JP2008145453A - Image forming system and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system capable of forming an arbitrary option color image for a document image at a low cost without complicating the control of an amount of toner placed in a face corresponding to an option color image and without sacrificing gradation. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming system, a first image forming apparatus 100 creates full color image data and forms an image corresponding to this image data onto a sheet. In addition, the first image forming apparatus 100 creates an arbitrary clear toner image data corresponding to the created full color image data, compresses this clear toner image data, and transmit it to a second image forming apparatus 180. On the other hand, the second image forming apparatus receives the clear toner compression image data transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 100, and forms a clear toner image corresponding to the received image data onto a full color image sheet conveyed in from the first image forming apparatus 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a first image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet such as a copying machine, a printer, and a fax machine, and a second image that can carry in a sheet on which an image is formed by the first image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming system including the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras and the improvement of printing technology using digital data, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system has been strongly required to have a photographic glossiness for an output product.

  Conventionally, there has been considered a method of forming an image with clear (colorless and transparent) toner in order to give a glossy feeling. For example, a technique for developing at least a non-image portion with clear toner has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, a color image forming method has been proposed in which a photographic area of a document image is determined, and an image in a photographic area formed with colored toner is coated with clear toner (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-38084 Japanese Patent No. 3358027

  However, in Patent Document 1, when clear toner is placed on an area that is not developed with toner, it is necessary to make the amount of applied toner in the surface of the image of one page uniform. The control of the loading amount becomes complicated. Note that the reason for the uniform amount of toner on the surface is that the maximum amount of heat for fixing the toner to the sheet is determined by the heat fixing unit, so that the toner amount is partially over a certain amount. This is due to the occurrence of fixing failure.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, there is a problem in that the amount of color toner applied must be reduced by the amount of clear toner overlaid on the color toner, and gradation is sacrificed.

  By the way, in order to solve these problems, it is conceivable to connect an image forming apparatus dedicated to clear toner to the sheet discharge side of the full-color image forming apparatus. In this case, after a full-color image is formed on the sheet by the full-color image forming apparatus, an image such as an arbitrary watermark or pattern can be formed on the sheet by the clear toner image forming apparatus.

  However, when a watermark or background pattern clear toner, which is a specific pattern, is formed on a sheet discharged from the full-color image forming apparatus, a memory capacity for the watermark or background pattern is required. Further, when forming clear toner images having patterns of various shapes, the memory capacity increases, resulting in an increase in cost. If this memory capacity is reduced, only a clear toner image of a specific pattern can be formed. Therefore, the user cannot create an arbitrary clear toner image, and there is a problem in usability.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an arbitrary option for an original image at low cost without complicating control of the amount of applied toner in the surface for an image for an optional color and without sacrificing gradation. An object is to provide an image forming system and an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image.

  To achieve the above object, an image forming system according to claim 1 is capable of carrying in a first image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the first image forming apparatus. A second image forming apparatus, wherein the first image forming apparatus includes image data generating means for generating image data, and image data generated by the image data generating means. An image forming unit that forms an image corresponding to the image on the sheet, an option color image data generating unit that generates image data for an optional color corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generating unit, and the option color Transmission means for transmitting image data for option color generated by the image data generation means to the second image forming apparatus, and The second image forming apparatus receives the option color image data transmitted from the transmission unit, and forms the first image forming image corresponding to the option color image data received by the reception unit. And an optional color image forming means for forming on a sheet carried from the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and carries out the sheet on which the image is formed to another image forming apparatus, and generates image data. And image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generating means on the sheet, and generating image data for option color corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generating means. And an option color image data generation unit; and a transmission unit that transmits the image data for option color generated by the option color image data generation unit to the other image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the other image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus receives option color image data transmitted from the transmission unit, and the reception unit. And an optional color image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the received option color image data on a sheet that has been carried in.

  According to the present invention, an optional option for an original image can be provided at low cost without complicating control of the amount of applied toner in an in-plane for an image for an optional color and without sacrificing gradation. Color images can be created.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view for explaining an image forming system as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment can carry in a first image forming apparatus 100 that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the first image forming apparatus 100. The second image forming apparatus 180 is connected.

  The first image forming apparatus 100 is an image forming apparatus that forms a full-color image, and includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 170 as shown in FIG.

  The ADF 170 automatically feeds a document placed on the document placement table 171 to a position where it can be read by the scanner 102. A maximum of 100 or more originals can be placed on the original placing table 171. The document placed on the document placement table 171 is fed by the document feed roller 172. When both sides of the document are read, the document fed from the document feed roller 172 is reversed by the document duplex reversing roller 173.

  The original conveyed by the original feed roller 172 or the original duplex reversing roller 173 is conveyed on the platen glass 101 by the original conveying belt 174. The document transport belt 174 transports the document so as to return to the document duplex reversing roller 173 when the document is stopped at the reading position of the scanner 102, transported to the document discharge port 175, or when reading the back side of the document. To do. The maximum number of originals that can be stacked in the original discharge port 175 is 100 or more, as with the original placement table 171.

  The scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The document lamp 103 and the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 are reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown). During this reciprocating scanning, the reflected light from the original placed on the platen glass 101 is transmitted through the lens 107 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 and forms an image on the CCD sensor in the image sensor unit 108 to be an electrical signal. After being converted, the electric signal is sent to the exposure control unit 109.

  The exposure control unit 109 is configured by a laser module, a polygon scanner, or the like, and a laser beam 119 that is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor unit 108 and modulated based on an image signal subjected to predetermined image processing is a photosensitive member. The drum 111 is exposed.

  Around the photosensitive drum 111, a pre-exposure lamp 121 for removing electricity on the photosensitive drum 111, a primary charger 112 for charging the photosensitive drum 111, and a cleaning device 120 are disposed. Further, around the photosensitive drum 11, a developing rotary 117 that moves the developing units 113 to 116 so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 111 sequentially is disposed.

  The developing units 113 to 116 are filled with toners of four colors that develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 by the laser beam 119. The image developed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 118 by the primary transfer roller 122. The photosensitive drum 111 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) and charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, and then the laser beam 119 from the exposure control unit 109 exposes the photosensitive drum 111. Then, the developing rotary 117 moves the developing device 113 of the first color so as to face the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111, and the toner in the developing device 113 is electrostatically attached, and thereby, the photosensitive device is photosensitive. A developed toner image is formed on the body drum 111.

  When a full-color image is formed by the toners of the four-color developing devices 113 to 116 accommodated in the developing rotary 117, the first color toner image on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 118 by the primary transfer roller 122. After the primary transfer, the developing rotary 117 moves the developing device 114 for the second color so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 111.

  At this time, the leading edge of the developed image of the first color that is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 118 and the leading edge of the developed image of the second color that is developed on the photosensitive drum 111 are at the position of the primary transfer roller 122. An electrostatic latent image is formed again by the laser light 119 emitted from the exposure control unit 109 at a timing completely coincident. Then, the developed image of the second color is superimposed on the developed image of the first color that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 118. By repeating this superposition with the third and fourth colors, four color full-color developed images are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 118.

  On the other hand, a sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassette 133, 134, 135, or 136 via the pickup roller 125, 126, 127, or 128 is directed toward the registration roller 143 by the sheet feeding roller 129, 130, 131, or 132. Be transported. When the sheet is conveyed to the vicinity of the stopped registration roller 143, a transfer bias is applied to the unfixed toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 118 by the secondary transfer roller 123.

  In this state, the registration roller 143 is driven so that the leading edge of the image coincides with the leading edge of the sheet, whereby the image is secondarily transferred onto the sheet, and the sheet on which the image has been secondarily transferred is transferred by the conveyance belt 144. It is conveyed to the fixing device 145.

  The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 111 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer member 118 by the primary transfer roller 122 is cleaned by the drum cleaner 120, and after cleaning, the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 111 by the pre-exposure lamp 121. Is erased.

  The fixing device 145 includes a heat roller (not shown) and a fixing belt, and pressurizes and heats the toner image transferred to the sheet to fix it. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 145 is carried out to the outside through the inner discharge roller 147 and the outer discharge roller 148.

  Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 146 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the sheet path to one of the transport path 138 and the reverse path 139. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) in which images are formed on both sides of a sheet, by raising the paper discharge flapper 146, the sheet fed from the internal paper discharge roller 147 enters the reverse path 139 once from the transport path 138. Then, the traveling direction is reversed and the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided reverse conveying path 140. As a result, the sheet is turned over and guided to the refeed path 141, and the sheet guided to the refeed path 141 is refeeded to the registration roller 143 by the refeed roller 142.

  When the sheet is reversed and discharged to the outside, the discharge flapper 150 is raised, and the reverse roller 149 sends the sheet to the reverse path 139 to a position where the rear end of the sheet has passed the reverse flapper 150. Thereafter, the sheet is turned over by reversing the reverse roller 149 and sent to the outer discharge roller 148 side via the reverse outer discharge path 151. The sheet discharged from the outer discharge roller 148 is sent to the second image forming apparatus 180.

  The second image forming apparatus 180 includes a receiving roller 151 that receives the sheet discharged from the outer discharge roller 148 of the first image forming apparatus 100, and the sheet received by the receiving roller 151 is sent to the registration roller 152. It is done.

  In addition, the second image forming apparatus 180 receives a notification from a control circuit (to be described later) whether or not to form an optional color image such as clear toner. When an optional color image is formed, a laser beam transmitted from the exposure control unit 182 in accordance with image data transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 100 is reflected on the photoconductor 181 via the folding mirror 183. Irradiate. The photoreceptor 181 is charged by a primary charger 184, and a latent image of an optional color image is formed by irradiation with laser light.

  Next, a toner image is developed on the photoreceptor 181 by a developing unit 185 containing an optional color developer such as clear toner. The registration roller 152 is driven so that the leading edge of the image and the leading edge of the sheet coincide with each other at the position of the transfer charger 186, and the sheet is conveyed between the transfer charger 186 and the photoreceptor 181. As a result, the developed image on the photoreceptor 181 is transferred onto the sheet, and the developed image is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 189.

  The residual toner on the photoconductor 181 that has not been transferred to the sheet is collected by a cleaner 187, and the charge on the photoconductor 181 is erased by a pre-exposure lamp 188 so that an image can be formed again.

  In the double-side mode in which images are formed on both sides of the sheet, the sheet is sent to the reverse vertical path 191, the reverse roller 192, and the double-sided path 193, and waits again at the registration roller 152. At this time, when the next sheet is discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100, the sheet conveyed to the duplex path 193 is controlled to wait at a predetermined position of the duplex path 193. When the sheet on which the image is fixed by the fixing device 189 is discharged, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 195 by the discharge roller 194 through the outer discharge path 190.

  Next, an operation panel arranged in the first image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation panel 200 includes an LCD display unit 201 operated by a user, a numeric keypad 202, a user mode key 209, a start key 203, a stop key 204, a soft power key 205, a power saving mode key 206, a reset key 207, and a guide key 208. Has been. The LCD display unit 201 is a touch panel type, and performs mode setting and status display of the image forming system. The numeric keypad 202 includes numeric input keys from 0 to 9 and a clear key for returning the setting to the default value.

  A user mode key 209 is used to set a default value of each function having a clear image mode (see FIGS. 5 to 7) for image formation by the second image forming apparatus 180 and a user mode setting that can be changed by the user. The key to do. The user mode key 209 includes keys for setting various networks such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

  A start key 203 is a key to be pressed when executing a copy function, a scan function, or the like. A stop key 204 is a key that is pressed to stop a job such as a copy function, a print function, or a scan function. The soft power key 205 is a key used when it is desired to power down each load such as a motor of the image forming system but the CPU, the network, and the like are to be activated. The power saving mode key 206 is a key that the user presses to control the temperature control of the fixing device 145 at the level set in the user mode.

  A reset key 207 is a key for resetting a function set by the LCD display unit 201 or the numeric keypad 202 to a default value. A guide key 208 is displayed with each copy function, print function, scan function, and user mode key 209 set on the LCD display unit 201, and is a key for displaying a description of each user mode set / executed.

  Next, a control circuit of the first image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control circuit includes a job control unit 301 that controls the entire first image forming apparatus 100. The job control unit 301 is a circuit including a ROM in which a program for controlling the first image forming apparatus 100 is written, a RAM in which the program is expanded, and a CPU that executes the program.

  The content instructed on the operation panel 200 is notified from the operation unit 300 to the job control unit 301, and a copy job, a scan job, or the like is generated according to the notified operation mode by the program of the job control unit 301. The job control unit 301 is connected to a reader control communication I / F 306, a PDL control communication I / F 307, an image control unit 302, a print control unit 311, and the like.

  A reader control communication I / F 306 is a communication I / F (Interface) with a CPU circuit (not shown) that controls the scanner 102 that reads a document image. The PDL control communication I / F 307 is a communication I / F with a CPU circuit of a PDL image control unit (not shown) that develops PDL image data sent from a personal computer (not shown) into a bitmap image.

  The image control unit 302 is a circuit that sets each image-related circuit according to the job generated by the job control unit 301. In this embodiment, the image control unit 302 includes an image selector 310 that determines which of PDL image data sent from the PDL image I / F 308 and leader image data sent from the reader image I / F 309 is selected. Control. Further, the image control unit 302 sets in which area the image data from the image selector 310 is stored in the image memory 303.

  Further, the image control unit 302 compresses the setting of the image storage unit 305 configured by a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or the bitmap image data from the image memory 303 and sends it to the image storage unit 305. Set up. The image control unit 302 also sets the image compression / decompression unit 304 that decompresses the compressed image data from the image storage unit 305 and returns it to the image memory 303 again. Further, the image control unit 302 reads color image data from the image memory 303 to actually develop and print the image data, and controls the image processing unit 314 to perform desired image processing.

  The print control unit 311 prints the image data sent from the image memory 303 to the image processing unit 314 to the LUT (Look Up Table) 315 and the laser circuit unit 316 according to each setting of the image control unit 302. An instruction is issued to the control unit 313. The print image control unit 313 performs setting of the LUT 315 in accordance with an instruction from the print control unit 311.

  The LUT 315 stores correction data for correcting image density due to changes in sensitivity characteristics on the photosensitive drum 111, laser exposure amount, charge amount from the primary charger 112, and the like depending on environment and durability. That is, when the image density does not reach the desired density, the LUT 315 corrects the input image data to change the image density and converts the image density so that the desired density is obtained. Image data that has passed through the LUT 315 of each color is output to the laser circuit unit 316, and the photosensitive drum 111 is exposed based on the image data.

  The print control unit 311 forms an image on the intermediate transfer belt 118 with respect to the sheets fed from the paper feed stages 133 to 136 in synchronization with the paper transport control unit 312 and the print image control unit 314. Control is performed to transfer the toner images of all colors. As a result, a full-color image is transferred onto the sheet, and an image is formed on the sheet through the fixing device 145.

  The sheet conveyance control unit 312 passes the clear imager control communication I / F 317 to the second image forming apparatus 180 that forms an image with an optional color, and the sheet passes the outer discharge roller 148 to form the second image. Notify that the device 180 is discharged. At this time, various data relating to the discharged sheet such as the sheet size to be discharged and the page ID accompanying the image are also notified.

  In the operation unit 300, when the second image forming apparatus 180 is set to a mode for forming an image of an optional color such as clear toner, the image storage unit is transferred from the job control unit 301 via the image control unit 302. Images to be imaged by the second image forming apparatus 180 are prepared in 306 and the compressed image memory 305.

  When the image is prepared, the job control unit 301 notifies the second image forming apparatus 180 via the print control unit 311 and the paper conveyance control unit 312 and the clear imager control communication I / F 317. At this time, the print control unit 311 sets the compressed image selector 318 to the clear imager image I / F (transmission unit) 319 so that the print image control unit 313 can answer the image transfer request from the second image forming apparatus 180. Set to be able to send to.

  Next, a control circuit of the second image forming apparatus 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

  This control circuit includes a job control unit 401 that controls the entire second image forming apparatus 180. The job control unit 401 is a circuit including a ROM in which a program for controlling the second image forming apparatus 180 is written, a RAM in which the program is expanded, and a CPU that executes the program.

  The job control unit 401 is based on control information data notified from the clear imager control communication I / F 317 of the first image forming apparatus 100 to the clear imager control communication I / F 406 of the second image forming apparatus 180. The second image forming apparatus 180 performs an image forming operation, a sheet discharging operation, and the like.

  The job control unit 401 is connected to the image control unit 402 and the print control unit 408. The compressed image data transmitted from the clear imager image I / F 319 of the first image forming apparatus 100 is received by the clear imager image I / F (reception unit) 407 of the second image forming apparatus 180 and compressed image memory. 405 is stored. The compressed image data stored in the compressed image memory 405 is controlled by the image control unit 402 so as to generate image data in the image memory 403 through the image expansion unit 404.

  Here, the timing of transmitting the compressed image data from the clear imager image I / F 319 of the first image forming apparatus 100 to the clear imager image I / F 407 of the second image forming apparatus 180 is the following three timings. Can be illustrated.

  That is, the timing at which the first image forming apparatus 100 starts the sheet feeding operation, the timing at which the first image forming apparatus 100 starts to transfer the image to the sheet, or the first image forming apparatus 100 at the sheet. Is the timing to start the operation of discharging the image to the second image forming apparatus 180. However, it is not necessary to limit to these timings.

  The image control unit 402 is a circuit that sets each image related circuit according to the job generated by the job control unit 401. In this embodiment, the image control unit 402 sets the operating conditions of the compressed image memory 405, the image decompressing unit 404, and the image memory 403 as described above, and sets the operating conditions of the image processing unit 411. Further, the image control unit 402 reads out the image data from the image memory 403 to actually develop and print the image data, and the image processing unit 411 performs desired image processing.

  The print control unit 408 sends the image data sent from the image memory 403 to the image processing unit 411 to the LUT 412 and the laser circuit unit 416 in accordance with the settings of the image control unit 402 set by the job control unit 401. An instruction is issued to the print image control unit 410. In the print image control unit 410, the LUT 412 is set according to an instruction from the print control unit 408.

  Similar to the LUT 315 of the first image forming apparatus 100, the LUT 412 corrects the image density by changing the sensitivity characteristics on the photoconductor 181, the laser exposure amount, the charge amount from the primary charger 184, and the like. Correction data is stored. The image data that has passed through the LUT 412 is output to the laser circuit unit 416, and the photosensitive drum 181 is exposed according to the image data.

  In addition, the print control unit 408 develops the sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100 on the photosensitive member 181 in synchronization with the print image control unit 410 with respect to the paper conveyance control unit 409. Control is performed so that the clear toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer charger 186. Accordingly, the clear toner image is transferred and formed on the sheet on which the full-color image is transferred and formed by the first image forming apparatus 100 and is fixed through the fixing device 189.

  Next, a clear image registration method and a setting method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 shows a screen 500 of the clear image image setting mode displayed on the LCD display unit 201 of the operation panel 200 of FIG.

  In this screen 500, an image registration button 501 that is pressed when performing image registration in the clear image mode, and which registered image is set to what page of each body when a registered image is output are determined. An output image setting button 502 is arranged. Further, a “close” key 503 that is pressed when the clear image mode is ended is also arranged.

  FIG. 6 shows a clear image image registration screen 600 displayed on the LCD display unit 201 of the operation panel 200 of FIG. 2 when the image registration button 501 is pressed.

  This screen 600 displays whether or not there is an image registered corresponding to the image number, and keys 601 to 605 to be pressed when newly registering or changing the registered image are arranged. The key 601 has an image of the name “610” named “logo” registered in the image 1, and displays an ON / OFF key 611 indicating whether or not to repeatedly print the registered image on the entire surface in accordance with the sheet size to be printed. Shows a state in which is set to ON. This key 611 is also a toggle switch that changes between ON and OFF when pressed.

  A key 602 indicates a state in which an image having a name 612 of “wave pattern” is registered in the image 2 and the display of the repeated ON / OFF key 613 is set to OFF. Therefore, it is understood that the setting is made so that the registered image is not repeatedly printed on the entire surface in accordance with the printed sheet size.

  In addition, a preview image display unit 607 is arranged on the screen 600, and the selected registered image is displayed. Here, since the image 1 of the key 601 is selected and the repetition is set to ON, a preview image indicating that the registered image is repeated on the entire surface is displayed.

  Furthermore, a scroll key 606 for scrolling up and down the list of registered images in the operation display units 601 to 605 and a close key 609 for closing the screen are arranged on the screen 600. The registration can register not only the operation display units 601 to 605 but also the image data for the area determined in the image storage unit 306 shown in FIG. The registration number can be changed by pressing the user mode key 209 of the operation panel 200 shown in FIG. 2 to change the registration number in the image storage unit 306.

  In addition, a registration key 608 for registering a document placed on the platen glass 101 as a clear image image is arranged on the screen 600. When the registration key 608 is pressed, the scanner 102 reads a document image.

  The read document image data is sent to the image compression / decompression unit 304 via the reader image I / F 309, the image selector 310, and the image memory 303, and is compressed. The data is stored in the storage unit 306. These operations are controlled by the job control unit 301 and the image control unit 302 that have received an instruction from the operation unit 300. The image data sent from the PDL image I / F 308 may be registered as a registered image based on information from the PDL control communication I / F 307.

  FIG. 7 shows a screen 620 displayed on the LCD display unit 201 when the output image setting key 502 is pressed on the screen 500 shown in FIG.

  As the clear image output image, when the first image forming apparatus 100 forms an image of a plurality of pages, the clear image registered on the screen of FIG. 6 is selected according to each page. The clear image selection key 621 on the screen 620 indicates that the image 1 corresponding to the key 601 in FIG. Similarly, the image 1 shown in FIG. 6 is selected for the clear image selection key 622 for the second and subsequent pages. At this time, when the clear image selection key 621 is pressed, the image is displayed on the clear image preview display unit 624.

  In addition, on the screen 620, a scroll key 623 for scrolling up and down the pages from the lower limit to the upper limit of the corresponding number of pages, and the same image selection key 626 for all pages are arranged. The same image selection key 626 for all pages is a key for reflecting the clear image of the first page on all other pages. The same image is selected for all the sheets discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100. Select to output.

  Further, on the screen 620, a setting key 627 that is pressed when the clear image image output setting is confirmed, and a cancel key 625 for canceling all the clear image image output settings are arranged.

  As described above, by performing the settings shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, it is possible to register an image in the first image forming apparatus 100 and set an output image in the second image forming apparatus 180. .

  Next, an example of the operation of the job control unit 301 of the first image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the job control unit 301 constitutes image data generation means, image formation means, and optional color image data generation means of the present invention.

  First, in step S701, when the start key 203 of the operation panel 200 is pressed and the print mode set from the operation unit 300 is acquired, the process proceeds to step S702 to determine whether or not the clear toner image output mode is set. To do. If the clear toner image output mode is set, the process proceeds to step S703. If the clear toner image output mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S703, the clear imager control communication I / F 317 notifies the clear imager control communication I / F 406 of the second image forming apparatus 180 that the print job is in the clear toner image output mode. To do. In step S <b> 705, the image data set corresponding to the page to be printed on the clear image output setting screen 620 in FIG. 7 is acquired from the image storage unit 306 and stored in the compressed image memory 305.

  On the other hand, in step S704, it is determined that the print job is not a print job in the clear toner image output mode with respect to the clear imager control communication I / F 406 of the second image forming apparatus 180 via the clear imager control communication I / F 317. Notice.

  In step S706, image data for image formation by the first image forming apparatus 100 is acquired from the image storage unit 306, stored in the compressed image memory 305, and passed through the image compression / decompression unit 304. Prepare in the image memory 303.

  Then, an instruction is given to the image control unit 302 and the print control unit 311 so that an image can be formed through the image processing unit 314, the LUT 315, and the laser circuit unit 316, and further, the sheet is fed and conveyed to the print control unit 311. Give instructions. Then, image formation is performed such that a full-color image is formed on the sheet and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 145.

  Next, in step S707, it is determined again whether or not the clear toner image output mode is set. If the clear toner image output mode is set, the process proceeds to step S708 and the clear toner image output mode is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S709.

  In step S708, the print image control unit 313 instructs the print control unit 311 to set so that the compressed image data of the clear toner image can be transferred from the compressed image selector 318 to the clear imager image I / F 319. In step S709, the clear imager control communication I / F 406 of the second image forming apparatus 180 is notified that the sheet is discharged from the outer discharge roller 148 via the clear imager control communication I / F 317. .

  Next, in step S710, it is determined whether or not all pages have been printed. If there are pages to be printed, the process returns to step S702, and if all pages have been printed. The process proceeds to step S711. In step S711, via the clear imager control communication I / F 317, the completion of printing is notified to the clear imager control communication I / F 406 of the second image forming apparatus 180, and the process ends.

  Next, an example of the operation of the job control unit 401 of the second image forming apparatus 180 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the job control unit 401 constitutes an optional color image forming unit of the present invention.

  First, in step S800, the clear imager control communication I / F 317 of the first image forming apparatus 100 executes a print job in the clear toner image output mode via the clear imager control communication I / F 406. When received, this is notified to the print control unit 408 and the image control unit 402, and the process proceeds to step S801.

  In step S801, the print control unit 408 and the image control unit 402 make preparations for receiving sheets discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100, respectively. 401 is notified.

  By this notification, the job control unit 401 can wait for sheet discharge to the clear imager control communication I / F 317 of the first image forming apparatus 100 via the clear imager control communication I / F 406. (Yes in step S801). That is, when the first image forming apparatus 100 is notified of the discharge of the sheet, the process proceeds to step S802 and waits for the discharge of the sheet until the notification is received.

  In step S802, it is determined whether the sheet is for printing a clear toner image. In the case of a sheet to be printed, the sequence for printing is entered, so the process proceeds to step S803, and in the case of a sheet that does not print the clear toner image, the sequence proceeds to step S806 and the sequence is not printed.

  In step S <b> 803, the first image forming apparatus 100 is requested to transfer the compressed image data of the clear toner image through the clear imager control communication I / F 406. In parallel with this, the clear toner image from the first image forming apparatus 100 is sent to the compressed image memory 405, the image decompression unit 404, the image memory 403, and the image processing unit 411 via the image control unit 402. Instruct to prepare to receive compressed image data. The compressed image data is sent via the clear imager control communication I / F 406. Also, an instruction is issued to the print image control unit 410 via the print control unit 408 so that the LUT 412 and the laser circuit unit 416 make settings corresponding to the control information of the image data.

  In step S804, the compressed image data stored in the compressed image memory 405 via the clear imager image I / F 407 is decompressed by the image decompression unit 404, and the decompressed image data is written in the image memory 403. The process proceeds to S805.

  In step S <b> 805, the clear toner image forming sequence is performed on the sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100.

  That is, the image data of the expanded image memory 403 is exposed by irradiating the photosensitive member 181 with laser light from the exposure control unit 182 in FIG. 1 via the image processing unit 411, the LUT 412, and the laser circuit unit 416. At this time, the photoconductor 181 has already been uniformly charged by the pre-exposure 188 and the primary charger 184.

  After the exposure, the leading edge of the image on the photosensitive member 181 developed by the developing unit 185 and the leading edge of the sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100 waiting by the registration roller 152 are positioned at the transfer charger 186. The registration roller 152 is driven so as to agree with each other. As a result, a clear toner image is formed on the sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100.

  After the formation of the clear toner image on the sheet is completed, when the sheet is discharged from the discharge roller 194, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S <b> 806, the discharge completion is completed from the job control unit 401 to the first image forming apparatus 100 via the clear imager control communication I / F 406 via the paper transport control unit 409 and the print control unit 408. Notice.

  In step S807, it is determined whether the next sheet is discharged from the first image forming apparatus 100 (or the sheet has already been received), and the next sheet is discharged (or the sheet has already been discharged). If it has been received), it is determined that printing has not been completed, the process returns to step S801, and the image forming sequence is performed again.

  On the other hand, if the next sheet is not discharged (or no sheet is received) and the completion of printing is notified, the process proceeds to step S808, and the print control unit 408 and the image control unit end the image forming operation. Instructions to 402. In parallel with this, printing completion is notified to the first image forming apparatus 100 via the clear imager control communication I / F 406. Then, upon completion of the stop from the print control unit 408 and the image control unit 402, the print processing is ended.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 100 generates full-color image data and transfers and forms an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet. Further, arbitrary clear toner image data corresponding to the generated full-color image data is generated, and the clear toner image data is compressed and transmitted to the second image forming apparatus 180.

  On the other hand, the second image forming apparatus 180 receives the compressed image data for clear toner transmitted from the first image forming apparatus 100, and outputs the clear toner image corresponding to the received image data to the first image forming apparatus. The image is transferred and formed on a transfer sheet of a full color image carried in from 100.

  As a result, an arbitrary clear toner image can be applied to a document image at a low cost without complicating the control of the amount of toner applied to the clear toner image and without sacrificing gradation. Can be formed. Further, it is possible to form a clear toner image without having to store various clear toner images on the second image forming apparatus side.

  Configurations of the first image forming apparatus, the second image forming apparatus, the image data generating means, the image forming means, the option color image data generating means, the transmitting means, the receiving means, and the optional color image forming means of the present invention Is not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an image forming system which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel arranged in the first image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the first image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a second image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of the clear image image setting mode displayed on the LCD display part of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows an example of the clear image image registration screen displayed on the LCD display part of an operation panel when an image registration button is pressed. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the LCD display part 201 of an operation panel when the output image setting key is pressed. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of a job control unit of the first image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of a job control unit of the second image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100 First image forming apparatus 180 Second image forming apparatus 301 Job control unit (image data generating means, image forming means, optional color image data generating means)
319 Clear Imager Image I / F (Transmission means)
401 Job control unit (optional color image forming means)
407 Clear imager image I / F (reception means)

Claims (8)

An image forming system comprising: a first image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and a second image forming apparatus that can carry in a sheet on which an image is formed by the first image forming apparatus.
The first image forming apparatus includes an image data generation unit that generates image data;
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generating means on a sheet;
Option color image data generation means for generating image data for option color corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generation means;
Transmission means for transmitting image data for option color generated by the image data generation means for option color to the second image forming apparatus,
The second image forming apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives image data for option color transmitted from the transmitting unit;
Option color image forming means for forming an image corresponding to image data for option color received by the receiving means on a sheet carried from the first image forming apparatus,
An image forming system characterized by that. The transmission timing of the optional color image data by the transmission unit is a timing at which a sheet feeding operation is started in the first image forming apparatus.
The image forming system according to claim 1.   2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the transmission timing of the option color image data by the transmission unit is a timing at which an operation of forming an image on a sheet is started in the first image forming apparatus. system. The transmission timing of the option color image data by the transmission unit is a timing at which the operation of discharging the sheet to the second image forming apparatus in the first image forming apparatus is started.
The image forming system according to claim 1. The optional color is transparent;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and carries the sheet on which the image is formed to another image forming apparatus,
Image data generating means for generating image data;
Image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generating means on a sheet;
Option color image data generation means for generating image data for option color corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generation means;
Transmission means for transmitting the image data for option color generated by the image data generation means for option color to the other image forming apparatus.
An image forming apparatus. The other image forming apparatus according to claim 6,
Receiving means for receiving image data for option color transmitted from the transmitting means; and option color image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data for option color received by the receiving means on a sheet that is carried in; Having
An image forming apparatus. The optional color is transparent;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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