Image forming device, image forming system, and information processing device

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a failure occurs when forming a foil.MEANS: Selection means selects a first mode in which a toner image used to stick a foil onto a sheet via the toner image is formed. Image forming means forms the toner image on the sheet. Receiving means receives information related to post-processing. When the first mode is selected, display means displays a warning according to the information related to post-processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Foil printing technology is used in the fields of bookbinding, commercial printing, card business, and plastic molding such as cosmetic containers. Letters or images made of foil can achieve a metallic feel and luster that is difficult to achieve with print. Foil printing is also used for holograms on credit cards. Patent documents 1 and 2 propose a foil printing device that forms a toner image on a sheet in advance and then transfers the foil onto the sheet using the toner image as an adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-156723 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-116185 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a foil is adhered to a sheet via a toner, there is a risk that problems may occur when the foil is formed depending on the post-processing (e.g., stapling, binding, folding) performed on the sheet. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of problems occurring when the foil is formed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; an image forming means for forming the toner image on the sheet; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a display means for displaying a warning in accordance with information about the post-processing when the first mode is selected by the selection means; The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having the above structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the possibility of defects occurring when forming the foil is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating an image forming system [Figure 2] Diagram explaining foil processing [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing device. [Figure 4] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 6] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 8] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 10] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 11] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 13] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 14] Diagram explaining the user interface DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] First Embodiment 1. Image forming system (foil printing system) 1, image forming system 1 includes image forming apparatus 100 and foil printing apparatus 120. Image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on a sheet (also referred to as a recording material) S. Foil printing apparatus 120 prints foil on sheet S using the toner of the toner image as adhesive.

[0010] The image forming system 1 is a so-called offline system in which the foil printing device 120 is not mechanically connected to the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the sheet S on which the toner image is formed is ejected from the image forming apparatus 100 and then manually fed into the foil printing device 120 by a user (see the arrow in the figure). In another embodiment, an inline system in which the foil printing device 120 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided. In this case, the sheet S is automatically transferred from the image forming apparatus 100 to the foil printing device 120. In yet another embodiment, an integrated printing device in which the foil printing function of the foil printing device 120 is incorporated inside the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided.

[0011] 1-1. Image forming device Image forming apparatus 100 may be a color printer or a monochrome printer. In the example of Fig. 1, image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem full-color printer capable of forming full-color images using an electrophotographic method. Image forming apparatus 100 includes a cassette 5, a manual feed tray 6, a conveying unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a fixing unit 30, an operation unit 40, and a main control unit 101.

[0012] The image forming unit 20 is an image forming means including process units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K, an intermediate transfer belt 22, and a belt cleaner 29. The process units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are arranged in parallel along the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt 22 and form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively. The letters YMCK added to the end of the reference numerals in FIG. 1 may be omitted when describing matters common to all four colors. The intermediate transfer belt 22 is stretched and rotated around multiple rollers. As described below, toner images of the four color components are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 in a superimposed manner (primary transfer), thereby forming a full-color toner image. The intermediate transfer belt 22 carries and transports this full-color toner image to a secondary transfer position T2.

[0013] The cassette 5 is a storage unit that stores a stack of sheets. While FIG. 1 shows an example in which the image forming apparatus 100 includes only one cassette 5, the image forming apparatus 100 may include multiple cassettes 5 that can store sheets S of different types (for example, sizes, thicknesses, or whether or not they have a surface coating). In this case, the type of sheets S specified in each job is fed from the corresponding cassette 5. Note that the sheets S may also be fed from the manual feed tray 6 instead of the cassette 5. Furthermore, the image forming system 1 may include a paper feeder (not shown) separate from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0014] The conveying unit 10 is a conveying means including a conveying path and a plurality of rollers. A feeding roller 11 feeds a sheet one by one from the stack of sheets S in the cassette 5 to a conveying path 12. A conveying roller 13 conveys the sheet along the conveying path 12. A registration roller 14 sends the sheet S to the secondary transfer position T2 in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 22 reaches the secondary transfer position T2.

[0015] The process units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K may have similar configurations, and are therefore referred to as process units 21. The process unit 21 includes a photosensitive drum 23, a charger 24, an exposure device 25, a developing device 26, a primary transfer roller 27, and a drum cleaner 28. The photosensitive drum 23 is a cylindrical image carrier that rotates counterclockwise in the drawing. The charger 24 may be, for example, a corona charger that irradiates charged particles by corona discharge, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 to a uniform potential (e.g., a negative dark potential). The charger 24 may also include a discharge roller or wire. The exposure device 25 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser as a light source, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 by scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 with laser light according to input image data. The developing unit 26 contains a developer made of toner and carrier therein, and supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 23 to develop the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 and form a toner image.

[0016] As an example, the developer may be a two-component developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier. The toner may contain a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent (wax).

[0017] The primary transfer roller 27 is disposed at a primary transfer position T1 so as to face the photosensitive drum 23. A high-voltage primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 27, which transfers the toner image (yellow in this case) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 to the intermediate transfer belt 22. The drum cleaner 28 removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 after the primary transfer.

[0018] Similar to the process unit 21Y, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are formed in the process units 21M, 21C, and 21K, respectively, and these toner images are transferred onto the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 22 in order, superimposed thereon.

[0019] The outer secondary transfer roller 16 is disposed at the secondary transfer position T2 so as to face the inner secondary transfer roller 15, which is one of the rollers around which the intermediate transfer belt 22 is stretched. A high voltage secondary transfer bias is applied to the outer secondary transfer roller 16, and the full-color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 22 is transferred to the sheet S that has reached the secondary transfer position T2 (secondary transfer). A belt cleaner 29 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 22 after the secondary transfer.

[0020] The fixing unit 30 is a fixing means disposed downstream of the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The fixing unit 30 has a fixing roller (or a cylindrical heating film) and a pressure roller, and fixes the toner image to the sheet S by heating and pressurizing the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 30 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, to an output tray (not shown)).

[0021] When double-sided printing is performed, the sheet S, on which a toner image has been formed on one side, is conveyed to the conveying path 17. There, the sheet S reverses its traveling direction and enters the double-sided conveying path 18. The sheet S returns to the conveying path 12 upside down. The toner image is transferred to the second side of the sheet S at the secondary transfer position T2. ​​The fixing unit 30 fixes the toner image to the second side of the sheet S by heating and pressurizing the sheet S again. The sheet S is then discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0022] The operation unit 40 is an operating means that provides a user interface to a user of the image forming system 1. The operation unit 40 includes, for example, a touch panel 41. The touch panel 41 displays images and information under the control of the main control unit 101, which will be described later, and accepts touch inputs by the user. Instead of (or in addition to) the touch panel 41, the operation unit 40 may include an output device (e.g., a liquid crystal display, a speaker) and an input device (e.g., a button, a switch, a keypad, a microphone).

[0023] The main control unit 101 is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when an instruction to execute a print job is received, the main control unit 101 controls the image forming unit 20 to form an image on a sheet S based on input image data received from an external device. The external device here may be, for example, a personal computer (PC) or an external controller. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 may further include a document reading unit. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a multifunction peripheral. In this example, when an instruction to execute a copy job is received, the main control unit 101 controls the image forming unit 20 to form an image on a sheet S based on read image data generated by a scanner unit reading a document.

[0024] 1-2. Foil printing equipment (foil processing equipment) The foil printing device 120 includes a transport roller 111 , a discharge roller 112 , a heating roller 121 , a pressure roller 122 , a supply reel 131 , a collection reel 132 , and a discharge tray 140 .

[0025] The conveying roller 111 receives the sheet S on which the toner image has been formed and sends the sheet S to the bonding position T3. At the bonding position T3, the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 are disposed so as to face each other. A foil sheet 150 consisting of foil and a film-like holding member that holds the foil is wound around the supply reel 131. The leading end of the foil sheet 150 is fixed to the recovery reel 132. The supply reel 131 and the recovery reel 132 suspend the foil sheet 150 via the underside of the heating roller 121 while maintaining a predetermined tension to prevent wrinkles from forming in the foil sheet 150. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the foil printing apparatus 120 may also include an additional suspension roller to stably maintain the tension of the foil sheet 150.

[0026] The supply reel 131 rotates clockwise in the figure and supplies the foil sheet 150 to the bonding position T3. The heating roller 121 heats the sheet S that has reached the bonding position T3. This melts at least one type of toner used as glue (adhesive) among the toners that make up the toner image. The pressure roller 122, together with the heating roller 121, presses the foil sheet 150 against the sheet S. This causes the melted toner to act as glue, and the foil on the foil sheet 150 adheres to the sheet S via the toner. The recovery reel 132 rotates counterclockwise in the figure and takes up the foil sheet 150. At this time, the foil on the foil sheet 150 peels off from the support member and is adhered to the sheet S, forming a foil image on the sheet S. The discharge roller 112 discharges the sheet S that has passed the bonding position T to the discharge tray 140.

[0027] 1-3. Foil FIG. 2(A) shows an example of the structure of the foil sheet 150. The foil sheet 150 includes a foil layer 251 and a backup layer 252. The foil layer 251 is a sheet-like layer made of a metal material. The metal material of the foil layer 251 may be, for example, aluminum, tin, silver, copper, chromium, nickel, gold, or iron, or an alloy of two or more of these (for example, nickel-chromium steel, bronze, or aluminum bronze). The backup layer 252 is a sheet-like layer made of resin that supports the foil layer 251. The resin material of the backup layer 252 may be, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene (PP), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0028] 1-4. Formation of foil images 2(B) shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the bonding position T3 while the foil printing device 120 is operating. In this example, the sheet S on which the toner image TN is formed and the foil sheet 150 are sandwiched between the heating roller 121 located above the bonding position T3 and the pressure roller 122 located below the bonding position T3. The heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 rotate following the rotation of the recovery reel 132 driven by a motor (not shown), and transport the sheet S and the foil sheet 150 in the transport direction D1.

[0029] The surface temperature of the heating roller 121 is controlled so that the temperature of the toner in the toner image TN reaches its melting point. This temperature is, for example, 140°C to 180°C. When the temperature of the toner reaches its melting point at the adhesion position T3, the toner melts, its viscosity increases, and it acts as an adhesive. The toner image TN is further pressed by the pressure roller 122 and adheres to the foil layer 251 of the foil sheet 150. Therefore, when the sheet S and the foil sheet 150 pass the adhesion position T3, the foil F1 of the foil layer 251 that contacts the toner image TN peels off from the backup layer 252 while remaining adhered to the sheet S. On the other hand, the foil F2 of the foil layer 251 that does not contact the toner image TN does not adhere to the sheet S and remains on the backup layer 252 while being collected by the collection reel 132. As a result, the foil layer 251 is selectively transferred to the sheet S according to the pattern of the toner image TN on the sheet S, forming a foil image on the sheet S.

[0030] 1-5.After-treatment device FIG. 3 shows an image forming system 1 including a post-processing device 170. The image forming device 100 forms a toner image (glue image) for adhering foil to a sheet S, and discharges the sheet S to the post-processing device 170. The post-processing device 170 transports the sheet S using multiple transport rollers 171. If the sheet S is not subject to post-processing, the sheet S is discharged to an upper discharge tray 140. If the sheet S is subject to post-processing, the sheet S is transported along the dashed arrow and transported to a post-processing device 172. The post-processing device 172 performs the type of post-processing (sorting, grouping, stapling, binding, folding) specified by the main control unit 101. When the post-processing is completed, a discharge plate 173 moves in the direction of the arrow, and the post-processed sheet(s) S is / are discharged to a lower discharge tray 177.

[0031] As described above, there are multiple types of post-processing. Among the multiple types of post-processing, there is one type that interferes with foil printing (foil processing) in the foil printing device 120. Therefore, this embodiment suppresses foil printing defects and reduces wasteful consumption of consumables by canceling or disabling post-processing specified in the print job or specified through the operation unit 40. Note that there are cases where post-processing is set in the print job sent from a PC, and cases where post-processing is set through the operation unit 40 of the image forming device 100. These two cases will be described below.

[0032] 1.6 Controller (control system) 4 shows the controller of the image forming system 1. In addition to the loads shown in the figure, a motor, a power supply, and the like are connected to the main control unit 101, but since this is not the main point of the invention, illustration and description of these will be omitted here.

[0033] The main control unit 101 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 401, a memory 402, and a communication circuit 403. The memory 402 may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The CPU 401 executes control programs stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 402 to realize various functions.

[0034] The UI unit 411 displays information on the operation unit 40 and accepts instructions and information input by the user via the operation unit 40. The image processing unit 412 converts print data described in a page description language (PDL) into image data and converts the color space of the image data. Furthermore, the image processing unit 412 may enlarge or reduce the image and rotate the image.

[0035] The print control unit 413 controls the image forming unit 20 in accordance with a print job received from the information processing device 450 via the communication circuit 403, and causes the image forming unit 20 to form a toner image on the sheet S. The post-processing control unit 414 controls the post-processing device 170 to perform post-processing specified by the print job or post-processing set in advance via the operation unit 40.

[0036] These functions may be realized separately by an integrated circuit provided outside the CPU 401 and capable of communicating with the CPU 401. The communication circuit 403 is an interface circuit used by the CPU 401 to communicate with the foil printing device 120 and the information processing device 450.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 100 may optionally communicate with an information processing apparatus 450. A CPU 451 of the information processing apparatus 450 executes an operating system (OS) and a printer driver stored in a memory 452 to control the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 451 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 via a communication circuit 453. The memory 452 is a storage device that may include a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive (SSD) in addition to ROM and RAM. The display device 454 is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays a user interface (UI) of the printer driver, etc. The input device 455 may include a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch sensor, a microphone, etc.

[0038] The CPU 451 includes a UI unit 461, a mode determination unit 462, a post-processing determination unit 463, a post-processing cancellation unit 464, a post-processing return unit 465, and a job transmission unit 466. The mode determination unit 462 determines whether the user has selected a foil printing mode, which forms a toner image (glue image) for foil printing on the sheet S, or a normal printing mode, which forms a normal toner image not for foil printing. The UI unit 461 displays a setting screen on the display device 454. The mode may be set in advance through the setting screen. The post-processing determination unit 463 determines whether the user has selected a specific post-processing through the setting screen displayed on the display device 454 by the UI unit 461. The specific post-processing refers to post-processing that may result in defective foil printing. The post-processing cancellation unit 464 temporarily cancels post-processing in the post-processing device 170 when the foil printing mode is selected and the specific post-processing is selected. The post-processing return unit 465 is optional and reactivates (returns) a temporarily canceled post-processing. Job sending unit 466 creates a print job and sends the print job to image forming apparatus 100 via communication circuit 453. The print job is control data that can include information on the print mode, information on post-processing, image data, and the like.

[0039] 1-7.Control method 5 shows a control method executed by the CPU 451 of the information processing device 450. The CPU 451 executes the printer driver program to perform the following processes.

[0040] In S501, the CPU 451 (mode determination unit 462) determines whether the printing mode selected by the user is the foil printing mode. If the selected printing mode is not the foil printing mode, post-processing such as stapling can be performed. Therefore, the CPU 451 proceeds from S501 to S505. If the selected printing mode is the foil printing mode, post-processing such as stapling is not recommended, so the CPU 451 proceeds from S501 to S502.

[0041] In S502, CPU 451 (post-processing determination unit 463) acquires post-processing settings selected by the user. The post-processing settings may be read from memory 452 or acquired from image forming apparatus 100 via communication circuit 453. This is because in image forming apparatus 100, application of a predetermined post-processing may be selected by default or automatically.

[0042] In S503, the CPU 451 (post-processing determination unit 463) determines whether post-processing is enabled in the post-processing settings. It may also be determined whether the enabled type of post-processing is a type that will cause foil processing defects. If a predetermined post-processing (e.g., stapling) is enabled, the CPU 451 advances the process from S503 to S504. On the other hand, if the predetermined post-processing (e.g., stapling) is not enabled, the CPU 451 advances the process from S503 to S505.

[0043] In S504, the CPU 451 (post-processing cancellation unit 464) cancels the specified post-processing in the print job. This disables the specified post-processing even if the user accidentally enables the specified post-processing in foil printing mode, thereby preventing unnecessary consumption of consumables.

[0044] In S505, CPU 451 (job sending unit 466) creates a print job and sends it to image forming apparatus 100. For example, a print job in normal printing mode, or a print job in foil printing mode in which predetermined post-processing is disabled or prohibited is sent to image forming apparatus 100.

[0045] In S506, the CPU 451 (post-processing) restores the canceled post-processing. For example, the CPU 451 transmits an instruction to restore (enable) the temporarily canceled (disabled) post-processing to the image forming apparatus 100. This restoration process is optional and may be omitted.

[0046] In this way, in the first embodiment, even if a user mistakenly enables a predetermined post-processing in the foil printing mode, the predetermined post-processing is canceled. This makes it less likely that post-processed sheets S will be fed into the foil printing device 120, reducing the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0047] When selecting foil printing mode, users sometimes forget to change the settings to disable the specified post-processing. Even if such a human error occurs, foil printing defects are less likely to occur.

[0048] In this embodiment, the predetermined post-processing is deactivated because the foil printing mode is selected. In this case, the predetermined post-processing may be automatically reactivated. This will ensure that the post-processing expected by the user in the normal printing mode is performed.

[0049] Although stapling is exemplified as a predetermined post-processing, this is merely one example. Predetermined post-processing may also include folding (e.g., folding in half, Z-folding) and binding. This would enable the foil printing mode and the normal printing mode to coexist without reducing user operability.

[0050] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the predetermined post-processing is canceled in the information processing device 450, but the predetermined post-processing may be canceled in the image forming device 100. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the latter will be described in detail.

[0051] 6 shows the controller of image forming system 1. Mode determination unit 462, post-processing determination unit 463, post-processing cancellation unit 464, and post-processing return unit 465 are implemented by CPU 401 of image forming apparatus 100. Job transmission unit 466 of information processing device 450 transmits a print job including a print mode and the contents of post-processing to image forming apparatus 100.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a control method that the CPU 401 executes in accordance with a control program.

[0053] In step S700, the CPU 401 receives a print job from the information processing device 450 via the communication circuit 403.

[0054] In S701, the CPU 401 (mode determination unit 462) analyzes the print job and determines whether the printing mode is the foil printing mode. If the printing mode is the foil printing mode, the CPU 401 advances the process from S701 to S702. If the printing mode is the normal printing mode, the CPU 401 advances the process from S701 to S705.

[0055] In step S702 , the CPU 401 (post-processing determination unit 463 ) acquires post-processing settings from the print job or the memory 402 .

[0056] In S703, the CPU 401 (post-processing determination unit 463) determines whether the predetermined post-processing is enabled based on the acquired post-processing settings. If the predetermined post-processing is enabled, the CPU 401 advances the process from S703 to S704. If the predetermined post-processing is disabled, the CPU 401 advances the process from S703 to S705.

[0057] In S704, the CPU 401 (post-processing canceling unit 464) cancels the predetermined post-processing. As a result, the post-processing control unit 414 controls the post-processing device 170 to discharge the sheet S onto the discharge tray 140. In other words, since the sheet S is not conveyed to the post-processing unit 172, the post-processing unit 172 does not perform the post-processing.

[0058] In S705, the CPU 401 (print control unit 413) executes the print job. If the foil printing mode is specified in the print job, the print control unit 413 controls the image forming unit 20 to form a glue image on the sheet S in accordance with the print job. The post-processing control unit 414 controls the post-processing device 170 so that the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 140. On the other hand, if the normal printing mode is specified in the print job, the print control unit 413 controls the image forming unit 20 to form a toner image (normal image) on the sheet S in accordance with the print job. The post-processing control unit 414 transports the sheet S to the post-processing unit 172, performs post-processing, and controls the post-processing device 170 so that the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 177.

[0059] In S706, the CPU 401 (post-processing return unit 465) returns (enables) the post-processing.

[0060] As described above, in the second embodiment, even if the foil printing mode and a predetermined post-processing are specified in the print job, the image forming apparatus 100 can temporarily disable the predetermined post-processing and execute the foil printing mode. In the second embodiment, if post-processing is enabled in the image forming apparatus 100 via the operation unit 40 and the foil printing mode is specified in the print job, the image forming apparatus 100 can temporarily disable the post-processing and execute the foil printing mode. This is the case when the user mistakenly enables a predetermined post-processing in the foil printing mode, and the predetermined post-processing is disabled. This will make it less likely that post-processed sheets S will be fed into the foil printing apparatus 120, reducing the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0061] Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, it is assumed that the foil printing mode setting and the predetermined post-processing setting are independent, and that the user can set the execution of the foil printing mode and the execution of the predetermined post-processing. However, this is only one example. For example, if the foil printing mode is selected by the user, a UI may be provided that does not allow the selection of the predetermined post-processing.

[0062] 8 shows the controller of the image forming system 1. Here, the CPU 451 has a post-processing restriction unit 801 in addition to the above-described UI unit 461, mode determination unit 462, and job transmission unit 466. When the mode determination unit 462 detects the selection of foil printing mode, the post-processing restriction unit 801 restricts or prohibits the selection of a predetermined post-processing in the UI displayed on the display device 454 by the UI unit 461.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a control method executed by the CPU 451 of the information processing device 450.

[0064] In S901, the CPU 451 (mode determination unit 462) determines whether or not the foil printing mode is selected as the printing mode. If the foil printing mode is selected, the CPU 451 advances the process from S901 to S902.

[0065] In S902, the CPU 451 (post-processing restriction unit 801, UI unit 461) displays on the display device 454 a UI that restricts the selection of post-processing.

[0066] In S903, the CPU 451 (UI unit 461) accepts other settings (for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, number of copies).

[0067] In S904, CPU 451 (job sending unit 466) sends the print job to image forming apparatus 100. In principle, when the printing mode is foil printing mode, it is not possible to select the specified post-processing. Therefore, when the printing mode is foil printing mode, a print job is created to which the specified post-processing is not applied.

[0068] In some cases, the normal print mode is selected in step S901. In this case, the CPU 451 advances the process from step S901 to step S911.

[0069] In S911, the CPU 451 (post-processing restriction unit 801, UI unit 461) displays a UI that does not restrict the selection of post-processing on the display device 454. That is, the user can select a predetermined post-processing through this UI. Thereafter, the CPU 451 executes S903 and S904.

[0070] 10A shows a printer driver UI 1000. The UI 1000 has a tab 1001 for the normal printing mode and a tab 1002 for the foil printing mode.

[0071] In FIG. 10A, tab 1001 is selected by the user via input device 455. Post-processing selection unit 1003 displays a list including multiple types of post-processing, allowing the user to select any of the types of post-processing. Here, the post-processing restriction unit 801 does not restrict the selection of a specific post-processing. Print button 1004 is a button for instructing image forming apparatus 100 to execute printing. Cancel button 1005 is a button for canceling the settings.

[0072] FIG. 10(B) shows a tab 1002 for foil printing mode. In foil printing mode, the selection of a specific post-processing should be restricted. Therefore, the post-processing restriction unit 801 and the UI unit 461 gray out the specific post-processing (e.g., staple + sort) in the post-processing selection unit 1003. This makes it impossible to select the specific post-processing. The post-processing restriction unit 801 may also delete the specific post-processing from the listed options. As a result, the specific post-processing will no longer be displayed in the post-processing selection unit 1003, and the user will no longer be able to select the specific post-processing. The post-processing restriction unit 801 may display the specific post-processing in the post-processing selection unit 1003, but may ignore the user's selection of the specific post-processing.

[0073] In this embodiment, the selection of certain post-processing steps is prohibited in the foil printing mode, which reduces the likelihood of foil processing defects and reduces the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0074] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which the selection of the foil printing mode and the selection of the post-processing can be performed in the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 also restricts the selection of the predetermined post-processing.

[0075] 11 shows the controller of the image forming system 1. The mode determination unit 462 and the post-processing restriction unit 801 are implemented by the CPU 401. The mode determination unit 462 analyzes the print job to determine whether the print mode is set to foil printing mode. Alternatively, the mode determination unit 462 determines whether the print mode is set to foil printing mode based on an instruction input through the operation unit 40. If the foil printing mode is selected, the post-processing restriction unit 801 restricts the selection of a predetermined post-processing in the UI displayed on the operation unit 40.

[0076] FIG. 12 shows a control method executed by the CPU 401 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0077] In S1201, the CPU 401 (mode determination unit 462) determines whether or not the foil printing mode is selected as the printing mode. If the foil printing mode is selected, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1201 to S1202.

[0078] In S1202, the CPU 401 (post-processing restriction unit 801, UI unit 411) displays on the operation unit 40 a UI that restricts the selection of post-processing.

[0079] In S1203, the CPU 401 (UI unit 411) accepts other settings (for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, number of copies).

[0080] In S1204, the CPU 401 (print control unit 413, post-processing control unit 414) executes printing according to the print job. In principle, when the printing mode is foil printing mode, the specified post-processing cannot be selected. Therefore, when the printing mode is foil printing mode, the specified post-processing is not applied.

[0081] In some cases, the normal print mode is selected in step S1201. In this case, the CPU 401 advances the process from step S1201 to step S1211.

[0082] In S1211, the CPU 401 (post-processing restriction unit 801, UI unit 411) displays a UI that does not restrict the selection of post-processing on the operation unit 40. That is, the user can select a predetermined post-processing through this UI. Thereafter, the CPU 401 executes S1203 and S1204.

[0083] 13 shows a setting UI 1300 displayed on the operation unit 40. The setting UI 1300 has a button 1301 for selecting the foil printing mode.

[0084] 14 shows a setting UI 1400 for the foil printing mode that is displayed on the operation unit 40 when the button 1301 is pressed. The post-processing selection unit 1408 displays a list containing multiple types of post-processing, allowing the user to select one of the types. In this case, the selection of a specific post-processing is restricted by the post-processing restriction unit 801. Note that when the normal printing mode is selected, the post-processing restriction unit 801 displays a setting UI 1400 on the operation unit 40 that does not restrict the selection of a specific post-processing.

[0085] In FIG. 14, the selection of a predetermined post-processing is restricted by graying out the post-processing. However, this is merely one example. The post-processing restriction unit 801 may delete the predetermined post-processing from the listed options. As a result, the predetermined post-processing is no longer displayed in the post-processing selection unit 1003, and the user will no longer be able to select the predetermined post-processing. The post-processing restriction unit 801 may display the predetermined post-processing in the post-processing selection unit 1003, but may ignore the user's selection of the predetermined post-processing.

[0086] In this embodiment, the selection of certain post-processing steps is prohibited in the foil printing mode, which reduces the likelihood of foil processing defects and reduces the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0087] <Technical concepts derived from the embodiments> (Items 1, 11) The image forming unit 20 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and is an example of an image forming unit that forms a toner image on the sheet S as an adhesive. The CPUs 401 and 451 may function as control units that control the image forming unit and the post-processing unit 170. The CPUs 401 and 451, the operation unit 40, and the input device 455 function as selection units that select a first mode for forming a toner image for adhering foil to the sheet via the toner image. The CPUs 401 and 451, the operation unit 40, and the input device 455 function as reception units that receive information related to post-processing. When the first mode is selected, the CPUs 401 and 451, the operation unit 40, and the display device 454 function as display units that display a warning in accordance with the information related to post-processing. This reduces the possibility of problems occurring when forming the foil. (Items 2 and 3) The CPU 401, 451 restricts the application of predetermined post-processing (e.g., stapling, binding, folding) by the post-processing device 170 to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed as an adhesive. This reduces the wasteful consumption of consumables when forming a foil image in an image forming system capable of performing post-processing. The predetermined post-processing that is the target of the warning includes post-processing that inhibits the foil printing device 120 from adhering to the sheet S. The predetermined post-processing includes, for example, stapling, binding, or folding. (Item 4) The foil printing mode is an example of a first mode in which a toner image is formed to be used as an adhesive for adhering foil to the sheet S. The normal printing mode is an example of a second mode in which a toner image is formed that is not used as an adhesive for foil. When the first mode is selected, the CPU 401, 451 may restrict the application of a predetermined post-processing by the post-processing device 170 to the sheet S, and when the second mode is selected, the CPU 401, 451 may allow the application of the predetermined post-processing by the post-processing device 170 to the sheet S. (Item 5) As described in the third and fourth embodiments, the CPUs 401 and 451 may limit the application of predetermined post-processing to the sheets S by the post-processing device 170 by limiting the selection of predetermined post-processing by the operator.

[0088] The CPU 401 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 451 is provided in the information processing apparatus 450. (Item 6) As described in the first and second embodiments, when the formation of a toner image as an adhesive on the sheet S and the application of a predetermined post-processing are selected, the CPU 401, 451 may disable (cancel) the application of the predetermined post-processing. This prevents defective foil printing and unnecessary consumption of consumables due to human error. (Item 7) The CPU 401 may enable (restore) the application of the predetermined post-processing when the formation of the toner image as an adhesive on the sheet S is completed. This will reduce the burden on the user of restoring the predetermined post-processing. (Item 8) When the first mode is selected, the CPU 401, 451 may function as a control means that controls the reception means so that the reception means can select a first post-processing as post-processing, but cannot select a second post-processing that is different from the first post-processing. (Item 9) The operation unit 40 and the display device 454 function as a display means for displaying a plurality of post-processing options. The operation unit 40 and the display device 454 may display the second post-processing option so that it cannot be selected, may delete a predetermined post-processing option from the second post-processing options, or may ignore the selection of the second post-processing option from the displayed plurality of post-processing options. (Item 10) When the first mode is selected, the CPU 401, 451 may deselect a second post-processing different from the first post-processing, without deselecting the first post-processing as the post-processing selected by the reception means.

[0089] The job sending unit 466 and the communication circuit 453 function as a sending means that sends to the image forming apparatus 100 a job for forming a toner image on the sheet S as an adhesive for adhering the foil to the sheet S in the foil printing apparatus 120. The CPU 451 functions as a control means that controls the image forming apparatus 100 through the sending means. The CPU 451 may restrict the application of a predetermined post-processing to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed as an adhesive by the image forming apparatus 100. Note that, when the application of the predetermined post-processing is restricted, the CPU 451 may display warning information on the operation unit 40 or the display device 454 of the information processing apparatus 450. The warning information includes, for example, text or an image indicating that the predetermined post-processing is restricted in the foil printing mode.

[0090] When the formation of a toner image as an adhesive on the sheet S and the application of a predetermined post-processing are selected, the CPU 451 may disable the application of the predetermined post-processing.

[0091] The CPU 451 may limit the application of predetermined post-processing to the sheet S by limiting the selection of predetermined post-processing by the operator.

[0092] The image forming unit 20 is an example of an image forming means that forms a toner image on the sheet S, which is used in the foil printing device 120 as an adhesive for adhering the foil to the sheet S. The main control unit 101 and the CPU 401 are examples of a control means that controls the image forming unit 20. The CPU 401 may restrict the application of a predetermined post-processing to the sheet S on which the toner image is formed as an adhesive by the image forming unit 20. When the application of the predetermined post-processing is restricted, the CPU 401 may display warning information on the operation unit 40 or the display device 454 of the information processing device 450. The warning information includes, for example, text or an image indicating that the predetermined post-processing is restricted in the foil printing mode.

[0093] When the formation of a toner image as an adhesive on the sheet S and the application of a predetermined post-processing are selected, the CPU 401 may disable the application of the predetermined post-processing.

[0094] The CPU 401 may limit the application of predetermined post-processing to the sheet S by limiting the selection of predetermined post-processing by the operator.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made 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]

[0096] 1: Image forming system, 100: Image forming device, 120: Foil printing device, 40: Operation unit, 20: Image forming unit

Claims

1. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; an image forming means for forming the toner image on the sheet; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a display means for displaying a warning in accordance with information about the post-processing when the first mode is selected by the selection means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the post-processing that is the target of the warning includes post-processing that inhibits adhesion of the foil to the sheet by a foil printing device.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the post-processing that is the subject of the warning includes stapling, binding, or folding.

4. the selection means accepts selection of either the first mode or a second mode in which a toner image is formed that is not used as an adhesive for the foil; The image forming apparatus further comprises:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first mode is selected, application of the post-processing that is the subject of the warning by the post-processing device to the sheet is restricted, and when the second mode is selected, application of the post-processing by the post-processing device to the sheet is permitted.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit that limits application of the post-processing that is the target of the warning by the post-processing device to the sheet by limiting selection of the post-processing that is the target of the warning by an operator.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for disabling application of the post-processing that is the subject of the warning when forming the toner image as an adhesive on the sheet and applying the post-processing that is the subject of the warning are selected.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit enables application of the post-processing that is the subject of the warning when the formation of the toner image as the adhesive on the sheet is completed.

8. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; an image forming means for forming the toner image on the sheet; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a control means for controlling, when the first mode is selected by the selection means, the acceptance means to select a first post-processing as post-processing but not to select a second post-processing different from the first post-processing; An image forming apparatus comprising:

9. further comprising a display means for displaying a plurality of post-processing options; The control means The display means displays the second post-processing so that it cannot be selected, or removing the second post-processing from the plurality of post-processings, or ignoring the selection of the second post-processing from the plurality of post-processings displayed on the display means; The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the selection of the second post-processing by an operator is restricted by selecting the first post-processing.

10. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; an image forming means for forming the toner image on the sheet; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a control means for performing control such that, when the first mode is selected by the selection means, a first post-processing as the post-processing selected by the acceptance means is not deselected, and a second post-processing different from the first post-processing is deselected; An image forming apparatus comprising:

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a foil printing device that adheres a foil to the sheet via a toner image formed on the sheet by the image forming device; An image forming system comprising:

12. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a display means for displaying a warning in accordance with information about the post-processing when the first mode is selected by the selection means; An information processing device having the above.

13. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a control means for controlling, when the first mode is selected by the selection means, the acceptance means to select a first post-processing as post-processing but not to select a second post-processing different from the first post-processing; An information processing device having the above.

14. a selection means for selecting a first mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; a receiving means for receiving information regarding post-processing; a control means for performing control such that, when the first mode is selected by the selection means, a first post-processing as the post-processing selected by the acceptance means is not deselected, and a second post-processing different from the first post-processing is deselected; An information processing device having the above.

Images