Image forming system and cutting method

Abstract

This invention provides an image forming system and cutting method that can suppress the decrease in printing speed when mixed-load jobs are executed. [Solution] The image forming system is an image forming system capable of executing a mixed job that includes a process for forming a first image for a first-size recording medium and a process for forming a second image for a second-size recording medium different from the first size, comprising: an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium; a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image has been formed to a predetermined size; and a control unit that controls the cutting unit to form a second image on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium for forming the first image, based on the mixed job, wherein the control unit controls the cutting unit to cut the recording medium on which the second image has been formed to the second size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and a cutting method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, a plurality of supply trays for accommodating respective ones of a plurality of types of recording media having different sizes are provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an image forming apparatus, a mixed job including a process of forming a first image for a recording medium of a first size and a process of forming a second image for a recording medium of a second size different from the first size is known to be executed.

[0003] In this case, when the above-described mixed job is executed, the supply tray is dynamically switched for each page, so that it is possible to form an image on recording media of different sizes without stopping the mixed job.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the above-described mixed job is executed, since it takes time for the supply tray to be switched, there is a possibility that the printing speed in the above-described mixed job may decrease.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and a cutting method capable of suppressing a decrease in the printing speed when a mixed job is executed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The image forming system according to the present invention is An image forming system capable of executing a mixed job including a process for forming a first image for a first-size recording medium and a process for forming a second image for a second-size recording medium different from the first size, An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, A cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image is formed to a predetermined size, A control unit that controls the formation of a second image on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium for forming the first image, based on the mixed-up job, Equipped with, The control unit controls the cutting unit to cut the recording medium on which the second image is formed to the second size.

[0008] The cutting method according to the present invention is A method for cutting a recording medium in an image forming system comprising an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium and a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image is formed to a predetermined size, Based on a mixed-load job that includes a process for forming a first image for a first-size recording medium and a process for forming a second image for a second-size recording medium different from the first size, control to form the second image on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium for forming the first image, The cutting unit is controlled to cut the recording medium on which the second image is formed to the second size, Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the decrease in printing speed when mixed-load jobs are executed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the cutting line of a cutting blade. [Figure 3]It is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of a cutting blade. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium on which a second image is formed. [Figure 4B] It is a diagram showing the state of the recording medium in FIG. 4A after cutting. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of cutting control in the control unit. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium of the first size after cutting. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium of the second size after cutting. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining an example in which a cutting blade is set in an area not suitable for the settings of the cutting device. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium in which the position of an image is adjusted. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an image forming system according to a modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is a system capable of executing a job including a process of forming a first image for a recording medium of a first size and a process of forming a second image for a recording medium of a second size different from the first size. That is, in the image forming system 1, it is possible to execute a job (mixed loading job) in which the product after the printing process includes recording media of a plurality of different sizes.

[0013] For example, in the mixed loading job, the product includes a first recording medium of A3 size and a second recording medium of A4 size, and an image corresponding to the size is formed on each of the first recording medium and the second recording medium. Specifically, the first image is an image corresponding to the recording medium of the first size, and the second image is an image corresponding to the recording medium of the second size.

[0014] Here, for a plurality of different sizes, at least one of the length (first length) of the recording medium in the conveyance direction (X direction, described later) in the image forming apparatus and the length (second length) in the width direction (Y direction, described later) orthogonal to the conveyance direction is different. For example, when the first recording medium is an A3-sized recording medium and the second recording medium is an A4-sized recording medium, the first recording medium and the second recording medium are recording media of a plurality of different sizes.

[0015] Also, the recording media of a plurality of different sizes mentioned here include, for example, the case where even when the first recording medium and the second recording medium are both A4-sized, the recording media are conveyed with their orientations different from each other. For example, when the long side of the first recording medium is conveyed along the conveyance direction and the long side of the second recording medium is conveyed along the width direction, the first recording medium and the second recording medium are also included in the recording media of a plurality of different sizes because the above-mentioned first length and second length are different.

[0016] When the image forming system 1 receives an instruction to execute a mixed job, it can make the sizes of the recording media in the product different by performing a cutting process on the recording media on which images have been formed. The image forming system 1 includes a supply device 2, an image forming device 3, and a cutting device 4.

[0017] The supply device 2 is a supply unit that can supply any of a plurality of sizes of recording media to the image forming device 3. The supply device 2 has a plurality of supply trays that supply each of a plurality of types of recording media including at least the first-sized recording medium and the second-sized recording medium to the image forming device 3.

[0018] The supply device 2 supplies the recording medium to the image forming device 3 from a supply tray that houses the recording medium of the size based on a command from the control unit of the image forming device 3 described later.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 3 is a device that forms an image on a recording medium supplied from the supply device 2, and includes an image forming unit 31 and a control unit 32, etc. The image forming unit 31 is the part that forms an image on the recording medium being transported along the transport path within the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming unit 31 may use any method, such as electrophotography or inkjet. The recording medium on which the image has been formed in the image forming unit 31 is transported to the cutting device 4 via the transport path.

[0020] The control unit 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and works in cooperation with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0021] For example, when the control unit 32 receives an execution command for a mixed-load job, it transmits information about the size of the recording medium corresponding to each page of the mixed-load job to the supply device 2. The supply device 2 outputs the recording medium in the supply tray containing the recording medium having the size based on the size information received from the control unit 32 to the image forming apparatus 3. The control unit 32 then controls the image forming unit 31 to form an image on the recording medium that has been brought into the image forming apparatus 3, and controls the transport of the recording medium with the image formed toward the cutting device 4.

[0022] The cutting device 4 is a cutting unit capable of cutting a recording medium on which an image has been formed. As shown in Figure 2, the cutting device 4 has a first cutting blade 41 that cuts the recording medium S along a cutting line C1 along the X direction, and a second cutting blade 42 that cuts the recording medium S along a cutting line C2 along the Y direction.

[0023] The X direction is the direction along the transport direction of the recording medium S in the transport path within the cutting device 4. The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X direction and is the direction along the width direction of the recording medium S in the transport path within the cutting device 4.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the first cutting blades 41 are configured to cut the recording medium S at their tip and are provided in pairs side by side in the Y direction. The distance between the two first cutting blades 41 in the Y direction is adjustable. The positions of the two first cutting blades 41 in the Y direction are set, for example, under the control of the control unit 32, based on the length of the recording medium S in the Y direction after cutting and the position of the image on the recording medium S.

[0025] The first cutting blade 41 is positioned away from the transport path and is configured to move toward the transport path when cutting the recording medium S. When cutting the recording medium S with the first cutting blade 41, the positions of the two first cutting blades 41 are first set based on the length of the recording medium S in the Y direction after cutting and the position of the image on the recording medium S.

[0026] Then, before the recording medium S reaches a position where it can be cut by the first cutting blade 41, the first cutting blade 41 is positioned to cut the recording medium. As a result, the recording medium S continues to be transported while in contact with the first cutting blade 41, and the recording medium S is cut by the first cutting blade 41. The first cutting blade 41 remains in the cutting position until the cutting of the recording medium S is complete. If the same cutting is to be performed on the next recording medium S after the cutting is complete, the first cutting blade 41 may remain in the cutting position.

[0027] The second cutting blade 42 is configured to cut the recording medium S with its entire blade extending in the Y direction. The position of the second cutting blade 42 is adjustable and is set, for example, under the control of the control unit 32, based on the length of the recording medium S in the X direction after cutting and the position of the image on the recording medium S.

[0028] The second cutting blade 42 is positioned away from the transport path and is configured to move toward the transport path when cutting the recording medium S. When cutting the recording medium S with the second cutting blade 42, first the position of the second cutting blade 42 is set based on the length of the recording medium S in the X direction after cutting and the position of the image on the recording medium S.

[0029] Then, when the recording medium S reaches a position where it can be cut by the second cutting blade 42, the movement of the recording medium S is stopped, and the second cutting blade 42 is moved toward the recording medium S, thereby cutting the recording medium S. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, if there are two cutting points (two cutting lines C2 portions) on the recording medium S, after the first cutting point is cut, the recording medium S moves to the position of the second cutting blade 42 at the next cutting point and is cut in the same manner.

[0030] Once the cutting of the recording medium S is complete, the second cutting blade 42 retracts from the transport path, and the transport of the recording medium S resumes. This operation is repeated each time the recording medium S is cut.

[0031] In this way, the cutting device 4 can cut the recording medium S on which the image has been formed to the desired size. In other words, it is possible to cut the recording medium S of the same size into multiple different sizes, so the output of the above mixed-load job can also be produced by using the cutting device 4.

[0032] Incidentally, when a mixed-load job is executed without using the cutting device 4, a supply tray containing recording media of the size corresponding to the page is selected, and the recording media is supplied from the supply device 2 to the image forming apparatus 3 page by page. As a result, the supply tray is repeatedly switched during a mixed-load job. Since it takes time for the supply tray to switch, the printing speed in a mixed-load job may decrease.

[0033] In contrast, in this embodiment, by using the cutting device 4, the recording medium on which the image is formed can be cut to the size of each page of the mixed-load job, thus eliminating the need to switch supply trays as described above.

[0034] Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the image forming unit 31 to form a second image on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium used to form the first image, based on the mixed-load job. For example, suppose there is a mixed-load job in which the output is an A3-sized recording medium on which the first image is formed and an A4-sized recording medium on which the second image is formed.

[0035] In this case, the control unit 32 controls the supply of an A3-sized recording medium for forming the first image from the supply device 2 to the image forming apparatus 3, regardless of whether it is the page for the first image or the page for the second image. When it is the page for the second image, the control unit 32 forms the second image in an arbitrary area of ​​the A3-sized recording medium, with a size corresponding to A4 size. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the second image G is formed at positions that are a certain distance from both the long and short sides of the recording medium S1. When the first image is formed on the recording medium S1, for example, the image is formed on the entire surface of the recording medium S1.

[0036] The control unit 32 then transports the recording medium S1 on which the second image G is formed to the cutting device 4 and controls the cutting device 4 to cut the recording medium S1 to a second size, i.e., A4 size. In other words, if the second image is formed on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium used to form the first image, the control unit 32 controls the cutting device 4 to cut the recording medium on which the second image is formed to a second size.

[0037] Specifically, the control unit 32 aligns the positions of the first cutting blade 41 and the second cutting blade 42 to the portion of the A3-sized recording medium S1 in which the second image G is formed. Then, the control unit 32 stops the recording medium S1 at the position of the second cutting blade 42 and cuts the recording medium S1 with the second cutting blade 42. After that, the control unit 32 resumes transporting the recording medium S1, and as the recording medium is transported, the first cutting blade 41 and the recording medium S1 come into contact, and the recording medium S1 is cut by the first cutting blade 41. As a result, a recording medium S2 corresponding to A4 size is produced, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0038] By doing so, switching of supply trays in mixed-load jobs is avoided, thus suppressing the decrease in printing speed when jobs are executed that involve printing on multiple types of recording media of different sizes.

[0039] The recording medium, after being cut by the cutting device 4, is ejected directly from the machine. When it is time for the first image page, the control unit 32 forms the first image on the A3-sized recording medium, and the cutting device 4 is set not to cut the recording medium, so the recording medium is ejected as is.

[0040] Next, an example of the operation of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the cutting control in the control unit 32. Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is executed as appropriate when a mixed job is input to the image forming apparatus 3.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 32 controls the supply of a recording medium of a predetermined size to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S101). After step S101, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the print target is a page corresponding to the second image (step S102).

[0042] If the determination results in a decision that the page to be printed is not the page corresponding to the second image (step S102, NO), the control unit 32 controls the process to form the first image on the recording medium (step S103). After step S103, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0043] On the other hand, if the control unit 32 determines that the page to be printed corresponds to the second image, it controls the recording medium to form the second image (step S104). After step S104, the control unit 32 performs a cutting process on the recording medium on which the second image has been formed (step S105).

[0044] After step S105 or step S103, the control unit 32 determines whether the mixed loading job has finished (step S106). If the determination is that the mixed loading job has not finished (step S106, NO), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the mixed loading job has finished (step S106, YES), this control terminates.

[0045] According to this embodiment configured as described above, since no switching of supply trays occurs in mixed-load jobs, it is possible to suppress a decrease in printing speed when a job is executed in which printing is performed on multiple types of recording media of different sizes.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the recording medium was not cut when the first image was formed on a page. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording medium may be cut even when the first image is formed on a page. For example, the control unit 32 may control the recording medium to form the first and second images on a third size recording medium that is different from the first and second sizes.

[0047] A third-size recording medium is a recording medium that is larger than the first-size and second-size recording media. More specifically, a third-size recording medium is a recording medium whose length in the X direction is greater than or equal to the length in the X direction of the first-size and second-size recording media, and whose length in the Y direction is greater than or equal to the length in the Y direction of the first-size and second-size recording media.

[0048] For example, suppose the first size recording medium is an A4-sized recording medium with its longer side aligned along the Y direction, and the second size recording medium is an A4-sized recording medium with its longer side aligned along the X direction.

[0049] In this case, for example, the control unit 32 controls the image forming apparatus 3 to supply an A3-sized recording medium that is larger than both the first-sized and second-sized recording media. The control unit 32 then outputs a command to the cutting device 4 to form the first or second image at any position on the A3-sized recording medium and to cut the recording medium to the size corresponding to the first or second image.

[0050] Specifically, when it is the page for the first image, the control unit 32 controls the process to form the first image at an arbitrary position on the A3-sized recording medium and to cut off the area on the A3-sized recording medium where the first image is formed. Furthermore, when it is the page for the second image, the control unit 32 controls the process to form the third image at an arbitrary position on the A3-sized recording medium and to cut off the area on the A3-sized recording medium where the second image is formed.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 6A, the first image G1 is formed in the central region of the A3-sized recording medium S1, and the A3-sized recording medium S1 is cut by both the first cutting blade 41 and the second cutting blade 42. As a result, an A4-sized recording medium S21 is produced with its long side aligned in the Y direction.

[0052] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6B, the second image G2 is formed in a region corresponding to the central part in the Y direction of the A3-sized recording medium S1. The A4-sized recording medium has a length in the X direction (297 mm) that is equal to the X direction length (297 mm) of the A3-sized recording medium. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 6B, the A3-sized recording medium S1 is cut using only the first cutting blade 41, and an A4-sized recording medium S22 is produced with its longer side aligned in the X direction.

[0053] By doing so, the recording media corresponding to the first and second images can be precisely sized, and the deliverables of the mixed-load job can be generated.

[0054] Furthermore, in a configuration that allows for the supply of a third-size recording medium, for example, the third-size recording medium may be supplied in at least one of the cases where a second image cannot be formed on a first-size recording medium and a first image cannot be formed on a second-size recording medium.

[0055] For example, there are cases where, no matter how a first-sized recording medium for forming the first image is cut, it is impossible to produce a second-sized recording medium. Similarly, there are cases where, no matter how a second-sized recording medium for forming the second image is cut, it is impossible to produce a first-sized recording medium.

[0056] In such cases, unless the supply tray is switched to either the first-size or second-size storage medium supply tray, it becomes impossible to obtain the deliverables of the mixed-load job. Therefore, by using the third-size storage medium in such cases, it is possible to reliably generate the deliverables of the mixed-load job without having to switch supply trays.

[0057] Incidentally, when a recording medium is cut, the cutting process by the cutting device 4 may take some time. For example, if at least two cuts are made by the second cutting blade 42 in a single cutting process, the cutting process by the cutting device 4 will take a relatively long time. Therefore, if the number of cuts is too large, it may take longer than switching the supply tray.

[0058] Therefore, the control unit 32 may be configured to switch between executing the first process and the second process.

[0059] The first process involves supplying recording media from one of several supply trays and executing a mixed loading job using the cutting device 4. The second process involves switching the supply tray from which the recording media is supplied to execute the mixed loading job.

[0060] For example, the control unit 32 may select and execute either the first or second process based on the estimated execution time of the mixed-load job.

[0061] Specifically, the control unit 32 calculates the first estimated execution time of the mixed job when the first process is executed and the second estimated execution time of the mixed job when the second process is executed. Then, the control unit 32 compares the first estimated execution time and the second estimated execution time, and if the first estimated execution time is shorter than the second estimated execution time, it executes the first process.

[0062] For example, suppose the time required for one supply tray switchover is 20 seconds, the processing time for one cutting operation with the first cutting blade 41 is 5 seconds, and the processing time for one cutting operation with the second cutting blade 42 is 10 seconds. Note that the processing time for the cutting operation with the first cutting blade 41 is the time required for position adjustment of the first cutting blade 41. The processing time for the cutting operation with the second cutting blade 42 is based on the time required for position adjustment of the second cutting blade 42 and the time required to stop the recording medium and perform cutting with the second cutting blade 42.

[0063] For example, suppose the recording medium corresponding to the first image is A3 size, and the recording medium corresponding to the second image is A4 size.

[0064] Here, if the recording medium corresponding to the second image is a recording medium whose longer side is aligned along the X direction (see, for example, Figure 6B), then in the first process, the A3-sized recording medium is cut only by the first cutting blade 41. In this case, let's assume that the mixed-load job consists of a first image of one page and a second image of one page.

[0065] For example, in the first process, the control unit 32 calculates the first estimated execution time as 5 seconds because the cutting process of the first cutting blade 41 is performed once. Also, in the second process, the control unit 32 calculates the second estimated execution time as 20 seconds because the supply tray is switched once. In this case, since the first estimated execution time is shorter than the second estimated execution time, the control unit 32 selects and executes the first process.

[0066] Furthermore, if the recording medium corresponding to the second image is a recording medium whose longer side is aligned along the Y direction, then in the first process, the A3-sized recording medium is cut by the first cutting blade 41 and the second cutting blade 42. In the process shown in Figure 6A, the cutting process with the second cutting blade 42 is performed twice because there are two cutting lines. In this case, let's assume that the mixed-load job consists of a first image of one page and a second image of one page.

[0067] For example, in the first process, the control unit 32 calculates the first estimated execution time as 25 seconds (5 seconds + 10 seconds × 2) because the first cutting blade 41 performs cutting once and the second cutting blade 42 performs cutting twice. In the second process, the control unit 32 calculates the second estimated execution time as 20 seconds because the supply tray is switched once. In this case, since the first estimated execution time is greater than or equal to the second estimated execution time, the control unit 32 selects and executes the second process.

[0068] By doing this, it's possible to select processes with shorter estimated execution times and run mixed jobs, further suppressing the decrease in printing speed.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 32 may determine whether to execute the first or second process based on the number of times the supply tray is switched when the second process is executed. The number of times the supply tray is switched based on the criteria for executing the first process may be set to an appropriate value depending on the total number of pages in the mixed-load job, or it may be set by comparing it with the number of cutting operations.

[0070] In mixed-load jobs, the more times the supply tray is switched, the longer the time required for each tray change, resulting in a longer overall job execution time. Therefore, by determining whether to execute the first or second process based on the number of supply tray changes, it becomes easier to execute the process that shortens the overall job execution time. As a result, the decrease in print speed can be further suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 32 may determine whether to execute the first or second process based on the number of cutting operations performed by the cutting device 4 or the cutting position of the recording medium. The number of cutting operations performed by the cutting device 4 may be set to an appropriate value according to the total number of pages in the mixed-load job, or it may be set by comparing it with the number of times the supply tray is switched. Also, the reference position for the cutting position of the recording medium by the cutting device 4 may be, for example, the position where, in cutting one page, the second cutting blade 42 performs cutting twice.

[0072] In other words, the control unit 32 executes the second process if the number of cutting operations performed by the cutting device 4 exceeds a predetermined number, or if the cutting position is such that the second cutting blade 42 performs two cuts. The control unit 32 also executes the first process if the number of cutting operations performed by the cutting device 4 is less than a predetermined number, or if the cutting position is such that the second cutting blade 42 does not perform two cuts.

[0073] In a mixed-load job, the more times the cutting device 4 performs cutting, the longer the cutting time becomes, resulting in a longer overall execution time for the mixed-load job. Therefore, by determining whether to perform the first or second process based on the number of cutting operations by the cutting device 4 or the cutting position of the recording medium, it becomes easier to implement processes that shorten the execution time of the mixed-load job. As a result, the decrease in printing speed can be further suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image formation position on the recording medium was set to an arbitrary position on the recording medium, but the control unit 32 may be controlled to adjust the image formation position on the recording medium.

[0075] For example, the recording medium may have areas that do not match the settings of the cutting device 4. For instance, when cutting with the first cutting blade 41, the recording medium is cut by the two cutting blades contacting the conveyed recording medium. However, for example, as shown in Figure 7, if an image G is formed on the positive side of the Y-direction edge of the recording medium, one of the cutting blades corresponding to the edge will not cut the recording medium, and the recording medium will be cut only by the other cutting blade.

[0076] In this situation, force is not applied to the recording medium by one of the cutting blades, and the force is applied only by the other cutting blade. This can cause the recording medium to tilt, potentially making it impossible to cut it accurately.

[0077] Therefore, the control unit 32 may control the image forming unit 31 to form an image in accordance with the settings of the cutting device 4. The settings of the cutting device 4 may be set according to rules established for each device, or they may be set by the user or the device vendor.

[0078] This method ensures that the cutting process is carried out reliably.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 32 may control the image forming unit 31 to form an image at a position that minimizes the cutting time by the cutting device 4.

[0080] For example, if an image is formed in a location on the recording medium where the second cutting blade 42 performs the cutting process twice, the time required for the cutting process increases. For instance, suppose the processing time for one cutting operation with the first cutting blade 41 is 5 seconds, and the processing time for one cutting operation with the second cutting blade 42 is 10 seconds. In this case, if the cutting process for one page involves two cutting operations with the second cutting blade 42, that alone will take 20 seconds.

[0081] Therefore, the control unit 32 adjusts the position of the image G to align with the edge of the recording medium in the X direction, for example, as shown in Figure 8. This allows the second cutting blade 42 to perform cutting only once. In other words, the cutting time by the cutting device 4 is minimized, thus suppressing the decrease in printing speed caused by an increase in cutting time.

[0082] Furthermore, after an existing mixed job has completed, another identical or similar mixed job may be executed. A similar mixed job might be, for example, a job that makes minor adjustments to the images in the original mixed job.

[0083] In such cases, when the control unit 32 executes a mixed loading job different from the one that was executed, it may use the cutting setting information from the executed mixed loading job to execute the different mixed loading job.

[0084] Information on the cutting settings for the executed mixed-load job may be stored in a storage unit 33 or the like provided by the image forming apparatus 3, for example, as shown in the configuration in Figure 9.

[0085] By doing this, it becomes unnecessary to reconfigure the cutting process settings for newly executed mixed-load jobs, thus reducing the overall decrease in printing speed.

[0086] Furthermore, although the image forming system 1 in the above embodiment consisted of a supply device 2, an image forming apparatus 3, and a cutting device 4, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming system may be an image forming apparatus equipped with a supply unit and a cutting unit.

[0087] Furthermore, although the above embodiment had a configuration in which the cutting device 4 had a first cutting blade 41 and a second cutting blade 42, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any configuration is acceptable as long as it is capable of cutting the recording medium to a predetermined size.

[0088] Furthermore, although the cutting blade in the above embodiment had a structure such as a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade, the present invention is not limited thereto, and cutting blades having structures other than the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade may be applied.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mixed-load job required two different sizes of recording media, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may also require three or more different sizes of recording media.

[0090] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention may be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its gist or its main features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Image forming system 2 Feeding device 3. Image forming apparatus 4. Cutting device 31 Image forming unit 32 Control Unit 41. First cutting blade 42. Second cutting blade

Claims

1. An image forming system capable of executing a mixed job including a process for forming a first image for a first-size recording medium and a process for forming a second image for a second-size recording medium different from the first size, An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, A cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image is formed to a predetermined size, A control unit that controls the formation of a second image on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium for forming the first image, based on the mixed-up job, Equipped with, The control unit controls the cutting unit to cut the recording medium on which the second image is formed to the second size. Image forming system.

2. The control unit, The first image and the second image are controlled to be formed on a recording medium of a third size different from the first and second sizes, The cutting unit is controlled to cut the recording medium on which the first image is formed to a first size, and to cut the recording medium on which the second image is formed to a second size. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a supply unit capable of supplying any of the first-size recording medium, the second-size recording medium, and the third-size recording medium to the image forming unit. The supply unit supplies the third-sized recording medium to the image forming unit in at least one of the cases where the second image cannot be formed on the first-sized recording medium and the first image cannot be formed on the second-sized recording medium. The image forming system according to claim 2.

4. The system further comprises a plurality of supply trays for supplying each of a plurality of types of recording media, each including at least the first size recording media and the second size recording media, to the image forming unit. The control unit executes by switching between a first process, which involves supplying a recording medium from one of the plurality of supply trays and executing the mixed loading job using the cutting unit, and a second process, which involves switching the supply tray from which the recording medium is supplied from the plurality of supply trays and executing the mixed loading job. The image forming system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit selects and executes either the first process or the second process based on the estimated execution time of the mixed job. The image forming system according to claim 4.

6. The control unit selects and executes either the first process or the second process based on the number of supply and example switching times when the second process is executed. The image forming system according to claim 4.

7. The control unit selects and executes either the first process or the second process based on the number of cuts or the cutting position of the cutting unit. The image forming system according to claim 4.

8. The control unit controls the image forming unit to form an image that matches the settings of the cutting unit. The image forming system according to claim 1.

9. The control unit controls the image forming unit to form an image at a position that minimizes the cutting time by the cutting unit. The image forming system according to claim 1.

10. It further includes a memory unit that stores information about the cutting settings in the executed job, When the control unit executes a job different from the job that was executed, it executes the job using the cutting setting information. The image forming system according to claim 1.

11. A method for cutting a recording medium in an image forming system comprising an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium and a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image is formed to a predetermined size, Based on a mixed-load job that includes a process for forming a first image for a first-size recording medium and a process for forming a second image for a second-size recording medium different from the first size, control to form the second image on a recording medium of the same size as the recording medium for forming the first image, The cutting unit is controlled to cut the recording medium on which the second image is formed to the second size, including, Cutting method.

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