FIG. 3B, the foil printing mode is selected.

A menu 303 is a menu for designating an image output method (e.g. printing, transmitting, and storing). A menu 304 is a menu for selecting a document size. A menu 305 is a menu for selecting an output size of an image for the sheet S. A menu 306 is a menu for selecting a page layout (e.g., 1in1, 2in1). A menu 307 is a menu for selecting single-side printing or double-side printing. A setting unit 308 is UI for selecting the presence or absence of stapling (using stapler), the presence or absence of grouping, or the presence or absence of sorting.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a menu 311 is a menu for selecting a sheet cassette. A button 312 is a margin setting button for calling a margin setting UI. A button 313 is a button for calling a UI used to set a line width and a character size.

Note that, it is difficult for the foil printer 120 to apply foil processing to a stapled sheet S. Therefore, in the tab 302 for the foil print mode, selection of stapling in the setting unit 308 is restricted.

FIG. 4 shows another UI 400 displayed on the operation unit 40. A button 401 is a button for instructing the image forming apparatus 100 to switch from the normal print mode to the foil print mode. When a button 401 is pressed, the operation unit 40 may display a setting screen such as the tab 302.

FIG. 5 shows a margin setting UI 500. The margin setting units 501, 502, 503, and 504 are UIs for setting the sizes (lengths) of the margins provided on the four sides (edges) of the sheet S. The margin setting units 501, 502, 503, and 504 may include a display area for displaying the value of the current margin, a button for increasing the margin, a button for decreasing the margin, and the like. The user can manually set the margin by operating the margin setting units 501, 502, 503, and 504. The margin set here may be referred to as a “set margin”. The set margin of each side may be given an initial value in advance. The initial value may be, for example, a margin value that is less likely to cause paper jam in the foil printer 120. In this case, it would be possible to save the user from having to change the margin setting.

The margin setting units 501, 502, 503, and 504 may be arranged around a rectangular simulating the sheet S. In addition, a broken line indicating an edge portion of the margin may be displayed inside the rectangular simulating the sheet S. The operation unit 40 may move the display position of the broken line in accordance with the margin values set in the margin setting units 501, 502, 503, and 504.

1.7 Controller (Control System)

FIG. 6 shows a controller of the image forming system 1. A motor and a power supply other than the load illustrated are connected to the main control unit 101, since they are not the present invention, their illustration and description are omitted.

The main control unit 101 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 601, a memory 602, and a communication circuit 603. The memory 602 may include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like. The CPU 601 implements various functions by executing a control program stored in a ROM area of the memory 602.

A UI unit 611 displays information on the operation unit 40 and accepts an instruction and information input by a user through the operation unit 40. An image processing unit 612 expands print data described by a page description language (PDL) into image data, converts a color space of the image data, and so on. Further, the image processing unit 612 may enlarge or reduce an image or rotate an image. A scaling unit 613 calculates a scaling factor of the image data. A margin calculation unit 614 calculates the margin reserved on the four sides of the sheet S. A margin determination unit 615 determines whether the margin is smaller than a threshold value. A size determination unit 616 determines whether or not the size of the sheet S is smaller than a specified value. These functions may be implemented individually by an integrated circuit provided outside the CPU 601 and can communicate with the CPU 601. The communication circuit 603 is an interface circuit used by the CPU 601 to communicate with the foil printer 120 and the information processing apparatus 650.

The image forming apparatus 100 may optionally communicate with the information processing apparatus 650. A CPU 651 of the information processing apparatus 650 executes an operating system (OS) and a printer driver stored in a memory 652 and controls the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 651 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 through a communication circuit 653. The memory 652 is a storage device that may include a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), or the like in addition to ROM, and RAM. The display device 654 is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays a UI 300, a margin setting UI 500, and the like. An input device 655 may include a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch sensor, a microphone, and the like.

1-8. Control in Foil Print Mode

In electrophotographic type image forming apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 100, the margins are set automatically by the CPU 601 or the CPU 651 (auto-setting) or manually by the user (manual setting). Here, the term “automatic” refers to execution without input by a user or execution by a slight input (assistance) by a user.

As described above, when the sheet S is fed into the foil printer 120 with a side where the margin of the sheet S (hereinafter, referred to as a margin-on-paper) is insufficient as a leading edge, there is a possibility that a paper jam occurs in the foil printer 120. Therefore, the margin-on-paper is required to be sufficiently large.

FIG. 7 shows a control method for reducing the frequency of paper jams in the foil printer 120. FIG. 8A shows an example of the image data. When a print job is input from the information processing apparatus 650 or a print instruction is input from the operation unit 40, the CPU 601 executes an image forming program stored in the memory 602. The CPU 601 executes the following process according to the image forming program.

In the step S701, the CPU 601 determines whether the foil print mode is selected as the print mode. If the foil print mode is selected, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S701 to the step S702. If the normal print mode is selected, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S701 to the step S711. In the step S711, the CPU 601 controls the image forming unit 20 to form a normal image on the sheet S. Here, a normal image is an image prepared by a user and not subjected to foil processing.

In the step S702, the CPU 601 displays the margin setting UI 500 on the operation unit 40, and accepts the margin setting input by the user. The CPU 601 stores the margin value (set margin Wset) set by the user in a RAM area of the memory 602.

In the step S703, the CPU 601 determines whether or not a print instruction has been given through the operation unit 40. For example, the CPU 601 may detect that a print button (not shown) provided in the margin setting UI 500 is pressed. If printing is instructed, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S703 to the step S704.

In the step S704, the CPU 601 (scaling unit 613) reads the set margin Wset from the memory 602, and determines the scaling factor based on the set margin Wset, the size of the image data, and the size of the sheet S. The scaling factor is determined, for example, so that all of the toner images based on the image data can be transferred within the remaining area acquired by removing four margins from the sheet S. Note that scaling refers to enlarging or reducing the size of a toner image based on image data. The CPU 601 stores the scaling factor in the RAM area of the memory 602. The image processing unit 612 scales the image data according to the scaling factor.

In the step S705, the CPU 601 (margin calculation unit 614) acquires the margin-on-paper Wpaper based on the set margin Wset, the margin data Wdata in the image data, and the scaling factor. FIG. 8B shows the relationship between the set margin Wset, the margin data Wdata, and the margin-on-paper Wpaper. The set margin Wset indicates a distance from each side to a corresponding side of the toner image 801 based on the image data on the sheet S. The margin data Wdata indicates a distance between an edge portion of the toner image 801 based on the image data and an actual toner image having a predetermined density. The margin-on-paper Wpaper indicates a distance from the side (edge) of the sheet S to an actual toner image having a predetermined density.

Here, four margins corresponding to the four sides are denoted as Wpaper_top, Wpaper_bottom, Wpaper_right, and Wpaper_left, and are calculated from the following expressions and stored in the memory 602.

Wpaper_top
=

Wset_top
+

Wdata_top
×
Ay

Eq
⁢

1

Wpaper_bottom
=

Wset_bottom
+

Wdata_bottomp
×
Ay

Eq
⁢

2

Wpaper_right
=

Wset_right
+

Wdata_right
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

3

Wpaper_left
=

Wset_left
+

Wdata_left
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

4

Here, Ax indicates a scaling factor in a lateral direction. Here, Ay indicates a scaling factor a vertical direction. Top, bottom, right, left assigned to the respective variables throughout the embodiment indicate the top side, the bottom side, the right side, and the left side, respectively.

In the step S706, the CPU 601 (margin determination unit 615) determines whether at least one margin among the four margins-on-paper Wpaper is smaller than a threshold. When all the margins-on-paper Wpaper are greater than or equal to the threshold Wth, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S706 to the step S711 to form a toner image on the sheet S. On the other hand, if at least one margin is smaller than the threshold Wth, the CPU 601 processes from the step S706 to the step S707.

In the step S707, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611) outputs the warning information on the operation unit 40 or the display device 654 of the information processing apparatus 650. The warning information includes, for example, a message or an image indicating that there is a shortage of margin-on-paper or that a jam may occur in the foil printer 120.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a warning UI 900 indicating warning information. As shown in FIG. 9A, the warning UI 900 may present a warning message 901 indicating that there is a shortage of margin-on-paper Wpaper provided on at least one or more sides. The warning message 901 may include information indicating a side where a margin is insufficient, a direction in which the sheet S is inserted for suppressing paper jams, and the like. FIG. 9B shows a warning message 906 when all four margins-on-paper Wpapper are below a threshold Wth. In this case, the warning message 906 does not include information indicating the insertion direction. This is because the margin-on-paper is insufficient even if any of the four sides is adopted as the leading edge in the insertion direction.

A warning image 902 may include a numerical value of a set margin or a margin-on-paper Wpaper provided on each side, and text (e.g. NG) or a mark indicating which side margin is insufficient. A print button 904 is a button for instructing to execute printing with the current margin setting. A cancel button 905 is a cancel button for resetting the margin.

In the step S708, the CPU 601 determines whether to print with the current setting. If the print button 904 is pressed, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S708 to the step S709. On the other hand, when the cancel button 905 is pressed, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S708 to the step S703 and displays the margin setting UI 500 on the operation unit 40, again.

In the step S709, the CPU 601 (margin determination unit 615) determines whether at least one margin among the four margins-on-paper Wpaper is greater than the threshold Wth. Note that, the CPU 601 (margin determination unit 615) determines whether at least one margin among the four margins-on-paper Wpaper is greater than or equal to the threshold Wth. If at least one margin is greater than the threshold Wth, the CPU 601 processes from the step S709 to the step S710. If all four margins-on-paper are not greater than the threshold Wth, the CPU 601 processes from the step S709 to the step S711.

In the step S710, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611) outputs insertion direction information on the operation unit 40 or the display device 654 of the information processing apparatus 650. The insertion direction information includes text or an image indicating that a side on which a sufficiently large margin-on-paper is reserved should be a leading edge in the insertion direction.

FIG. 10A shows an insertion guidance UI 1000 indicating the insertion direction information. The insertion guidance UI 1000 includes a warning image 902 and a guide message 1001. The guide message 1001 may include text or an image indicating a direction (e.g. a leading edge) in which the sheet S is inserted with respect to the foil printer 120.

FIG. 10B shows the warning image 902 or an image formed on the sheet S. A mark may be printed on the sheet S near the edge that should not be the leading edge. A mark may be displayed, on the warning image 902, on the sheet S near the edge that should not be the leading edge.

In the step S711, the CPU 601 controls the image forming unit 20 to execute printing onto the sheet S.

According to a first embodiment, warning information is output to the user based on the margin-on-paper Wpaper. Accordingly, the frequency of a paper jam in the foil printer 120 caused by the shortage of the margin-on-paper provided on the side (edge portion) of the sheet S serving as the leading edge in the insertion direction will be reduced.

1-9. Modification

In the above-described embodiment, the scaling factor is calculated so that the entire toner image based on the image data fits within the remaining area acquired by subtracting the set margin Wset from the sheet S. However, this is only an example. The magnification of the image data may not be changed. For example, in an area where the toner image based on the image data and the set margin Wset overlap each other, the image processing unit 612 may adjust the image data so that the toner image is not printed.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a warning UI 900. The warning image 902 includes an image for warning the user that a part of the toner image based on the image data is missing. The warning message 902 includes text for warning the user that a part of the toner image based on the image data is missing.

II. Second Embodiment

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a margin setting UI 500. The image forming apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 650 may accept insertion direction information regarding a direction in which the sheet S is inserted into the foil printer 120 through the margin setting UI 500. A checkbox 1201 is a UI for selecting the top side as the leading edge. A checkbox 1202 is a UI for selecting the bottom side as the leading edge. A checkbox 1203 is a UI for selecting the left side as the leading edge. A checkbox 1204 is a UI for selecting the right side as the leading edge.

FIG. 13 shows a control method according to the second embodiment. Note that, the same reference numerals are given to the steps described above, and the description thereof will be omitted. The step S702 is substituted with the step S1301. The step S706 is substituted with the step S1302.

In the step S1301, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611) accepts the leading edge and the set margin Wset in the insertion direction, which are input through the margin setting UI 500 displayed on the operation unit 40. The insertion direction information indicating the leading edge and the set margin Wset are stored in the memory 602. After that, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S1301 to the step S703. Moreover, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S705 to the step S1302.

In the step S1302, the CPU 601 (margin determination unit 615) checks whether or not the margin-on-paper Wpaper reserved at the leading edge side of the sheet S is smaller than the threshold Wth. It may be determined whether the margin-on-paper Wpaper is greater than or equal to the threshold Wth. If the margin-on-paper Wpaper is greater than or equal to the threshold Wth, the CPU 601 processes from the step S1302 to the step S711. If the margin-on-paper Wpaper is smaller than the threshold Wth, the CPU 601 processes from the step S1302 to the step S707.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of a warning UI 900 displayed in the step S707. A leading mark 1401 includes an image or text indicating the edge designated as the leading edge of the four edges. The warning message 901 includes a message indicating that the margin-on-paper Wpaper designated as the leading edge is smaller than the threshold Wth. Further, the warning message 901 may include a message that suggests a way to reduce jams. In this example, enlarging the margin or changing the leading edge is shown.

If the print button 904 is pressed, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S708 to the step S709. If the cancel button 905 is pressed, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S708 to the step S1310. Therefore, the margin setting UI 500 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation unit 40, and the user can change the leading edge or enlarge the set margin Wset. Note that, the insertion direction information selected by the user is displayed in the step S710.

III. Third Embodiment

In the second embodiment, when there is insufficient margin-on-paper Wpaper reserved on the edge designated as the leading edge, the user can adjust the margin by returning from the warning UI 900 to the margin setting UI 500. However, the margin may be adjusted in a simpler way for the user.

FIG. 15 shows a control method according to the third embodiment. Note that, the same reference numerals are given to the steps described above, and the description thereof will be omitted. The step S708 and the step S709 are substituted with the step S1501 to the step S1503.

In the step S708, the user could press the cancel button 905 to return to the step S1301 (manual margin adjustment, re-designation of the leading edge) or press the print button 904 to advance to the step S711 (print with the current settings). In the step S1501, the user is allowed to select the automatic-setting of the margin.

FIG. 16 shows a warning UI 900 according to a third embodiment. The warning UI 900 includes an automatic margin setting button 1601. The user can adjust the margin in the warning UI 900 by pressing the automatic margin setting button 1601.

On the step S1501, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611 advances the process from the step S1501 to the step S1502 when it detects that the automatic margin setting button 1601 has been pressed.

In the step S1502, the CPU 601 (scaling unit 613 and margin calculation unit 614) acquires the set margin Wset and the scaling factor Ax, Ay so that the margin-on-paper Wpaper of the edge selected as the leading edge is greater than or equal to the threshold Wth. Here, the margin-on-paper Wpapper can be calculated using the equations Eq1 to Eq4. Therefore, when the margin-on-paper Wpapper is replaced with the threshold Wth, the following equations are obtained.

Wth
=

<

Wset_top
+

Wdata_top
×
Ay

Eq
⁢

5

Wth

=

<

Wset_botom
+

Wdata_bottom
×
Ay

Eq
⁢

6

Wth

=

<

Wset_right
+

Wdata_right
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

7

Wth

=

<

Wset_left
+

Wdata_left
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

8

Thus, the CPU 601 adjusts the set margin Wset or the scaling factor Ax, Ay so that the above equations are satisfied for the side selected by the user. Note that, since there are two variables in the respective equations, constraints may be imposed on one or both of the set margin Wset and the scaling factor Ax, Ay. For example, the set margin Wset may be maintained and only the scaling factor Ax, Ay may be adjusted. The scaling factor Ax, Ay may be maintained and only the set margin Wset may be adjusted. Alternatively, the set margin Wset may be adjusted so that the scaling factor Ax, Ay is maximized.

In the step S1503, the CPU 601 (the scaling unit 613 and the margin calculation unit 614) updates the set margin Wset and the scaling factor Ax, Ay held in the memory 602 to the new set margin Wset and the scaling factor Ax, Ay obtained in the step S1502. After that, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S1503 to the step S710.

In the third embodiment, the set margin is automatically changed on the warning UI 900. A UI (up/down buttons) or the like may be added to the warning UI 900 such that the user can manually adjust the set margin.

IV. Fourth Embodiment

The size of the sheet S that can be inserted into the foil printer 120 may be input by the user in the image forming apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 650. Note that, if a certain side of the four sides of the sheet S is selected as the leading edge, the sheet S may not be inserted into the foil printer 120. In this case, the UI unit 611 may provide a leading edge designating UI in which the user cannot select a side which is not recommended to be selected as the leading edge among the four sides. Accordingly, the sheet S will not be inserted into the foil printer 120 with the side that is not recommended as the leading edge. As a result, reprinting of the toner image will also be suppressed.

FIG. 17 shows another examples of the UI 300. The UI 300 includes a size setting unit 1700 that accepts the setting of the size of the sheet S that can be inserted. The size setting unit 1700 may include an adjustment button 1701 that accepts the setting of the size on the short side and an adjustment button 1702 that accepts the setting of the size on the long side. This allows the user to input, to the image forming apparatus 100, the size of the sheet S that can be inserted into the foil printer 120. Note that, the CPU 601 may communicate with the foil printer 120 to acquire the size of the sheet S that can be inserted. The CPU 601 may search through the communication circuit 603 for a Web page containing a specification document or an instruction manual of the foil printer 120 to acquire the size of the sheet S that can be inserted.

FIG. 18 shows a control method according to the fourth embodiment. Here, the step S1801 to the step S1803 is added between the step S701 and the step S1301 shown in FIG. 15. Note that descriptions of the described steps are omitted. If the foil print mode is determined to be selected, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S701 to the step S1801.

In the step S1801, the CPU 601 displays the UI 300 on the operation unit 40 and accepts the size of the sheet S that can be inserted into the foil printer 120. The size information indicating the input size is stored in the memory 602.

In the step S1802, the CPU 601 (size determination unit 616) compares the size that can be inserted with the lengths of the respective sides of the sheet S set in the image forming apparatus 100 to determine whether or not the sheet S can be inserted into the foil printer 120. If the sheet S can be inserted into the foil printer 120, the CPU 601 skips the step S1803 and advances the process from the step S1802 to the step S1301. If the sheet S cannot be inserted into the foil printer 120, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S1802 to the step S1803.

In the step S1803, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611) restricts the selection of the leading edge in the margin setting UI 500. FIG. 19 illustrates another example of a margin setting UI 900. In this example, the checkboxes 1201 and 1202 are grayed out, and the user is restricted (prohibited) from selecting the top side and the bottom side as the leading edge. In addition, the checkboxes 1203 and 1204 can be checked, and the user is allowed to select the left side and the right side as the leading edge. After that, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S1803 to the step S1301.

According to the fourth embodiment, the side that can be selected as the leading edge is clearly shown to the user based on the size that can be inserted. That is, the user is restricted from selecting an edge that cannot be selected as the leading edge. Accordingly, the formation of a toner image on the sheet S which cannot be inserted into the foil printer 120 is suppressed, and the frequency of reprinting will also be reduced.

V. Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 20 shows a control method according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, input of the set margin Wset is restricted in the margin setting UI 500 so that the margin-on-paper Wpaper is not smaller than the threshold Wth. The step S702 is substituted with the step S2001 to the step S2004. The step S705 to the step S709 are omitted.

In the step S2001, the CPU 601 obtains the minimum Wset-m of the set margin Wset so that the margin-on-paper Wpaper is greater than or equal to the threshold Wth.

Wset
⁢
‐
⁢

m_left
=

Wpaper_left
-

Wdata_left
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

9

Wset
⁢
‐
⁢

m_right
=

Wpaper_right
-

Wdata_right
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

10

Wset
⁢
‐
⁢

m_top
=

Wpaper_top
-

Wdata_top
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

11

Wset
⁢
‐
⁢

m_bottom
=

Wpaper_bottom
-

Wdata_bottom
×
Ax

Eq
⁢

12

In the step S2002, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611) displays the margin setting UI 500 on the operation unit 40 and accepts the selection of the leading edge.

In the step S2003, the CPU 601 (UI unit 611) restricts a margin on the leading edge side on the margin setting UI 500 displayed on the operation unit 40. For example, UI unit 611 prohibits or restricts the set margin Wset from being smaller than the minimum value Wset-m, and allows the set margin Wset greater than or equal to the minimum value Wset-m. The CPU 601 then performs the step S703, the step S704, the step S710 and the step S711. In the fifth embodiment, a margin-on-paper Wpaper that is greater than or equal to the threshold-value Wth is reserved in the step of setting the margin by the user. This eliminates the need for the step S709 from the step S705 related to adjustment of margins and warning.

According to the fifth embodiment, the set margin Wset is subjected to input restriction in the margin setting UI 500. As a result, it is ensured that the margin-on-paper Wpaper is greater than or equal to the threshold Wth.

VI. Sixth Embodiment

In the first to fifth embodiments, the foil printer 120 was separated from the image forming apparatus 100. However, the foil printer 120 may be coupled (connected) to the image forming apparatus 100.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show an image forming system 1 including the foil printer 120 and the image forming apparatus 100 connected to each other. FIG. 21 shows that the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 are in a contact state (in a foil processing state). FIG. 22 shows that the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 are in a separation state (state in which foil processing is not executed). That is, the contact state is adopted in the foil print mode. That is, the separation state is adopted in the normal print mode.

FIG. 23 shows a controller. The foil printing control unit 2301 controls the foil printer 120.

When accepting a print job from the information processing apparatus 650, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image in an area to which foil processing is applied on the sheet S, and the conveyance unit 10 conveys the sheet S to the foil printer 120.

The CPU 601 (foil printing control unit 2301) controls the motor M1 to shift the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 from the separation state to the contact state. The foil printer 120 transfers the foil to the toner image on the sheet S by hot pressing and discharges the sheet S to the discharge tray 140. Accordingly, a foil image is formed on the sheet S. When the foil processing is completed, the CPU 601 (foil printing control unit 2301) controls the motor M1 to shift the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 from the contact state to the separation state. This restricts or prohibits the foil processing to the sheet S that does not require the foil processing.

Incidentally, when the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printer 120 are connected to each other, the direction of the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to the direction in which the sheet S is inserted into the foil printer 120. That is, the user cannot change the orientation of the sheet S outputted from the image forming apparatus 100.

Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, when the user inputs a side serving as the leading edge, a toner image is formed on the sheet S such that the input side is the leading edge. Therefore, even when the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printer 120 are connected to each other, the leading edge margin is sufficiently reserved, and paper jam is less likely to occur in the foil printer 120.

FIG. 24 shows a control method according to the sixth embodiment. Here, differences between FIG. 20 and FIG. 24 will be mainly described.

If the normal print mode is selected, the CPU 601 advances the process from the step S701 to the step S2411. In the step 2411, the CPU 601 (foil printing control unit 2301) controls the motor M1 to separate the heating roller 121 from the pressure roller 122. After that, the CPU 601 controls the image forming unit 20 to execute printing.

When it is determined that the foil print mode is selected in the step S701, the CPU 601 advances the processing from the step S701 to the step S2001, executes the step S2001 to the step S2004, and advances the processing to the step S703.

The CPU 601 executes the step S703 and the step S704 and advances the process to the step S2401. In the step S2401, the CPU 601 (image processing unit 612) rotates the image data so that an image can be formed with the selected edge as a leading edge. The orientation of the sheet S depends on the orientation (e.g. A4/A4R) of the sheet S accommodated in the sheet cassette or the sheet tray. Thus, the edge selectable by the user is the top or bottom side, or the left or right side.

In the step S711, the CPU 601 controls the image forming unit 20 to form a toner image on the sheet S. In the step S2402, the CPU 601 (foil printing control unit 2301) controls the foil printer 120 to perform foil printing on the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100.

In this way, even when the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printer 120 are connected to each other, enough margin is reserved on the edge selected as the leading edge (the step S2001 to the step S2004). Therefore, the paper jam in the foil printer 120 caused by the shortage of the margin is reduced.

Note that, in the above description, it is assumed that the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 are in contact with each other in a default state. However, this is only an example. The heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 may be separated from each other in a default state. Here, between the step S701 and the step S2001, the CPU 601 controls the motor M1 to bring the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 into contact with each other. In addition, after the step S2402, the CPU 601 controls the motor M1 to bring the heating roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 into separated with each other. The step S2411 can be omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 and the foil printer 120 are connected to each other, the margin setting is restricted (the fifth embodiment). However, this is only an example. Instead of the fifth embodiment, a warning may be issued when the leading edge margin is smaller than the threshold (the second embodiment and the third embodiment).

VII. Supplemental Description

The image forming unit 20 is an example of an image forming unit that forms a toner image used in the foil printer 120 on the sheet S as an adhesive for adhering the foil to the sheet. The operation unit 40, the input device 655, and the UI 400 are examples of a selection unit or an input unit that selects a first mode for forming a toner image for adhering foil onto a sheet via a toner image. The operation unit 40, the input device 655, and the margin setting UI 500 function as an accepting unit or an input unit that accepts information related to a margin area that is set to be an area where no toner image is formed by the image forming unit among the sheets. When the first mode is selected, the operation unit 40 and the display device 654 function as a display unit that displays a warning according to the information related to the margin area. This reduces the likelihood of a defect occurring when forming the foil.

The margin area (margin-on-paper Wpaper) existing from the edge of the sheet S to the toner image 801 may be smaller than the threshold Wth associated with the foil printer 120. In this case, the operation unit 40 and the display device 654 may output warning information (e.g. a warning UI 900, a warning message 901, and a warning image 902). This reduces the frequency of jams occurring in the foil printer 120.

The threshold Wth may be the minimum margin defined in an instruction manual of the foil printer 120. The instruction manual may contain minimum margins that the user must reserve.

The operation unit 40, the input device 655, and the margin setting UI 500 can function as an input unit that accepts an input of the size of a margin area. The foil print mode is an example of a first mode for forming a toner image used as an adhesive of foil in the foil printer 120. The normal print mode is an example of a second mode for forming a toner image that is not used as an adhesive of foil in the foil printer 120. The CPU 601, 651 and the margin determination unit 615 function as a determination unit or a controller that determines whether or not the size of the margin area acquired from the information input through the input unit is smaller than a threshold when the first mode is selected. In this way, a mode for foil printing may be provided.

At least one of the four margins in the sheet S may be smaller than a threshold value. In this case, the warning information may be output.

Among the four margins in the sheet S, one margin with respect to the leading edge of the sheet S in the direction in which the sheet S is inserted into the foil printer 120 may be smaller than a threshold value. In this case, the warning information may be output.

The warning information may include a warning image 902 indicating a margin smaller than the threshold value Wth among the four margins in the sheet S.

Among the four margins in the sheet S, there may be a margin greater than the threshold value Wth. The warning information may include insertion direction information indicating that the edge of the sheet S close to the margin should be the leading edge in the direction in which the sheet S is inserted into the foil printer 120.

There is a case where all of the four margins in the sheet S may be smaller than a threshold value. The warning information may include information indicating that a jam may occur when the sheet S is inserted into the foil printer