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

Abstract

To reduce possibility of occurrence of a failure in adhesion of a foil according to basis weight of a sheet.MEANS: Selection means selects a predetermined print mode for forming a toner image for bonding a foil onto a sheet via the toner image. Image forming means forms the toner image on the sheet. Receiving means receives information on basis weight of the sheet. Display means displays a warning according to the information on the basis weight of the sheet when the predetermined print mode is selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, 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 the foil is adhered to the sheet via the toner, there is a risk that problems may occur in the adhesion of the foil depending on the basis weight of the sheet. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of problems occurring in the adhesion of the foil depending on the basis weight of the sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, a selection means for selecting a predetermined printing 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 the basis weight of the sheet; a display means for displaying a warning in accordance with the information regarding the basis weight of the sheet when the predetermined printing 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 in the adhesion of the foil depending on the basis weight of the sheet 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] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 4] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 6] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 7] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 8] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 9] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 11] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 12] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 14] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 15] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 17] A diagram illustrating an image forming system [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating an image forming system 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 is wound around the supply reel 131. The foil sheet 150 includes a foil and a film-like holding member that holds the foil. 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. Relationship between basis weight and sheet wrinkles As the basis weight of the sheet S decreases, the stiffness of the sheet S decreases. As a result, the sheet S is more likely to wrinkle. The sheet S passes through a nip (contact area) formed by the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122. The direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S is called the width direction. The nip width (the length of the contact area in the conveying direction) at each position in this width direction is not completely equal. Differences occur in the conveying speed at each position in the width direction of the sheet S, and stress is applied to the sheet S. In particular, if the stiffness is low, the effect of stress due to differences in conveying speed is more likely to become apparent in the sheet S, making it more likely to wrinkle.

[0031] On the other hand, if the basis weight of the sheet S is too high, the stiffness of the sheet S increases, and the resistance to conveyance applied to the conveyance guide increases. As a result, feeding or conveyance problems (conveyance delays, conveyance failures, jams, etc.) are more likely to occur. Therefore, the basis weight of the sheet S must be within a range that is less likely to cause wrinkles and conveyance problems. For example, the basis weight range is 90 g / m^2 or more and 350 g / m^2 or less. "^" is an arithmetic symbol that represents exponentiation.

[0032] 1-6.Foil printing mode The type of sheet S on which a toner image can be formed by the image forming apparatus 100 (e.g., size, thickness, basis weight, presence or absence of surface coating, etc.) may not match the type of sheet S that can be foil processed by the foil printing apparatus 120. Therefore, the foil printing apparatus 120 may not be able to use a sheet S on which an image has been printed by the image forming apparatus 100 in the normal printing mode. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with a foil printing mode in which a toner image is formed on a sheet S that can be foil processed by the foil printing apparatus 120.

[0033] 3(A) and 3(B) are diagrams showing a user interface (UI) 300 for instructing the image forming apparatus 100 to execute a print job from the operation unit 40 or a PC. Tab 301 is a setting screen for the normal printing mode. Tab 302 is a setting screen for the foil printing mode. In FIG. 3(A), the normal printing mode is selected. In FIG. 3(B), the foil printing mode is selected. In this way, tabs 301 and 302 function as means for selecting, specifying, or switching between modes.

[0034] Menu 303 is a menu for specifying the image output method (e.g., print, send, save). Menu 304 is a menu for selecting the document size. Menu 305 is a menu for selecting the image output size for sheet S. Menu 306 is a menu for selecting the page layout (e.g., 1 in 1, 2 in 1). Menu 307 is a menu for selecting single-sided printing or double-sided printing. Setting section 308 is a UI for selecting whether to staple, whether to group, or whether to sort. Print button 321 is a button for instructing printing to be performed. Cancel button 322 is a button for canceling printing.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3B, menu 311 is a menu for selecting one of multiple cassettes 5 from which to feed sheet S. When multiple cassettes 5 are present, the type of sheet S can be changed by switching the cassette 5. Basis weight selection unit 312 displays a list of options for selecting the type of sheet S and accepts selection of one type from the multiple options. Here, the types are displayed by basis weight and the general name of the type corresponding to that basis weight (e.g., plain paper, thin paper, thick paper). For example, the basis weight of plain paper is 90 g / m^2 or more and 105 g / m^2 or less. The basis weight of thin paper is 60 g / m^2 or more and 63 g / m^2 or less. The basis weight of thick paper is 350 g / m^2 or more and 360 g / m^2 or less. These are merely examples.

[0036] Incidentally, the foil printing device 120 may not recommend foil processing on thin paper and thick paper. In this case, the basis weight selection unit 312 may highlight options (e.g., thin paper, thick paper) that are outside the basis weight range recommended by the foil printing device 120 to alert the user (operator).

[0037] 1-7. 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 forms a toner image on the sheet S. The foil processing control unit 414 is an option when the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printing device 120 can be connected. The foil processing control unit 414 controls the foil printing device 120 in accordance with the print job, and applies foil printing to the sheet S output from the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the foil printing device 120 may be a stand-alone device that is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100 or the information processing device 450.

[0041] One or more functions described as being implemented by the CPU 401 may be implemented 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The CPU 451 has a UI unit 461, a mode determination unit 462, a basis weight acquisition unit 463, a basis weight determination unit 464, a warning unit 465, and a job transmission unit 466. The mode determination unit 462 determines whether the user has specified a foil printing mode in which a toner image (glue image) for foil printing is formed on the sheet S, or a normal printing mode in which a normal toner image not for foil printing is formed. The UI unit 461 displays a setting screen on the display device 454. The mode may be selected in advance via the setting screen. The basis weight acquisition unit 463 acquires the basis weight of the sheet S selected or specified by the user via the setting screen displayed on the display device 454 by the UI unit 461. The basis weight acquisition unit 463 acquires the basis weight range recommended for the image forming apparatus 100 (recommended basis weight range) from the image forming apparatus 100, and acquires the recommended basis weight range for the foil printing apparatus 120 from the foil printing apparatus 120. The recommended basis weight range may be obtained via communication circuit 453 from a web page introducing image forming apparatus 100 or foil printing apparatus 120. Alternatively, the recommended basis weight range may be obtained from memory 452. When foil printing mode is selected, basis weight determination unit 464 determines whether the basis weight specified by the user is within the recommended basis weight range of image forming apparatus 100 and the recommended basis weight range of foil printing apparatus 120. The intersection (intersection) of the recommended basis weight range of image forming apparatus 100 and the recommended basis weight range of foil printing apparatus 120 may be referred to as the common recommended basis weight range or appropriate range. In this case, basis weight determination unit 464 may determine whether the basis weight specified by the user is outside the appropriate range. If the basis weight specified by the user is outside the appropriate range, warning unit 465 outputs warning information via display device 454 or operation unit 40. Job sending unit 466 creates a print job that reflects the print mode and basis weight specified by the user, and sends the print job to image forming apparatus 100 via communication circuit 453. The print job is control data that may include information about the print mode, information about the basis weight, image data, and the like.

[0044] 1-8.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.

[0045] 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, the image forming apparatus 100 can form a toner image on a sheet S with a basis weight specified within the recommended basis weight range of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the CPU 451 proceeds from S501 to S506. If the selected printing mode is the foil printing mode, it is recommended that the specified basis weight be within an appropriate range. Therefore, the CPU 451 proceeds from S501 to S502.

[0046] In S502, the CPU 451 (basis weight acquisition unit 463) acquires the basis weight selected by the user. The basis weight selected by the user may be acquired in real time via the input screen displayed on the display device 454 and the input device 455. Alternatively, a basis weight that has been input in advance via the input device 455 and stored in the memory 452 may be read out. Alternatively, the basis weight acquisition unit 463 may communicate with the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 453 and acquire the basis weight of the sheet S set in the image forming apparatus 100. This is because the basis weight that the user can ultimately specify is the basis weight of the sheet S stored in the cassette 5 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0047] In S503, the CPU 451 (basis weight determination unit 464) determines whether the basis weight specified by the user is outside the appropriate range. If the basis weight specified by the user is within the appropriate range, the CPU 451 proceeds from S503 to S506. If the basis weight specified by the user is outside the appropriate range, the CPU 451 proceeds from S503 to S504.

[0048] In S504, the CPU 451 (warning unit 465) outputs warning information to the display device 454 or the operation unit 40. The warning information may be visual information, acoustic information, or a combination of these.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows an example of a warning UI 600 that outputs warning information. The warning message 601 indicates that the basis weight specified by the user is outside the appropriate range, and includes a query as to whether to continue printing. The check box 602 is a check box for restricting the re-display of the warning UI 600. The continue button 603 is a button for instructing to continue forming the toner image with the unrecommended basis weight. The change basis weight button 604 is a button for displaying a UI (e.g., tab 302) for changing the basis weight.

[0050] In S505, the CPU 451 (UI unit 461) determines whether the user has instructed to continue printing. If the user has instructed to continue printing, the CPU 451 advances the process from S505 to S506. If the user has instructed to change the basis weight, the CPU 451 advances the process from S505 to S502. In this case, the user changes the basis weight in S502.

[0051] In S506, the CPU 451 (UI unit 461) determines whether a print instruction has been input by the user. For example, it may be detected whether the print button 321 has been pressed. When a print instruction has been input, the CPU 451 advances the process from S506 to S507. On the other hand, when the cancel button 322 has been pressed, the CPU 451 cancels the printing.

[0052] In S507, 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 with a specified basis weight is sent to image forming apparatus 100.

[0053] In this way, in the first embodiment, if a user specifies a basis weight outside the appropriate range due to human error in foil printing mode, warning information is output. This makes it less likely that a sheet S outside the appropriate range will be fed into the foil printing device 120, reducing the likelihood of transport problems or wrinkles. As a result, the productivity of the image forming system 1 including the foil printing device 120 is improved. In addition, wasteful consumption of consumables (e.g., sheet S, foil sheet 150) will be reduced.

[0054] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the basis weight is determined in the information processing device 450 and the warning information is output, but the basis weight may be determined in the image forming device 100 and the warning information may be output. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the latter will be described in detail.

[0055] 7 shows a setting UI 700 displayed on the operation unit 40. The setting UI 700 has a button 701 for selecting the foil printing mode. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate components that have the same or similar functions as those already described.

[0056] 8 shows a UI 800 for setting the foil printing mode, which is displayed on the operation unit 40 when the button 701 is pressed. The basis weight selection unit 312 displays a list containing multiple types (basis weights) and allows the user to select one of the basis weights. Here, non-recommended basis weights (basis weights outside the appropriate range) are highlighted, but the non-recommended basis weights can still be selected.

[0057] 9 shows the controller of the image forming system 1. The above-described mode determination unit 462, basis weight acquisition unit 463, basis weight determination unit 464, and warning unit 465 are implemented by the CPU 401 of the image forming apparatus 100. A job sending unit 466 of the information processing apparatus 450 sends a print job including a print mode and details of post-processing to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0058] 10 shows a control method executed by the CPU 401 in accordance with a control program, which is stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 402.

[0059] In S1000, CPU 401 receives a print job from information processing device 450 via communication circuit 403. If image forming device 100 is a copier or multifunction peripheral, the print job (copy job) is input from operation unit 40 and issued by CPU 401 based on an instruction.

[0060] In S1001, the CPU 401 (mode determination unit 462) analyzes the print job and determines whether the print mode is the foil printing mode. Alternatively, if no print mode is specified in the print job, the mode determination unit 462 determines whether the print mode set via the operation unit 40 (e.g., button 701) is the foil printing mode. If the print mode is the foil printing mode, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1001 to S1002. If the print mode is the normal printing mode, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1001 to S1006.

[0061] In S1002, the CPU 401 (basis weight acquisition unit 463) acquires the basis weight specified by the user from the print job or the memory 402. The basis weight may be selected via the basis weight selection unit 312 of the setting UI 800, and the basis weight may be stored in the memory 402.

[0062] In S1003, the CPU 401 (basis weight determination unit 464) determines whether the acquired basis weight is outside the appropriate range. The basis weight determination unit 464 may determine the intersection of the recommended basis weight range of the image forming apparatus 100 and the recommended basis weight range of the foil printing apparatus 120 as the appropriate range. Alternatively, the basis weight determination unit 464 may determine the recommended basis weight range of the foil printing apparatus 120 as the appropriate range. If the acquired basis weight is outside the appropriate range, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1003 to S1004. If the acquired basis weight is within the appropriate range, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1003 to S1006.

[0063] In S1004, the CPU 401 (warning unit 465) outputs warning information to the operation unit 40 or the display device 454 of the information processing device 450. For example, the warning unit 465 may display a warning UI 600 on the operation unit 40 or the display device 454.

[0064] In S1005, the CPU 401 (UI unit 461) determines whether the user has instructed to continue printing. When the continue button 603 is pressed, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1005 to S1006. When the change basis weight button 604 is pressed, the CPU 401 advances the process from S1005 to S1011 and acquires the changed basis weight from the user.

[0065] In S1006, the CPU 401 (print control unit 413) executes a 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. 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.

[0066] In this way, in the second embodiment, if a user specifies a basis weight outside the appropriate range due to human error in foil printing mode, warning information is output. This makes it less likely that a sheet S outside the appropriate range will be fed into the foil printing device 120, reducing the likelihood of transport problems or wrinkles. As a result, the productivity of the image forming system 1 including the foil printing device 120 is improved. In addition, wasteful consumption of consumables (e.g., sheet S, foil sheet 150) will be reduced.

[0067] Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the user is allowed to specify a basis weight outside the appropriate range even in the foil printing mode. However, this is merely an example. For example, if the foil printing mode is selected by the user, a UI may be provided that prevents the user from selecting a basis weight outside the appropriate range.

[0068] FIG. 11 shows the tab 302 for foil printing mode. In foil printing mode, the selection of basis weights outside the appropriate range should be restricted. Therefore, the CPU 451 grays out certain basis weights in the basis weight selection section 312. This makes it impossible to select a basis weight outside the appropriate range. The CPU 451 may also delete basis weights outside the appropriate range from the listed options. As a result, basis weights outside the appropriate range will no longer be displayed in the basis weight selection section 312, and the user will no longer be able to select a basis weight outside the appropriate range. The CPU 451 displays basis weights outside the appropriate range in the basis weight selection section 312, but may ignore the user's selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range.

[0069] 12 shows the controller of the image forming system 1. Here, the CPU 451 has a basis weight restriction unit 1201 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 basis weight restriction unit 1201 restricts or prohibits the selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range in the UI displayed on the display device 454 by the UI unit 461.

[0070] 13 shows a control method executed by the CPU 451 of the information processing device 450. The CPU 451 executes the following processes in accordance with a printer driver program stored in the memory 452.

[0071] In S1301, 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 S1301 to S1302.

[0072] In S1302, the CPU 451 (basis weight limiting unit 1201, UI unit 461) displays on the display device 454 a UI that limits the selection of basis weights outside the appropriate range.

[0073] In S1303, the CPU 451 (UI unit 461) accepts other settings (for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, number of copies).

[0074] In S1304, CPU 451 (job sending unit 466) sends the print job to image forming apparatus 100. When the printing mode is foil printing mode, it is, in principle, impossible to select a basis weight outside the appropriate range. Therefore, when the printing mode is foil printing mode, a print job is created in which a basis weight outside the appropriate range is not applied.

[0075] In some cases, the normal print mode is selected in step S1301. In this case, the CPU 451 advances the process from step S1301 to step S1311.

[0076] In S1311, the CPU 451 (basis weight limiting unit 1201, UI unit 461) displays on the display device 454 a UI that does not limit basis weights outside the recommended basis weight range based on the specifications of the foil printing device 120. In other words, the user can select a basis weight that is outside the recommended basis weight range of the foil printing device 120 but is within the recommended basis weight range of the image forming device 100. Selection of basis weights outside the recommended basis weight range of the image forming device 100 may still be restricted. Thereafter, the CPU 451 executes S1303 and S1304.

[0077] In this way, in this embodiment, the selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range is prohibited in the foil printing mode. This reduces the occurrence of conveyance problems and wrinkles, improves foil processing productivity, and reduces the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0078] <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 basis weight can be performed in the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the restriction on the selection of the basis weight is also performed in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0079] 14 shows the setting UI 800 for the foil printing mode that is displayed on the operation unit 40 when the button 701 is pressed. The basis weight selection unit 312 displays a list containing multiple basis weights, allowing the user to select one of them. Here, the selection of basis weights outside the appropriate range is restricted. Note that when the normal printing mode is selected, the basis weight selection unit 312 displays the setting UI 800 on the operation unit 40, which does not restrict the selection of basis weights outside the appropriate range.

[0080] In FIG. 14, the selection of basis weights outside the appropriate range is restricted by graying out the basis weights. However, this is merely one example. The basis weight selection unit 312 may delete basis weights outside the appropriate range from the listed basis weights. As a result, basis weights outside the appropriate range are no longer displayed in the basis weight selection unit 312, and the user cannot select a basis weight outside the appropriate range. The CPU 401 displays basis weights outside the appropriate range in the basis weight selection unit 312, but may ignore the user's selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range.

[0081] 15 shows the controller of the image forming system 1. The mode determination unit 462 and the basis weight restriction unit 1201 are implemented by the CPU 401. The mode determination unit 462 analyzes the print job to determine whether the printing mode is set to foil printing mode. Alternatively, the mode determination unit 462 determines whether the printing 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 basis weight restriction unit 1201 restricts the selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range in the UI displayed on the operation unit 40.

[0082] FIG. 16 shows a control method executed by the CPU 401 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0083] In S1601, 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 S1601 to S1602.

[0084] In S1602, the CPU 401 (basis weight limiting unit 1201, UI unit 411) displays on the operation unit 40 a UI that limits the selection of basis weights outside the appropriate range.

[0085] In S1603, the CPU 401 (UI unit 411) accepts other settings (for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, number of copies to be printed).

[0086] In S1604, the CPU 401 (print control unit 413) executes printing according to the print job. Here, if the printing mode is foil printing mode, it is theoretically impossible to select a basis weight outside the appropriate range. Therefore, if the printing mode is foil printing mode, a basis weight outside the appropriate range will not be applied.

[0087] In some cases, the normal print mode is selected in step S1601. In this case, the CPU 401 advances the process from step S1601 to step S1611.

[0088] In S1611, the CPU 401 (basis weight limiting unit 1201, UI unit 411) displays a UI on the operation unit 40 that does not restrict the selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range. In other words, the user can select a basis weight outside the appropriate range through this UI. As described above, the selection of a basis weight outside the recommended basis weight range of the image forming apparatus 100 may still be restricted. Thereafter, the CPU 401 executes S1603 and S1604.

[0089] In this way, in this embodiment, the selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range is prohibited in the foil printing mode. This reduces the occurrence of conveyance problems and wrinkles, improves foil processing productivity, and reduces the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0090] Fifth Embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, the foil printing device 120 is separate from the image forming apparatus 100. However, the foil printing device 120 may be coupled (connected) to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0091] 17 and 18 show an image forming system 1 including a foil printing device 120 and an image forming device 100 that are interconnected. FIG. 17 shows that the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 are in a contact state (foil processing state). FIG. 18 shows that the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 are in a separated state (state in which foil processing is not performed). In other words, the contact state is used in the foil printing mode. The separated state is used in the normal printing mode. Motor M1 is a motor for switching between the contact state and the separated state.

[0092] The foil processing control unit 414 controls the foil printing device 120. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from the information processing device 450, it forms a toner image on the area on the sheet S to which the foil processing is to be applied, and then causes the conveying unit 10 to convey the sheet S to the foil printing device 120.

[0093] The CPU 401 (foil processing control unit 414) controls the motor M1 to transition the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 from a separated state to a contact state. The foil printing device 120 thermo-pressure transfers the foil onto the toner image on the sheet S, and discharges the sheet S to the discharge tray 140. This forms a foil image on the sheet S. When the foil processing is completed, the CPU 401 (foil processing control unit 414) controls the motor M1 to transition the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 from a contact state to a separated state. This limits or prohibits foil processing on sheets S that do not require foil processing.

[0094] In this way, even if the foil printing device 120 and the image forming device 100 are connected, the inventions described in the first to fourth embodiments are applicable. As a result, the selection of a basis weight outside the appropriate range is prohibited in foil printing mode. This reduces the occurrence of conveyance problems and wrinkles, improving foil processing productivity. It also reduces the wasteful consumption of consumables.

[0095] <Technical concepts derived from the embodiments> (Items 1, 15) The image forming unit 20 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and is an example of an image forming means that forms a toner image on the sheet S as an adhesive. The CPUs 401 and 451 are examples of a control means that controls the image forming means. The CPUs 401 and 451, the operation unit 40, and the input device 455 function as a receiving means that receives information related to the sheet basis weight. When a predetermined printing mode is selected, the operation unit 40 and the display device 454 display a warning according to the information related to the sheet basis weight. This reduces the possibility of problems occurring in the adhesion of the foil depending on the sheet basis weight. (Item 2) The basis weight of the sheet S on which the toner image is formed as an adhesive by the image forming apparatus 100 may be a basis weight that is not recommended for the image forming system 1 (particularly the image forming apparatus 100 or the foil printing apparatus 120). In this case, the CPUs 401, 451 suppress printing of the toner image on the sheet. This reduces the occurrence of conveyance problems or wrinkles in the sheet S in the foil printing apparatus 120, improving productivity in the foil printing apparatus 120. An unrecommended basis weight is a basis weight outside the appropriate range and may also be called a non-recommended basis weight. A recommended basis weight may also be called a basis weight within the appropriate range.

[0096] If the accepted basis weight is not a recommended basis weight, the warning unit 465, the operation unit 40, and the display device 454 will display a warning. By outputting the warning information in this way, the user will be aware of basis weights that are not recommended for the foil printing device 120 and will refrain from selecting such basis weights. (Item 3) The acquired basis weight may be a basis weight that is not recommended for the foil printing apparatus 120 (non-recommended basis weight). In this case, the CPUs 401, 451, operation unit 40, input device 455, and warning UI 600 function as a receiving unit that receives input of instruction information regarding whether or not to continue forming a toner image on the sheet S by the image forming apparatus 100. Because the basis weight of the sheet S varies widely, there may be a sheet S with a non-recommended basis weight that does not cause transport problems or wrinkles in the foil printing apparatus 120. The user may be aware of such sheets S from experience. For such users, allowing the continuation of printing improves usability. (Item 4) As described using Figure 6, when instruction information indicating to continue forming a toner image on sheet S is input, image forming apparatus 100 may continue forming a toner image on sheet S having a basis weight outside the recommended basis weight range. (Item 5) 6, the change basis weight button 604 is an example of a receiving means for receiving input of instruction information regarding whether to change the basis weight of the sheet S when the acquired basis weight is a non-recommended basis weight. This changes the basis weight of the sheet S from a non-recommended basis weight to a recommended basis weight, which will reduce the likelihood of foil processing defects. (Item 6) As illustrated in Figures 3(B) and 5, when instruction information indicating that the basis weight of the sheet S is to be changed is input, the operation unit 40 and the display device 454 may display a screen (e.g., UI300, setting UI800) for changing or resetting the basis weight of the sheet S. (Item 7) The basis weight acquisition unit 463 may acquire the basis weight of the sheet S on which a toner image is formed as an adhesive by the image forming apparatus 100 through a screen for setting the basis weight of the sheet S (for example, the UI 300 or the setting UI 800). (Item 8) 3(B) and 8, the screen may visually distinguish between basis weights that are not recommended for the image forming apparatus 100 or the foil printing apparatus 120 and basis weights that are recommended for the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printing apparatus 120. This will allow the user to visually understand the difference between the recommended basis weights and the unrecommended basis weights. (Item 9) The unrecommended basis weight may be, for example, a basis weight that causes poor conveyance in the image forming system 1 or a basis weight that causes wrinkles in the sheet S in the image forming system 1. (Item 10) The recommended basis weight range for the image forming system 1 may be 90 g / m^2 or more and 350 g / m^2 or less. The basis weight not recommended for the image forming system 1 may be a basis weight outside the recommended basis weight range (e.g., a basis weight less than 90 g / m^2 or more than 350 g / m^2). These values ​​are merely examples. The recommended basis weight range is set according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printing apparatus 120.

[0097] The basis weights not recommended for the image forming system 1 may also be basis weights not recommended for the foil printing device 120. This will reduce transport problems and wrinkles in the foil printing device 120. (Item 11) The basis weight not recommended in the image forming system 1 may be the union of the basis weight range not recommended in the foil printing device 120 and the basis weight range not recommended in the image forming device 100. This will reduce the occurrence of conveyance problems and wrinkles in the image forming device 100, and will also reduce the occurrence of conveyance problems and wrinkles in the foil printing device 120. Note that the appropriate range in the image forming system 1 may be the intersection (intersection) of the recommended basis weight range of the foil printing device 120 and the recommended basis weight range of the image forming device 100. (Item 12) 3B, 8, 11, and 14, the tab 302 and the setting UI 800 are an example of a receiving unit that receives input of the basis weight of the sheet S on which a toner image is formed. The CPU 401, 451 may restrict input of a non-recommended basis weight through the receiving unit. (Item 13) 11 and 14, tab 302 and setting UI 800 are an example of a screen for receiving input of basis weight information (e.g., plain paper, 90 g / m^2 to 105 g / m^2) indicating the basis weight of the sheet on which a toner image is formed. Tab 302 and setting UI 800 may not display non-recommended basis weights as selectable candidates (e.g., grayed out), but may display recommended basis weights as selectable candidates. (Item 14) When a predetermined printing mode is selected, the CPU 401 may control the receiving means so that a sheet of a first basis weight can be selected, but a sheet of a second basis weight different from the first basis weight cannot be selected. (Item 16) The communication circuit 453 functions as a sending means that sends a job to the image forming apparatus 100 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 communication circuit 453. The CPU 451 may also function as a selection means that selects a predetermined printing mode for forming a toner image for adhering the foil to the sheet via the toner image. The CPU 451 may also function as a receiving means that receives information regarding the basis weight of the sheet. The CPU 451 may also function as a display control means that displays a warning on a display means in accordance with the information regarding the basis weight of the sheet when a predetermined printing mode is selected. (Item 17) When receiving information about the basis weight of a sheet, a predetermined print mode may be selected. In this case, the CPU 451 may allow a sheet of a first basis weight to be selected, but may not allow a sheet of a second basis weight different from the first basis weight to be selected.

[0098] 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]

[0099] 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 predetermined printing 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 the basis weight of the sheet; a display means for displaying a warning in accordance with the information regarding the basis weight of the sheet when the predetermined printing mode is selected by the selection means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the warning when the basis weight is a basis weight that is not recommended for the image forming apparatus or the foil printing apparatus.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving means is configured to receive input of instruction information regarding whether or not to continue forming the toner image on the sheet by the image forming apparatus when the basis weight is the non-recommended basis weight.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the instruction information indicating that the formation of the toner image on the sheet should be continued is input, the image forming apparatus continues forming the toner image on the sheet having the unrecommended basis weight.

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the accepting unit is configured to accept input of instruction information regarding whether or not to change the basis weight of the sheet when the basis weight is the non-recommended basis weight.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display means is configured to display a screen for changing or resetting the basis weight of the sheet when the instruction information indicating that the basis weight of the sheet is to be changed is input.

7. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the accepting unit acquires the basis weight of the sheet on which the toner image is to be formed as an adhesive for the foil by the image forming apparatus through a screen for setting the basis weight of the sheet.

8. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the screen visually distinguishes between basis weights not recommended for the image forming apparatus or foil printing apparatus and basis weights recommended for the image forming apparatus and the foil printing apparatus.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the basis weight that is not recommended for the image forming apparatus or foil printing apparatus is a basis weight that causes transport problems in the image forming apparatus or foil printing apparatus, or a basis weight that causes wrinkles in the sheet in the image forming apparatus or foil printing apparatus.

10. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a recommended basis weight range recommended for the image forming apparatus and the foil printing apparatus is 90 g / m^2 or more and 350 g / m^2 or less, and a basis weight not recommended for the image forming apparatus or the foil printing apparatus is a basis weight outside the recommended basis weight range.

11. 3. The image forming apparatus of claim 2, wherein the unrecommended basis weight is a union of a basis weight range unrecommended for the foil printing apparatus and a basis weight range unrecommended for the image forming apparatus, and the recommended basis weight is a common part of a basis weight range recommended for the foil printing apparatus and a basis weight range recommended for the image forming apparatus.

12. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that controls the accepting unit so that input of the non-recommended basis weight is restricted.

13. the display means is configured to display a screen for receiving input of basis weight information indicating the basis weight of the sheet on which the toner image is formed by the image forming means, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the warning is displayed, the display unit does not display the non-recommended basis weights as selectable candidates on the screen, but displays the recommended basis weights as selectable candidates.

14. a selection means for selecting a predetermined printing mode from a plurality of printing modes, which forms a 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 the basis weight of the sheet; a control means for controlling the receiving means so that, when the predetermined print mode is selected by the selection means, a sheet of a first basis weight can be selected by the receiving means, but a sheet of a second basis weight different from the first basis weight cannot be selected by the receiving means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, 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:

16. a transmitting means for transmitting a job for forming a toner image on a sheet as an adhesive for adhering a foil to the sheet in the foil printing device to an image forming device; a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus through the transmission unit, The control means a selection means for selecting a predetermined printing mode for forming the toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; a receiving means for receiving information regarding the basis weight of the sheet; a display control means for causing a display means to display a warning in accordance with the information on the basis weight of the sheet when the predetermined print mode is selected by the selection means; An information processing device having the above.

17. a transmitting means for transmitting a job for forming a toner image on a sheet as an adhesive for adhering a foil to the sheet in the foil printing device to the image forming device; a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus through the transmission unit, The control means selecting a predetermined printing mode for forming a toner image for adhering the foil onto the sheet via the toner image; Accepting information regarding the basis weight of the sheet; An information processing device that, when the specified printing mode is selected when accepting information regarding the basis weight of the sheet, allows a sheet of a first basis weight to be selected and prevents a sheet of a second basis weight different from the first basis weight from being selected.

Images