Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that prevents an increase in cost and reduces first copy out time.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 110 includes a first heating device that is used in an image forming step, and a second heating device that is used in a processing step after the image forming step. The image forming apparatus includes a temperature measuring unit 314 that measures the temperature of the first heating device, a temperature measuring unit 324 that measures the temperature of the second heating device, and an image forming processing control unit 312 that controls the start of the image forming step on the basis of a first measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 314 and a second measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 324.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs a predetermined post-process following an image forming process.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, it is preferable that an image forming apparatus has a short time (so-called first copy out time) from the start of an image forming process until a printed matter is output.

[0003] Regarding this point, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-175937 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming pre-processing means for performing processes necessary until the start of image formation, an image forming post-processing means for performing processes necessary for ending image formation, and a fixing temperature arrival time estimation means for estimating the time until the temperature at which heat fixing of a transfer material is possible is reached by the fixing means. The engine control unit determines the timing of starting the operation of the image forming pre-processing means using the time notified by the print start notification means, the time required for execution of the image forming pre-processing means, and the time estimated by the fixing temperature arrival time estimation means. According to Patent Document 1, the time required for printing can be shortened.

[0004] By the way, with the increase in added value of image forming apparatuses, apparatuses that perform various processes (for example, laminating processes, bookbinding processes such as folding) after forming an image on paper have been developed. Also in such apparatuses, it is preferable to reduce the first copy out time.

[0005] However, conventional technologies including Patent Document 1 do not deal with apparatuses that perform processes other than the image forming process. Further, such apparatuses are equipped with a plurality of fixing devices, and if the temperature of the fixing device is raised too quickly, it will lead to shortening of the device life and increase in power consumption, and ultimately increase the cost required for image formation.

[0006] Therefore, in an apparatus that performs various processes following an image forming process, there has been a demand for further technology that reduces the first copy out time while suppressing the cost required for image formation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the above prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses an increase in cost and improves the first copy out time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] That is, according to the present invention, An image forming apparatus including a first heating device used in an image forming process and a second heating device used in a processing step after the image forming process, First temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the first heating device, Second temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the second heating device, Control means for controlling the start of the image forming process based on a first measured temperature measured by the first temperature measuring means and a second measured temperature measured by the second temperature measuring means An image forming apparatus including is provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that suppresses an increase in cost and improves the first copy out time can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described later. In each of the figures referred to below, the same reference numerals are used for common elements, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire hardware of the system 100 in each embodiment. In FIG. 1, as an example, an environment in which an image forming apparatus 110 and an information processing apparatus 120 are connected via a network 130 such as the Internet or a LAN is illustrated. Note that the method of connecting from the image forming apparatus 110 or the information processing apparatus 120 to the network 130 may be either wired or wireless.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 110 is an apparatus that executes a print job to form an image on paper. The image forming apparatus 110 can receive a print request from the information processing apparatus 120 via the network 130 and execute various processes such as a print job based on print settings. Further, the image forming apparatus 110 in each embodiment to be described can perform various processes such as a lamination process and a bookbinding process after forming an image on paper. The image forming apparatus 110 may be configured as a so-called MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral).

[0014] The information processing apparatus 120 is, for example, an apparatus such as a personal computer. By operating the information processing apparatus 120, a user can transmit a print job to the image forming apparatus 110 and perform print settings of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0015] In the embodiments described below, the image forming apparatus 110 is illustrated as having a configuration that performs a lamination process after image formation, but the embodiments are not particularly limited. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 110 may perform, for example, a bookbinding process other than the lamination process.

[0016] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 110 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration included in the image forming apparatus 110 of each embodiment. The image forming apparatus 110 in the embodiment to be described includes an image forming apparatus main body 111 that performs an image forming process, and a laminator 112 that performs a post-processing step after the image forming process such as a lamination process. The image forming apparatus main body 111 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, an I / F 204, a printer device 205, a temperature sensor 206, an A / D converter 207, a display 208, and an input device 209, and each hardware is connected via a bus. Further, the laminator 112 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, an I / F 204, a lamination processing device 210, a temperature sensor 206, and an A / D converter 207, and each hardware is connected via a bus.

[0017] The CPU 201 is a device that executes a program for controlling the operations of the image forming apparatus main body 111 and the laminator 112 and performs predetermined processing. The RAM 202 is a volatile storage device for providing an execution space for the program executed by the CPU 201, and is used for storing and expanding programs and data. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile storage device for storing programs, firmware, setting data, various data, etc. executed by the CPU 201.

[0018] The I / F 204 is an interface device for connecting the image forming apparatus main body 111 and the laminator 112. Further, the I / F 204 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 connects the image forming apparatus 110 and the network 130, and enables communication with other devices (for example, the information processing apparatus 120, etc.) via the network 130. Communication via the network 130 may be either wired communication or wireless communication, uses a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP / IP, and can transmit and receive various data.

[0019] The printer device 205 is a device configured to form an image on paper by a laser method or the like. The printer device 205 in each embodiment includes a heating device (which may be referred to as a first heating device) as a fixing device for fixing the toner attached to the paper. The heating device constitutes heating means in each embodiment.

[0020] The temperature sensor 206 is a device that measures various temperatures and constitutes temperature measuring means in each embodiment. The temperature sensor 206 in each embodiment can measure, for example, the temperature of the heating device included in the image forming apparatus main body 111 or the laminator 112 (which may be referred to as the first measured temperature or the second measured temperature, respectively), the temperature inside the apparatus of the image forming apparatus main body 111 or the laminator 112, the temperature outside the apparatus of the image forming apparatus main body 111 or the laminator 112, and the like.

[0021] The A / D converter 207 is a device that converts alternating current supplied from a commercial power supply into direct current and supplies it to various hardware components that make up the image forming apparatus main body 111 or the laminator 112. The A / D converter 207 in each embodiment can measure the value of the power supply voltage.

[0022] The display 208 is a device that displays various data and the state of the image forming apparatus 110 to the user, and examples include an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The input device 209 is a device for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 110, and examples include physical buttons. Note that the display 208 and the input device 209 may be separate devices, or may be a device having both functions such as a touch panel display.

[0023] The laminating device 210 is a device that performs a laminating process by sandwiching the printed paper output by the image forming apparatus main body 111 between a pair (two sheets) of films and heating and pressing them. The laminating device 210 includes, for example, means for conveying the paper, means for conveying a pair of films, means for peeling the films, means for crimping the films sandwiching the paper, and the like. The means for crimping the films sandwiching the paper can be configured as a roller including a heating device (which may be referred to as a second heating device) as a heating means, for example.

[0024] As described above, the hardware configuration included in the image forming apparatus 110 in each embodiment has been described. Next, the functional means executed by each hardware in each embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a software block diagram included in the image forming apparatus 110 of each embodiment.

[0025] The image forming apparatus main body 111 includes each module of a communication unit 311, an image forming process control unit 312, a temperature control unit 313, a temperature measurement unit 314, a voltage measurement unit 315, a power calculation unit 316, a time prediction unit 317, a display unit 318, and a storage unit 319. Further, the laminator 112 includes each module of a communication unit 321, a laminating process control unit 322, a temperature control unit 323, a temperature measurement unit 324, a voltage measurement unit 325, a power calculation unit 326, a time prediction unit 327, and a storage unit 328. Hereinafter, the details of each functional means will be described.

[0026] First, the functional means of the image forming apparatus main body 111 will be described. The communication unit 311 constitutes the communication means in each embodiment, and by controlling the operation of the I / F 204, it can communicate with other devices such as the laminator 112 and the information processing apparatus 120. The communication unit 311 in each embodiment can, for example, receive a print job from the information processing apparatus 120 or receive various data from the laminator 112.

[0027] The image formation process control unit 312 constitutes the control means in each embodiment, and by controlling the operation of the printer device 205 based on a print job, an image can be formed on a sheet of paper. The image formation process control unit 312 in each embodiment can start the image formation process at a predetermined timing.

[0028] The temperature control unit 313 constitutes the temperature control means in each embodiment, and can control the temperature of the heating device included in the printer device 205. The temperature control unit 313 in each embodiment can, for example, receive a control signal from the image formation process control unit 312 and raise the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature.

[0029] The temperature measurement unit 314 constitutes the temperature measurement means in each embodiment, and is a means for measuring various temperatures by the temperature sensor 206. The temperature measurement unit 314 in each embodiment can be configured, for example, as temperature measurement means (which may be referred to as first temperature measurement means) for measuring the temperature of the heating device of the printer device 205, temperature measurement means (which may be referred to as third temperature measurement means) for measuring the temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body 111, and temperature measurement means (which may be referred to as fourth temperature measurement means) for measuring the temperature outside the image forming apparatus main body 111.

[0030] The voltage measurement unit 315 constitutes the voltage measurement means (which may be referred to as first voltage measurement means) in each embodiment, and can measure the voltage supplied to the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111. The voltage measurement unit 315 in each embodiment measures the voltage supplied to the heating device by measuring the voltage output by the A / D converter 207.

[0031] The power calculation unit 316 constitutes the power calculation means (which may be referred to as the first power calculation means) in each embodiment, and is a means for calculating the power that can be used by the heating device included in the image forming apparatus main body 111. For example, the power that can be used by the heating device can be calculated by subtracting the value of the power used by the devices operating during the operation other than the heating device from the value of the maximum power that can be used by the image forming apparatus main body 111. Examples of devices other than the heating device include a paper feeding device, an exposure device, an intermediate transfer device, a secondary transfer device, and the like. For example, when the paper feeding device and the exposure device are operating, the value obtained by subtracting the power used by the paper feeding device and the power used by the exposure device from the value of the maximum power that can be used by the image forming apparatus main body 111 is the power that can be used by the heating device.

[0032] The time prediction unit 317 constitutes the time prediction means in each embodiment, and can predict the time required from when the image forming apparatus main body 111 starts the image forming process until the paper on which the image is formed is output to the laminator 112 (hereinafter referred to as the "image forming process time". The image forming process time may be referred to as the first time). The time prediction unit 317 in each embodiment can predict the image forming process time based on various measurement data by referring to a table stored in the storage unit 319. The image forming process time predicted by the time prediction unit 317 can be calculated from the time required to raise the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature, the time required to convey the paper, the time required to attach toner to the paper and fix it, and the like. Here, the time required to convey the paper, the time required to attach toner to the paper and fix it, and the like can be the design values of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, the time required to raise the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature can be predicted based on the temperature of the heating device.

[0033] The display unit 318 constitutes the display means in each embodiment, and can control the operation of the display 208 to display various information. The display unit 318 in each embodiment can display, for example, a screen related to print settings.

[0034] The storage unit 319 constitutes the storage means in each embodiment and can store various tables for calculating the image forming processing time. The storage unit 319 may be configured within the ROM 203 or may be configured within another storage medium (e.g., a hard disk drive, etc.).

[0035] Next, the functional means of the laminator 112 will be described. The communication unit 321 constitutes the communication means in each embodiment and can communicate with the main body 111 of the image forming apparatus by controlling the operation of the I / F 204. The communication unit 321 in each embodiment can, for example, receive a lamination processing request from the main body 111 of the image forming apparatus or transmit the time until the lamination processing is completed to the main body 111 of the image forming apparatus.

[0036] The lamination processing control unit 322 constitutes the control means in each embodiment and can laminate the paper by controlling the operation of the lamination processing apparatus 210 based on the lamination processing request. The image forming processing control unit 312 in each embodiment can start the lamination processing at a predetermined timing.

[0037] The temperature control unit 323 constitutes the temperature control means in each embodiment and can control the temperature of the heating device included in the lamination processing apparatus 210. The temperature control unit 323 in each embodiment can, for example, receive a control signal from the lamination processing control unit 322 and raise the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature.

[0038] The temperature measurement unit 324 constitutes the temperature measurement means in each embodiment and is a means for measuring various temperatures by the temperature sensor 206. The temperature measurement unit 324 in each embodiment can be configured, for example, as temperature measurement means for measuring the temperature of the heating device of the lamination processing apparatus 210 (which may be referred to as the second temperature measurement means), temperature measurement means for measuring the internal temperature of the laminator 112 (which may be referred to as the fifth temperature measurement means), and temperature measurement means for measuring the external temperature of the laminator 112 (which may be referred to as the sixth temperature measurement means).

[0039] The voltage measurement unit 325 constitutes the voltage measurement means (which may be referred to as the second voltage measurement means) in each embodiment, and can measure the voltage supplied to the heating device of the laminator 112. The voltage measurement unit 325 in each embodiment measures the voltage supplied to the heating device by measuring the voltage output by the A / D converter 207.

[0040] The power calculation unit 326 constitutes the power calculation means (which may be referred to as the second power calculation means) in each embodiment, and is a means for calculating the power that can be used by the heating device included in the laminator 112. For example, the power that can be used by the heating device can be calculated by subtracting the value of the power used by the devices in operation other than the heating device (for example, the paper feeding device, the peeling device, etc.) from the value of the maximum power that can be used by the laminator 112.

[0041] The time prediction unit 327 constitutes the time prediction means in each embodiment, and can predict the time until the laminator 112 can perform the laminating process (hereinafter referred to as the "laminating preparation time". The laminating preparation time may be referred to as the second time). The time prediction unit 327 in each embodiment can predict the laminating preparation time based on various measurement data by referring to the table stored in the storage unit 328. The laminating preparation time predicted by the time prediction unit 327 can be calculated from the time required to raise the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature, the time required to convey and peel the laminating film, and the like.

[0042] The storage unit 328 constitutes the storage means in each embodiment, and can store various tables for calculating the laminating preparation time. The storage unit 319 may be configured in the ROM 203, or may be configured in another storage medium (for example, a hard disk drive, etc.).

[0043] Note that the software blocks described above correspond to functional means realized by causing each hardware to function by the CPU executing the programs of the respective embodiments. Further, all of the functional means shown in the respective embodiments may be realized software-wise, or a part or all of them may be implemented as hardware that provides equivalent functions.

[0044] Furthermore, not all of the functional means described above necessarily have to be included in the configuration as shown in FIG. 3. For example, in other preferred embodiments, each functional means may be realized by the cooperation of the image forming apparatus main body 111 and the laminator 112.

[0045] Next, the tables stored in the storage units 319 and 328 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of the tables stored in the storage units 319 and 328 in each embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 4(a-1) is a table associating the temperature of the heating device with the image forming processing time. Further, FIG. 4(a-2) is a table associating the temperature of the heating device with the lamination preparation time.

[0047] For example, when the value of the temperature of the heating device measured by the temperature sensor 206 that measures the temperature of the heating device in the image forming apparatus main body 111 is T 1 ~T 2 ° C., the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 refers to the table of FIG. 4(a-1) and predicts that the image forming processing time is T P1 seconds. Also, when the value of the temperature of the heating device measured by the temperature sensor 206 that measures the temperature of the heating device in the laminator 112 is T 1 ~T 2 ° C., the time prediction unit 327 of the laminator 112 refers to the table of FIG. 4(a-2) and predicts that the lamination preparation time is T L1 seconds.

[0048] Figure 4(b-1) is a table associating the temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body 111 with the correction value of the image forming processing time. Further, Figure 4(b-2) is a table associating the temperature inside the laminator 112 with the correction value of the lamination preparation time.

[0049] For example, when the value measured by the temperature sensor 206 that measures the temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body 111 is T 1 ’ to T 2 ’ °C, the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 refers to the table in Figure 4(b-1) and corrects the image forming processing time by +T P1 ’ seconds. Also, when the value measured by the temperature sensor 206 that measures the temperature inside the laminator 112 is T 1 ’ to T 2 ’ °C, the time prediction unit 327 of the laminator 112 refers to the table in Figure 4(b-2) and corrects the image forming processing time by +T L1 ’ seconds.

[0050] Figure 4(c-1) is a table associating the temperature outside the image forming apparatus main body 111 with the correction value of the image forming processing time. Further, Figure 4(c-2) is a table associating the temperature outside the laminator 112 with the correction value of the lamination preparation time.

[0051] For example, when the value measured by the temperature sensor 206 that measures the temperature outside the image forming apparatus main body 111 is T 1 ’’ to T 2 ’’ °C, the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 refers to the table in Figure 4(c-1) and corrects the image forming processing time by +T P1 ’’ seconds. Also, when the value measured by the temperature sensor 206 that measures the temperature outside the laminator 112 is T 1 ’’ to T 2 ’’ °C, the time prediction unit 327 of the laminator 112 refers to the table in Figure 4(c-2) and corrects the image forming processing time by +T L1 ’’ seconds.

[0052] FIG. 5(a-1) is a table associating the power supply voltage value and available power of the image forming apparatus main body 111 with the correction value of the image forming processing time. Further, FIG. 5(a-2) is a table associating the power supply voltage value and available power of the laminator 112 with the correction value of the laminate preparation time.

[0053] For example, when the power supply voltage value of the image forming apparatus main body 111 is V 1 ~V 2 volts and the available power is P 1 ~P 2 W, the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 refers to the table in FIG. 5(a-1) and corrects the image forming processing time by +T P1 ’’’ seconds. Also, when the power supply voltage value of the laminator 112 is V 1 ~V 2 volts and the available power is P 1 ~P 2 W, the time prediction unit 327 of the laminator 112 refers to the table in FIG. 5(a-2) and corrects the image forming processing time by +T L1 ’’’ seconds.

[0054] Note that the tables shown in FIGS. 4(a-1), (b-1), (c-1), and FIG. 5(a-1) are stored in the storage unit 319 of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, the tables shown in FIGS. 4(a-2), (b-2), (c-2), and FIG. 5(a-2) are stored in the storage unit 328 of the laminator 112.

[0055] Hereinafter, more specific embodiments will be described in detail. First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image forming apparatus 110 in the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 110 starts the processing from step S1000 by receiving a print job.

[0057] Next, in step S1001, the temperature measurement unit 314 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 measures the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, in step S1001, the temperature measurement unit 324 of the laminator 112 also measures the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112. The measured temperature values are output to the time prediction units 317 and 327.

[0058] In step S1002, the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 predicts the time when the image forming process ends. The time prediction unit 317 can predict the image forming process time by referring to the table in FIG. 4(a-1) based on the temperature value measured in step S1001. The predicted image forming process time is output to the image forming process control unit 312.

[0059] Also, in step S1003, the time prediction unit 327 of the laminator 112 predicts the time when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. The time prediction unit 327 can predict the laminate preparation time by referring to the table in FIG. 4(a-2) based on the temperature measured in step S1001. The predicted laminate preparation time is output to the image forming process control unit 312. Note that the processes of step S1002 and step S1003 may be performed in the reverse order of FIG. 6, or may be performed in parallel.

[0060] Thereafter, in step S1004, the image forming process control unit 312 calculates the time to start the image forming process. In the present embodiment, the image forming process control unit 312 can calculate the time to start the image forming process from the difference between the laminate preparation time and the image forming process time. For example, if the predicted laminate preparation time is T L seconds and the predicted image forming process time is T P seconds, the time to start the image forming process is calculated to be T L -T P seconds after starting the preparation of the laminator 112. That is, T L -T PIf the image forming process is started after [seconds], the paper on which the image has been formed can be output at the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed, and the first copy out time can be shortened.

[0061] Next, in step S1005, the laminate processing control unit 322 starts the preparation for the laminate processing. The preparation for the laminate processing is, for example, the temperature rise of the heating device of the laminator 112, the conveyance and peeling of the film, etc. The temperature rise of the heating device in step S1005 can be performed by the temperature control unit 323.

[0062] In the subsequent step S1006, the process branches depending on whether it is time to start the image forming process. The determination in step S1006 can be made, for example, based on whether the time elapsed since the start of the preparation for the laminate processing has reached the time calculated in step S1004. If it is not yet time to start the image forming process (NO), the process returns to step S1006 and is repeated until it is time to start the image forming process. If it is time to start the image forming process (YES), the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0063] In step S1007, the image forming process control unit 312 executes the image forming process. The image forming process in step S1007 is, for example, a series of processes such as the temperature rise of the heating device, the conveyance of the paper, the formation of an electrostatic latent image on the paper, the adhesion of toner, and the fixing of the toner by heating. The temperature rise of the heating device can be performed by the temperature control unit 313. The paper on which the image is formed in step S1007 is output to the laminator 112.

[0064] In step S1008, the lamination process control unit 322 performs lamination processing on the paper on which the image was formed in step S1007. Here, the image formation processing is started so as to be completed in accordance with the timing at which the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed, so that the lamination process control unit 322 can perform the processing of step S1008 in accordance with the completion of the processing of step S1007. Thereafter, in step S1009, the image forming apparatus 110 ends the processing.

[0065] 6, the image forming apparatus 110 can synchronize the timing at which the image forming process is completed with the timing at which the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the first copy out time while suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart in the first embodiment. The upper diagram of Fig. 7 shows an example of the transition over time of the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111, and the lower diagram of Fig. 7 shows an example of the transition over time of the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112. Here, it is assumed that the lamination preparation time is longer than the image formation processing time. Therefore, in order to reduce unnecessary power consumption while shortening the first copy out time, preparation of the laminator 112 is started prior to the start of the image formation processing.

[0067] 7, laminator 112 transitions from a standby state to a lamination preparation state when image forming apparatus 110 receives a print job request (step S1005 in FIG. 6). Laminator 112 performs lamination preparation by increasing the temperature of the heating device to a predetermined temperature, peeling off the film, and transporting it to a predetermined position.

[0068] After reaching the timing to start the image forming process (YES in step S1006 in FIG. 6), the image forming apparatus main body 111 shifts from the laminating preparation waiting state to the mode of executing the image forming process. The image forming process is the process of step S1007 in FIG. 6. When the image forming process ends, the paper is output to the laminator 112. Note that after the end of the image forming process, the image forming apparatus main body 111 shifts to the mode of waiting for a print job, and when a predetermined time elapses, the temperature of the heating device can be lowered to reduce power consumption.

[0069] At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the timing when the image forming process ends and the timing when the laminating preparation is completed are the same. Therefore, as soon as the laminating preparation is completed, the paper is conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 111 to the laminator 112, and the laminator 112 can execute the laminating process without a waiting time (step S1008 in FIG. 6). Note that after the end of the laminating process, the laminator 112 shifts to the standby mode, and when a predetermined time elapses, the temperature of the heating device can be lowered to reduce power consumption.

[0070] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the second embodiment, the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112 is measured a plurality of times, and the laminating preparation time is predicted based on the plurality of measurement results. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the image forming apparatus 110 in the second embodiment. In the description of FIG. 8, the description of the processes common to those described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] The image forming apparatus 110 starts the process from step S2000. Subsequently, in step S2001, the temperature measurement unit 314 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 measures the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Note that the measured temperature value is output to the time prediction unit 317.

[0072] The time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 predicts the time when the image forming process ends in step S2002. The process of step S2002 is the same as the process of step S1002 in FIG. 6.

[0073] Thereafter, in step S2003, the lamination process control unit 322 starts the preparation of the laminator 112. The process of step S2003 is the same as the process of step S1005 in FIG. 6.

[0074] Next, in step S2004, the temperature measurement unit 324 of the laminator 112 measures the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112. Here, the temperature measurement unit 324 measures the temperature of the heating device in the process of temperature rise a plurality of times. The measured temperature values are output to the time prediction unit 327.

[0075] The time prediction unit 327 predicts the time when the preparation of the laminator 112 ends in step S2005. In the second embodiment, the time prediction unit 327 predicts the lamination preparation time based on the plurality of temperature values measured in step S2004. Also, the time prediction unit 327 can predict the lamination preparation time, for example, by linearly approximating a plurality of measurement results. Note that the prediction of the lamination preparation time in the second embodiment is not limited to linear approximation and can be performed by various methods. Also, the predicted lamination preparation time is output to the image forming process control unit 312.

[0076] Thereafter, in step S2006, the image forming process control unit 312 calculates the time to start the image forming process. The process of step S2006 is the same as the process of step S1004 in FIG. 6.

[0077] In the subsequent step S2007, the process branches depending on whether it is time to start the image forming process. The process of step S2007 is the same as the process of step S1006 in FIG. 6. If it is not yet time to start the image forming process (NO), the process returns to step S2007 and repeats until it is time to start the image forming process. If it is time to start the image forming process (YES), the process proceeds to step S2008.

[0078] After that, in step S2008, the image forming process is executed, and in step S2009, the laminating process is executed. The processes of steps S2008 and S2009 are the same as the processes of steps S1007 and S1008 in FIG. 6. After that, in step S1009, the image forming apparatus 110 ends the process.

[0079] By the process shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 110 can match the timing when the image forming process is completed and the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the first copy out time while suppressing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, by predicting the lamination preparation time based on the results of measuring the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112 multiple times, the prediction accuracy can be improved, and the occurrence of paper jams due to a deviation in the predicted time can be suppressed.

[0080] Note that also in the second embodiment, the timing chart is the same as the timing chart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0081] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the third embodiment, the temperature inside and outside the image forming apparatus main body 111 and the laminator 112, the available power, etc. are measured, and the image forming process time, the lamination preparation time, etc. are corrected to predict a more accurate time. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the image forming apparatus 110 in the third embodiment. In the description of FIG. 9, the description of the processes common to those described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] The image forming apparatus 110 starts processing from step S3000. Thereafter, in step S3001, various temperatures and voltages are measured. In step S3001, the temperature measurement unit 314 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 measures the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111 and the temperatures inside and outside the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, in step S3001, the temperature measurement unit 324 of the laminator 112 also measures the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112 and the temperatures inside and outside the laminator 112. Note that the measured values of the various temperatures are output to the time prediction units 317 and 327.

[0083] Next, in step S3002, the voltage measurement unit 315 measures the power supply voltage of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, in step S3002, the voltage measurement unit 325 also measures the power supply voltage of the laminator 112. The voltage measurement in step S3002 can be performed via the A / D converter 207. The measured voltage value is output to the time prediction units 317 and 327.

[0084] Thereafter, in step S3003, the power calculation unit 316 calculates the power that can be used by the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, in step S3003, the power calculation unit 326 also calculates the power that can be used by the heating device of the laminator 112. The power value calculated in step S3003 is output to the time prediction units 317 and 327.

[0085] Next, in step S3004, the time prediction unit 317 calculates a corrected predicted value of the time when the image forming process ends. Here, the time prediction unit 317 predicts the image forming process time by referring to the table in FIG. 4(a-1) based on the temperature of the heating device. Further, the time prediction unit 317 obtains a correction value based on the temperature inside the image forming apparatus main body 111 by referring to the table in FIG. 4(b-1), obtains a correction value based on the temperature outside the image forming apparatus main body 111 by referring to the table in FIG. 4(c-1), and obtains a correction value based on the power supply voltage and available power by referring to the table in FIG. 5(a-1). Then, the time prediction unit 317 corrects the predicted value of the image forming process time with these correction values. The corrected image forming process time is output to the image forming process control unit 312.

[0086] Next, in step S3005, the time prediction unit 327 calculates a corrected predicted value of the time when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. Here, the time prediction unit 327 predicts the image forming process time by referring to the table in FIG. 4(a-2) based on the temperature of the heating device. Further, the time prediction unit 317 obtains a correction value based on the temperature inside the laminator 112 by referring to the table in FIG. 4(b-2), obtains a correction value based on the temperature outside the laminator 112 by referring to the table in FIG. 4(c-2), and obtains a correction value based on the power supply voltage and available power by referring to the table in FIG. 5(a-2). Then, the time prediction unit 327 corrects the predicted value of the lamination preparation time with these correction values. The corrected predicted value of the lamination preparation time is output to the image forming process control unit 312.

[0087] Thereafter, in step S3006, the image forming process control unit 312 calculates the time to start the image forming process. In the present embodiment, the image forming process control unit 312 can calculate the time to start the image forming process from the difference between the lamination preparation time and the image forming process time. For example, if the corrected predicted lamination preparation time is T L seconds and the corrected predicted image forming process time is T P seconds, the time to start the image forming process is T L-T P It is calculated that it is after T seconds. That is, after starting the preparation of the laminator 112, T L -T P If the image forming process is started after T seconds, the printed paper on which the image has been formed can be output at the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed, and the first copy out time can be shortened.

[0088] Thereafter, the processes of steps S3007 to S3010 are performed, and the process ends in step S3011. Since the processes of steps S3007 to S3010 are the same as the processes of steps S1005 to S1008 in FIG. 6, the description thereof is omitted.

[0089] By the process shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 110 can match the timing when the image forming process is completed and the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. Therefore, the first copy out time can be shortened while suppressing unnecessary power consumption. Further, by correcting the image forming process time and the laminate preparation time with correction values based on various measurements, the prediction accuracy can be improved, and the occurrence of paper jams due to a deviation in the predicted time can be suppressed.

[0090] Note that also in the third embodiment, the timing chart is the same as the timing chart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0091] Also, in the third embodiment described with reference to FIG. 9, for the image forming apparatus main body 111 and the laminator 112, it is an embodiment including correction values based on the temperature inside the apparatus, correction values based on the temperature outside the apparatus, correction values based on the power supply voltage and the available power, but it is not necessarily required to include all of these correction values. Therefore, one or more of the described correction values may be used.

[0092] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the fourth embodiment, the remaining time of the lamination preparation time is calculated and compared with the image forming processing time, thereby determining the timing to start the image forming processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image forming apparatus 110 in the fourth embodiment. In the description of FIG. 10, the description of the processing common to the flowchart of other embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] The image forming apparatus 110 starts the processing from step S4000. Subsequently, in step S4001, the temperature measurement unit 314 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 measures the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, in step S4002, the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 predicts the time when the image forming processing ends. Then, in step S4003, the lamination processing control unit 322 starts the preparation of the laminator 112. Note that the processing of steps S4001 to S4003 is the same as the processing of steps S2001 to S2003 in FIG. 8.

[0094] Next, in step S4004, the temperature measurement unit 324 measures the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112. Then, in step S4005, the time prediction unit 327 predicts the remaining time required until the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed (hereinafter, referred to as "remaining preparation time") based on the temperature measured in step S4004. The predicted remaining preparation time is output to the image forming processing control unit 312.

[0095] Next, in step S4006, the process branches depending on whether the remaining preparation time predicted in step S4004 is shorter than the image formation processing time predicted in step S4002. If the remaining preparation time is longer than the image formation processing time (NO), the process returns to step S4004. That is, even if the image formation process is executed at this point, when the paper on which the image is formed and output reaches the laminator 112, the preparation of the laminator 112 is not complete, so the lamination process cannot be performed, which may cause paper jams. Therefore, the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112 is measured again (step S4004), and the remaining preparation time is predicted (step S4005). As a result, the image formation process can be waited until an appropriate timing to start the image formation process.

[0096] On the other hand, if the remaining preparation time is shorter than the image formation time in step S4006 (YES), the process proceeds to step S4007. In step S4007, the image formation process control unit 312 executes the image formation process. That is, when the remaining preparation time becomes shorter than the image formation time, the image formation process is started. As a result, the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed and the timing when the image formation process is completed can be matched, and the first copy out time can be shortened.

[0097] Next, in step S4008, the lamination process is executed. The process of step S2003 is the same as the process of step S1008 in FIG. 6.

[0098] After that, in step S4009, the image forming apparatus 110 ends the process.

[0099] 10, image forming apparatus 110 can match the timing at which image formation processing is completed with the timing at which laminator 112 is ready. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the first copy out time while suppressing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, by predicting the remaining preparation time based on the temperature measured during the temperature rise of the heating device of laminator 112 and comparing it with the image formation processing time to determine the timing to start the image formation processing, it is possible to match the timing at which image formation processing is completed with the timing at which laminator 112 is ready with higher accuracy.

[0100] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart in the fourth embodiment. The upper diagram of Fig. 11 shows an example of the transition over time of the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111, and the lower diagram of Fig. 11 shows an example of the transition over time of the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112.

[0101] 11, when the image forming apparatus 110 receives a print job request, the laminator 112 transitions from a standby state to a lamination preparation state (step S4003 in FIG. 10). In addition, the temperature measurement unit 324 of the laminator 112 measures the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112, and the time prediction unit 327 predicts the remaining preparation time (steps S4004 and S4005 in FIG. 10).

[0102] Then, by comparing the remaining preparation time with the image formation processing time, when the remaining preparation time becomes shorter than the image formation processing time (YES in step S4006 in FIG. 10), the image forming apparatus main body 111 transitions from the lamination preparation waiting state to a mode in which image formation processing is executed.

[0103] By the process of the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, it is possible to reduce the first copy out time while suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

[0104] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In the first embodiment and the like, the processing was premised on the lamination preparation time being shorter than the image formation processing time. However, which of the image formation processing time and the lamination preparation time is shorter may be unknown until the temperature of the heating device is measured and the time is predicted. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the image formation processing time and the lamination preparation time are compared, and the process that takes more time is performed first. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image forming apparatus 110 in the fifth embodiment. In the description of FIG. 12, the description of the processes common to the flowcharts of the other embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0105] The image forming apparatus 110 starts processing from step S5000. Next, in step S5001, the temperature measurement unit 314 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 measures the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111. Also, in step S5001, the temperature measurement unit 324 of the laminator 112 also measures the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112. Note that the process of step S5001 is the same as the process of step S1001 described in FIG. 6.

[0106] Thereafter, in step S5002, the time prediction unit 317 of the image forming apparatus main body 111 predicts the time when the image formation process ends. Also, in step S5003, the time prediction unit 327 of the laminator 112 predicts the time when the preparation of the laminator 112 ends. Note that the processes of steps S5002 and S5003 are the same as the processes of steps S1002 and S1003 described in FIG. 6.

[0107] Next, in step S5004, the process branches depending on whether the image formation processing time is shorter than the lamination preparation time. If the image formation processing time is shorter than the lamination preparation time (YES), the process proceeds to step S5005. In step S5005, the processes after step S1004 in FIG. 6 are performed.

[0108] On the other hand, if the image forming processing time is longer than the lamination preparation time (NO), the process proceeds to step S5006. In this case, if the preparation of the laminator 112 is performed prior to the image forming process as in the first embodiment or the like, the preparation of the laminator 112 will be completed before the image-formed paper is output. Therefore, the laminator 112 needs to wait for the output of the paper while maintaining the temperature-rising state of the heating device, consuming unnecessary power. Thus, after step S5006 in the fifth embodiment, the image forming process is executed first.

[0109] In step S5006, the lamination process control unit 322 calculates the time to start the preparation of the laminator 112. In the present embodiment, the lamination process control unit 322 can calculate the time to start the preparation of the lamination from the difference between the lamination preparation time and the image forming processing time. For example, if the predicted lamination preparation time is T L seconds and the predicted image forming processing time is T P seconds, the time to start the preparation of the lamination is calculated to be T P - T L seconds after the start of the image forming process. That is, if the image forming process is started T P - T L seconds after the start of the image forming process, the image-formed paper can be output at the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed, and the first copy out time can be shortened.

[0110] Thereafter, in step S5007, the image forming process control unit 312 executes the image forming process. The process of step S5007 is the same as the process of step S1007 in FIG. 6.

[0111] Next, in step S5008, the process branches depending on whether the time to start the preparation of the laminator 112 has arrived. If the start time has not arrived (NO), the process returns to step S5008 and the process is repeated until the time to start the preparation of the laminator 112 arrives. When the time to start the preparation of the laminator 112 arrives (YES), the process proceeds to step S5009.

[0112] In step S5009, the lamination process control unit 322 starts the preparation of the laminator 112. The process of step S5009 is the same as the process of step S1005 in FIG. 6.

[0113] After the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed, in step S5010, the lamination process control unit 322 performs a lamination process on the paper output from the image forming apparatus main body 111. Here, the timing at which the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed is the same as the timing at which the image forming process is completed. That is, the lamination process can be performed without causing unnecessary power consumption or an extension of the first copy out time.

[0114] Thereafter, in step S5011, the image forming apparatus 110 ends the process.

[0115] By the process shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 110 can match the timing at which the image forming process is completed and the timing at which the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. In particular, in the fifth embodiment, by comparing the image forming process time and the lamination preparation time and determining which of the image forming process and the lamination preparation is to be performed first, each process can be executed at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the first copy out time while suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart in the fifth embodiment. Note that the timing chart shown in FIG. 13 shows an example in which the image forming process time is longer than the lamination preparation time. The timing chart in the case where the image forming process time is shorter than the lamination preparation time is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0117] The upper diagram in FIG. 13 shows an example of the time change of the temperature of the heating device of the image forming apparatus main body 111, and the lower diagram in FIG. 13 shows an example of the time change of the temperature of the heating device of the laminator 112.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the image forming processing time is longer than the laminating preparation time (NO in step S5004 in FIG. 12), the image forming apparatus main body 111 starts the image forming processing. At this time, the laminator 112 is in a standby state. Then, when it is time to start the preparation of the laminator 112 (YES in step S5008 in FIG. 12), the laminator 112 starts the preparation for the laminating process. During this period, the execution of the image forming processing continues.

[0119] Then, at the timing when the image forming processing ends, the preparation of the laminator 112 is also completed. Therefore, the paper on which the image is formed can be laminated without waiting. After the image forming processing ends, the image forming apparatus main body 111 shifts to a mode of waiting for a print job, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the temperature of the heating device can be lowered to reduce power consumption. Also, after the laminating process ends, the laminator 112 also shifts to a standby mode, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the temperature of the heating device can be lowered to reduce power consumption.

[0120] Note that each of the first to fifth embodiments described so far can be implemented in combination as long as there is no contradiction in the configuration. Therefore, for example, the second embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined so that the image forming apparatus 110 measures the temperature a plurality of times and corrects the predicted image forming writing time or the laminating preparation time.

[0121] Also, the setting as to whether the image forming apparatus 110 executes the control according to each of the embodiments described so far can be arbitrarily made by the user. For example, by applying the control of the first to fifth embodiments, power consumption can be reduced and the first copy out time can be shortened. On the other hand, for example, if some trouble occurs on the laminator 112 side after the start of the image forming process and the laminate preparation cannot be completed, even if there is no problem with the printed paper, the paper cannot be sent to the laminator 112, resulting in paper jam. Therefore, when the user determines to avoid such demerits, the setting can be made not to perform the control according to each embodiment.

[0122] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in each embodiment. The screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display 208 by the display unit 318. Here, the control according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments is referred to as "time shortening control". When performing the time shortening control, the user selects "Execute the time shortening control mode", and when not performing it, the user selects "Do not execute the time shortening control mode". The image forming apparatus 110 stores the selected setting, and when executing a print job, selects whether to perform the time shortening control, that is, control to match the timing when the image forming process is completed and the timing when the preparation of the laminator 112 is completed. Thereby, the user can appropriately execute the desired control.

[0123] Note that, in each of the embodiments described so far, an example in which the laminate process is performed as a process after the image forming process has been shown, but the embodiment is not particularly limited. Therefore, the first to fifth embodiments can be applied to processes other than the laminate process, for example, processes involving temperature rise of a heating device in the preparation of the process.

[0124] Examples of processing steps other than the laminating process include the binding process of a printed matter. The binding process is a process of binding the ends of a plurality of printed matters to a cover to form a booklet. Therefore, in preparation for the binding process, in order to make the solid glue adhesive, an operation of raising the temperature by a heating device is involved. By predicting the time required for such preparation including raising the temperature of the heating device and the time until printing of a plurality of pages to be bound as a booklet is completed, and controlling to match the timing, it is possible to shorten the first copy out time while suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

[0125] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses an increase in cost and improves the first copy out time.

[0126] Each function of the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be realized by a device-executable program described in C, C++, C#, Java (registered trademark), etc. The program in each embodiment can be stored and distributed in a device-readable recording medium such as a hard disk device, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, flexible disk, EEPROM (registered trademark), EPROM, etc., and can also be transmitted via a network in a form that can be processed by other devices.

[0127] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software like a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to execute each function described above, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and devices such as conventional circuit modules.

[0128] As described above, the present invention has been explained with embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved within the scope of embodiments that those skilled in the art can conceive, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0129] 100…System, 110…Image forming apparatus, 111…Image forming apparatus main body, 112…Laminator, 120…Information processing apparatus, 130…Network, 201…CPU, 202…RAM, 203…ROM, 204…I / F, 205…Printer apparatus, 206…Temperature sensor, 207…A / D converter, 208…Display, 209…Input device, 210…Lamination processing apparatus, 311…Communication unit, 312…Image forming processing control unit, 313…Temperature control unit, 314…Temperature measurement unit, 315…Voltage measurement unit, 316…Power calculation unit, 317…Time prediction unit, 318…Display unit, 319…Storage unit, 321…Communication unit, 322…Lamination processing control unit, 323…Temperature control unit, 324…Temperature measurement unit, 325…Voltage measurement unit, 326…Power calculation unit, 327…Time prediction unit, 328…Storage unit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0130]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including a first heating device used in an image forming process and a second heating device used in a processing process after the image forming process, first temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the first heating device, second temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the second heating device, and control means for controlling the start of the image forming process based on a first measured temperature measured by the first temperature measuring means and a second measured temperature measured by the second temperature measuring means. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. Predicting means for predicting a first time at which the image forming process ends based on the first measured temperature, and predicting a second time until the second heating device can start the processing process based on the second measured temperature. The image forming apparatus further comprising: wherein the control means controls the start of the image forming process so that the image forming process ends at the time of the second time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Temperature control means for controlling the operation of the second heating device. The image forming apparatus further comprising: wherein when the second time is shorter than the first time, the temperature control means controls the second heating device to reach a predetermined temperature at the time when the image forming process ends. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Third temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature inside the apparatus that performs the image forming process. The image forming apparatus further comprising: wherein the predicting means predicts the first time based on the temperature measured by the third temperature measuring means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. Fourth temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature outside the apparatus that performs the image forming process. The image forming apparatus further comprising: wherein the predicting means predicts the first time based on the temperature measured by the fourth temperature measuring means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

6. Fifth temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature inside the apparatus that performs the processing process. The image forming apparatus further comprising: wherein the predicting means predicts the second time based on the temperature measured by the fifth temperature measuring means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

7. Sixth temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature inside the apparatus that performs the processing process. The image forming apparatus further comprising: wherein the predicting means predicts the second time based on the temperature measured by the sixth temperature measuring means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

8. First voltage measuring means for measuring the voltage supplied to the apparatus that performs the image forming process, first power calculation means for calculating the power that can be used by the apparatus that performs the image forming process further comprising the prediction means predicts the first time based on the voltage measured by the first voltage measurement means and the available power calculated by the first power calculation means The image forming apparatus according to claim 2

9. second voltage measurement means for measuring the voltage supplied to the apparatus that performs the processing step, and second power calculation means for calculating the power that can be used by the apparatus that performs the processing step further comprising the prediction means predicts the second time based on the voltage measured by the second voltage measurement means and the available power calculated by the second power calculation means The image forming apparatus according to claim 2

10. the second temperature measurement means measures the temperature of the second heating device a plurality of times, and the prediction means predicts the second time based on the second measured temperatures measured a plurality of times The image forming apparatus according to claim 2

11. the second temperature measurement means measures the temperature of the second heating device a plurality of times, and the prediction means predicts the second time each time the second temperature measurement means measures the temperature, and the control means controls the start of the image forming process when the predicted second time becomes shorter than the first time The image forming apparatus according to claim 2

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing step is a laminating process

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing step is a walnut binding process

14. It is possible to select whether or not to execute a mode in which the control means controls the start of the image forming process based on the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature The image forming apparatus according to claim 1

Images