Image formation system, image formation method and program

Abstract

To provide an image formation system, an image formation method and a program which can obtain a desired output object, while suppressing an image formation surface of a paper from mismatching with a lamination treatment surface, during lamination treatment.SOLUTION: An image formation system comprises: an image formation part 23 that forms an image on a paper; a lamination treatment part 41, arranged closer to a downstream side in a conveying direction of the paper than the image formation part 23, which executes lamination treatment to the paper having the image formed thereon; a setting part (operation part 252) that can set a job setting including at least one of a setting of the image formation surface of the paper and a setting of a direction of a surface of the paper on which an image is firstly formed of the paper at the time when the paper is ejected; and a control part 21 that determines whether the image formation surface set by the setting part matches with the lamination treatment surface of the paper or not.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a laminating apparatus that performs a laminating process to cover a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed with a transparent resin film. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a laminating device is disposed downstream of an image forming device, and laminating is performed on one side of a sheet after image formation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-73668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, image forming apparatuses allow users to specify job settings, such as the orientation of paper when ejecting (FU output, FD output) and the image formation side of the paper (single-sided, double-sided). However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is a configuration in which lamination processing is performed on only one side of the paper, and therefore there is a problem in that, depending on the contents of the job settings, the image forming side of the paper and the laminating side may not match.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an image forming system, an image forming method, and a program that can suppress incompatibility between the image forming surface of a sheet of paper and the laminating surface during lamination processing, thereby obtaining a desired output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In an image forming system, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a lamination processing unit that is disposed downstream of the image forming unit in a sheet conveying direction and that performs lamination processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed; a setting unit that can set job settings including at least one of a setting of an image forming side of the paper and a setting of an orientation at the time of paper ejection on the side on which an image is first formed; a control unit that determines whether the image forming surface set by the setting unit and the lamination processing surface of the paper coincide with each other; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match when at least the image forming surface set by the setting unit is not included in the laminating surface.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, when the laminated surface includes a surface of the paper that is not the image forming surface set by the setting unit, it determines that the image forming surface and the laminated surface do not match.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming system described in claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit prohibits the image forming unit from starting an image forming operation.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming system described in claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit displays a warning on a display unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming system described in claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit changes the job settings so that the image forming surface and the laminating surface match.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming system described in claim 1, a reversing unit disposed between the image forming unit and the laminating unit, which reverses the paper; an image reading unit disposed between the image forming unit and the reversing unit, for reading an image formed on a sheet of paper that has not passed through the image forming unit; Equipped with The control unit identifies the image forming surface based on the image read by the image reading unit, and if it determines that the identified image forming surface does not match the lamination processing surface, it inverts the front and back of the paper using the inversion unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The laminating unit is characterized in that it is configured so that a user can selectively attach laminating sheets to either one side or the other side of the paper transport path.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming system described in claim 8, The laminating unit is characterized in that it is configured so that the laminating sheets can be independently attached to the one side and the other side.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming system described in claim 8, The laminating unit is characterized in that it has a replaceable cartridge containing the laminating sheet on one side, the other side, or both sides.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the image forming system described in claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit displays a message on a display unit to prompt the user to change the job settings.

[0017] The invention described in claim 12 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, before the image forming unit forms an image, a print image and a screen for setting the job settings are displayed on a display unit.

[0018] The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming system described in claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit displays a message on the display unit to prompt the user to change the position of the laminating sheet.

[0019] The invention described in claim 14 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, before the image forming unit forms an image, the control unit causes the display unit to display a print image and a message prompting the user to change the position of the laminate sheet.

[0020] The invention described in claim 15 is the image forming system described in claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit displays a message on a display unit to prompt the user to change the laminating surface.

[0021] The invention described in claim 16 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, before the image forming unit forms an image, a print image and a screen for setting the lamination surface are displayed on a display unit.

[0022] The invention described in claim 17 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit controls the laminating unit to perform laminating only on specific pages or sheets designated by a user.

[0023] The invention described in claim 18 is An image forming method for an image forming system including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet of paper, a lamination processing unit that is disposed downstream of the image forming unit in a sheet transport direction and that performs lamination processing on the sheet of paper on which the image has been formed, and a setting unit that can set job settings including at least one of a setting for an image forming side of the sheet of paper and a setting for an orientation at the time of paper ejection of the side of the sheet on which an image is first formed, The control step includes determining whether the image forming surface set by the setting unit matches the lamination surface of the paper.

[0024] The invention described in claim 19 is a setting unit that can set job settings including at least one of a setting of an image forming side of the paper and a setting of an orientation of the side of the paper on which an image is first formed when the paper is ejected, the setting unit being configured to: The program is for causing the control unit to function as a control unit that determines whether the image formation surface set by the setting unit and the lamination processing surface of the paper match. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress mismatch between the image forming surface of the paper and the laminating surface during lamination processing, thereby obtaining a desired output product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job setting screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output setting selection screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a job setting screen in which a warning including a message prompting a user to change job settings is displayed. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation list. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation list. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation list. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a second modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning including a message urging the user to swap the print image and laminate sheet positions, displayed on the display unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print image and a screen for setting a lamination surface displayed on a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper feeder 10, an image forming device 20, a reversing device 30, and a laminating device 40.

[0029] The paper feed device 10 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 11 and a paper feed means (not shown), and feeds paper stored in the paper feed trays 11 to the image forming device 20. The paper feed means includes, for example, a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a delivery roller, etc. Each paper feed tray 11 stores paper by type (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.). The paper feed device 10 transports paper sheets stored in each paper feed tray 11 one by one to the image forming device 20, starting from the topmost sheet.

[0030] The image forming device 20 forms an image on a sheet based on the print data. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming device 20 includes a control unit 21, an image reading unit 22, an image forming unit 23, a memory unit 24, an operation panel 25, a conveying unit 26, a paper feeding unit 27, and a communication unit 28.

[0031] Control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. First, the CPU reads out various processing programs stored in ROM in response to various signals and loads them into RAM. The various signals are operation signals input from operation unit 252 and instruction signals received by communication unit 28. Next, the CPU comprehensively controls the operation of image forming apparatus 20 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into RAM.

[0032] The image reading unit 22 first scans and exposes an image of a document placed on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF) using the optical system of a scanning exposure device. Next, the image reading unit 22 reads the reflected light using a line image sensor to obtain an image signal. This image signal undergoes A / D conversion, shading correction, compression, and other processes, and is then input to the control unit 21 as image data.

[0033] Image forming unit 23 forms an image on a sheet of paper using an electrophotographic method based on print data. The print data is image data read by image reading unit 22 or image data received from an external device. Image forming unit 23 forms an image made up of four colors, C, M, Y, and K, on ​​the paper according to the pixel values ​​of the four colors of each pixel in the image data. The image forming unit 23 includes four writing units 231, an intermediate transfer belt 232, a secondary transfer roller 233, a fixing unit 234, and the like.

[0034] The four writing units 231 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 232 and form images of the respective colors of C, M, Y, and K. The writing units 231 have the same configuration except for the colors of the images they form. Each writing unit 231 includes an optical scanning unit 231a, a photosensitive member 231b, a developing unit 231c, a charging unit 231d, a cleaning unit 231e, and a primary transfer roller 231f.

[0035] When forming an image, each writing unit 231 first charges the photoconductor 231b using the charging unit 231d. Next, each writing unit 231 scans the photoconductor 231b with a light beam emitted from the optical scanning unit 231a based on image data, forming an electrostatic latent image. Next, each writing unit 231 causes the developing unit 231c to supply toner and develop the image. As a result, an image (monochrome toner image) is formed on the photoconductor 231b. Next, each writing unit 231 primarily transfers the images formed on the photoconductor 231b onto the intermediate transfer belt 232 by using the corresponding primary transfer roller 231f, superimposing the images one on top of the other. As a result, an image made up of each color (color toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 232. Next, each writing unit 231 causes the cleaning unit 231e to remove toner remaining on the photoconductor 231b. The intermediate transfer belt 232 is an image carrier that is wound around a plurality of rollers and rotates.

[0036] The image forming unit 23 feeds a sheet of paper from the paper feed tray T1 in time with the image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 232 reaching the position of the secondary transfer roller 233. The secondary transfer roller 233 is one of a pair of rollers, one of which presses against the intermediate transfer belt 232 and the other of which wraps around the intermediate transfer belt 232. Next, the image forming unit 23 performs a second transfer of the image (color toner image) from the intermediate transfer belt 232 onto the sheet of paper by the pressure of the secondary transfer roller 233. Next, the image forming unit 23 transports the sheet of paper to the fixing unit 234 for a fixing process. The fixing process is a process in which the fixing roller 234a applies heat and pressure to the sheet of paper to fix the image to the sheet of paper. When forming images on both sides of the sheet of paper, the image forming unit 23 transports the sheet of paper to the inversion path 235, inverts the sheet of paper, and then feeds the sheet of paper again to the position of the secondary transfer roller 233.

[0037] The storage unit 24 is a non-volatile storage means configured by an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 24 stores various programs, various setting data, etc. in a manner that allows the control unit 21 to read and write the data.

[0038] The operation panel 25 includes a display unit 251 that displays various information to the user, and an operation unit 252 that accepts operation inputs from the user.

[0039] The display unit 251 is configured with a color liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 251 displays operation screens, etc. (various setting screens, various buttons, operation status of each function, etc.) according to a display control signal input from the control unit 21.

[0040] The operation unit 252 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 251 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 251. When a button displayed on the screen is pressed with a finger, a touch pen, or the like, the operation unit 252 first detects the coordinates of the pressed position using a voltage value. Next, the operation unit 252 outputs an operation signal associated with the detected position to the control unit 21. Note that the touch panel is not limited to a pressure-sensitive type, and may be, for example, an electrostatic type or an optical type. When a hard key is pressed, the operation unit 252 outputs an operation signal associated with the pressed key to the control unit 21.

[0041] The operation unit 252 can set job settings. The job settings include at least one of print mode settings and output mode settings. The print mode setting is a setting for the side of the paper on which an image is formed. The print modes include single-sided printing mode and double-sided printing mode. The output mode setting is a setting for the orientation of the side of the paper on which the first image is formed when ejected. The output modes include FU (Face Up) output mode and FD (Face Down) output mode. The FU output mode is a mode in which the side of the paper on which the first image is formed is the front side. The FD output mode is a mode in which the side of the paper on which the first image is formed is the back side. That is, the operation unit 252 functions as a setting unit of the present invention.

[0042] Conveying section 26 is configured with multiple roller pairs. Conveying section 26 conveys paper supplied from paper feed section 27 to image forming section 23, and conveys paper on which an image has been formed by image forming section 23 to reversing device 30.

[0043] The paper feed unit 27 includes a paper feed tray T1, and supplies paper from the paper feed tray T1 to the image forming unit 23. Each paper feed tray T1 stores paper of a paper type and size predetermined for that paper feed tray T1.

[0044] The communication unit 28 has a communication IC, a communication connector, etc., and is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 20 to a communication network. The communication unit 28 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 21. The communication unit 28 can also input and output various information via USB.

[0045] The reversing device 30 is connected to the rear stage of the image forming device 20. The reversing device 30 turns over the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 20, and then transports the paper to the laminating device 40. Note that the reversing device 30 can also transport the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 20 to the laminating device 40 as is, without turning over the paper.

[0046] The laminating device 40 is connected to the rear stage of the reversing device 30, and performs laminating processing on the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 20 (image forming section 23). The laminating device 40 includes a laminating section 41 , a cutting section 42 , and a conveying section 43 .

[0047] The laminating unit 41 is disposed downstream in the sheet transport direction from the image forming unit 23. The laminating unit 41 performs laminating processing by superposing a laminating sheet 411 having an adhesive layer on the sheet on which an image has been formed. The laminating unit 41 includes a laminating sheet 411 , a bonding unit 412 , and a laminating fixing unit 413 .

[0048] The laminate sheet 411 is a sheet made of a transparent resin film layer and an adhesive layer, which is wound into a roll and set. One side of the laminate sheet 411 (the side that comes into contact with the paper) is coated with a heat-melting adhesive to form an adhesive layer. The laminate sheet 411 is transported to the nip part of the laminating unit 412 and adhered to the paper.

[0049] The laminating unit 412 includes a pair of rollers. The laminating unit 412 sandwiches the paper and the laminate sheet 411 at a nip formed by the pair of rollers. This causes the adhesive layer of the laminate sheet 411 to adhere to the surface of the paper, and the paper and the laminate sheet 411 are laminated together.

[0050] The laminating fixing unit 413 includes a pair of rollers. The laminating fixing unit 413 sandwiches the paper and the laminating sheet 411 in a nip formed by the pair of rollers, and applies at least one of heat and pressure, thereby fixing the laminating sheet 411 to the paper.

[0051] The laminating unit 41 is configured so that the user can selectively attach laminating sheets 411 to either one (upper) side or the other (lower) side of the paper transport path. The laminating unit 41 is configured so that the laminating sheets 411 can be independently attached to either one side or the other side. In this embodiment, the laminating sheet 411 is attached to the lower side of the conveying path, so that the laminating sheet 411 is adhered to the surface of the paper that faces downward in the laminating processing unit 41.

[0052] The cutting section 42 is provided downstream of the laminating section 41 on the paper transport path, and cuts the laminate sheet 411 between the transported papers.

[0053] The conveying section 43 is made up of multiple roller pairs and conveys the paper conveyed from the image forming device 20 within the laminating device 40. The conveying section 43 conveys the paper to the laminating processing section 41 and then to the cutting section 42, and discharges the laminated paper onto the paper output tray T2.

[0054] Next, the control of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0055] First, the control unit 21 checks the machine configuration (step S1). For example, the control unit 21 checks whether an optional device is connected, whether a reversing device is connected, and the type of lamination device 40. The type of lamination device 40 is, for example, information on the surfaces on which lamination can be performed.

[0056] Next, the control unit 21 acquires job setting information (step S2). The job setting information is information relating to job settings set by the operation unit 252.

[0057] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the image formation surface set by the operation unit 252 matches the lamination processing surface of the paper (step S3). When the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface match (step S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S4.

[0058] (Judgment method 1) For example, when at least the image forming surface set by the operation unit 252 is not included in the laminating surface, the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match. For example, when both the image forming surface and the laminating surface are single-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they do not match if the image forming surface and the laminating surface are different. Also, when the image forming surface is single-sided and the laminating surface is double-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they match because the image forming surface is always included in the laminating surface. On the other hand, when the image forming surface is double-sided and the laminated surface is single-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they do not match because either of the image forming surfaces is not included in the laminated surface.Furthermore, when the image forming surface is double-sided and the laminated surface is double-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they match because the image forming surface is always included in the laminated surface.

[0059] (Judgment method 2) Furthermore, when the lamination surface includes a surface that is not the image formation surface set by the operation unit 252 of the paper, the control unit 21 determines that the image formation surface and the lamination surface do not match. For example, when both the image forming surface and the laminating surface are single-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they do not match if the image forming surface and the laminating surface are different. Also, when the image forming surface is single-sided and the laminating surface is double-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they do not match because the laminating surface necessarily includes a surface that is not the image forming surface. On the other hand, when the image forming surface is double-sided and the laminated surface is single-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they match because the laminated surface is always the image forming surface.Furthermore, when the image forming surface is double-sided and the laminated surface is double-sided, the control unit 21 determines that they match because the laminated surface is always the image forming surface.

[0060] In step S4, the control unit 21 prohibits the image forming unit 23 from starting the image forming operation (printing operation).

[0061] In step S5, the control unit 21 displays a warning on the display unit 251 indicating that printing is not possible. Specifically, the control unit 21 displays a warning on the display unit 251 including a message urging the user to change the job settings or the machine configuration. The message urging the user to change the job settings is, for example, a message such as "Please change the job settings." The change in the machine configuration is, for example, a change in the position of the laminating sheet 411. The change in the position of the laminating sheet 411 is, for example, changing the laminating sheet 411 from above the conveying path to below, or from below to above. Alternatively, the change in the laminating sheet 411 is changing the laminating sheet 411 from one side to both sides, or from both sides to one side. The message urging the user to change the machine configuration is, for example, a message such as "Please change to a face-down laminator (a configuration in which the laminating sheet 411 is arranged on the lower side of the conveying path)." The control unit 21 then proceeds to step S1.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows an example of the job setting screen G1 displayed on the display unit 251. The job setting screen G1 has a message area E1 for displaying various messages and a job setting area E2 for setting (changing) job settings. The job setting screen G1 has an output setting button B1 for selecting output settings. When the user presses the output setting button B1 on the job setting screen G1, an output setting selection screen G11 (see FIG. 5) pops up and is displayed. The output setting selection screen G11 has an installed laminator display area E3 that shows the layout of the installed laminating sheet 411 (laminator), and a print side setting area E4 for selecting the image formation side (print side). In the print side setting area E4, it is possible to select whether the print side is to be face up (FU) or face down (FD).

[0063] FIG. 6 shows an example of a warning including a message prompting a change of job settings displayed on the job setting screen G1. In the example shown in Fig. 6, a warning including a message urging the user to change the job settings is displayed in the message area E1. Specifically, the message displayed reads, "The lamination side and the printing side do not match. Please change the job settings."

[0064] In step S6, the control unit 21 causes the image forming unit 23 to perform a printing operation based on the operation table. An example of the operation table is shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the "-" next to the items for the inverting device 30 and the inverting device 50 (see FIG. 8) indicates that the inverting device 30 and the inverting device 50 are not connected to the image forming system 1. FIG. 7A shows an example of a configuration in which the laminating sheet 411 is attached to the lower side of the conveying path (single-sided FD laminator). FIG. 7B shows an example of a configuration in which the laminating sheet 411 is attached to the upper side of the conveying path (single-sided FU laminator). FIG. 7C shows an example of a configuration in which the laminating sheet 411 is attached to both the upper and lower sides of the conveying path (double-sided laminator).

[0065] An example of the operation of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. Since the laminating sheet 411 is attached to the lower side of the conveying path, the laminating unit 41 performs laminating on the FD (rear side) of the paper.

[0066] (Example 1: Single-sided printing, FD output) In the case of single-sided printing, the image forming unit 23 forms an image on the FU (front side). The reversing device 30 reverses the paper on which the image has been formed on the FU in order to output the FD, thereby changing the image forming surface to the FD (rear surface). The laminating unit 41 performs laminating on the FD, which is the image forming surface. The sheet on which the laminating process has been performed is output as an FD (output with the image forming surface facing back) to the sheet output tray T2.

[0067] (Example 2: Single-sided printing, FU output) The lamination unit 41 is configured to perform lamination on the FD, which is the image-forming surface. Therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, it is not possible to output the FU (output with the image-forming surface facing up) after lamination. Therefore, the control unit 21 displays a warning on the display unit 251 saying "Output is not possible with this setting" and prohibits the start of the printing operation. When the job setting is changed to FD output, the operation example 1 is performed.

[0068] (Example 3: double-sided printing, FD output) In the case of double-sided printing, the image forming unit 23 forms images in the order FU → FD. The paper on which images have been formed on both sides is transported to the reversing device 30 in the FD state (the side on which the first image is formed is the back side). Since the paper is in the FD state, the reversing device 30 conveys the paper straight without reversing it. The lamination unit 41 performs lamination on the FD, which is the first image forming surface. The sheet on which the lamination has been performed is output as an FD to the sheet output tray T2 (output with the first image forming surface facing back). In the case of Operation Example 3, the laminated surface is always the image-forming surface. Therefore, in Determination Method 2, it is determined that the image-forming surface and the laminated surface match. On the other hand, in the case of Operation Example 3, lamination processing is not performed on one of the image forming surfaces. Therefore, in Determination Method 1, it is determined that the image forming surface and the lamination processing surface do not match. Therefore, the control unit 21 prohibits the start of the printing operation and displays a warning on the display unit 251.

[0069] (Example 4: double-sided printing, FU output) The lamination unit 41 is configured to perform lamination on the FD, which is the first image-forming surface. Therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, it is not possible to output the FU after lamination (output with the first image-forming surface facing up). Therefore, the control unit 21 displays a warning on the display unit 251 saying "Output is not possible with this setting" and prohibits the start of the printing operation. When the job setting is changed to FD output, the operation example 3 is performed.

[0070] As described above, the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes the image forming unit 23, the lamination processing unit 41, a setting unit (operation unit 252), and the control unit 21. The image forming unit 23 forms an image on a sheet. The lamination processing unit 41 is located downstream of the image forming unit 23 in the sheet transport direction, and performs lamination processing on the sheet on which an image has been formed. The setting unit can set job settings including at least one of a setting for the image forming side of the sheet and a setting for the orientation of the side of the sheet on which the image is first formed when ejected. The control unit 21 determines whether the image forming side set by the setting unit matches the lamination processing side of the sheet. Therefore, the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment can prevent an image from being formed on a side other than the laminating side when laminating only one side of the paper. Furthermore, even when post-processing constraints limit the output order, image forming side, and laminating side of printed materials, the desired output can be provided. Therefore, mismatches between the image forming side and laminating side of the paper can be suppressed during lamination, allowing the desired output to be obtained.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match when at least the image forming surface set by the setting unit is not included in the laminating surface. Therefore, if the lamination process is not performed on the image-formed surface of the paper, an error can be determined, and the lamination process can be more reliably performed on the image-formed surface of the paper.

[0072] Furthermore, when the laminating surface includes a surface that is not the image forming surface set by the paper setting unit, the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match. Therefore, if an image is not formed on the laminated surface of the paper, an error can be determined, and an image can be more reliably formed on the laminated surface of the paper.

[0073] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, it prohibits the image forming unit 23 from starting the image forming operation. This prevents the output of paper on which the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, thereby preventing the wasteful consumption of paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, it causes the display unit 251 to display a warning. This prevents the output of paper on which the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, thereby preventing the wasteful consumption of paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0075] The laminating unit 41 is configured so that the user can selectively attach laminating sheets 411 to either side of the paper transport path. The laminating unit 41 is also configured so that the laminating sheets 411 can be independently attached to either side. Therefore, the laminated surface of the paper can be easily changed, and if the image forming surface and the laminated surface of the paper do not match, the user can easily make them match by hand.

[0076] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, it causes the display unit 251 to display a message prompting the user to change the job settings. Therefore, the image forming surface and the laminating surface can be aligned, thereby preventing unnecessary consumption of paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, it causes the display unit 251 to display a message urging the user to change the position of the laminating sheets. Therefore, the image forming surface and the laminating surface can be aligned, thereby preventing unnecessary consumption of paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0078] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] (Variation 1) 8, the image forming system 1A according to the first modification includes a sheet feeding device 10, an image forming device 20, a reversing device 30, a laminating device 40, and a reversing device 50. For the sake of simplicity, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In the first modification, the laminate sheet 411 is attached to the upper and lower sides of the conveyance path, so that the laminate sheet 411 can be adhered to both sides of the paper.

[0081] The reversing device 50 is connected to the rear of the laminating device 40. The reversing device 50 turns over the sheets of paper that have been laminated by the laminating device 40, and then discharges them onto the discharge tray T2. Note that the reversing device 50 can also transport the sheets of paper that have been laminated by the laminating device 40 directly to the laminating device 40 without turning over the sheets.

[0082] The following describes an example of the operation of the image forming system 1A according to Modification 1. Since the laminating sheets 411 are attached to the upper and lower sides of the conveying path, the laminating unit 41 performs laminating on both sides of the paper.

[0083] (Example 1: Single-sided printing, FD output) In the case of single-sided printing, the image forming unit 23 forms an image on the FU (front side). The reversing device 30 reverses the paper on which the image has been formed on the FU in order to output the FD, thereby changing the image forming surface to the FD (rear surface). The laminating unit 41 performs laminating on both sides of the sheet. The sheet on which lamination has been performed is transported to the reversing device 50 in an FD state (with the image forming surface facing the back). Since the paper is in the FD state, the reversing device 50 conveys the paper straight without reversing it, and the paper is output to the paper output tray T2 as an FD (with the first image formed on the back side). In the case of the operation example 1, the image forming surface is always subjected to lamination processing. Therefore, in the determination method 1, it is determined that the image forming surface and the lamination processing surface match. On the other hand, in the case of the operation example 1, the lamination process is always performed on the side (blank side) other than the image formation side. Therefore, in the determination method 2, it is determined that the image formation side and the lamination processing side do not match. Therefore, the control unit 21 prohibits the start of the printing operation and displays a warning on the display unit 251.

[0084] (Example 2: Single-sided printing, FU output) In the case of single-sided printing, the image forming unit 23 forms an image on the FU (front side). The reversing device 30 conveys the paper on which the image is formed in the FU in a straight manner without reversing it in order to output the FU. The laminating unit 41 performs laminating on both sides of the sheet. The sheet on which lamination has been performed is transported to the reversing device 50 in an FU state (a state in which the image forming surface is on the front side). Since the paper is in the FU state, the reversing device 50 conveys it straight without reversing it, so that the paper is output FU (output with the image forming surface facing up) to the paper output tray T2. In the case of the operation example 2, the image forming surface is always laminated. Therefore, in the determination method 1, it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface match. On the other hand, in the case of the operation example 2, the lamination process is always performed on the side (blank side) other than the side on which the image is formed. Therefore, in the determination method 2, it is determined that the image forming side and the lamination processing side do not match. Therefore, the control unit 21 prohibits the start of the printing operation and displays a warning on the display unit 251.

[0085] (Example 3: double-sided printing, FD output) In the case of double-sided printing, the image forming unit 23 forms images in the order FU → FD. The paper on which images have been formed on both sides is transported to the reversing device 30 in the FD state (the side on which the first image is formed is the back side). Since the paper is in the FD state, the reversing device 30 conveys the paper straight without reversing it. The laminating unit 41 performs laminating on both sides of the sheet. The sheet on which lamination has been performed is transported to the reversing device 50 in an FD state (with the image forming surface facing the back). Since the paper is in the FD state, the reversing device 50 conveys the paper straight without reversing it, and the paper is output to the paper output tray T2 as an FD (with the first image formed on the back side).

[0086] (Example 4: double-sided printing, FU output) In the case of double-sided printing, the image forming unit 23 forms images in the order FU → FD. The paper on which images have been formed on both sides is transported to the reversing device 30 in the FD state (the side on which the first image is formed is the back side). The reversing device 30 reverses the paper that has been conveyed in the FD state to output it in the FU state, thereby bringing the paper into the FU state (the state in which the surface on which the first image is formed is the front side). The laminating unit 41 performs laminating on both sides of the sheet. The sheet on which lamination has been performed is transported to the reversing device 50 in an FU state (a state in which the image forming surface is on the front side). Since the sheet is in the FU state, the reversing device 50 conveys it straight without reversing it, so that the sheet is output FU (output with the first image formed side facing up) to the sheet output tray T2.

[0087] (Variation 2) 9, the image forming system 1B according to the second modification includes a sheet feeding device 10, an image forming device 20, an inserter 60, a reversing device 30, a laminating device 40, and a reversing device 50. For the sake of simplicity, the same components as those in the embodiment and the first modification are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0088] The reversing device (reversing section) 30 is disposed between the image forming device 20 (image forming section 23) and the laminating device 40 (laminating processing section 41). The reversing device 30 reverses the paper that has been conveyed, and then conveys the paper to the laminating device 40. Note that the reversing device 30 can also convey the paper that has been conveyed to the laminating device 40 directly without reversing it.

[0089] The inserter 60 is connected between the image forming device 20 and the inverting device 30. The inserter 60 feeds insertion sheets to a paper transport path between the image forming device 20 and the inverting device 30. The insertion sheets are sheets that do not require image formation, such as insert sheets, blank sheets, and sheets with images already formed on them. Specifically, the inserter 60 feeds insertion sheets stored in a paper feed tray T3 provided above the inserter 60 to a paper transport path between the image forming device 20 and the inverting device 30.

[0090] The inserter 60 includes an image reading unit 61 . The image reading unit 61 is disposed between the image forming unit 23 and the reversing device 30. The image reading units 61 are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the transport path, respectively, to read both sides of the paper in one pass. The image reading unit 61 includes, for example, a linear image sensor (e.g., a CCD line sensor), an optical system, a light source, etc. The image reading unit 61 reads an image formed on a paper sheet fed from the paper feed tray T3, and outputs the obtained read image to the control unit 21 of the image forming device 20. In other words, the image reading unit 61 reads an image formed on a paper sheet that has not passed through the image forming unit 23. The paper sheet read by the image reading unit 61 is transported to the reversing device 30.

[0091] The control unit 21 first identifies the image forming side of the paper that has not passed through the image forming unit 23 based on the image read by the image reading unit 61. Next, if the control unit 21 determines that the identified image forming side does not match the lamination processing side, it causes the reversing device 30 to reverse the paper. This allows the image forming surface and the laminating surface to be aligned even for paper that does not pass through the image forming unit 23. This prevents unnecessary consumption of paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0092] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, when the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the printing operation is prohibited and a warning is displayed, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 21 may change the job settings so that the image forming surface and the laminating surface match. For example, if the job setting is "single-sided printing, FU output" and the machine configuration is "laminating sheet 411 below the transport path, with inverter 30, but without inverter 50," FU output cannot be performed after lamination. In this case, the control unit 21 can change the job setting to "single-sided printing, FD output" to enable FD output after lamination. Specifically, the single-sided printed paper is inverted by inverter 30, laminated on the image-formed side, and output as an FD. This allows the image-formed side and the laminated side to match. Therefore, the desired printed matter can be obtained without wasting paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the laminating sheet 411 can be independently attached to one side and the other side, but this is not limiting. For example, the laminating unit 41 may be configured so that a cartridge containing the laminating sheet 411 is replaceable on one side, the other side, or both sides. With the above configuration, the laminated surface of the paper can be easily changed. Therefore, if the image forming surface and the laminated surface of the paper do not match, the user can easily align them by hand.

[0094] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, a warning including a message urging the user to change the job settings is displayed on the display unit 251. However, this is not limited to this. For example, before image formation by the image forming unit 23, a print image and a screen for setting the job settings may be displayed on the display unit 251. With the above configuration, the image formation surface and the lamination processing surface can be easily aligned by the user's hand, so the desired printed matter can be obtained without wasting paper, lamination sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0095] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, a warning including a message urging the user to change the machine configuration is displayed on the display unit 251. However, this is not limited to this. For example, before image formation by the image forming unit 23, the display unit 251 may display a print image and a message urging the user to change the position of the laminating sheet 411.

[0096] FIG. 10 shows an example of a warning message displayed on the display unit 251, the warning message including a message urging the user to swap the positions of the print image and the laminate sheet 411. In FIG. In the example shown in Fig. 10, a print image display screen G12 is displayed as a pop-up on the job setting screen G1. In Fig. 10, it is assumed that the print surface (image formation surface) is one-sided face down (the back surface when transported to the lamination processing unit 41). The print image display screen G12 has a current image display area E5 and a post-replacement image display area E6. The current image display area E5 is an area that displays an image of the lamination process after the current laminator (loaded lamination sheet 411) placement. The post-replacement image display area E6 is an area that displays an image of the lamination process after the desired laminator placement.

[0097] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the current image display area E5 indicates that the current laminator arrangement is a face-up laminator. A face-up laminator is configured to place a laminating sheet 411 on the upper side of the transport path. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the current image display area E5 indicates that lamination processing is performed on the front side of the paper and image formation is performed on the back side of the paper. In the print image display screen G12, the front side of the paper indicates the front side (the side that will be laminated) from the position of the laminating sheet 411. The back side of the paper indicates the back side (the side that will not be laminated) from the position of the laminating sheet 411. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the current image display area E5 indicates that the image forming side and the laminating side do not match.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 10, the after-replacement image display area E6 indicates that the desired laminator arrangement is a face-down laminator. A face-down laminator is configured to place the laminating sheet 411 on the lower side of the conveyance path. In the example shown in Figure 10, the after-replacement image display area E6 indicates that lamination processing and image formation are performed on the paper surface. In other words, the after-replacement image display area E6 indicates that the image formation surface and the lamination processing surface are aligned.

[0099] 10, a warning message including a message urging the user to change the position of the laminating sheet 411 is displayed in the message area E1 of the job setting screen G1. Specifically, the message displayed reads, "The laminating surface and the printing surface do not match. Please replace with a face-down laminator."

[0100] With the above configuration, the image formation surface and the lamination processing surface can be easily aligned by the user's hand, so the desired printed matter can be obtained without wasting paper, lamination sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0101] Furthermore, if it is determined that the image formation surface and the lamination surface do not match, a warning including a message urging the user to change the lamination surface may be displayed on the display unit 251. Changing the lamination surface does not involve rearranging the lamination sheet 411, but rather involves selecting a different lamination surface on the setting screen when the lamination surface is selectable on the setting screen. The message urging the user to change the lamination surface may be, for example, a message such as "Please change the lamination surface" or "Please change the type of laminator." The above configuration allows the image forming surface and the laminating surface to be aligned, thereby preventing unnecessary consumption of paper, laminating sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0102] Furthermore, before image formation by image forming unit 23, a print image and a screen for setting the lamination surface may be displayed on display unit 251. 11 shows an example of a screen for setting a print image and a lamination processing surface displayed on the display unit 251. In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the print surface (image formation surface) is one-sided face down (reverse surface when transported to the lamination processing unit 41).

[0103] In the example shown in FIG. 11, a lamination processing surface setting screen G13 is displayed as a pop-up on the job setting screen G1. The lamination surface setting screen G13 displays the print image as well as candidates for lamination surfaces that match the image formation surface. In the example shown in Figure 11, face-down or double-sided is shown as a candidate for the laminating surface that matches the image forming surface. A face-down laminator is configured to place a laminating sheet 411 on the lower side of the conveying path. A double-sided laminator is configured to place a laminating sheet 411 on both the upper and lower sides of the conveying path. By selecting a face-down laminator or a double-sided laminator, the user can perform laminating on the image forming surface.

[0104] 11, a warning message including a message urging the user to change the lamination side is displayed in the message area E1 of the job setting screen G1. Specifically, the message displayed reads, "The lamination side and the print side do not match. Please change the laminator type."

[0105] With the above configuration, the image formation surface and the lamination processing surface can be easily aligned by the user's hand, so the desired printed matter can be obtained without wasting paper, lamination sheet 411, toner, etc.

[0106] Also, instead of laminating all pages of a job, lamination may be performed only on specific pages or sheets designated by the user. That is, the control unit 21 may control the lamination unit 41 to laminate only the specific pages or sheets designated by the user. The above configuration reduces the probability that the image-forming surface of the paper and the laminating surface will be incompatible, making it easier for users to obtain the printed matter they desire.

[0107] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the image forming system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Image forming system 10 Paper feeder 11 Paper tray 20 Image forming device 21 Control Unit 22 Image reading unit 23 Image forming unit 231 Writing section 231a Optical scanning unit 231b Photoreceptor 231c Developing section 231d Charging section 231e Cleaning Department 231f Primary transfer roller 232 Intermediate transfer belt 233 Secondary transfer roller 234 Fixing section 235 Reverse Route 24 Memory section 25 Operation Panel 251 Display section 252 Operation section (setting section) 26 Conveying section 27 Paper feed section 28 Communications Department 30 Inverting device (inverting section) 40 Lamination processing equipment 41 Lamination Processing Section 411 Laminated Sheet 412 Bonding section 413 Laminate fixing section 42 Cut section 43 Conveyor

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a lamination processing unit that is disposed downstream of the image forming unit in a sheet conveying direction and that performs lamination processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed; a setting unit that can set job settings including at least one of a setting of an image forming side of the paper and a setting of an orientation at the time of paper ejection on the side on which an image is first formed; a control unit that determines whether the image forming surface set by the setting unit and the lamination processing surface of the paper coincide with each other; An image forming system comprising:

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match when at least the image forming surface set by the setting unit is not included in the laminating surface.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit determines that the image forming surface and the laminated surface do not match when the laminated surface includes a surface of the paper that is not the image forming surface set by the setting unit.

4. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the image forming unit from starting an image forming operation when it determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match.

5. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a warning on a display unit when it determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit determines that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, the control unit changes the job settings so that the image forming surface and the laminating surface match.

7. a reversing unit disposed between the image forming unit and the laminating unit, which reverses the paper; an image reading unit disposed between the image forming unit and the reversing unit, for reading an image formed on a sheet of paper that has not passed through the image forming unit; Equipped with The image forming system of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit identifies the image forming surface based on the image read by the image reading unit, and if it determines that the identified image forming surface does not match the lamination processing surface, the inversion unit inverts the front and back of the paper.

8. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the laminating unit is configured so that a user can selectively attach laminating sheets on either side of the sheet transport path.

9. 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the laminating unit is configured so that the laminating sheets can be independently attached to the one side and the other side.

10. 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the laminating unit is configured to be replaceable as a cartridge containing the laminating sheet on one side, the other side, or both sides.

11. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, causes a display unit to display a message prompting the user to change the job settings.

12. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display a print image and a screen for setting the job settings before the image is formed by the image forming unit.

13. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, causes a display unit to display a message prompting the user to change the position of the laminating sheet.

14. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display a print image and a message prompting the user to change the position of the laminate sheet before the image forming unit forms an image.

15. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining that the image forming surface and the laminating surface do not match, causes a display unit to display a message prompting the user to change the laminating surface.

16. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display a print image and a screen for setting the lamination surface before the image is formed by the image forming unit.

17. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the laminating unit to perform laminating only on specific pages or sheets designated by a user.

18. An image forming method for an image forming system including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet of paper, a lamination processing unit that is disposed downstream of the image forming unit in a sheet transport direction and that performs lamination processing on the sheet of paper on which the image has been formed, and a setting unit that can set job settings including at least one of a setting of an image forming side of the sheet of paper and a setting of an orientation at the time of paper ejection of the side of the sheet of paper on which an image is first formed, An image forming method including a control step of determining whether or not the image forming surface set by the setting unit matches the lamination treatment surface of the paper.

19. a setting unit that can set job settings including at least one of a setting of an image forming side of the paper and a setting of an orientation of the side of the paper on which an image is first formed when the paper is ejected, the setting unit being configured to: a program for causing the control unit to function as a control unit that determines whether the image formation surface set by the setting unit and the lamination treatment surface of the paper match.

Images