Laminating system, control method and program

Abstract

To reduce waste of laminating film, thereby lowering costs and workload. [Solution] The laminating system (System 1) comprises a laminating processing unit (Laminating Unit 24) that laminates films F1 and F2 onto paper transported from the image forming unit 14, an accumulation unit (Image Forming Control Unit 16) capable of accumulating multiple jobs, and a control unit (Image Forming Control Unit 16) that, based on information regarding the laminating process, changes or notifications regarding the execution order of jobs including laminating for the accumulated multiple jobs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminating system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a laminating apparatus that performs a laminating process on a film (hereinafter referred to as a film) on a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming unit (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] At the start of the laminating process, the laminating apparatus performs a feeding process for feeding out the film. As a result, the film can be reliably sandwiched and conveyed for the laminating process. Specifically, the laminating apparatus starts the laminating process of the sheet after pre-bonding the film for, for example, a length of 100 mm without the sheet. Since the pre-bonded portion (lead portion) of the film is unnecessary for the product, the laminating apparatus cuts off and discards the lead portion. Conventional laminating systems, which include both a laminating machine and an image forming machine, accept and store multiple jobs and execute them in the order they were received. These jobs may include jobs that perform lamination after image forming and jobs that do not perform lamination after image forming. When a laminating machine executes a job that includes lamination after a job that does not include lamination, it performs the aforementioned feeding process. Therefore, when multiple jobs are executed, a large amount of lead may be discarded. Since film is an expensive consumable, the wasteful disposal of film leads to increased costs. Furthermore, the wasteful disposal of film also creates problems such as increased user burden, including the need to replace film rolls.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a lamination system, control method, and program that can reduce costs and workload by reducing waste of laminating film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The laminating system described in claim 1 is made to achieve the above objective, A laminating processing unit that laminates a film onto paper transported from the image forming unit, A storage unit capable of storing multiple jobs, A control unit that, based on information regarding lamination processing, changes or notifications regarding the execution order of jobs including lamination processing for multiple accumulated jobs, It is equipped with.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is a laminating system described in claim 1, The control unit changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that jobs including lamination and jobs not including lamination are grouped together.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 relates to the laminating system described in claim 2, The control unit changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that the jobs including the lamination process are executed consecutively.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is a laminating system described in claim 1, The control unit changes the execution order of the jobs that include the lamination process among the multiple jobs that have been stored.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is a laminating system described in claim 4, The control unit groups jobs according to the characteristics of the paper in a job that includes lamination.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is a laminating system described in claim 4, The control unit groups jobs according to the length of the paper in the width direction in a job that includes lamination.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is a laminating system described in claim 4, The control unit groups jobs according to the type of paper in a job that includes lamination.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is a laminating system described in claim 4, The control unit groups jobs according to the type of film in a job that includes lamination.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is a laminating system described in claim 4, The control unit groups together jobs that include lamination, specifically those that laminate the film onto only one side of the paper.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 relates to the laminating system described in claim 4, In a job including the lamination process, the control unit groups jobs for laminating the film on both sides of the paper.

[0016] The invention according to claim 11 is the lamination system according to claim 1, At the start of the lamination process, the control unit supplies the film from the film supply unit of the lamination processing unit by a predetermined length, and does not supply the film by the predetermined length between jobs including the lamination process.

[0017] The invention according to claim 12 is the lamination system according to claim 11, The film supply unit includes the roll-shaped film.

[0018] The invention according to claim 13 is the lamination system according to claim 1, It includes a cutting unit that cuts the film between the papers after the lamination process.

[0019] The invention according to claim 14 is the lamination system according to claim 1, Each time the control unit receives a new job, it changes the execution order of the plurality of accumulated jobs.

[0020] The invention according to claim 15 is the lamination system according to claim 1, The control unit determines the execution order of the plurality of accumulated jobs based on the remaining amount of the film.

[0021] The invention according to claim 16 is the lamination system according to claim 1, After starting the lamination process by changing the execution order of the plurality of accumulated jobs, the control unit does not receive interrupt jobs.

[0022] The invention according to claim 17 is the lamination system according to claim 1, The control unit notifies the operator of the modified execution order of the multiple stored jobs.

[0023] The control method described in claim 18 is: A control method performed by a laminating system that includes a laminating processing unit that laminates a film onto paper transported from an image forming unit, An accumulation step that can store multiple jobs, A control step that, based on information regarding lamination processing, makes changes to or notifies the execution order of jobs including lamination processing for multiple accumulated jobs, Includes.

[0024] The program described in claim 19 is A computer for a laminating system that includes a laminating processing unit that laminates film onto paper transported from an image forming unit, Storage unit capable of storing multiple jobs, A control unit that, based on information regarding lamination processes, changes or notifications regarding the execution order of jobs including lamination processes for multiple accumulated jobs. To make it function as such. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, waste of laminate film can be reduced, thereby lowering costs and workload. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the laminating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing the control structure of the laminating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the flow of the job control process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the process for determining the execution order. [Figure 5]This figure shows examples of accumulated jobs. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of accumulated jobs. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the print decision-making process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the laminating system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as System 1) comprises a paper feeder 40, an image forming apparatus 10, a laminating apparatus 20, and a cutting apparatus 30.

[0029] The paper feeder 40 includes a paper feeding section (not shown) and a paper transport section (not shown), and depending on the job, it transports sheet paper from either paper feeding section to the image forming apparatus 10. The paper transport unit is connected from each paper feed unit to the image forming apparatus 10 and transports the paper. The paper feed section stores paper according to predetermined paper types (types), sizes, etc. Depending on the amount of printing in System 1, the type of paper used, etc., the paper feeder 40 may not be provided in System 1, and the paper may be transported only from the paper feed section 15 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 10 forms a color image using an electrophotographic method based on image data obtained by reading an image from a document, or on job image data received from an external device (not shown). The image forming apparatus 10 then discharges the formed paper to the laminating apparatus 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an image forming control unit 16, a storage unit 17, a controller IF (Interface) 18, and an image processing unit 19.

[0031] The operation unit 11 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 12, as well as various operation buttons such as number buttons and a start button. The operation unit 11 outputs operation signals based on user operations to the image forming control unit 16.

[0032] The display unit 12 is equipped with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signals input from the image formation control unit 16.

[0033] The document reading unit 13 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), a scanner, and the like. The document reading unit 13 reads the image of the document and outputs the resulting image data to the image forming control unit 16.

[0034] The image forming unit 14 forms an image on the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 15 or paper feeding device 40 based on the image data processed by the image processing unit 19. The image forming unit 14 includes photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt 142, a secondary transfer roller 143, a fixing unit 144, and the like.

[0035] The image forming unit 14 uniformly charges the photoreceptor drum 141Y and then scans and exposes it with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 141Y. Next, the image forming unit 14 applies yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 141Y and performs development. The photoconductor drums 141M, 141C, and 141K are the same as the photoconductor drum 141Y, except for the different colors they handle, so we will omit their explanation.

[0036] The image forming unit 14 sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 142 (primary transfer). In other words, the image forming unit 14 forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 142 in which the four toner images are superimposed. The image forming unit 14 transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 142 onto the paper all at once using the secondary transfer roller 143 (secondary transfer).

[0037] The fixing unit 144 includes a heating roller that heats the paper onto which the color toner image has been transferred, and a pressure roller that pressurizes the paper, thereby fixing the color toner image to the paper through heating and pressurizing.

[0038] The paper feeding unit 15 is equipped with paper trays 151 to 153 and supplies paper to the image forming unit 14. Each of the paper trays 151 to 153 stores paper according to predetermined paper types, sizes, etc.

[0039] The image forming control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the image forming control unit 16 reads various processing programs stored in ROM and loads them into RAM, and in cooperation with the various programs loaded into RAM, it comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming control unit 16 issues an instruction to the laminating device 20 to perform a predetermined lamination process when lamination is to be performed on the output paper. The image forming control unit 16 also issues an instruction to the cutting device 30 to perform a predetermined cutting process when cutting is to be performed on the output paper.

[0040] The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs and image data. The storage unit 17 stores data such as program data and various setting data so that it can be read and written by the image formation control unit 16.

[0041] The controller IF18 receives image data input from an external device.

[0042] The image processing unit 19 performs necessary image processing on image data stored in the storage unit 17, image data obtained by reading an image from a document by the document reading unit 13, and image data input from an external device. The image processing unit 19 transmits the processed image data to the image forming unit 14. This image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, etc. Gradation processing is the process of converting the gradation value of each pixel of the image data into gradation values ​​that have been corrected so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the density characteristics of the target. Halftone processing includes error diffusion processing, screen processing using systematic dithering, etc. Color conversion processing is the process of converting each RGB gradation value into each CMYK gradation value.

[0043] The laminating device 20 is installed between the image forming device 10 and the cutting device 30. The laminating device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a transport unit 23, a laminating unit 24 which is a laminating processing unit, a cutting unit 25, and the like.

[0044] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads various processing programs stored in ROM and loads them into RAM, and in cooperation with the various programs loaded into RAM, it comprehensively controls the operation of the laminating device 20. The control unit 21 performs lamination on the paper in accordance with the instruction signal received from the image forming apparatus 10. Alternatively, the control unit 21 transports the paper along the bypass path 232 in accordance with the instruction signal received from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0045] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs. The storage unit 22 stores data such as program data and various setting data so that it can be read and written by the control unit 21.

[0046] The transport unit 23 includes a transport path 231, a bypass path 232, a transport path switching unit 233, and multiple rollers, etc. The transport unit 23, under the control of the control unit 21, switches the transport path for transporting the paper transported from the image forming apparatus 10 between the transport path 231 and the bypass path 232 using the transport path switching unit 233. The transport unit 23 transports the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 along the transport path 231 to the laminating unit 24 and then to the cutting unit 25 in sequence. The transport unit 23 discharges the laminated paper to the cutting unit 30. Alternatively, the transport unit 23 transports the paper transported from the image forming apparatus 10 by multiple rollers along a bypass path 232 that does not pass through the laminating unit 24 and the cutting unit 25, and discharges it to the cutting device 30.

[0047] The laminating unit 24 includes a first film supply unit 241, a second film supply unit 242, a bonding unit 243, and a laminating fixing unit 244.

[0048] The first film supply unit 241 supplies a roll-shaped film F1 consisting of a transparent synthetic resin film layer and an adhesive layer. On one side of the film F1 (the side that contacts the paper), a heat-meltable adhesive is applied to form an adhesive layer. The film F1 is transported from the first film supply unit 241 to the nip portion of the lamination unit 243 and adhered to the image surface of the paper.

[0049] The second film supply unit 242 supplies a roll-shaped film F2 made of a transparent synthetic resin film layer. In other words, the film F2 does not have an adhesive layer formed on it. The film F2 is transported from the second film supply unit 242 to the nip portion (non-image side of the paper) of the lamination unit 243.

[0050] The bonding section 243 is equipped with a pair of rollers, and the paper and films F1 and F2 are sandwiched between the nip portion formed by the pair of rollers. In this way, the bonding section 243 adheres the adhesive layer of film F1 to the surface of the paper. As a result, the paper and film F1 are bonded together. Between the sheets, the bonding section 243 sandwiches films F1 and F2 between the nip portion formed by the pair of rollers. In this way, the bonding section 243 adheres film F2 to the adhesive layer of film F1. As a result, films F1 and F2 are bonded together, and in the transport path after the bonding section 243, it is possible to prevent the adhesive applied to film F1 from coming into contact with the transport path.

[0051] The laminating and fixing unit 244 includes a heating roller for heating the paper to which films F1 and F2 are attached, and a pressure roller for applying pressure to the paper. The laminating and fixing unit 244 melts the adhesive layer of film F1 by heating and fixes film F1 to the paper or film F2 by applying pressure.

[0052] The cutting section 25 is located downstream of the laminating section 24 in the transport path 231. The cutting unit 25 cuts the film F1 and film F2 between the sheets of paper being transported.

[0053] The cutting device 30 comprises a transport unit 31, a cutting unit 32, a paper discharge unit 33, a waste bin 34, and a paper discharge tray T1. The paper discharge tray T1 holds the paper discharged by the paper discharge unit 33. The transport unit 31 transports the paper transported from the laminating device 20 to the cutting unit 32, and then transports the paper that has been cut in the cutting unit 32 to the paper discharge unit 33. The cutting unit 32 cuts the paper that has been transported by the transport unit 31 at a predetermined cutting position. The paper output unit 33 discharges the paper transported by the transport unit 31 to the outside of the machine (paper output tray T1). The waste bin 34 is located below the cutting unit 32 and contains the paper scraps generated when the paper is cut by the cutting unit 32.

[0054] Next, the operation of System 1 according to this embodiment will be described. System 1 executes the job control process shown in Figure 3 in the following cases: Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a job from an external device via the controller IF 18, or when a job is entered by a user via the operation unit 11.

[0055] (Job control processing) The image forming control unit 16 stores jobs received from external devices via the controller IF 18 and / or jobs entered by the user via the operation unit 11 in the storage unit 17 (step S1). The image forming control unit 16 functions as a storage unit. Step S1 is the storage step. Figures 5 and 6 show examples of jobs stored in the storage unit 17. In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the jobs stored in the storage unit 17 include jobs that do not perform lamination on the paper, jobs that perform lamination on both sides of the paper, and jobs that perform lamination on only one side of the paper. Next, the image forming control unit 16 executes the execution order determination process shown in Figure 4 (step S2).

[0056] (Execution order determination process) The image forming control unit 16 obtains the current remaining amount of films F1 and F2 loaded in the laminating device 20 (step S21). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 calculates the current amount of film F1 fed based on the driving time or amount of the transport mechanism that transports film F1 after film F1 has been loaded into the first film supply unit 241. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of film F1 by subtracting the current amount of film F1 fed from the length of film F1 when film F1 was loaded into the first film supply unit 241. The control unit 21 calculates the current amount of film F2 fed based on the driving time or amount of the transport mechanism that transports film F2 after film F2 has been loaded into the second film supply unit 242. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of film F2 by subtracting the current amount of film F2 fed from the length of film F2 when film F2 is loaded into the second film supply unit 242. The control unit 21 may also detect the remaining amount of film F1 based on at least one of the following: the diameter of the film roll in which film F1 is rolled, the number of rotations of the film roll, the distance traveled by the film roll, and the marks attached to the film roll. The control unit 21 may also detect the remaining amount of film F2 based on at least one of the following: the diameter of the film roll in which film F2 is rolled, the number of rotations of the film roll, the distance traveled by the film roll, and the marks attached to the film roll. Next, the control unit 21 outputs the current remaining amount of films F1 and F2 loaded in the laminating device 20 to the image forming apparatus 10. Next, the image forming control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 obtains the current remaining amount of films F1 and F2 loaded in the laminating apparatus 20 from the laminating apparatus 20.

[0057] Next, the image forming control unit 16 determines whether the current remaining amount of film F1 and film F2 (double-sided film) mounted on the laminating device 20, as acquired in step S21, is greater than or equal to the length required to execute the jobs stored in the storage unit 17 (stored jobs) (step S22). The required length is, for example, the unusable length of film F1 and F2, and the length corresponding to the size of the paper for the job. The unusable length of film F1 is the transport distance of film F1 from the roll core of film F1 to the bonding section 243. The unusable length of film F2 is the transport distance of film F2 from the roll core of film F2 to the bonding section 243.

[0058] The case where the current remaining amount of film F1 and film F2 (double-sided film) is greater than or equal to the length required to execute the storage job (step S22; YES) is described. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 classifies the storage jobs as follows (step S23). Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that perform lamination on both sides of the paper into the first group. The image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that perform lamination on only one side of the paper into the second group. The image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that do not perform lamination on the paper into the third group.

[0059] On the other hand, the case where the current remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 is less than the length required to perform the storage job (step S22; NO) is described. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 determines whether the current remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 (single-sided film) is greater than or equal to the length required to perform the storage job of laminating only one side of the paper (step S24). The case where the current remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 (single-sided film) is greater than or equal to the length required to perform a job among the accumulated jobs that laminates only one side of the paper (step S24; YES) is described. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 classifies the accumulated jobs as follows (step S25). Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that laminate only one side of the paper into the first group. The image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that do not laminate the paper into the second group. The image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that laminate both sides of the paper into the third group.

[0060] On the other hand, the case where the current remaining amount of film F1 and film F2 is less than the length required to perform a job among the accumulated jobs that laminates only one side of the paper (step S24; NO) is described. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 classifies the accumulated jobs as follows (step S26). Specifically, the image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that do not perform lamination on the paper into the first group. The image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that perform lamination on both sides of the paper into the second group. The image forming control unit 16 classifies jobs that perform lamination on only one side of the paper into the third group.

[0061] Next, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of the accumulated jobs (step S27) and terminates the execution order determination process. Specifically, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order for the groups classified in steps S23, S25, or S26 to be the first group, the second group, and the third group. Furthermore, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order within the first group, the second group, and the third group. For example, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group in descending order of basis weight of the paper used for each job. For example, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group in descending order of the size of the paper the job is intended for. For example, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group in the order in which the image forming apparatus 10 receives the jobs.

[0062] In step S27, the image formation control unit 16 may determine the execution order of jobs within the groups classified in step S23, S25, or S26 as follows. For example, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group so that jobs are grouped according to the characteristics of the target paper for each job. For example, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group so that jobs are grouped according to the width of the target paper for each job. For example, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group so that jobs are grouped according to the type of paper the job is intended for. For example, the image formation control unit 16 determines the execution order of jobs within a group so that jobs are grouped according to the type of film F1 and F2 used for lamination.

[0063] In the execution order determination process described above, the image forming control unit 16 determines the execution order of the accumulated jobs based on the remaining amount of film F1 and F2.

[0064] Next, the image forming control unit 16 executes the print decision process shown in Figure 7 (step S3).

[0065] (Printing decision processing) The image formation control unit 16 displays the execution order of the stored jobs determined in step S27 of the execution order determination process on the display unit 12 (step S31). In step S31, the image formation control unit 16 notifies the accumulated jobs of the execution order of jobs including lamination, based on information regarding lamination. The image formation control unit 16 functions as a control unit. Step S31 is a control step. Information regarding lamination includes whether or not lamination is performed in the job. Information regarding lamination includes whether lamination is performed on both sides of the paper or on only one side of the paper. Information regarding lamination includes information such as the characteristics of the paper to be laminated, the length of the paper in the width direction, and the type of paper. Information regarding lamination includes information about the type of laminating film used for lamination.

[0066] Next, the image forming control unit 16 determines whether or not it has received a user operation via the operation unit 11 to instruct the user to change the execution order in the stored jobs according to the execution order displayed in step S31 (step S32). If the user's instruction is received (step S32; YES), the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order in the stored jobs according to the execution order displayed in step S31 (step S33). Step S33 is a control step. In step S33, the image forming control unit 16 makes changes to the execution order of jobs, including lamination, for the stored jobs, based on information regarding lamination.

[0067] The upper figures in Figures 5 and 6 show examples of stored jobs before the execution order was changed, while the lower figures in Figures 5 and 6 show examples of stored jobs after the execution order was changed. In the example shown in Figure 5, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that the execution order of the accumulated jobs is as follows: jobs that perform lamination on both sides of the paper, jobs that perform lamination on only one side of the paper, and jobs that do not perform lamination on the paper. In the example shown in Figure 6, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that the execution order of the accumulated jobs is as follows: a job that laminates only one side of the paper, a job that does not laminate the paper, and a job that laminates both sides of the paper. In this case, the user replenishes film F1 and / or film F2 while system 1 is executing a job that does not laminate the paper.

[0068] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that jobs including lamination and jobs not including lamination are grouped together. As shown in Figure 5, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that jobs including lamination are executed consecutively. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that jobs that laminate film to only one side of the paper are grouped together in jobs that include lamination. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that jobs that laminate film to both sides of the paper are grouped together in jobs that include lamination.

[0069] Next, the image forming control unit 16 determines whether or not it has received a user operation via the operation unit 11 to instruct the execution of the storage job (step S34). If the system does not accept a user command to execute a stored job (step S34; NO), the image forming control unit 16 terminates the print decision process.

[0070] On the other hand, if the system receives a user command to execute an accumulation job (step S34; YES), the image forming control unit 16 executes the accumulation job according to the execution order changed in step S33 (step S35). In step S35, the image forming control unit 16 uses the image forming unit 14 to form the image of the job on the paper in the execution order modified in step S33. Furthermore, the image forming control unit 16 uses the laminating device 20 to perform the lamination process in the execution order modified in step S33. The image forming control unit 16, at the start of the lamination process, executes a film feeding process using the laminating device 20. Specifically, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 supplies film F1 from the first film supply unit 241 to a predetermined length (for example, 100 mm). The control unit 21 also supplies film F2 from the second film supply unit 242 to a predetermined length (for example, 100 mm). Next, the control unit 21 forms a lead portion by bonding film F1 and film F2 together without inserting paper. The image forming control unit 16 does not allow the laminating device 20 to form lead portions between jobs that include lamination while an accumulation job is being executed. In other words, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 does not supply predetermined lengths of film F1 and F2 from the film supply unit (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) between jobs that include lamination. Next, after the lamination process performed in step S35 has started, the image forming control unit 1 sets the system 1 to an interrupt-restricted mode that does not accept interrupt jobs (step S36), and terminates the print decision process.

[0071] The case in which no user operation to change the execution order in the storage job has been received based on the execution order displayed in step S31 (step S32; NO) is described below. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 determines whether or not it has received a user operation to instruct the execution of the storage job (step S37). If the system does not receive a user command to execute a stored job (step S37; NO), the image forming control unit 16 terminates the print decision process.

[0072] On the other hand, the case where a user operation instructing the execution of a stored job is received (step S37; YES) will be described. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 executes the stored jobs in the chronological order of the stored jobs, which is the order in which the system 1 received the jobs and stored them in the storage unit 17 (step S38), and then terminates the print decision process.

[0073] In step S31 of the print decision process described above, the image forming control unit 16 may accept an operation by the user via the operation unit 11 to change the execution order of the stored jobs. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 changes the execution order of the stored jobs based on the operation by the user.

[0074] The image forming control unit 16 can change the execution order of multiple accumulated jobs each time a new job is received by executing the job control process described above.

[0075] <Effects> As described above, the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment includes a laminating processing unit (Laminating Unit 24) that laminates films F1 and F2 onto paper transported from the image forming unit 14. System 1 includes an accumulation unit (image formation control unit 16) capable of accumulating multiple jobs. System 1 includes a control unit (image forming control unit 16) that, based on information regarding lamination processing, changes or notifications regarding the execution order of jobs including lamination processing for multiple accumulated jobs. Therefore, the execution order of jobs can be changed so that the lead portion formed by the film feeding process is not formed between jobs including the lamination process. This reduces waste of laminate film and lowers costs and workload.

[0076] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) changes the execution order of multiple accumulated jobs so as to group jobs that include lamination processing and jobs that do not include lamination processing. Therefore, the execution order of jobs can be changed so that the lead portion formed by the film feeding process is not formed between jobs that include lamination.

[0077] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) changes the execution order of a plurality of accumulated jobs so that jobs including lamination processing are executed consecutively. Therefore, the execution order of jobs can be changed so that the lead portion formed by the film feeding process is not formed between jobs that include lamination.

[0078] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) changes the execution order of jobs that include laminating among the multiple jobs that have been accumulated. The control unit groups jobs that include lamination according to the characteristics of the paper. Therefore, since jobs with the same paper characteristics can be executed consecutively, the formation of lead sections between those jobs can be suppressed.

[0079] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) groups jobs that include lamination processing according to the length of the paper in the width direction. Therefore, since jobs with the same width length as the target paper can be executed consecutively, the formation of lead sections between those jobs can be suppressed.

[0080] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) groups jobs that include lamination processing together by paper type. Therefore, since jobs using the same type of paper can be executed consecutively, the formation of lead sections between those jobs can be suppressed.

[0081] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) groups jobs that include laminating processing together for each type of film. Therefore, since jobs using the same type of film for lamination can be executed consecutively, the formation of lead portions between jobs can be suppressed.

[0082] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) groups together jobs that laminate a film to only one side of the paper in a job that includes lamination processing. Therefore, since jobs that laminate film to only one side of the paper can be executed consecutively, the formation of lead areas between these jobs can be suppressed.

[0083] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) groups together jobs that include lamination processing, specifically jobs that laminate film onto both sides of a sheet of paper. Therefore, since the job of laminating film onto both sides of the paper can be executed continuously, the formation of lead portions between jobs can be suppressed.

[0084] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) supplies films F1 and F2 to a predetermined length from the film supply unit (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) of the laminating processing unit (laminating unit 24) at the start of the laminating process. The control unit does not supply films F1 and F2 to a predetermined length between jobs that include laminating. Therefore, the formation of lead portions can be omitted between jobs that involve lamination.

[0085] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the film supply unit (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) includes roll-shaped films F1 and F2. Therefore, even in configurations where film feeding is required at the start of the lamination process, lead formation can be suppressed between jobs, including the lamination process.

[0086] The laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment includes a cutting unit 25 that cuts the films F1 and F2 between the sheets of paper after lamination.

[0087] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs each time a new job is received. Therefore, the execution order of jobs can be changed so that lead portions formed by the film feeding process are not formed between jobs that include lamination, including new jobs.

[0088] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) determines the execution order of multiple accumulated jobs based on the remaining amount of film F1 and F2. Therefore, the appropriate execution order for multiple accumulated jobs can be determined based on the remaining amount of film F1 and F2.

[0089] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) changes the execution order of multiple accumulated jobs and, after starting the laminating process, does not accept interrupt jobs. Therefore, by performing the film feeding process after executing the interrupt job, the formation of lead portions can be suppressed.

[0090] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit (image forming control unit 16) notifies the operator of the modified execution order of multiple stored jobs. Therefore, the operator (user) can easily determine the execution order of jobs such that the lead portion formed by the film feeding process is not formed between jobs including the lamination process.

[0091] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from its spirit. For example, the lamination method in the above embodiment is a hot lamination method in which the adhesive layer of the film F1 is melted and fixed by the lamination fixing unit 244, but it is not limited to this. The lamination method may also be a cold lamination method in which the film F1 is fixed by an adhesive layer that can be bonded at room temperature without heating in the lamination fixing unit 244.

[0092] If the film is applied to only one side of the paper, and the film used for lamination is shorter than the length required for lamination, the control unit 21 may perform the following process. Specifically, the control unit 21 flips the paper over before lamination. Next, the control unit 21 performs lamination using the other film, which is longer than the length required for lamination.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the case in which the main entity executing the job control process is the image forming control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 is illustrated, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 21 of the laminating apparatus 20 may execute the job control process. In this case, the control unit 21 of the laminating apparatus 20 corresponds to the "storage unit" and the "control unit". Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 may use an inkjet method instead of an electrophotographic method.

[0094] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the laminating system can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. System (Laminating System) 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control section 12 Display section 13. Manuscript reading unit 14 Image forming unit 141Y, 141M, 141C, 141K Photoconductor Drum 142 Intermediate transfer belt 143 Secondary Transfer Roller 144 Fixing section 15 Paper feed section 151, 152, 153 Paper feed tray 16 Image Forming Control Unit 17 Memory section 18 Controller IF 20 Laminating machine 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Conveying section 231 Transport Route 232 Bypass Route 233 Transport route switching section 24 Laminate section 241 First Film Supply Unit 242 Second Film Supply Unit 243 Bonding section 244 Laminate fixing section 25 Cutting section 30 Cutting device 31 Conveying section 32 Cutting section 33 Paper output section 34 boxes 40 Paper feeder F1, F2 film T1 Output Tray

Claims

1. A laminating processing unit that laminates a film onto paper transported from the image forming unit, A storage unit capable of storing multiple jobs, A control unit that, based on information regarding lamination processing, changes or notifications regarding the execution order of jobs including lamination processing for multiple accumulated jobs, A laminating system equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so as to group jobs that include lamination and jobs that do not include lamination.

3. The laminating system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the execution order of the accumulated jobs so that jobs including the laminating process are executed consecutively.

4. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the execution order of the jobs that include laminating among the accumulated jobs.

5. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit groups jobs according to the characteristics of the paper in a job that includes lamination.

6. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit groups jobs according to the width of the paper in a job that includes lamination.

7. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit groups jobs according to the type of paper in a job that includes lamination.

8. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit groups jobs according to the type of film in a job that includes lamination.

9. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit groups together jobs that laminate the film to only one side of the paper in a job that includes lamination.

10. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit consolidates jobs that laminate the film onto both sides of the paper in a job that includes lamination.

11. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit supplies a predetermined length of film from the film supply unit of the laminating processing unit at the start of the laminating process, and does not supply a predetermined length of film between jobs including the laminating process.

12. The laminating system according to claim 11, wherein the film supply unit comprises the roll-shaped film.

13. The laminating system according to claim 1, further comprising a cutting unit for cutting the film between the sheets of paper after the laminating process.

14. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the execution order of the accumulated multiple jobs each time a new job is received.

15. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the execution order of the accumulated jobs based on the remaining amount of film.

16. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not accept interrupt jobs after changing the execution order of the accumulated multiple jobs and starting the laminating process.

17. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the operator of the modified execution order of the multiple stored jobs.

18. A control method performed by a laminating system that includes a laminating processing unit that laminates a film onto paper transported from an image forming unit, An accumulation step that can store multiple jobs, A control step that, based on information regarding lamination processing, makes changes to or notifies the execution order of jobs including lamination processing for multiple accumulated jobs, A control method including

19. A computer for a laminating system that includes a laminating processing unit that laminates film onto paper transported from an image forming unit, Storage unit capable of storing multiple jobs, A control unit that, based on information regarding lamination processes, changes or notifications regarding the execution order of jobs including lamination processes for multiple accumulated jobs. A program that makes it function as such.

Images