. ymck stand for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. The process cartridges 7k, 7y, 7m, and 7c are configured so that multiple parts responsible for the image forming process can be replaced as a whole. In other words, the process cartridges 7k, 7y, 7m, and 7c are formed by integrating multiple parts.

[0013] The process cartridges 7k, 7y, 7m, and 7c have corresponding toner storage portions Kk, Ky, Km, and Kc, photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc, and charging rollers Ck, Cy, Cm, and Cc. The process cartridges 7k, 7y, 7m, and 7c have substantially the same structure, except for the type of toner.

[0014] The toner storage units Ky, Km, and Kc store yellow, magenta, and cyan toners for forming a visible image on the sheet S. The toner storage unit Kk stores black toner, which is also used as an adhesive toner. When this black toner is used for an adhesive image, the black toner is called adhesive toner Tk. The adhesive toner Tk is a powder adhesive used to thermocompress multiple sheets S in the post-processing device 300. An adhesive image is formed on the photosensitive drum Dk by developing an electrostatic latent image with the adhesive toner Tk. The adhesive image is not intended to transmit visual information. Therefore, the adhesive image is different from a toner image (normal toner image) formed by a printing toner for recording an image such as a figure or text on the sheet S. However, in the following description, the adhesive toner Tk is applied to the sheet S in a predetermined application pattern. Therefore, the layered image of the adhesive toner Tk developed by the electrophotographic process is also treated as one of the "toner images."

[0015] When a black image such as text is printed, yellow, magenta, and cyan toners may be superimposed to produce a black image (process black). In this case, the process cartridge 7k is a process cartridge dedicated to powder adhesive. However, the image forming unit 10 may have a fifth process cartridge that uses powder adhesive. The type and number of printing toners can be changed depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0016] The charging rollers Ck, Cy, Cm, and Cc are chargers that uniformly charge the surfaces of the corresponding charging rollers Ck, Cy, Cm, and Cc. The scanner unit 2 is disposed below the process cartridges 7k, 7y, 7m, and 7c and above the sheet cassette 8. The scanner unit 2 irradiates the photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc with corresponding laser beams Jk, Jy, Jm, and Jc to form electrostatic latent images. The scanner unit 2 may also be called an exposure device or an optical scanning device.

[0017] The toner containers Kk, Ky, Km, and Kc form toner images by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc. The toner containers Kk, Ky, Km, and Kc may also be called developers.

[0018] The transfer unit 3 includes a transfer belt 30 as an intermediate transfer body (secondary image carrier). The transfer belt 30 is an endless belt wound around an inner roller 31 and a tension roller 32. The outer peripheral surface (image forming surface) of the transfer belt 30 faces the photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc. Primary transfer rollers Fk, Fy, Fm, and Fc are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the transfer belt 30 so as to face the photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc.

[0019] The primary transfer rollers Fk, Fy, Fm, and Fc transfer the toner images from the corresponding photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc to the transfer belt 30. The primary transfer rollers Fk, Fy, Fm, and Fc may be called primary transfer devices. The toner images are transported to the secondary transfer section by the counterclockwise rotation of the transfer belt 30.

[0020] The secondary transfer roller 5 is disposed so as to face the inner roller 31, and forms a transfer nip 52 between the secondary transfer roller 5 and the transfer belt 30. The transfer nip 52 transfers the toner image from the transfer belt 30 to the sheet S. The transfer nip 52 may be called a secondary transfer portion.

[0021] A fixing device 6 is disposed above the secondary transfer roller 5 (downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S). The fixing device 6 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S passing through a fixing nip 61. This causes the toner image to be fixed onto the sheet S. In other words, the toners Ty, Tm, Tc, and Tk melt and adhere to the sheet S.

[0022] FIG. 2A shows a printing area 211 of adhesive toner Tk. The printing area 211 extends parallel to the long side of the sheet S. The printing area 211 is provided at the end close to the long side. As a result, the post-processing device 300 stacks multiple sheets S and heats and presses the printing areas 211 of the multiple sheets S, thereby bonding the multiple sheets S together to form a booklet. The booklet in this case is a long-side bound booklet. The width (length in the short-side direction) of the printing area 211 where the adhesive image is formed here is, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0023] 2B, a small print area 212 for adhesive toner Tk may be formed near the corner of the sheet S. This produces a booklet with corner fastenings. An image using adhesive toner Tk is not formed on the sheet S that will be the cover of the booklet.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the switching guide 33 is a flap-shaped guide member provided downstream of the fixing device 6 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. When a single-sided printing mode in which an image is formed on one side of the sheet S is selected, the switching guide 33 guides the sheet S to a discharge roller 34. When a double-sided printing mode in which an image is formed on both sides of the sheet S is selected, the switching guide 33 guides the sheet S with an image formed on the first side to a switchback roller pair 35. The switchback roller pair 35 conveys the sheet S in a first direction. When the rear end of the sheet S is in a state in which it can enter the double-sided conveying path 36, the switchback roller pair 35 starts to reverse. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path 36. The double-sided conveying path 36 conveys the sheet S again to the secondary transfer portion. As a result, an image is formed on the second side of the sheet S. Note that an adhesive image may be formed on both the first side and the second side.

[0025] The discharge roller 34 conveys the sheet S to an intermediate conveying unit 200. The intermediate conveying unit 200 has a pair of conveying rollers 201 and 202. The pair of conveying rollers 201 and 202 convey the sheet S to a post-processing device 300.

[0026] 1, a size sensor 11 and a media sensor 12 may be disposed on the conveying path between the pair of conveying rollers 82 and the secondary transfer unit. The size sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the length of the sheet S conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 82 in a first direction (conveying direction) and the length of the sheet S in a second direction (direction perpendicular to the conveying direction). The media sensor 12 is a sensor that determines the type of the sheet S (e.g., material, basis weight).

[0027] (2) After-treatment device The post-processing device 300 is a floor-standing type sheet processing device. The post-processing device 300 has a function of switching back and transporting a sheet (a switchback unit 80) and a function of aligning and gluing a plurality of sheets (an intermediate stacking unit 42).

[0028] In the following, the end of the sheet S on the front side in the transport direction is called the leading end. The end of the sheet S on the rear side in the transport direction is called the trailing end. Of the two ends of the sheet S, the end that enters the post-processing device 300 first is called the first end. Of the two ends of the sheet S, the end that enters the post-processing device 300 later is called the second end. Note that the leading end may be changed from the first end to the second end and the trailing end may be changed from the second end to the first end due to the switchback transport performed by the post-processing device 300.

[0029] The sheet S conveyed from the intermediate conveying unit 200 is delivered to the entrance rollers 21 of the post-processing device 300. A sheet sensor 27 is disposed downstream of the entrance rollers 21. When the sheet sensor 27 detects the rear end of the sheet S, the conveying roller pair 22 accelerates the sheet S. When the rear end of the sheet S, whose discharge destination is set to the upper tray 25, arrives between the conveying roller pair 22 and the conveying roller pair 24, the conveying roller pair 22 decelerates. This causes the conveying speed of the sheet S to become a predetermined discharge speed. The conveying roller pair 22 discharges the sheet S to the upper tray 25.

[0030] When the trailing end of the sheet S, whose discharge destination is set to the lower tray 37, passes through the check valve 23, the conveying roller pair 22 stops conveying the sheet S. The conveying roller pair 22 then starts rotating in the reverse direction. This causes the sheet S to switch back and be conveyed to the conveying roller pair 26. When the sheet sensor 60 provided downstream of the conveying roller pair 26 detects the leading end of the sheet S, the two rollers constituting the conveying roller pair 24 are separated. This allows the conveying roller pair 24 to receive the succeeding sheet S.

[0031] The conveying roller pair 26 conveys the sheet S toward the intermediate stacking section 42. The sheet S passes through the conveying roller pair 28 and a sheet sensor 50. The sheet S is then conveyed to the intermediate stacking section 42 by the kick-out roller 29. A movable vertical alignment plate 39 is disposed in a standby position at the most downstream portion of the intermediate stacking section 42. When multiple sheets S are sent to the intermediate stacking section 42, the multiple sheets S are stacked. When the multiple sheets S hit the vertical alignment plate 39, the multiple sheets S are aligned.

[0032] When the alignment of the predetermined number of sheets S is completed, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs a binding operation (adhesion process). This forms a booklet. The vertical alignment plate 39 moves from the standby position to the discharge position, pushing the booklet toward the discharge rollers 38. When the leading edge of the booklet is clamped by the discharge rollers 38, the vertical alignment plate 39 stops and returns to the standby position again. The discharge rollers 38 discharge the booklet received from the vertical alignment plate 39 through the discharge port 46 to the lower tray 37.

[0033] (3) Matching operation 3A to 3D show the alignment operation of the sheets S executed in the intermediate stacking portion 42. In the initial state, the intermediate stacking portion 42 is empty. As an example, five sheets S are conveyed in sequence from the switchback portion 80 to the intermediate stacking portion 42.

[0034] The Y direction is a direction parallel to the stacking surface (stack plate) of the sheets S in the intermediate stacking section 42 and parallel to the transport direction of the sheets S transported from the kick-out roller 29 to the intermediate stacking section 42. The Y direction may be called the vertical direction. The X direction is a direction parallel to the stacking surface of the sheets S in the intermediate stacking section 42 and perpendicular to the Y direction. The X direction may be called the horizontal direction. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (the normal direction to the stacking surface, the thickness direction of the stacked sheets S). The Z direction may be called the height direction. The opposite directions of the X, Y, and Z directions may be called the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively.

[0035] The vertical alignment plate 39 and the vertical alignment roller 40 function as a first alignment unit that aligns a plurality of sheets S in a first direction (Y direction). The vertical alignment plate 39 is disposed at the most downstream portion of the intermediate stacking portion 42 in the Y direction. The vertical alignment plate 39 is a reference member (first reference member) that serves as a reference for the sheet position in the Y direction. The vertical alignment roller 40 is a conveying member that conveys the sheet S in the Y direction so that the sheet S is abutted against the vertical alignment plate 39 for alignment. The vertical alignment plate 39 includes a plurality of abutting members 39a to 39c that are arranged at intervals in the X direction. The abutting members 39a to 39c come into contact with the end of the sheet S. The vertical alignment plate 39 and the vertical alignment roller 40 are integrally configured as a movable unit 59 that is movable in the Y direction. The movable unit 59 is movable in the Y direction by a driving source such as a motor. That is, the positions of the vertical alignment plate 39 and the vertical alignment roller 40 in the Y direction are adjustable. The lateral alignment joggers 41a to 41c function as a second alignment unit that aligns the sheet in a second direction (X direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0036] The lateral alignment joggers 41a to 41c are moved in the X direction by a driving source such as a motor, and press the side edges of the sheets S stacked on the intermediate stacker 42. The lateral alignment plates 72a and 72b are reference members that serve as references for the position of the sheets S in the X direction. The lateral alignment plates 72a and 72b are disposed to face the lateral alignment joggers 41a and 41b in the X direction.

[0037] (3-1) Preparation stage As shown in FIG. 3A, the sheets S1 to S5 are conveyed toward the kick-out roller 29. The sheets S1 to S5 may be conveyed to the intermediate stacker 42 in a state in which the lower sheet Si protrudes in the Y direction more than the upper sheet Si+1. Before the sheets S are stacked on the intermediate stacker 42, the vertical alignment plate 39 moves to a predetermined standby position in advance according to the size of the sheet S to be aligned. The standby position is set so that the end position of the sheet S in the -Y direction is constant, regardless of the size of the sheet S. In other words, the standby position is a position where the distance in the Y direction from the nip position of the kick-out roller 29 to the vertical alignment plate 39 is slightly longer than the length of the sheet in the Y direction. The horizontal alignment joggers 41a to 41c wait at a position away from the sheet S being conveyed in the X direction so as not to interfere with the conveyance of the sheet S.

[0038] (3-2) Vertical alignment stage 3(B) shows that the rear end of the first sheet S1 has passed through the nip of the kick-out roller 29, and the leading end of the sheet S1 has reached the vertical alignment roller 40. The sheet S1 abuts against the vertical alignment plate 39 and is aligned based on the position of the vertical alignment plate 39. As the vertical alignment roller 40 continues to rotate, the sheets S2 to S5 which arrive at the vertical alignment roller 40 after the sheet S1 abut against the vertical alignment plate 39 in order. As a result, the five sheets S1 to S5 are aligned in the Y direction (vertical direction) based on the position of the vertical alignment plate 39.

[0039] (3-3) Lateral alignment stage 3C shows that after the alignment of the sheets S1 to S5 in the Y direction (vertical direction) is completed, the alignment in the X direction (horizontal direction) is started. The lateral alignment joggers 41a to 41c are driven in the X direction, which is the alignment direction, to come into contact with the side edges of the sheets S1 to S5 and press the sheets S1 to S5 toward the lateral alignment plates 72a and 72b. Then, the other side edges of the sheets S1 to S5 come into contact with the contact surfaces 400 of the lateral alignment plates 72a and 72b, so that the sheets S1 to S5 are aligned in the X direction (horizontal direction) based on the positions of the lateral alignment plates 72a and 72b.

[0040] (3-4) Adhesion stage (thermocompression stage) 3(D) shows a state where the alignment of the five sheets S1 to S5 in the X and Y directions has been completed. The target position (alignment position) in the alignment operation is the position of the sheet stack W when the adhesive process (thermocompression bonding) is performed by the thermocompression bonding unit 51. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 applies adhesive toner Tk to the sheets S1 to S5 so that the side on which the adhesive image is formed faces the thermocompression bonding unit 51. If the sheet S1 is the cover of a booklet, adhesive toner Tk is not applied.

[0041] The thermocompression bonding unit 51 applies a thermocompression bonding operation to the sheets S1 to S5 for which alignment has been completed. During this time, the lateral alignment joggers 41a to 41c retreat in the -X direction. This makes the intermediate stacking section 42 ready to receive the next plurality of sheets S.

[0042] As an example, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs the thermocompression process when a sheet bundle W consisting of five sheets S is formed. However, the number of sheets S constituting the sheet bundle W may be two or three, etc. In other words, the number of sheets S included in the sheet bundle W may be equal to or less than the maximum number of sheets S that can be stacked in the intermediate stacking section 42. Furthermore, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 may perform the thermocompression process every time a sheet S (excluding the sheet S that becomes the cover) is carried into the intermediate stacking section 42.

[0043] (4) Thermocompression unit As shown in FIG. 4, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 has a heater 401 and a heating plate 402. The heater 401 has a built-in heating element as a heat source. The heating plate 402 is disposed on the heater 401 and is made of, for example, aluminum. The heater 401 is, for example, a ceramic heater. The temperature of the heater 401 may be measured by a temperature sensor and controlled by a control circuit so that the measured temperature becomes a target temperature. For example, the target temperature is set so that the surface temperature of the pressure applying portion 409 of the heating plate 402 becomes 200° C. By providing the pressure applying portion 409 on the heating plate 402, the heat and pressure of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 are concentrated at the binding position of the sheet stack W. As a result, the efficiency of heating and pressing is improved.

[0044] The heater 401 is supported by a heater support 403 made of resin. The pressure lever 404 obtains power from a motor M8 shown in FIG. 6 in order to pressurize the sheet stack W by pushing down the thermocompression bonding unit 51 in the -Z direction (downward). The pressure force of the pressure lever 404 is transmitted to a pressure section 409 via a metal stay 405 as a rigid body. The pressure force of the pressure lever 404 can be controlled according to the amount of movement of the pressure lever 404 in the -Z direction (downward). For example, the pressure force is 30 kgf.

[0045] The pressure plate 406 is made of an elastic material (e.g., silicone rubber). This is because the pressure plate 406 is a member that can stably receive pressure force. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 presses the sheet stack W1 consisting of sheets S1 to S5, and then separates from the sheet stack W1. Sheets S1 to S5 in FIG. 4 indicate the first to fifth sheets of a booklet as a finished product. Sheet S1 is the cover of the booklet. Therefore, no image of adhesive toner Tk is formed on sheet S1. An image of adhesive toner Tk is formed on the lower surfaces of the second and subsequent sheets S2 to S5 of the booklet.

[0046] When the thermocompression bonding operation of the booklet is completed in the intermediate stacker 42, the vertical alignment plate 39 moves from the standby position to the discharge position. In other words, the vertical alignment plate 39 moves in parallel toward the discharge outlet 46, thereby pushing out the completed booklet. Discharge rollers 38 are provided at the discharge outlet 46. When the leading edge of the booklet slightly passes the discharge rollers 38, the vertical alignment plate 39 stops and returns to the standby position again. The discharge rollers 38 discharge the booklet onto the lower tray 37.

[0047] As an example, the maximum size of sheet S on which an image can be formed is legal size (356 mm length x 216 mm width). The maximum size in the Y direction of sheet S that can be fed into intermediate stacker 42 is 297 mm (the long side of an A4 size sheet). The maximum size in the X direction is 216 mm (the short side of a letter size sheet). The minimum size in the Y direction of sheet S that can be fed into intermediate stacker 42 is 210 mm (the long side of an A5 size sheet). The minimum size in the X direction is 148 mm (the short side of an A5 size sheet).

[0048] (5) Controller 5 is a diagram for explaining the controller of the image forming system 1. The printer control unit 500 is a controller that controls the image forming apparatus 100. The finisher control unit 550 is a controller that controls the post-processing device 300. The printer control unit 500 and the finisher control unit 550 are connected to each other via a communication interface, and cooperate to control the operation of the image forming system 1.

[0049] The printer control unit 500 has a central processing unit (CPU) 501, a memory 502, an I / O port 503, a bus 504, and a timer 505. The CPU 501, the memory 502, the I / O port 503, and the timer 505 are connected via the bus 504.

[0050] CPU 501 reads out and executes a program stored in memory 502, and controls image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the program. CPU 501 executes image formation processing, sheet conveying processing, and the like in image forming apparatus 100. Memory 502 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a volatile storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM). Memory 502 stores programs and data, and provides a working area when CPU 501 executes the program. Memory 502 is an example of a non-transitory storage medium that stores a program for controlling image forming apparatus 100.

[0051] The printer control unit 500 is connected to an external device 105 such as a personal computer (PC) and a portable information device via an external interface (I / F) 104. The printer control unit 500 accepts an execution command for an image forming job for the image forming system 1 input from the external device 105. The printer control unit 500 is connected to an operation display unit 103 which is a user interface of the image forming system 1. The operation display unit 103 includes a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal panel that presents information to a user) and an input device (e.g., a physical button and a touch sensor that accepts an input operation by a user). The printer control unit 500 communicates with the operation display unit 103 to control the display contents of the display device and to receive information input via the input device.

[0052] CPU 501 outputs an image signal to scanner unit 2 via I / O port 503. CPU 501 outputs control signals to image forming unit 10, feeding unit 506, fixing device 6, etc. via I / O port 503. Feeding unit 506 includes motors and their drive circuits for driving feeding roller 81, conveying roller pair 82, etc. CPU 501 receives detection signals from size sensor 11 and media sensor 12 via I / O port 503. CPU 501 determines the size of sheet S based on the detection signal output from size sensor 11. CPU 501 determines the type of sheet S based on the detection signal output from media sensor 12.

[0053] The size sensor 11 has, for example, a light-emitting element (e.g., LED) that irradiates light toward the surface of the sheet S, and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from the surface of the sheet S. The light-receiving element may be, for example, a line sensor consisting of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S. The CPU 501 estimates the width of the sheet S based on the number of pixels (photoelectric conversion elements) included in the line sensor that detect the reflected light from the sheet S. The CPU 501 measures the time during which the reflected light from the sheet S is continuously detected while the sheet S is being conveyed using a timer 505, and estimates the length of the sheet S based on the measurement result.

[0054] The media sensor 12 includes, for example, a light-emitting element that irradiates light toward the sheet S, and a light-receiving element that receives the light that has passed through the sheet S. The CPU 501 estimates the type of the sheet S from the received light intensity of the light that has passed through the sheet S. Possible types include plain paper, thick paper, thin paper, and OHP sheet (overhead projector sheet). The size sensor 11 and the media sensor 12 are not limited to these, and may be any sensor that can detect the length, width, and type of the sheet S.

[0055] The finisher control unit 550 includes a CPU 551, a memory 552, an I / O port 553, and a timer 555. The CPU 551 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 552, and controls the post-processing device 300 according to the program. The memory 552 includes a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., ROM, SSD, HDD) and a volatile storage medium (e.g., RAM). SSD is an abbreviation for solid state drive. HDD is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The memory 552 stores programs and data, and provides a working space when the CPU 551 executes the program. The memory 552 is an example of a non-transient storage medium that stores a program for controlling the post-processing device 300. The CPU 551, the memory 552, and the I / O port 553 are connected to each other via a bus 554. The I / O port 553 outputs control signals to various components of the post-processing device 300 and inputs signals therefrom.

[0056] The I / O port 553 is connected to the sheet sensors 27, 50, 60, and the heater 401. The I / O port 553 is connected to motors M1 to M10 serving as a drive source for conveying the sheet S and a drive source for the thermocompression bonding unit 51.

[0057] Motor M1 rotates and drives the entrance roller 21. Motor M2 rotates and drives the conveying roller pair 22. Motor M3 rotates and drives the conveying roller pair 24. Motor M4 rotates and drives the conveying roller pair 26. Motor M5 rotates and drives the kick-out roller 29. Motor M6 supplies a driving force for intermittently operating the vertical alignment roller 40 one rotation at a time. Motor M7 moves the horizontal alignment jogger 41 in the +X direction or the -X direction. Motor M8 causes the thermocompression unit 51 to perform an operation of pressing the sheet stack W. Motor M9 rotates and drives the discharge roller 38. Motor M10 drives the vertical alignment plate 39 in the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0058] The timer 555 is used to manage various timings within the post-processing device 300. For example, the CPU 551 may use a combination of the sheet sensor 27 and the timer 555 to detect the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction.

[0059] (6) Functions realized by the CPU 6 shows functions realized by CPU 501 and CPU 551 executing control programs. Each function of printer control unit 500 and finisher control unit 550 may be implemented as independent hardware such as ASIC, or may be implemented in software as a program module. ASIC is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. Printer control unit 500 may be responsible for some or all of the functions of finisher control unit 550.

[0060] The image signal generating unit 621 receives a print command, sheet information, image data, adhesive information, and the like transmitted from a host computer or the like via the external I / F 104. The sheet information is, for example, a sheet size (e.g., A4, B4, letter) and a sheet type (e.g., plain paper, thick paper, thin paper, OHP sheet). The image data includes a user image (e.g., a figure or text) prepared arbitrarily by a user. The adhesive information is, for example, a binding type (e.g., long-side binding specification, corner binding specification, no binding specification) and the number of sheets to be bound (e.g., 0 to 20 sheets). When the adhesive information includes a binding specification, the image signal generating unit 621 generates an adhesive image according to the sheet size. In this embodiment, black toner Tk is used to form the adhesive image. For example, when the adhesive information includes a long-side binding specification, the image signal generating unit 621 generates adhesive image data so that a black image (solid image) is formed in the print area 211. When the adhesion information includes a corner binding designation, the image signal generating unit 621 generates adhesion image data so that a black image is formed in the print area 212. The image signal generating unit 621 overlays the adhesion image data and the user image data to generate comprehensive image data for the process cartridge 7k. The process cartridges 7y, 7m, and 7c are not used to form an adhesion image. Therefore, the image data for the process cartridges 7y, 7m, and 7c becomes comprehensive image data including only the user image. The image signal generating unit 621 performs dithering processing on the comprehensive image data at a specified resolution (e.g., 600 dpi), generates an image signal, and outputs it to the exposure control unit 630.

[0061] The exposure control unit 630 controls the driving circuit 634 of the scanner unit 2 to make the laser 635 generate the laser beams jk, jy, jm, and jc. The exposure control unit 630 has a synchronization unit 631, a light amount setting unit 632, and a mask unit 633. The synchronization unit 631 generates a horizontal synchronization signal (line synchronization signal) based on the BD signal output from the scanner unit 2. BD is an abbreviation for beam detection. The horizontal synchronization signal indicates a time interval (scanning period) for one line drawn parallel to the main scanning direction. The BD signal can be output every time the reflecting mirror that reflects the laser beam J in the rotating polygon mirror provided in the scanner unit 2 is switched. The light amount setting unit 632 sets a set value of the laser light amount in the driving circuit 634. The driving circuit 634 drives the laser 635 so that the light amount corresponds to the set value. The mask section 633 outputs a mask signal to the drive circuit 634, which is used to inhibit the output of an image signal to the scanner unit 2 and to switch the light intensity setting value. When the mask signal is at a high level, the drive circuit 634 stops the emission of the laser 635. When the mask signal is at a low level, the drive circuit 634 drives the laser 635 to output the laser light J with the light intensity set by the light intensity setting section 632. One scanning cycle of the laser light is divided into an image area and a non-image area. The mask signal mainly gives permission for the laser 635 to emit light in the image area and gives no permission for the laser 635 to emit light (stops emission) in the non-image area.

[0062] The exposure control unit 630 receives the image signal line by line from the image signal generation unit 621 in synchronization with a line synchronization signal, and transfers the image signal to a drive circuit 634. The drive circuit 634 causes a laser 635 to output laser beams Jk, Jy, Jm, and Jc in accordance with the output value of the image signal. As a result, the laser beams Jk, Jy, Jm, and Jc are irradiated onto the corresponding photosensitive drums Dk, Dy, Dm, and Dc, respectively.

[0063] The detection unit 640 detects the size (e.g., length, width) of the sheet S based on the detection signal output from the size sensor 11, and outputs the size information to the error determination unit 610. The detection unit 640 detects the type of the sheet S based on the detection signal output from the media sensor 12, and outputs the type information to the error determination unit 610.

[0064] The error determination unit 610 determines an error based on the sheet information (size information, type information) and adhesion information output from the detection unit 640. An error means that, among the multiple sheets S constituting a booklet, there is a sheet S that is difficult to adhere in the post-processing device 300. Such a sheet S may cause the booklet to peel off. Therefore, when such a sheet S is found, the CPU 501 stops the thermocompression bonding of the booklet and reports the error to the user.

[0065] The communication unit 650 communicates with a communication unit 670 of the finisher control unit 550. For example, the communication unit 650 transmits sheet information and adhesion information to the finisher control unit 550 and receives information related to the post-processing device 300 from the finisher control unit 550. The communication unit 650 may be a communication circuit built in the CPU 501.

[0066] The finisher control unit 550 has an adhesive control unit 680 and a communication unit 670. The adhesive control unit 680 heats the heater 401 of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 and drives the motor M8 to cause the thermocompression bonding unit 51 to thermocompress the sheet stack W. The communication unit 670 receives sheet information and adhesive information from the printer control unit 500 and transmits information related to the post-processing device 300 to the printer control unit 500.

[0067] (7) Error detection unit (7-1) Functions realized by the CPU 7 shows details of the error determination unit 610. The error determination unit 610 includes a size determination unit 700, a type determination unit 710, and a comprehensive determination unit 720. The size determination unit 700 determines an error related to the sheet S. The upper limit determination unit 701 determines whether the size (detected size) of the sheet S detected by the size sensor 11 is equal to or less than the upper limit value stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 502. If the detected size of the sheet S exceeds the upper limit value, the sheet S is determined to have an error. If the detected size of the sheet S is equal to or less than the upper limit value, the sheet S is determined to be OK.

[0068] A lower limit determination unit 702 determines whether the detected size is equal to or greater than the lower limit stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 502. If the detected size of the sheet S is less than the lower limit, the sheet S is determined to be in error. If the detected size of the sheet S is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the sheet S is determined to be OK.

[0069] The specified size determination unit 703 determines whether the detected size matches the size specified by the user (specified size). If the detected size of the sheet S does not match the specified size, the sheet S is determined to be in error. If the detected size of the sheet S matches the specified size, the sheet S is determined to be OK. Note that the detected size and the specified size do not need to match perfectly. For example, if the error between the specified size and the detected size is within a predetermined range, the detected size is determined to match the specified size.

[0070] The different size determination unit 704 compares the detected sizes of the sheets S constituting the booklet and determines whether the sizes of the sheets S are all the same size. If the sizes of the sheets S are all the same size, it is determined that there is no error (OK). If there are multiple different sizes among the sizes of the sheets S, it is determined that there is an error because there is a possibility that matching will fail. The different size determination unit 704 compares the detected size input from the detection unit 640 with the maximum and minimum values ​​of the detected size stored in the memory 502. If the detected size exceeds the maximum value, the maximum value stored in the memory 502 is updated. If the detected size is less than the minimum value, the minimum value stored in the memory 502 is updated. The different size determination unit 704 also calculates the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value, and if the difference exceeds a threshold value, it determines that there is an error.

[0071] The type determination unit 710 determines whether the type of the sheet S is suitable for adhesion. For example, if the type specified by the user (specified type) matches the detection type output from the detection unit 640, the specified type determination unit 711 determines "OK." If the type specified by the user (specified type) does not match the detection type output from the detection unit 640, the specified type determination unit 711 determines "error."

[0072] If the detected type is a type that is not suitable for bonding (non-recommended type), the non-recommended type determination unit 712 determines an error. If the detected type is not a non-recommended type, the non-recommended type determination unit 712 determines OK.

[0073] The overall determination unit 720 outputs an error signal when any one of the upper limit determination unit 701, the lower limit determination unit 702, the designated size determination unit 703, the different size determination unit 704, the designated type determination unit 711, and the non-recommended type determination unit 712 outputs an error. The overall determination unit 720 outputs an OK signal when all of the upper limit determination unit 701, the lower limit determination unit 702, the designated size determination unit 703, the different size determination unit 704, the designated type determination unit 711, and the non-recommended type determination unit 712 output OK.

[0074] (7-2) Flowchart FIG. 8 shows an error determination method that the CPU 501 (error determination unit 610) executes in accordance with a control program.

[0075] In S801, the CPU 501 (upper limit determination unit 701) determines whether the detected size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit size. In the first embodiment, the maximum size that can be sent to the intermediate stacker 42 is the upper limit value. The upper limit value may be defined in both the Y direction (conveyance direction) and the X direction (width direction). The upper limit value in the Y direction is, for example, 297+α mm. The upper limit value in the X direction is, for example, 216+α mm. Here, α is a margin (for example, 5 mm) that is set in consideration of the manufacturing error of the sheet S and the detection error of the size sensor 11. If the detected size exceeds the upper limit value in either the Y direction or the X direction, the CPU 501 determines that an error has occurred, and the process proceeds from S801 to S810. If the detected size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value in both the Y direction and the X direction, the CPU 501 determines that the detected size is OK, and the process proceeds from S801 to S802. For example, when a legal size (length in the Y direction=356 mm) that can be used for image formation in image forming apparatus 100 is detected, CPU 501 determines that an error has occurred.

[0076] In S802, the CPU 501 (lower limit determination unit 702) determines whether the detected size is equal to or smaller than the lower limit. In the first embodiment, the lower limit is the minimum size that can be sent to the intermediate stacker 42. The lower limit in the Y direction is, for example, 210-α mm. The lower limit in the X direction is, for example, 148 mm-α. If the detected size is less than the lower limit in either the Y direction or the X direction, the CPU 501 determines that there is an error, and the process proceeds from S802 to S810. If the detected size is equal to or larger than the lower limit in both the Y direction and the X direction, the CPU 501 determines that there is an OK, and the process proceeds from S802 to S803.

[0077] In S803, the CPU 501 (designated size determination unit 703) determines whether the detected size matches the designated size. When comparing the detected size with the designated size, the above-mentioned margin α may be taken into consideration. This comparison may also be performed in both the Y direction and the X direction. If the detected size matches the designated size, the CPU 501 proceeds from S803 to S804. If the detected size does not match the designated size, the CPU 501 proceeds from S803 to S810. Note that if the sheet information does not include the designated size, the CPU 501 may determine that the detected size matches the designated size.

[0078] In S804, the CPU 501 (designated type determination unit 711) determines whether the detection type matches the designated type. If the detection type does not match the designated type, the CPU 501 proceeds from S804 to S810. If the detection type matches the designated type, the CPU 501 proceeds from S804 to S805.

[0079] In S805, the CPU 501 (heterogeneous size determination unit 704) determines whether the detected size is only one size. It is assumed that the sizes of the sheets S constituting the booklet are the same. Therefore, if the sizes of the sheets S constituting the booklet include heterogeneous sizes, the CPU 501 proceeds from S805 to S810. If the sizes of the sheets S constituting the booklet are only one size, the CPU 501 proceeds from S805 to S806. As described above, the heterogeneous size determination unit 704 may obtain the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the detected sizes and determine whether the difference exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is set to, for example, 2×α mm.

[0080] In S806, the CPU 501 (non-recommended type determination unit 712) determines whether the detected type is a recommended type. The CPU 501 may determine whether the detected type is a non-recommended type. An example of a non-recommended type is an OHP sheet. A projector projects OHP sheets one by one onto a screen. Therefore, OHP sheets would not be included in a booklet. OHP sheets are merely one example of a non-recommended type. A recommended type or a non-recommended type is set according to the constraints of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 and the characteristics of the adhesive toner Tk. If the detected type is a recommended type, the CPU 501 proceeds to S807. If the detected type is a non-recommended type, the CPU 501 proceeds to S810.

[0081] In S807, the CPU 501 outputs OK. In S810, the CPU 501 outputs an error. In this case, the CPU 501 may set 1 in the error history (e.g., a flag) stored in the memory 502.

[0082] S801 to S806 are merely examples. At least one of S801 to S806 may be adopted, or other determination objects and determination criteria may be adopted.

[0083] (8) Printing operation of a stack of sheets FIG. 9 shows the print operation which the CPU 501 executes in accordance with the control program.

[0084] In S900, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) selects mode A. Mode A is an image forming mode in which both a user image and an adhesive image are formed on the sheet S.

[0085] In S901, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) clears the error history stored in the memory 502 to zero.

[0086] In S902, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) starts feeding the sheet S by outputting a feeding start signal to the feeding unit 506. As a result, the feeding roller 81 feeds the sheet S stored in the sheet cassette 8 to the conveying path, and the conveying roller pair 82 conveys the sheet S further downstream.

[0087] In S903, the CPU 501 (detection unit 640) detects the size and type of the sheet S using the size sensor 11 and the media sensor 12.

[0088] In S904, the CPU 501 (error determination unit 610) executes error determination based on the detection result output from the detection unit 640. The error determination is as described with reference to Figs.

[0089] In S905, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) determines whether or not there is an error based on the determination result. If there is no error, the CPU 501 proceeds from S905 to S908. If there is an error, the CPU 501 proceeds from S905 to S906.

[0090] In S906, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) switches the image forming mode from mode A to mode B. Mode B is an image forming mode in which a user image is formed on the sheet S and an adhesive image is not formed on the sheet S.

[0091] In step S907, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) sets the error history stored in the memory 502 to 1.

[0092] In S908, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) controls the image forming unit 10 to perform image formation. The image forming unit 10 transfers a user image onto the sheet S, and also transfers an adhesive image as necessary. The fixing device 6 fixes the toner image onto the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged to the post-processing device 300.

[0093] In S909, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) reads the error history from the memory 502, and determines whether the error history is 1. If the error history is 1, the CPU 501 proceeds from S909 to S919. If the error history is not 1, the CPU 501 proceeds from S909 to S910.

[0094] (8-1) If there are no errors A booklet is formed from M sheets S. If there is no error in any of the M sheets S, a user image and an adhesive image are formed on each sheet S by mode A. If an error is detected in the i-th sheet Si, mode A is applied to the first sheet S1 to the i-1-th sheet Si-1. Mode B is applied to the i-th sheet Si to the M-th sheet SM, and only the user image is formed.

[0095] In S910, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) controls the post-processing device 300 via the CPU 551 (adhesion control unit 680) to convey the sheet S to the intermediate stacking unit 42 and cause the intermediate stacking unit 42 to perform an alignment operation.

[0096] In S911, the CPU 501 determines whether alignment of all sheets S forming the booklet (sheet stack W) is complete depending on whether a completion signal indicating completion of the alignment operation is received from the CPU 551. If alignment is not complete, the CPU 501 returns from S911 to S902. On the other hand, if it is determined that all sheets S are not in error and alignment is complete, the CPU 501 proceeds from S911 to S912.

[0097] In S912, the CPU 501 controls the thermocompression bonding unit 51 via the CPU 551 (adhesion control unit 680) to perform the adhering process for the sheet stack W (booklet).

[0098] In S913, the CPU 501 controls the intermediate stacker 42 via the CPU 551 (adhesion control unit 680) to discharge the sheet stack W (completed booklet) onto the lower tray 37.

[0099] (8-2) If there is an error For example, when an error is detected in the ith sheet Si, the image forming mode is switched from mode A to mode B. That is, no adhesive images are formed on the ith sheet Si to the Mth sheet SM.

[0100] In S919, the CPU 501 controls the post-processing device 300 via the CPU 551 to discharge the sheet S onto the upper tray 25. That is, the i-th sheet Si to the M-th sheet SM are stacked on the upper tray 25.

[0101] In S920, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the discharge of the sheets S onto the upper tray 25 is complete. For example, when the i-th sheet Si to the M-th sheet SM are discharged onto the upper tray 25, the CPU 501 proceeds from S920 to S921. If the discharge of the sheets S onto the upper tray 25 is not complete, the CPU 501 proceeds from S920 to S902.

[0102] In S921, the CPU 501 controls the intermediate stacker 42 via the CPU 551 to discharge the sheet stack (unfinished booklet) held in the intermediate stacker 42 onto the lower tray 37. The intermediate stacker 42 may perform a gluing process on the sheet stack before discharging it onto the lower tray 37.

[0103] (9) Image formation mode Fig. 10(A) is a diagram for explaining mode A. Fig. 10(B) is a diagram for explaining mode B.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 10(A), when a time Ts has elapsed since the synchronization signal changed from High to Low, the mask unit 633 switches the mask signal from High to Low. This allows the laser 635 to emit light. When the exposure of the adhesive image is completed, the mask unit 633 switches the mask signal from Low to High. This disallows the laser 635 to emit light (stops emission). The mask signal switches from Low to High when a time Te has elapsed since the synchronization signal changed from High to Low. This forms a user image and an adhesive image.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 10B, in mode B, the time Ts corresponding to the light emission permission timing is the same as the time Ts in mode A. However, the mask signal is switched from Low to High in accordance with the exposure start timing of the adhesive image. This causes the drive circuit 634 to stop the emission of the laser 635. As a result, the user image is formed, but the adhesive image is not formed.

[0106] According to the first embodiment, an error in the adhesive process of the sheet bundle W is determined or detected based on the sheet information. If no error exists, a user image and an adhesive image are formed on the sheet S, and the adhesive process is applied to the sheet bundle W. If an error exists, the adhesive process of the sheet bundle W is not executed. In other words, only a user image is formed on the sheet S, and no adhesive image is formed. As a result, printing continues even if the adhesive process of the sheet bundle W is not performed, but the consumption of adhesive toner Tk is reduced.

[0107] The switching between forming and not forming an adhesive image shown in Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(B) is merely an example. The image signal transmitted from the image signal generating section 621 to the scanner unit 2 includes both a user image and an adhesive image. Any method can be adopted as long as it is possible to switch between a mode in which a user image and an adhesive image are formed and a mode in which only a user image is formed for this image signal.

[0108] In the first embodiment, when an error is detected, the adhesive image is not formed in order to reduce the consumption of adhesive toner Tk. However, this is merely an example. It is sufficient that the consumption of adhesive toner Tk when an error is detected is reduced more than the consumption of adhesive toner Tk when no error is detected. This allows the adhesive image to be formed at a relatively low density.

[0109] Fig. 11(A) shows the setting value of the laser light amount in mode A. Fig. 11(B) shows the setting value of the laser light amount in mode C, which is minimized instead of mode B. As Fig. 11(A) shows, in mode A, the laser light amount is always set to high output.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 11B, in mode C, the laser light amount is set to high output in the non-image area and the user image area. On the other hand, the laser light amount is set to low output in the adhesive image area. The light amount setting unit 632 basically sets the laser light amount to high output. When the time Tls has elapsed since the timing when the synchronization signal became Low, the light amount setting unit 632 sets the laser light amount to low output. Furthermore, when the time Tle has elapsed since the timing when the synchronization signal became Low, the light amount setting unit 632 sets the laser light amount to high output. Compared to the density of the adhesive image formed in the printing area 211 in FIG. 11A, the density of the adhesive image formed in the printing area 211 in FIG. 11B is low. In other words, when an error is detected, the consumption amount of adhesive toner Tk is reduced.

[0111] An adhesive image is also formed on the sheet S discharged to the upper tray 25 without being subjected to the adhesive process by the thermocompression bonding unit 51. A user can bind a plurality of sheets S discharged to the upper tray 25 using glue or a stapler. At this time, the low-density adhesive image formed on the sheet S discharged to the upper tray 25 may be used as a glue margin for the user to apply glue. Alternatively, the low-density adhesive image may be used as a guide for the staple fastening position of the stapler. In this way, the low-density adhesive image can reduce the consumption of adhesive toner Tk and indicate the adhesive position to the user.

[0112] <Example 2> (1) Basic Concept In the first embodiment, the error determination unit 610 is realized by the CPU 501, but in the second embodiment, the error determination unit 610 can be realized by the CPU 551. In the first embodiment, the error determination is performed based on the detection results of the size sensor 11 and the media sensor 12. In the second embodiment, the error determination is performed based on the result of the sheet sensor 27 provided in the post-processing device 300. The description of the first embodiment is used for the description of matters common or similar to those in the second embodiment.

[0113] (2) Functions realized by the CPU FIG. 12 shows functions implemented in the printer control unit 500 and the finisher control unit 550 of the first embodiment.

[0114] The error determination unit 610 and the detection unit 640 are disposed in the finisher control unit 550. The detection unit 640 determines the size (at least the length in the transport direction) of the sheet S based on the detection result of the sheet sensor 27, and outputs size information including the detected size to the error determination unit 610. The error determination unit 610 determines the presence or absence of an error based on the detection result (detected size) of the sheet sensor 27. The error determination unit 610 transmits the determination result to the printer control unit 500 via the communication unit 670.

[0115] The image signal generating unit 621 receives the determination result of the error determining unit 610 provided in the finisher control unit 550 via the communication units 650 and 670. The image signal generating unit 621 switches the image forming mode according to the error determination result. For example, the image signal generating unit 621 may switch the image data for forming the adhesive image according to the error determination result.

[0116] 13A shows an adhesive image when no error is detected and the adhesive information includes a long-side binding specification. The adhesive image is formed in black in the print area 211.

[0117] 13B shows an adhesive image when no error is detected and the adhesive information includes a corner binding designation. A black image is formed in the print area 212 for corner binding. The black image does not need to be a solid image. The amount of toner applied in the black image may be an amount that allows the black image to function sufficiently as an adhesive.

[0118] 13C shows an adhesive image when an error is detected and the adhesive information includes a long-side binding designation. No adhesive image is formed in the print area 211.

[0119] 13D shows an adhesive image when an error is detected and the adhesive information includes a long-side binding designation. A low-density adhesive image is formed in the print area 211.

[0120] 13(E) shows an adhesive image when an error is detected and the adhesive information includes a corner binding designation. A low-density black image is formed in the print area 212 for corner binding. In this way, the image signal generating unit 621 generates image data for the adhesive image based on the error determination result and the adhesive information.

[0121] Also in the second embodiment, when the error determination unit 610 detects an error, the gluing process may not be applied to the sheet stack W. However, the gluing image can show the user the gluing position when the sheet stack W is bound using glue or a stapler.

[0122] In Fig. 13(D) and Fig. 13(E), the adhesive image is a diagonal line image, but this is only one example. It is sufficient that the adhesive image can show the user the adhesive position on the sheet S. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the image can reduce the amount of toner consumed. As described in the first embodiment, the image signal generating unit 621 creates the overall image data by superimposing the image data of the user image and the image data for the adhesive image.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 12, the selection unit 1201 selects whether to continue image formation when the error determination unit 610 detects an error, and outputs the selection result to the job control unit 620. The selection unit 1201 may display an inquiry message on the operation display unit 103 to receive a user's request. The inquiry message includes a message for inquiring the user whether to continue image formation. The selection unit 1201 selects whether to continue image formation based on information input by the user through the operation display unit 103. For example, the display device of the operation display unit 103 displays a message saying "Do you want to continue the print operation when an error occurs regarding the adhesion of the sheet?". The user inputs "Yes" or "No" through the input device of the operation display unit 103. The selection unit 1201 stores the input result in the memory 502. When the error determination unit 610 detects an error and the user inputs "Yes", the selection unit 1201 continues image formation. When "No" is input, the selection unit 1201 does not continue image formation. The initial value stored in memory 502 is the input value corresponding to "yes."

[0124] Meanwhile, the sheet sensor 27 may be a reflective photosensor that irradiates light onto the sheet S and receives the reflected light to determine the presence or absence of the sheet S. The CPU 551 measures the time during which the reflected light from the sheet S is continuously detected while the sheet S is being conveyed (the passing time of the sheet S) using a timer 555. The detection unit 640 estimates the length of the sheet S based on the measurement result. The error determination unit 610 determines an error based on the sheet information (detected size) and adhesion information detected by the detection unit 640.

[0125] (3) Error detection section 14 shows the error determination unit 610 of the second embodiment. The size determination unit 700 has a sheet counter 1401 and a number of sheets determination unit 1402 in addition to the above-mentioned upper limit determination unit 701 and lower limit determination unit 702. The upper limit determination unit 701 determines whether the detected size obtained by the sheet sensor 27 is equal to or smaller than an upper limit value. The upper limit value is stored in the memory 552. The lower limit determination unit 702 determines whether the detected size obtained by the sheet sensor 27 is equal to or larger than a lower limit value. The lower limit value is stored in the memory 552. Specific examples of these determination methods are as described in the first embodiment.

[0126] The sheet counter 1401 counts the number of sheets S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 to the post-processing apparatus 300. For example, the number of sheets S to be included in a booklet is counted. The number determination unit 1402 determines whether the count value of the sheet counter 1401 is equal to or less than a threshold value. The threshold value indicates, for example, the number of sheets S that can be held in the intermediate stacking unit 42. In other words, the threshold value may be the maximum number of sheets S that can be included in a booklet. If the count value exceeds the threshold value, the number determination unit 1402 outputs an error to the overall determination unit 720. If the count value is equal to or less than the threshold value, the number determination unit 1402 outputs OK to the overall determination unit 720.

[0127] FIG. 15 shows the error determination process executed by the CPU 551.

[0128] In S1501, the CPU 551 (upper limit determination unit 701) determines whether the detected size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit size. The sheet sensor 27 can detect the size of the sheet S in the Y direction, but cannot detect the size in the X direction. Therefore, the detected size is the length of the sheet S in the Y direction. However, a sensor that can detect both the length in the Y direction and the length in the X direction, like the size sensor 11, may be used as the sheet sensor 27. In this case, S1501 and S1502 are the same processes as S801 and S802. If the detected size exceeds the upper limit, the CPU 551 determines that an error has occurred, and the process proceeds from S1501 to S810. If the detected size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit, the CPU 551 determines that the detected size is OK, and the process proceeds from S1501 to S1502.

[0129] In S1502, the CPU 501 (lower limit determination unit 702) determines whether the detection size is equal to or less than the lower limit. If the detection size is less than the lower limit, the CPU 501 determines that an error has occurred, and the process proceeds from S1502 to S810. If the detection size is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the CPU 501 determines that the error has occurred, and the process proceeds from S1502 to S1503.

[0130] In S1503, the CPU 501 (number determining unit 1402) determines whether the number of sheets counted by the sheet counter 1401 is equal to or less than a threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, the maximum number of sheets S that the thermocompression bonding unit 51 can staple at one time. The CPU 551 may change the threshold value according to the type of sheets S. For example, the threshold value for plain paper is 20 sheets. The threshold value for thick paper is 10 sheets. The sheet bundle W may contain multiple different types of sheets S. In this case, the threshold value associated with the thickest type among the multiple types may be adopted. For example, the threshold value for a sheet bundle W containing a mixture of plain paper and thick paper is set to 10 sheets. The CPU 551 may weight the number of sheets S according to the type of each sheet S constituting the sheet bundle W to obtain a more accurate thickness of the sheet bundle W. For example, one sheet of plain paper may be counted as one sheet, and one sheet of thick paper may be counted as two sheets. In this way, the count value of thick paper may be converted to the count value of plain paper by weighting the count value of thick paper. This causes the count value to be compared with a threshold value set with plain paper as a reference.

[0131] (4) Print operation (4-1) Processing in the printer control unit Fig. 16 shows the processing executed by the CPU 501 in the embodiment 2. Fig. 16 differs from Fig. 9 in that S903 to S906 are replaced by S1601 to S1606. The CPU 501 proceeds from S902 to S1601.

[0132] In S1601, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) acquires the error determination result from the finisher control unit 550.

[0133] In S1602, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) determines whether the error determination result includes an error. If there is an error, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1602 to S1603. If there is no error, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1602 to S908.

[0134] In S1603, the CPU 501 (selection unit 1201) determines whether to continue image formation. The selection unit 1201 determines whether to continue image formation, for example, based on input information from the operation display unit 103. If image formation is to be continued, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1603 to S1604.

[0135] In S1604, the CPU 501 (job control unit 620) switches the image forming mode from mode A to mode C. Mode C is merely an example, and the image forming mode may be switched from mode A to mode B. Thereafter, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1604 to S907.

[0136] If it is selected in S1603 not to continue image formation, CPU 501 proceeds from S1603 to S1605. In S1605, CPU 501 (job control unit 620) stops image formation by image forming apparatus 100. In S1606, CPU 501 (job control unit 620) controls post-processing device 300 via CPU 551 to discharge sheet S onto upper tray 25. Thereafter, in S921, CPU 501 controls post-processing device 300 via CPU 551 to discharge sheet stack W held in intermediate stacker 42 onto lower tray 37.

[0137] (4-2) Processing in the Finisher Control Section 17 shows the process executed by the CPU 551. In step S1701, the CPU 551 (detection unit 640) detects the size of the sheet S using the sheet sensor 27 and the timer 555.

[0138] In S1702, the CPU 551 (sheet counter 1401) counts up the number of sheets S using the sheet sensor 27. The sheet counter 1401 counts up by one each time a sheet S passes through the sheet sensor 27. This counting method is merely an example, and other methods such as those described above may also be adopted.

[0139] In S1703, the CPU 551 (error determination unit 610) executes error determination based on the detected size and the count value of the sheet counter 1401. The details of the error determination have already been described with reference to FIGS.

[0140] In S1704, CPU 551 (error determination unit 610) transmits the determination result to printer control unit 500 via communication unit 670.

[0141] According to the second embodiment, the presence or absence of an error in the adhesive process is determined based on sheet information (e.g., detected size, number of sheets S constituting the sheet stack W). If there is no error, a user image and an adhesive image are formed on the sheet S. If there is an error, only a user image is formed, and an adhesive image is not formed or an adhesive image is formed at a lower density. This reduces the consumption of adhesive toner Tk.

[0142] In this way, when an error is detected, an image for adhesion (image indicating the adhesion position) may be formed at a low density. In this case, it becomes easy for the user to visually identify the glue margin or the binding margin by the stapler. Also, depending on the user's settings, the printing operation may be stopped when an error is detected. The user may not want to print an image on the sheet S to which the adhesive process is not applied. In this case, the printing operation is stopped according to the user's wish. This reduces the wasteful consumption of the sheet S and toner.

[0143] <Other Examples> In the first embodiment, the error determination unit 610 is provided in the printer control unit 500. In the second embodiment, the error determination unit 610 is provided in the finisher control unit 550. In this manner, the error determination unit 610 may be provided in either the printer control unit 500 or the finisher control unit 550. Furthermore, the error determination unit 610 may be implemented in both the printer control unit 500 and the finisher control unit 550.

[0144] When the error determination unit 610 detects an error, the image forming apparatus 100 may always stop the image forming operation. As shown in Fig. 18, when the error determination unit 610 detects an error, the CPU 501 proceeds from S905 to S1801.

[0145] In S1801, the CPU 501 stops the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 100. In S1802, the CPU 501 controls the post-processing device 300 via the CPU 551 to eject the sheet S determined to be an error onto the upper tray 25. Thereafter, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1802 to S921.

[0146] <Technical ideas derived from examples> (Item 1) an image forming means for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; and an adhesive means for applying heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets to adhere the plurality of sheets to each other, The image forming means includes: forming the user image on a sheet that satisfies an adhesive condition of the adhesive means among the plurality of sheets, and forming the adhesive image at a first density; An image forming system that forms the user image on any sheet among the plurality of sheets that does not satisfy the adhesive condition, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density.

[0147] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the print areas 211 and 212 are an example of a binding margin for a booklet. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 is an example of an adhesive means. As described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the constraints on the size and type of the sheets S are an example of adhesive conditions. The density of the adhesive image of the sheets S that do not satisfy the adhesive conditions is reduced. In other words, the consumption of the powder adhesive (e.g., adhesive toner Tk) used in the adhesive image for creating the booklet is reduced. (Item 2) the plurality of sheets comprises M sheets, The first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet among the M sheets each satisfy the adhesion condition, and the i-th sheet among the plurality of sheets does not satisfy the adhesion condition, The image forming means includes: forming the user image and forming the adhesive image at a first density on each of the first sheet to the i-1th sheet; 2. The image forming system according to item 1, wherein the user image is formed on each of the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet, and the adhesive image is not formed or is formed at a second density lower than the first density.

[0148] In this way, when a sheet S that does not satisfy the adhesive condition is found during the production of a booklet, the amount of powder adhesive used for the adhesive image of the subsequent sheets S may be reduced. (Item 3) a first stacking means for stacking the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet of the plurality of sheets; 3. The image forming system according to item 2, further comprising: a second stacking unit configured to stack the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet of the plurality of sheets.

[0149] The lower tray 37 is an example of a first stacking means. The upper tray 25 is an example of a second stacking means. In this way, a sheet stack on which an adhesive image is formed and a sheet stack on which an adhesive image is not formed may be discharged to different trays. This allows the user to recognize that there is a sheet stack to be bound manually. Note that the sheet stack discharged to the lower tray 37 may or may not have been subjected to adhesive processing. Note that the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet may also be discharged to the first stacking means. (Item 4) 4. The image forming system according to item 3, wherein the adhesive image is formed at the second density on the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet loaded on the second loading means.

[0150] In this manner, when a sheet S that does not satisfy the adhesion condition is found, the density of the adhesive image of the subsequent sheets S may be reduced, thereby reducing the consumption of the powder adhesive. (Item 5) 5. The image forming system according to item 4, wherein the adhesive image formed on the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet loaded on the second loading means indicates a position to be stapled or glued by the user.

[0151] In this way, the adhesive image may be used as an image to assist the user. (Item 6) The bonding conditions are: The size of the sheet is below the specified upper limit. The size of the sheet is equal to or larger than a predetermined lower limit size; the size of the sheet is a size specified by the user; the plurality of sheets are of the same size; The type of the sheet is a predetermined type; The type of the sheet is a type designated by the user; the total number of the plurality of sheets forming the booklet is equal to or less than the upper limit number of sheets that can be adhered by the adhesion means; 2. The image forming system according to item 1, comprising at least one of the following:

[0152] Such adhesion enabling conditions are merely examples, and any condition that allows identification of a sheet S having characteristics that may cause an obstacle to adhesion of the booklet can be adopted as the adhesion enabling condition. (Item 7) a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to item 6, further comprising: a determining unit that determines whether the size of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is equal to or smaller than the predetermined upper limit size.

[0153] The size sensor 11 and the sheet sensor 27 are an example of a detection means. There is a limit to the size of the sheet S that can be aligned in the intermediate stacking unit 42. Therefore, a sheet S that is too large to be aligned may be excluded from being bonded. (Item 8) a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to item 6, further comprising: a determining unit that determines whether the size of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is equal to or larger than the predetermined lower limit size.

[0154] In this way, sheets S that are too small to be conformable may be excluded from being glued. (Item 9) a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to item 6, further comprising: a determining unit that determines whether the size of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is the size designated by the user.

[0155] There may be cases where sheets S of a size specified by the user are not stored in the sheet cassette 8. In this case, there is a possibility that gluing of the booklet may be hindered. Therefore, such sheets S may be excluded from the objects to be glued. (Item 10) a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to item 6, further comprising: a determining unit that determines whether the sizes of the plurality of sheets detected by the detecting unit are consistent with each other.

[0156] When multiple sheets S of different sizes are mixed, there is a possibility that the alignment of the sheet stack may fail, so in such a case, the consumption of the powder adhesive used in the adhesive image may be reduced. (Item 11) The image forming system described in item 10, wherein the determination means obtains a maximum size and a minimum size for each of the multiple sheets, and determines that the sizes of the multiple sheets match if the difference between the maximum size and the minimum size is less than a threshold, and determines that the sizes of the multiple sheets do not match if the difference between the maximum size and the minimum size exceeds the threshold.

[0157] In this way, manufacturing variations in the sheets S and detection variations in the sensors may be taken into consideration. If a difference exceeding such variations is found, the presence of a plurality of sheets S of different sizes may be recognized. (Item 12) a detection means for detecting the type of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to item 6, further comprising: a determining unit that determines whether the type of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is the predetermined type.

[0158] For example, both plain paper and thick paper are made of paper and are therefore suitable for adhesion. OHP sheets are made of resin and are therefore not suitable for adhesion. Therefore, a specific type of sheet S that is suitable for adhesion or a specific type of sheet S that is not suitable for adhesion may be determined. (Item 13) a detection means for detecting the type of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to item 6, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the type of sheet detected by the detection unit is the type specified by the user.

[0159] The media sensor 12 is an example of a detection means. There are cases where the type of sheet S specified by the user is not stored in the sheet cassette 8. In this case, there is a possibility that gluing of the booklet may be hindered. Therefore, such a sheet S may be excluded from the objects to be glued. (Item 14) 2. The image forming system according to item 1, wherein the type of the sheet is a type related to a material of the sheet.

[0160] The material can be paper, resin, or cloth. (Item 15) Item 15. The image forming system according to item 14, wherein the type of the sheet that does not satisfy the adhesive condition is a sheet made of a resin material.

[0161] An OHP sheet is an example of a sheet made of a resin material. (Item 16) a first generating means for generating image signals corresponding to the user image and the adhesive image; a second generating means for generating an inhibiting signal for inhibiting generation or output of the image signal generated by the first generating means, The second generating means is do not generate the inhibition signal for each of the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet during a period in which the image signal for the adhesive image is generated; generating the inhibition signal for each of the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet during a period in which the image signal for the adhesive image is generated; 3. The image forming system according to item 2.

[0162] The image signal generating unit 621 is an example of a first generating means, and the masking unit 633 is an example of a second generating means. (Item 17) The image forming means includes: A photoconductor; an exposure unit that irradiates the photoconductor with light corresponding to the user image and the adhesive image to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor to a sheet; a fixing means for fixing the toner image onto the sheet; an exposure control unit for controlling the exposure unit; The exposure control means controlling the light amount of the exposure means to a first light amount from the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet; during a period during which the light for the adhesive image is irradiated onto the photoconductor from the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet, the light amount of the exposure means is controlled to a second light amount which is smaller than the first light amount; 3. The image forming system according to item 2.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 11B, the amount of powder adhesive used may be reduced by reducing the amount of light for the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet. (Item 18) a determining means for determining whether the plurality of sheets includes a sheet that does not satisfy the bonding condition; a selection unit that selects whether or not to continue forming images on the plurality of sheets when the plurality of sheets includes a sheet that does not satisfy the adhesion condition, When the selection means selects to continue forming images on the plurality of sheets, the image forming means forms the user image on the plurality of sheets, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the selection means selects not to continue forming images on the plurality of sheets, the image forming means stops forming images on the plurality of sheets.

[0164] As described with respect to the selection unit 1201, the behavior after a sheet S that does not satisfy the adhesion condition is found may be selected by the user. This will make it possible to reflect the user's wishes. (Item 19) The adhesive means has an alignment means for aligning a plurality of sheets, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion enabling condition includes not interfering with the alignment process of the plurality of sheets in the alignment means.

[0165] In this way, the conditions for gluing may be defined taking into account the alignment process, which will reduce failures in booklet production due to misalignment. (Item 20) an image forming means for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; a discharge unit for discharging the plurality of sheets to a post-processing device, the post-processing device has a bonding means for applying heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets discharged from the discharge means to bond the plurality of sheets, The image forming means includes: forming the user image on a sheet that satisfies an adhesive condition of the adhesive means among the plurality of sheets, and forming the adhesive image at a first density; An image forming apparatus that forms the user image on any sheet among the plurality of sheets that does not satisfy the adhesive condition, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density.

[0166] The discharge roller 34 is an example of a discharge means. (Item 21) an image forming apparatus for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; a post-processing device having a bonding unit that applies heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets conveyed from the image forming device to bond the plurality of sheets; a determining unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the post-processing device, for determining that an error has occurred when the plurality of sheets includes a sheet that does not satisfy a bonding condition in the bonding unit, The image forming apparatus includes: If the determining means determines that there is no error, the user image is formed, and the adhesive image is formed at a first density; When the determining means determines that an error has occurred, the image forming system forms the user image and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density.

[0167] The error determination unit 610 is an example of a determination unit. The determination unit may be provided in either the image forming apparatus 100 or the post-processing device 300.

[0168] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 10: image forming section, 51: thermocompression unit

Claims

1. an image forming means for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; and an adhesive means for applying heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets to adhere the plurality of sheets to each other, The image forming means includes: forming the user image on a sheet that satisfies an adhesive condition of the adhesive means among the plurality of sheets, and forming the adhesive image at a first density; An image forming system that forms the user image on any sheet among the plurality of sheets that does not satisfy the adhesive condition, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density.

2. the plurality of sheets comprises M sheets, Among the M sheets, the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet each satisfy the adhesion condition, and among the plurality of sheets, the i-th sheet does not satisfy the adhesion condition, The image forming means includes: forming the user image and forming the adhesive image at a first density on each of the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the user image is formed on each of the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet, and either the adhesive image is not formed or the adhesive image is formed at a second density lower than the first density.

3. a first stacking means for stacking the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet of the plurality of sheets; 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising: a second stacking unit for stacking the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet of the plurality of sheets.

4. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive image is formed at the second density on the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet stacked on the second stacking means.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4 , wherein the adhesive images formed on the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet stacked on the second stacking means indicate positions at which the sheets are to be stapled or glued by the user.

6. The bonding conditions are: The size of the sheet is below the specified upper limit. The size of the sheet is equal to or larger than a predetermined lower limit size; the size of the sheet is a size specified by the user; the plurality of sheets are of the same size; The type of the sheet is a predetermined type; The type of the sheet is a type designated by the user; the total number of the plurality of sheets forming the booklet is equal to or less than the upper limit number of sheets that can be adhered by the adhesion means; The imaging system of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

7. a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether the size of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is equal to or smaller than the predetermined upper limit size.

8. a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether the size of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is equal to or larger than the predetermined lower limit size.

9. a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether the size of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is the size designated by the user.

10. a detection means for detecting the size of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether or not the sizes of the plurality of sheets detected by the detecting unit are the same.

11. 11. The image forming system of claim 10, wherein the determination means obtains a maximum size and a minimum size for each of the plurality of sheets, and determines that the sizes of the plurality of sheets match if the difference between the maximum size and the minimum size is equal to or less than a threshold value, and determines that the sizes of the plurality of sheets do not match if the difference between the maximum size and the minimum size exceeds the threshold value.

12. a detection means for detecting the type of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether the type of the sheet detected by the detecting unit is the predetermined type.

13. a detection means for detecting the type of each of the plurality of sheets; 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a determination unit which determines whether the type of sheet detected by said detection unit is the type designated by said user.

14. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the type of the sheet is a type related to a material of the sheet.

15. The image forming system according to claim 14 , wherein the type of the sheet that does not satisfy the adhesive condition is a sheet made of a resin material.

16. a first generating means for generating an image signal corresponding to the user image and the adhesive image; a second generating means for generating an inhibiting signal for inhibiting generation or output of the image signal generated by the first generating means, The second generating means is do not generate the inhibition signal for each of the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet during a period in which the image signal for the adhesive image is generated; generating the inhibition signal for each of the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet during a period in which the image signal for the adhesive image is generated; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

17. The image forming means includes: A photoconductor; an exposure unit that irradiates the photoconductor with light corresponding to the user image and the adhesive image to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with a toner to form a toner image; a transfer means for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor to a sheet; a fixing means for fixing the toner image onto the sheet; an exposure control unit for controlling the exposure unit; The exposure control means controlling the amount of light from the exposure means to a first amount of light from the first sheet to the (i-1)th sheet; during a period during which the light for the adhesive image is irradiated onto the photoconductor from the i-th sheet to the M-th sheet, the light amount of the exposure means is controlled to a second light amount which is smaller than the first light amount; The image forming system according to claim 2 .

18. a determining means for determining whether the plurality of sheets includes a sheet that does not satisfy the bonding condition; a selection unit that selects whether or not to continue forming images on the plurality of sheets when the plurality of sheets includes a sheet that does not satisfy the adhesion condition, When the selection means selects to continue forming images on the plurality of sheets, the image forming means forms the user image on the plurality of sheets, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when said selection means selects not to continue forming images on said plurality of sheets, said image forming means stops forming images on said plurality of sheets.

19. The adhesive means has an alignment means for aligning a plurality of sheets, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive enabling condition includes not interfering with the alignment process of the plurality of sheets in the alignment unit.

20. an image forming means for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; a discharge unit for discharging the plurality of sheets to a post-processing device, the post-processing device has a bonding means for applying heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets discharged from the discharge means to bond the plurality of sheets, The image forming means includes: forming the user image on a sheet that satisfies an adhesive condition of the adhesive means among the plurality of sheets, and forming the adhesive image at a first density; An image forming apparatus that forms the user image on any sheet among the plurality of sheets that does not satisfy the adhesive condition, and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density.

21. an image forming apparatus for forming a user image prepared by a user and an adhesive image formed on a binding margin of a booklet to adhere a plurality of sheets forming the booklet; a post-processing device having a bonding unit that applies heat and pressure to the binding margins of the plurality of sheets conveyed from the image forming device to bond the plurality of sheets; a determining unit provided in the image forming apparatus or the post-processing device, for determining that an error has occurred when the plurality of sheets includes a sheet that does not satisfy a bonding condition in the bonding unit, The image forming apparatus includes: If the determining means determines that there is no error, the user image is formed, and the adhesive image is formed at a first density; When the determining means determines that an error has occurred, the image forming system forms the user image and either does not form the adhesive image or forms the adhesive image at a second density lower than the first density.

Images