Patent Publication Number: US-2018029401-A1

Title: Sheet processing apparatus that binds sheets with an adhesive

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/634,230, filed on Feb. 27, 2015 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,764,582, which claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-044365, filed Mar. 6, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to a technology of processing a plurality of sheets, especially binding the sheets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the related art, a post-processing apparatus performs various types of post-processing for one or more sheets on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus. One type of the post-processing apparatus has a function to staple a bundle of sheets. However, the bundle of stapled sheets may cause a trouble when the sheets are put into a shredder without the staples being removed. Further, when the stapled sheets are used in an image forming apparatus after staples are removed, holes made by the staples may cause jamming of sheets. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment and an image forming apparatus which is connected to the post-processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a binding section of the post-processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the binding section in which a bundle of sheets are stacked. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a pressurization mechanism of the binding section that carries out a pressuring operation. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a series of pressurizing operations carried out by the pressurization mechanism. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a processing tray and the binding section. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a pasting section of the binding section. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates control blocks of a post-processing apparatus including a sheet binding device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of components of the image forming apparatus connectable to the post-processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation carried out by the sheet binding device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a subsequent flow of the operation carried out by the sheet binding device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a data table including defined pressurization setting parameters. 
         FIGS. 13-18  illustrate a state of the sheet binding device during the operation. 
         FIG. 19  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tape stamping apparatus as an example of the post-processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 20  is a vertical cross-sectional view of another tape stamping apparatus as an example of the post-processing apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An exemplary embodiment described herein is directed to perform firm binding of sheets without increasing the size of a sheet processing apparatus and throughput thereof. 
     In general, according to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet holding unit, a sheet conveying unit configured to convey a plurality of sheets one by one onto the sheet holding unit during sheet processing, wherein the plurality of sheets includes a first sheet and a second sheet that is conveyed immediately after the first sheet, an adhesive applying unit configured to apply an adhesive material on the first sheet held on the sheet holding unit before the second sheet is conveyed onto the first sheet, and a pressing unit configured to press the second sheet against the first sheet after the second sheet is conveyed onto the first sheet. 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     Overall Description of Apparatus 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a post-processing apparatus  1  (a so-called finisher) according to the embodiment, and an image forming apparatus  7  connected to the post-processing apparatus  1 . 
     In the image forming apparatus  7  according to the present embodiment, an image forming section  706  performs image forming on a sheet transported from a sheet supply section  708  including a so-called sheet feeding cassette, for example, by a transport roller (not illustrated). The sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming section  706  is transported toward the post-processing apparatus  1  by a transport section  707  having a transport roller and the like. 
     A sheet detection sensor S 1  and a thickness sensor H 1  are provided in the vicinity of the transport roller positioned most downstream along a route through which a sheet is transported by the transport section  707 . The sheet detection sensor S 1 , for example, is an optical sensor of a reflection type ora transmissive type, or a mechanical sensor including a lever, the optical sensor, and the like. The sheet detection sensor S 1  detects whether or not a sheet is being transported toward the post-processing apparatus  1  by the transport section  707 . The thickness sensor H 1 , for example, is a mechanical sensor including a rotatably supported lever, the optical sensor, and the like. The thickness sensor H 1  uses the optical sensor and the like to detect a rotational amount of the lever which rotates in response to a sheet passing therethrough toward the post-processing apparatus  1 , and detects the thickness (whether the sheet is thick paper or normal paper) of the sheet based on the rotational amount. 
     The post-processing apparatus  1  according to the present embodiment, for example, receives a sheet output from the image forming apparatus  7 , which is connected to the post-processing apparatus  1 , so as to be able to communicate with each other. The post-processing apparatus  1  performs various types of processing such as binding, folding, and hole-punching with respect to the sheet. 
     For example, the post-processing apparatus  1  includes a binding section T, a folding section B, a stapler W, and a hole punching section  109  as functional units for sheet processing. 
     The sheet on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus  7  first passes through the hole punching section  109 . When performing the hole-punching in a sheet, the hole-punching is performed in a sheet by the hole punching section  109  at this time. 
     After the sheet passes through the hole punching section  109 , a flapper  117  switches a destination to which the sheet is transported between a transport path  110  and a transport path  108 . 
     If it is intended to perform only the hole-punching in the sheet or to discharge the sheet outside the apparatus after passing through the hole punching section  109 , the sheet is guided to the transport path  108  by the flapper  117  and a transport roller R 1 . Then, the sheet is guided to a transport path  119  by a flapper  107  and a transport roller R 2 , thereby being discharged onto a first discharge tray  106  by a transport roller R 3 . 
     Meanwhile, if it is intended to perform binding of sheets by the binding section T, the sheet conveyed to the transport path  108  is further guided to a transport path  120  by the flapper  107  and the transport roller R 2 , thereby being discharged onto a buffer tray  104  by a transport roller R 4 .  FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the binding section T. 
     After being discharged onto the buffer tray  104 , the sheet is dropped on a processing tray  102  while being pushed by a paddle  103  which rotates counterclockwise in a diagram of  FIG. 1 , thereby being sequentially stacked on the processing tray  102 . In this manner, the processing tray  102  has a role to store target sheets for binding. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, the transport rollers R 1 , R 2 , and R 4 , the flappers  117  and  107 , a transport guide (not illustrated), the buffer tray  104 , the paddle  103 , and the like correspond to a “transport section.” 
     The binding section T binds a plurality of sheets by adhesion. The binding section T includes a pasting section  101  (an adhesive applying section) which performs pasting an adhesive on a top surface of the sheet stacked on the processing tray  102 . In the binding section T, the pasting section  101  performs pasting the adhesive on the top surface of the sheet every time a new sheet is stacked on the processing tray  102 . However, for example, if it is intended to bind a bundle of ten sheets, pasting is not performed on the top surface of the tenth sheet.  FIG. 3  illustrates a state where a bundle of pasted sheets is stacked on the processing tray  102 . 
     After all of a plurality of target sheets for binding are stacked on the processing tray  102 , and pasting on the top surfaces of the sheets in a bundle of the plurality of sheets is completed except for the last sheet on the top, a pressurization mechanism D (a pressurization section) pressurizes a position corresponding to the pasting position toward the processing tray  102  in a state where the plurality of sheets overlap each other. Here, the pasting section  101  ejects as the adhesive a liquid paste on the sheets, and the plurality of sheets are pressed by the pressurization mechanism D so as to adhere firmly to each other due to the paste, thereby completing binding of the sheets (refer to  FIG. 4 ). 
     Meanwhile, if it is intended to perform folding or stapling of sheets after the sheets pass through the hole punching section  109 , the sheets are guided to the transport path  110  by the flapper  117 . Then, stapling by the stapler W or folding by the folding section B is performed on the sheets discharged onto a stacker  111 . Specifically, for example, the folding section B causes a folding blade  112  and a folding roller  113  to fold a bundle of sheets in which stapling is performed by the stapler W. The bundle of sheets is subjected to further creasing by an additionally folding roller  114 . Thereafter, the bundle of folded sheets is discharged to a third discharge tray  116  by a discharge roller  115 . 
     A sheet detection sensor S 2  and a thickness sensor H 2  are disposed along the transport path  120 . The sheet detection sensor S 2 , for example, is the optical sensor of the reflection type or the transmissive type, or the mechanical sensor including the lever, the optical sensor, and the like. The sheet detection sensor S 2  detects whether or not a sheet is being transported through the transport path  120 . In other words, if a sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor S 2 , the detection indicates that there is a sheet being supplied to the binding section T as a target for binding. The thickness sensor H 2 , for example, is the mechanical sensor including the rotatably supported lever, the optical sensor, and the like. The thickness sensor H 2  uses the optical sensor and the like to detect a rotational amount of the lever which rotates in response to a sheet passing therethrough to be transported toward the buffer tray  104  by the transport roller R 2 , thereby detecting the thickness (whether the sheet is thick paper or normal paper) of the sheet. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a pressing operation performed by the pressurization mechanism D. The pressurization mechanism D has a role to pressurize the top surface of a second sheet stacked on a first sheet to which the pasting section  101  (the adhesive applying section) applies the adhesive, and to cause the first sheet and the second sheet to adhere to each other. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the pressurization mechanism D may include a pressing member  101   r , a guide member  101   g , a motor  101   z , a cam  101   x , a rack gear  101   y , a motor  101   m , a pinion gear  101   f , a guided member  101   n , and a pin  101   q , for example. 
     Hereinafter, an operation of the pressurization mechanism D will be described. 
     The cam  101   x  is attached to an output shaft of the motor  101   z , and the cam  101   x  rotates by driving the motor  101   z . The pin  101   q  is provided in the cam  101   x . The pin  101   q  slides inside a guide groove  101   t  formed in the pressing member  101   r.    
     The guided member  101   n  is further provided in the pressing member  101   r . The guided member  101   n  is guided along a guide groove of the guide member  101   g  so as to be able to make reciprocating motion. 
     Therefore, if the motor  101   z  is driven, the pin  101   q  of the cam  101   x  moves along the guide groove, and the moving pin  101   q  transfers a driving force to the pressing member  101   r  through the guide groove  101   t . Thus, the pressing member  101   r  makes reciprocating motion along the guide groove of the guide member  101   g.    
     The rack gear  101   y  which extends in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction (a pressing direction) of the guide groove of the guide member  101   g  is formed at an end portion of the pressing member  101   r . The pinion gear  101   f  attached to an output shaft of the motor  101   m  meshes with the rack gear  101   y . As the motor  101   m  is driven, the pressing member  101   r  may make reciprocating motion together with the guide member  101   g  in a direction in which the rack gear  101   y  extends. Therefore, it is possible to control a pressing force applied to the bundle of sheets stacked on the processing tray  102  by controlling rotations of the motor  101   m . Here, a rack and pinion mechanism controls reciprocating operations of the pressing member  101   r , but the embodiment is not limited thereto. If the pressurizing is performed by a greater force, a rack and worm gear mechanism in which a worm gear is attached to the output shaft of the motor  101   m  may be employed instead of the rack gear. 
     Thereafter, the bundle of sheets bound by the binding is discharged onto a second discharge tray  105  by a discharge member (not illustrated) provided in the processing tray  102 , for example.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the processing tray  102 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the pasting section  101  in the binding section T. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the pasting section  101  includes a pasting head  101   a  (a pasting unit), a supply tube  101   d , a shaft  101   c , a motor  101   b , and the like. The shaft  101   c  having a worm gear formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof supports the pasting head  101   a  so that the pasting head  101   a  can make a reciprocating motion in the arrow direction indicated in  FIG. 7 . The shaft  101   c  is coupled to an output shaft of the motor  101   b  and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor  101   b . Specifically, if the motor  101   b  rotates in a normal direction, the pasting head  101   a  moves in one direction due to an operation of the worm gear of the shaft  101   c . If the motor  101   b  rotates in a reverse direction, the pasting head  101   a  moves toward the opposite direction due to an operation of the worm gear of the shaft  101   c.    
     A liquid paste is supplied to the pasting head  101   a , which is supported to be able to make the reciprocating motion, via the supply tube  101   d  by a pump (not illustrated). A liquid paste supplied to the pasting head  101   a  is sprayed from a nozzle  101  an provided in the pasting head  101   a  to a desired region on the top surface of a sheet stacked on the processing tray  102 . 
     In the binding section T (the pasting section), it is possible to selectively perform pasting on at least any one of a plurality of “predetermined target regions for pasting, “which are different from one another, on a target sheet for pasting. Positions of the plurality of “predetermined target regions for pasting” on the sheet are set in advance. As the pasting head  101   a , it is possible to employ a configuration similar to that of an ink jet-type printer head which ejects a pressure-sensitive adhesive by driving a piezoelectric element or a thermal element. 
     Here, the binding section T is disposed inside the post-processing apparatus  1  as an example as shown in  FIG. 1 . However, the configuration is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the binding section T may be provided at a different place inside the apparatus such as places where the hole punching section  109  and the folding section B are located. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of components of the post-processing apparatus  1  including a sheet binding device according to the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the post-processing apparatus  1  includes a CPU  801 , an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  802 , a memory  803 , a hard disk drive (HDD)  804 , the pasting head  101   a , the motor  101   m , the motor  101   z , the motor  101   b , the hole punching section  109 , the stapler W, the folding section B, a communication interface  805 , the sheet detection sensor S 2 , the thickness sensor H 2 , and the transport section (described above), for example. 
     Various actuators and sensors such as the ASIC  802 , the memory  803 , the HDD  804 , motor  101   m , the motor  101   b , and the communication interface  805  included in the post-processing apparatus  1  are connected to the CPU  801  through a communication line such as a parallel bus or a serial bus so as to be able to communicate with each other. 
     The CPU  801  acquires detection results of the sheet detection sensor S 2  and the thickness sensor H 2 . The CPU  801  also acquires a detection result of a media sensor (not illustrated) if the post-processing apparatus  1  includes the media sensor. 
     For example, the CPU  801  loads the memory  803  with a program which is downloaded from the HDD  804  or outside the apparatus and executes the program, thereby controlling the pasting head  101   a , the motor  101   m , the motor  101   z , the motor  101   b , the communication interface  805 , and the transport section, for example. 
     In the sheet binding device according to the present embodiment and the post-processing apparatus  1  including the same, the CPU  801  has a role to perform various types of processing in the sheet binding device and the post-processing apparatus  1  including the same. The CPU  801  also has a role to achieve various functions by executing a program stored in the memory  803 , the HDD  804 , and the like. It is not necessary to mention that the CPU  801  may be replaced by a micro processing unit (MPU) which may execute equivalent arithmetic processing. Similarly, the HDD  804  may be replaced by a storage device such as a flash memory, for example. 
     For example, the memory  803  may include a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a video RAM (VRAM), and a flash memory. The memory  803  has a role to store various pieces of information and programs utilized to operate the sheet binding device and the post-processing apparatus  1  including the same, for example. 
     According to such a configuration, the CPU  801  (a sheet quantity information acquisition section and a thickness information acquisition section) may also acquire sheet quantity information indicating quantity of sheets bound by adhesion and information indicating a thickness of a sheet from a CPU  701  of the image forming apparatus  7  through communication interfaces  705  and  805 . 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram of components of the image forming apparatus  7 , which may be connected to the post-processing apparatus  1  of the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the image forming apparatus  7  includes the CPU  701 , an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  702 , a memory  703 , a hard disk drive (HDD)  704 , the communication interface  705 , the image forming section  706 , the sheet transport section  707 , the sheet supply section  708 , the sheet detection sensor S 1 , and the thickness sensor H 1 , for example. 
     Various actuators and sensors such as the ASIC  702 , the memory  703 , the HDD  704 , and the communication interface  705  included in the image forming apparatus  7  are connected to the CPU  701  through a communication line such as the parallel bus or the serial bus so as to be able to communicate with each other. 
     The CPU  701  acquires information detection results of the sheet detection sensor S 1  and the thickness sensor H 1 . The CPU  701  also acquires a detection result of a media sensor (not illustrated) if the image forming apparatus  7  includes the media sensor. 
     For example, the CPU  701  loads the memory  703  with a program which is downloaded from the HDD  704  or outside the apparatus and executes the program, thereby controlling the pasting head  101   a , the motor  101   m , the motor  101   z , the motor  101   b , and the communication interface  705 , for example. 
     In the image forming apparatus  7  according to the present embodiment, the CPU  701  has a role to perform various types of processing in the image forming apparatus  7 . The CPU  701  also has a role to achieve various functions by executing a program stored in the memory  703  and the HDD  704 . It is not necessary to mention that the CPU  701  maybe replaced by the micro processing unit (MPU) which may execute equivalent arithmetic processing. Similarly, the HDD  704  may be replaced by the storage device such as the flash memory, for example. 
     For example, the memory  703  may include the random access memory (RAM), the read only memory (ROM), the dynamic random access memory (DRAM), the static random access memory (SRAM), the video RAM (VRAM), and the flash memory. The memory  703  has a role to store various pieces of information and programs utilized in the image forming apparatus  7 , for example. 
     According to such a configuration, the CPU  701  may transmit sheet quantity information indicating quantity of sheets bound by adhesion and information indicating a thickness (basis weight) of a target sheet for binding to the post-processing apparatus  1  through the communication interface  705 . 
     Here, the CPU  801  basically carries out arithmetic processing in the post-processing apparatus  1 , and the CPU  701  basically carries out arithmetic processing in the image forming apparatus  7 . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, from a point of view of distributed processing, the CPU  801  may auxiliarily carry out arithmetic processing in the image forming apparatus  7 , and the CPU  701  may auxiliarily carry out arithmetic processing in the post-processing apparatus  1 . A program executed in the CPU of any one of the post-processing apparatus  1  and the image forming apparatus  7  may be stored in a storage region included in the other one or both of the post-processing apparatus  1  and the image forming apparatus  7 . 
     Detailed Description for Sheet Binding Device 
     Subsequently, the sheet binding device of the embodiment will be described in detail. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  are flowcharts illustrating flows of processing carried out by the sheet binding device of the embodiment. The processing flows shown herein are examples. For example, execution order of multiple processes including determination and acquisition of setting values may be changed as long as the same processing outcome maybe obtained as a result. Further, a part or all of the processing may be executed at the same time. 
     The CPU  801  (the sheet quantity information acquisition section) acquires sheet quantity information indicating quantity of sheets for binding in the post-processing apparatus  1  from the CPU  701  of the image forming apparatus  7  (ACT  101 ). The CPU  701  of the image forming apparatus  7  may acquire the sheet quantity information from “a print job” and the like when executing image forming (binding is designated for the post-processing) on a plurality of sheets, for example. 
     The CPU  801  acquires pressurization setting parameters corresponding to the acquired sheet quantity information from the data table in  FIG. 12  stored in the HDD  804  (ACTS  102 ,  103 , and  112 ). In the data table shown in  FIG. 12 , a pressurization force and a pressurization period corresponding to each of conditions such as quantity of sheets for binding (bundle forming sheet quantity) and types of the sheets (sheet type) for binding are regulated in advance. 
     Here, the pressurization force and the pressurization period are stored in the HDD  804  in advance in a form of a data table. However, the stored data may be in any form as long as the setting values such as the pressurization force and the pressurization period corresponding to a certain condition may be obtained as a result. For example, arithmetic expressions may be stored in the HDD  804  in advance and arguments such as quantity of sheets may be input to calculate the setting values such as desired pressurization force and pressurization period. 
     In ACTS  102 ,  103 , and  112 , the CPU  801  (a pressurization control section) is set to cause the pressurization period during which the pressurization mechanism D (the pressurization section) pressurizes sheets by a second pressurization force to be increased if the total quantity of the sheets for binding exceeds predetermined value (49 sheets in the example shown in  FIG. 12 ) relative to when the total quantity thereof is equal to or less than the predetermined value, based on the setting values in the data table shown in  FIG. 12  (selection of a multi-sheet setting value group). In the data table shown in  FIG. 12 , if the quantity of the sheets for binding is “equal to or less than 49,” the pressurizing with respect to the sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  second from the top is set to be performed under conditions such as pressurization force F 1 =0.05 [N] and pressurization duration T 1  (1.0 [Sec]) for “normal paper,” and pressurization force F 1 =0.08 [N] and pressurization duration T 1  (1.5 [Sec]) for “thick paper.” 
     The pressurization duration may be proportional to strength of sheet adhesion by an adhesive to some extent. If the number of the sheets for binding exceeds the predetermined value (for example, 50 sheets or the like), the pressurization duration is set to be further increased compared to a case of pressurizing a bundle of sheets of which number is equal to or less than the predetermined value. Thus, by changing pressurization duration, it is possible to stably perform binding of a bundle of thick sheets. 
     Generally, as a bundle of sheets increases in thickness, a force applied to a binding place when pages are flipped by a reviewer (when browsing information printed in each sheet) tends to increase. Therefore, it is preferable to strongly bind sheets by adhesion as the bundle of sheets increases in thickness. From a point of view thereof, it is preferable that the pressurization duration is caused to be increased so as to firmly bind the sheets if the number of sheets for binding exceeds the predetermined value. 
     The CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) causes a bundle of stacked sheets which has a first quantity of sheets to be pressurized by a first pressurization force and causes a compounded bundle of sheets which has a second quantity of sheets in a state (for example, a state where all the sheets configuring the bundle of target sheets for binding are stacked) where sheets are additionally stacked on the bundle of sheets which has the first quantity of sheets to be pressurized by a second pressurization force greater than the first pressurization force, based on the sheet quantity information acquired from the image forming apparatus  7 , and based on the setting values in the data table shown in  FIG. 12 . In the data table shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, if quantity of “normal paper” sheets for binding is “equal to or less than 49,” pressurizing with respect to a sheet (in a state where the quantity of stacked sheets is the first quantity of sheets) stacked on the processing tray  102  second from the top out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be performed under a condition of pressurization force F 1 =0.05 [N], and pressurizing with respect to a sheet (in a state where the quantity of stacked sheets is the second quantity of sheets) lastly stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be performed under a condition of pressurization force Fn=0.10 [N]. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , values are set to be the same from a pressurization force F 1  for the sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  second from the top out of the bundle of target sheets for binding to a pressurization force Fn−1 for the second last sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding. Only the pressurization force Fn for the last sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to have a high value. 
     That is, in the example shown in  FIG. 12 , the pressurization force is set to have the following relationship. 
         F 1= F 2= F 3=. . . = Fn− 1&lt; Fn    
     Naturally, the setting values for the pressurization force and the pressurization duration are not limited to the above-described example. For example, the setting values may be set as follows so as to cause the pressurization force and the pressurization duration to sequentially increase every time a sheet is stacked. 
         F 1&lt; F 2&lt; F 3&lt;. . . &lt; Fn− 1&lt; Fn    
     Otherwise, the setting may be performed as follows so as to apply the same setting values consecutively to several sheets during a sheet stacking procedure. 
         F 1&lt; F 2= F 3&lt;. . . = Fn− 1&lt; Fn    
     The setting may be performed as follows without being limited to the case where the pressurization force Fn for the last sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be the greatest. 
         F 1&lt; F 2= F 3&lt;. . . &lt; Fn− 1= Fn    
     In this manner, the pressurization force for the compounded bundle of additionally stacked sheets (for example, quantity of stacked sheets is 30 sheets) which has the second quantity of sheets greater than the first quantity of sheets is further strengthened compared to the pressurization force when pressurizing the bundle of stacked sheets (for example, quantity of stacked sheets is 15 sheets) which has the first quantity of sheets so that every single sheet in a stack is bound by adhesion to some extent by easily pressurizing the sheets by the relatively weak first pressurization force until the stacked sheets reach the second quantity of stacked sheets. Then, the compounded bundle of sheets which has the second quantity of stacked sheets is strongly pressurized by the second pressurization force greater than the first pressurization force if the stacked sheets reach the second quantity of stacked sheets, and thus, additional adhesion may be performed between the sheets configuring the compounded bundle of sheets which has the second quantity of stacked sheets with a uniform force. 
     Accordingly, since the binding may proceed by repeating easy pressurizing operations by a weak pressurization force until quantity of sheets stacked on the tray reaches the second quantity of stacked sheets, time necessary for the sheet pressurizing operations until quantity of stacked sheets reaches the second quantity of stacked sheets may be shortened, and thus, it is possible to decrease throughput of the binding process as a whole. 
     When quantity of sheets stacked on the tray reaches the second quantity of stacked sheets, the pressurizing is performed by the strong second pressurization force so that the pressurizing may be performed again between the compounded bundle of sheets with a uniform force. As a result, the binding maybe more reliably performed. 
     Generally, as quantity of stacked sheets increases, a greater pressurization force is necessary to sufficiently perform pressure-bonding between a sheet positioned on the top (for example, a 30th sheet stacked thereon) and a sheet positioned immediately under the top sheet (for example, a 29th sheet stacked thereon). This is because a bundle of sheets stacked below the sheet to be pressed works as a cushion. According to the sheet binding device of the embodiment, there is no disadvantage caused by an insufficient pressurization force due to an increase of the quantity of stacked sheets, and it is possible to prevent an occurrence of poor adhesion when binding a bundle of sheets by adhesion. 
     If a bundle of target sheets for binding is collectively pressurized in its entirety after being stacked on the tray, it is necessary to perform pressurizing with an extremely great force compared to the present embodiment. However, a pressurization mechanism which can perform the pressurizing with such an extremely great force is likely to increase in size and causes a disadvantage from a point of view of space saving. In contrast, according to the sheet binding device of the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain sufficient adhesion force even though pressurizing is performed by a small force. Therefore, extensive miniaturization of the pressurization mechanism itself may be achieved while exhibiting a great effect from a point of view of energy saving as well as space saving, compared to a case of collectively pressurizing all sheets at a time to perform binding of a bundle of sheets in its entirety by adhesion. Meanwhile, if all the sheets are collectively subjected to pressurizing, there is not only an increase of the pressurization mechanism in size but also an increase of pressurizing time period. If the pressurization time period is short, there is no need to retard a transport operation for a next sheet to be stacked on the tray following after a target sheet for pressurizing. In contrast, if the pressurization time period is increased, the next sheet may have to standby until the pressurization operation for the immediately preceding sheet is completed when performing the transporting for the next sheet to be stacked on the tray following after the target sheet for pressurizing. Consequently, there is a need to control a throughput of sheet being transported toward the tray by slowing down the productivity of the sheet binding device to keep pace with the pressurizing period thereof. In other words, it takes significant amount of time if a bundle of sheets is collectively pressurized in its entirety at the last to bind the bundle of sheets by adhesion by only collectively pressurizing the bundle of sheets in its entirety at the last. Whereas the overall time for binding by adhesion may be generally shortened and productivity may be improved by setting the pressurization time period for each sheet to be stacked to an appropriate time period and increasing the time period when collectively pressurizing the bundle of sheets in its entirety at the last to be slightly longer than the time when performing binding by adhesion sheet by sheet. 
     The CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) sets a bundle of stacked sheets which has the first quantity of sheets to be pressurized for a first time period and sets a compounded bundle of sheets which has the second quantity of sheets to be pressurized for a second time period longer than the first time period, based on the sheet quantity information acquired from the image forming apparatus  7 , and based on the setting values in the data table shown in  FIG. 12 . In the data table shown in  FIG. 12 , for example, if quantity of sheets configuring a bundle of target sheets of “normal paper” for binding is “equal to or less than 49,” the pressurizing with respect to a sheet (in a state where the quantity of stacked sheets is the first quantity of sheets) stacked on the processing tray  102  second from the top out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be performed under a condition of pressurization duration T 1  (1.0 [Sec]), and pressurizing with respect to a sheet (in a state where the quantity of stacked sheets is the second quantity of sheets) lastly stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be performed under a condition of pressurization duration T 2  (5.0 [Sec]). 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , values are set to be the same from a pressurization duration T 1  for the sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  second from the top out of the bundle of target sheets for binding to a pressurization duration Tn−1 for the second last sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding. Only a pressurization duration Tn for the last sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be long. 
     That is, in the example shown in  FIG. 12 , the pressurization duration is set to have the following relationship. 
         T 1= T 2= T 3=. . . = Tn− 1&lt; Tn    
     Naturally, the setting value for the pressurization duration is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the setting value may be set as follows so as to cause the pressurization duration to increase every time a sheet is stacked. 
         T 1&lt; T 2&lt; T 3&lt;. . . &lt; Tn− 1&lt; Tn    
     Otherwise, the setting may be performed as follows so as to apply the same setting value consecutively to several sheets during a sheet stacking procedure. 
         T 1&lt; T 2= T 3&lt;. . . = Tn− 1&lt; Tn    
     The setting may be performed as follows without being limited to the case where the pressurization duration Tn for the last sheet stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the bundle of target sheets for binding is set to be the greatest. 
         T 1&lt; T 2= T 3&lt;. . . &lt; Tn− 1= Tn    
     Considering the pressurization duration may be proportional to strength of sheet adhesion generated by an adhesive to some extent when sheets interposing the adhesive therebetween are pressurized to adhere to each other, when a compounded bundle of target sheets for binding has the second quantity of sheets, the pressurization duration is caused to be further increased compared to a case of pressurizing a bundle of sheets which has the first quantity of sheets. As a result, it is possible to stably perform binding of a bundle of thick sheets. 
     Generally, as quantity of stacked sheets increases, a greater pressurization force is necessary to sufficiently perform pressure-bonding between a sheet positioned on the top and a sheet positioned immediately under the top sheet. This is because a bundle of sheets stacked below the sheet to be pressed works as a cushion. 
     Considering that the pressurization duration may be proportional to strength of sheet adhesion generated by an adhesive when sheets interposing the adhesive therebetween are pressurized to adhere to each other, when a compounded bundle of target sheets for binding has the second quantity of sheets, the pressurization duration is caused to be increased compared to a case of pressurizing a bundle of sheets which has the first quantity of sheets. As a result, it is possible to stably perform binding of a bundle of thick sheets. According to the sheet binding device of the embodiment, an insufficient pressurization force due to an increase of the quantity of stacked sheets is compensated by extending a pressurization time period, thereby preventing an occurrence of poor adhesion when binding a bundle of sheets. 
     The CPU  801  (the thickness information acquisition section) acquires thickness information regarding thicknesses of target sheets for binding from detection results of the thickness sensors H 1  and H 2  or the CPU  701  of the image forming apparatus  7  (ACT  104 ). 
     If a portion or all of sheets for binding have the second thickness (for example, a thickness of thick paper) thicker than the first thickness (for example, a thickness of normal paper), the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) sets an increasing rate of the second pressurization force to the first pressurization force to be greater than that in a case of binding a bundle of sheets which have only the first thicknesses, based on thickness information acquired by the CPU  801  (the thickness information acquisition section), with reference to the setting values in the data table shown in  FIG. 12  (ACT  105 ). 
     Generally, it is known that a greater pressurization force is necessary as a bundle of sheets includes thicker sheets when performing binding by adhesion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in the data table in  FIG. 12 , if a portion (for example, if only covers or inserts are thick paper) or all of a bundle of target sheets for binding are thick sheets such as thick paper, pressure-bonding is performed by a pressurization force stronger than the pressurization force applied when “the bundle of sheets include only sheets thinner than the thick sheets.” 
     If a portion or all of sheets for binding have the second thickness (for example, a thickness of thick paper) thicker than the first thickness (for example, a thickness of normal paper) (ACT  104 , Yes), the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) sets an increasing rate of the second period to the first period to be greater than that in a case of binding a bundle of sheets includes sheets which have only the first thicknesses based on thickness information acquired by the CPU  801  (the thickness information acquisition section) with reference to the setting values in the data table shown in  FIG. 12  (ACT  105 ) (refer to the data table in  FIG. 12 ). 
     Generally, it is known that a greater pressurization force is necessary as a bundle of sheets includes thicker sheets when performing the binding by adhesion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if a portion (for example, if only covers or inserts are thick paper) or all of a bundle of target sheets for binding are thick sheets such as thick paper, pressure-bonding is performed for a duration longer than the pressurization duration applied when “the bundle of sheets includes only sheets thinner than the thick sheets.” 
     Subsequent to parameter setting of pressurizing operations performed in the above-described manner (ACTS  101  to  105 ), the CPU  801  causes the target sheet for binding transported from the image forming apparatus  7  to be introduced onto the processing tray  102  by the flapper and the transport roller (ACT  106 ). The parameter setting of pressurizing operations (ACTS  101  to  105 ) may be performed every time each sheet to be bound is stacked on the processing tray  102 . However, set parameters for pressurizing operations respectively corresponding to sheets may be collectively set before starting transporting of sheets individually. 
     As described above, if target sheets for pressurizing is the last sheet to be stacked on the processing tray  102  out of a bundle of target sheets for binding (ACT  107 , Yes), the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) causes the pressurization mechanism D to perform pressurizing under conditions of pressurization force Fn (the second pressurization force) and pressurization duration Tn (the second period) based on set parameters acquired from the data table shown in  FIG. 12  (ACT  114 ). 
     Meanwhile, if target sheets for pressurizing is not the first or last sheet to be stacked on the processing tray  102  out of a bundle of target sheets for binding (ACT  107 , No) (ACT  108 , No), the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) causes the pressurization mechanism D to perform pressurizing under conditions of pressurization force F 1  to pressurization force Fn−1 (the first pressurization force) and pressurization duration T 1  to pressurization duration Tn−1 (the first period) based on set parameters acquired from the data table shown in  FIG. 12  (ACT  109 ). 
     Next, when an adhesive is ready to be applied to “the top sheet” on sheets stacked on the processing tray  102 , if “a next sheet” being transported toward the processing tray  102  so as to be stacked on the processing tray  102  next to “the top sheet,” which is a target to be applied with the adhesive, is not detected by the sheet detection sensor S 1  or S 2  (ACT  110 , No), the CPU  801  (a control unit) causes the pasting section  101  (the adhesive applying section) not to perform an adhesive applying operation onto the “top sheet.” 
     In other words, only when “the next sheet” being transported toward the processing tray  102  so as to be stacked on the processing tray  102  next to “the top sheet,” which is a target to be applied with the adhesive, is detected by the sheet detection sensor S 1  or S 2  (ACT  110 , Yes), the CPU  801  (the control unit) allows the pasting section  101  (the adhesive applying section) to perform an adhesive applying operation onto the “top sheet” (ACT  111 ). 
     Here, for example, “when an adhesive is ready to be applied to the top sheet” denotes a state where an adhesive is ready to be applied to a sheet when the sheet stacked on the tray is not a front cover or a rear cover for a bundle of target sheets for binding but is “a sheet to be applied with an adhesive as per usual.” In other words, “when an adhesive is ready to be applied to the top sheet” includes a standby state for applying an adhesive to the sheet and a state where an operation to apply an adhesive to the sheet is started. 
     In ACT  110 , when determining whether or not “the next sheet” is transported toward the processing tray  102 , the CPU  801  (a supply information acquisition section) may acquire a signal (supply information) indicating whether or not a sheet is supplied from the image forming apparatus  7  (an external device), for example. It may be determined that “the next sheet” is transported onto the processing tray  102  if the CPU  801  (the supply information acquisition section) receives the signal. 
     In ACT  110 , the CPU  701  (a determination unit) of the image forming apparatus  7  may determine whether or not sheet is transported to the post-processing apparatus  1  (including the sheet binding device) by the transport section  707  and the like. The CPU  701  (an applying request section) may request (command transmission) the post-processing apparatus  1  to apply an adhesive to an immediately preceding sheet that is transported toward the processing tray  102  prior to “the next sheet” only if it is determined that “the next sheet” is transported to the post-processing apparatus  1 . 
     “Immediately preceding” denotes the immediately preceding transport order in a plurality of sheets which are sequentially transported. For example, when three target sheets for binding are transported in an order of a first sheet, a second sheet, and a third sheet, the immediately preceding sheet of the second sheet (the next sheet) is the first sheet, and the immediately preceding sheet of the third sheet (the next sheet) is the second sheet. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a state where the pasting head  101   a  applies an adhesive onto the top surface of a sheet (Sheet  1 ) which is first stacked on the processing tray  102  as a sheet for binding. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , if a next sheet (Sheet  2 ) is discharged to be stacked on Sheet  1  which is applied with an adhesive, the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) causes the pressing member  101   r  of the pressurization mechanism to be lowered and presses the top surface of Sheet  2  down by the pressurization force F 1  for the pressurization duration T 1 , thereby performing pressure-bonding for Sheet  1  and Sheet  2  using the adhesive ( FIG. 14 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , similar to Sheet  1 , the pasting head  101   a  applies the adhesive onto the top surface of Sheet  2  which is pressed down ( FIG. 15 ). If a next sheet (sheet  3 ) is discharged to be stacked on Sheet  2  which is applied with an adhesive, the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) causes the pressing member  101   r  of the pressurization mechanism to be lowered and presses the top surface of Sheet  3  down by a pressurization force F 2  for a pressurization duration T 2 , thereby performing pressure-attaching for Sheet  1  to Sheet  3  ( FIG. 16 ). 
     In this manner, a series of processing from the application of the adhesive to the pressurization is carried out every time a sheet is stacked on the processing tray  102 . Here, for example, if a bundle of target sheets for binding includes six sheets in total (Sheet  1  to Sheet  6 ), the CPU  801  (the pressurization control section) does not perform applying of an adhesive onto the sheet (Sheet  6 ) which is lastly stacked on the processing tray  102  out of the six sheets. The CPU  801  performs only pressurizing of the sheet (Sheet  6 ) by the pressurization force Fn for the pressurization duration Tn ( FIG. 16 ). 
     However, as shown in the above-described ACT  110 , even if the adhesive applying operation is ready to be performed with respect to a sheet waiting for applying of the adhesive, unless the CPU  801  acquires information indicating that a next sheet is stacked on the processing tray  102 , the adhesive applying operation is not carried out ( FIG. 18 ). 
     By performing the adhesive applying operation according to such processing algorithm, for example, even though the sheet binding in the post-processing apparatus  1  is interrupted due to machine trouble such as sheet jamming or absence of sheet in the sheet feeding cassette occurred on the image forming apparatus  7  side or the post-processing apparatus  1  side during the execution of the sheet binding, the adhesive will not be applied onto the top surface of a bundle of sheets (for example, Sheet  1  and Sheet  2  shown in  FIG. 18 ) in which binding is performed half way. Accordingly, the adhesive applied onto the outer surface of the bundle of sheets is not exposed even in the bundle of sheets for which the sheet binding is performed half way, and thus, it is possible to improve convenience when the binding of a bundle of sheets is interrupted. Naturally, even if the sheet binding is interrupted in this manner (if there is no next target sheet for binding), the CPU  801  causes the pressing member  101   r  of the pressurization mechanism to be lowered, thereby pressing down the top surface of the sheet on the top in which the application of the adhesive is interrupted, with an appropriate pressurization force for the sheet. Accordingly, even if the sheet binding is interrupted due to some reasons such as sheet jamming, a sheet group stacked in a state of retaining the adhesive is subjected to pressure-bonding in the meantime. Thus, when the reasons of interruption no longer exist, it is possible to restart the binding for subsequent sheets (for example, from the fourth sheet of a bundle of sheets out of five sheets in total) with the sheets (for example, up to third sheet of a bundle of sheets out of five sheets in total) for which the pressure-bonding has been performed. 
     In the above-described example, both of setting values of the pressurization force and the pressurization duration are changed so that a pressurizing effect is further increased when the second quantity of sheets stacked on the processing tray  102  are bound relative to when the first quantity of sheets is bound. However, the setting values are not limited thereto. For example, only one setting value of the pressurization force and the pressurization duration may be set to be changed so that the pressurizing effect is further increased. 
     Each operation of processing in the above-described post-processing apparatus is achieved by causing the CPU  801  to execute a sheet binding program stored in the memory  803 , for example. 
     Modification Example 
     In the above-described embodiment, a pasting unit which performs pasting on a sheet is not necessarily limited to a unit which sprays the liquid paste. For example, some other methods may be adopted as follows. 
     (1) Pasting with a two-sided tape of which both sides are applied with an adhesive 
     (2) Coating with an pasty adhesive 
     (3) Coating with a liquid adhesive 
     (4) Coating with a stick adhesive 
     For example, if (1) is employed, a tape stamping apparatus  50  as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  may be included as the adhesive applying section. 
     The tape stamping apparatus  50  is disposed to be close to a positioning section  306  against which trailing edges of sheets of paper P in a vertical alignment direction abut so as to align leading edges of the sheets of paper P. 
     The tape stamping apparatus  50  has a tape head  52  and a stamp stand  53  which tiltably holds the tape head  52 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the tape head  52  is tiltable between a standby position at an angle θ (0 degrees&lt;θ&lt;90 degrees) upward with respect to a paper placement surface  306 A of the positioning section  306 , and a pressing position parallel to the paper placement surface  306 A. At the standby position, the tape head  52  is lifted upper than the maximum level of the paper placement surface  306 A to which the paper P may be stacked, and is tilted to easily receive the paper P in the positioning section  306  when the paper P is dropped to be supplied to the processing tray  102 . Naturally, the tape head  52  may not be tilted at the standby position. 
     A series of operation during which the tape head  52  is tilted from the standby position to the pressing position, applies a pressurizing force F so as to bond the paper P and a cut adhesive sheet portion (described later), and then, returns to the standby position is referred to as a tape head stamping operation. 
     A mechanism to carry out the tape head stamping operation has a first long hole  54  which is formed in the stamp stand  53  and is elongated in a vertical direction, a second long hole  55  of which an upper end is lower than that of the first long hole  54 , a first engagement pin  56  which engages with the first long hole  54 , and a second engagement pin  57  which engages with the second long hole  55 . In the mechanism, the first engagement pin  56  and the second engagement pin  57  are attached to side surface of the tape head  52 . The first engagement pin  56  engages with an auxiliary long hole (not illustrated) which is elongated in a longitudinal direction with respect to the side surface of the tape head  52 . Accordingly, after the second engagement pin  57  reaches the upper end of the second long hole  55 , the first engagement pin  56  may move to the upper end of the first long hole  54 . As the first engagement pin  56  moves in the auxiliary long hole, the tape head  52  starts to tilt having the second engagement pin  57  as a fulcrum. 
     The pressurizing force F generated in a pressurizing force applying section (not illustrated) is downwardly applied to the tape head  52  through a first elastic body  58  such as a spring. If the pressurizing force F is applied to the tape head  52 , the tape head  52  moves downward against an elastic force of a second elastic body  59  such as a spring. If the first engagement pin  56  reaches the upper end position of the second long hole  55 , the tape head  52  is in a horizontal posture as in  FIG. 20 . The tape head  52  is lowered while maintaining the horizontal posture and a transfer abutment surface (described below) of a tape abuts on the surface of the paper P. Even though the pressurizing force F is applied to the first elastic body  58  in the aforementioned state, the tape head  52  is not further lowered, and the first elastic body  58  is caused to contract, thereby pasting the two-sided adhesive sheet to the paper P. 
     If application of the pressurizing force F is terminated, an elastic force accumulated in the second elastic body  59  is released, thereby returning the tape head  52  back to the standby position. In this case, a pasted portion of the two-sided adhesive sheet which is pasted on the paper P remains as a cut adhesive sheet section. 
     A roll tape  33  in which a tape-like two-sided adhesive sheet  31  is peelably pasted on one side of a strip-like mounting tape  32  indicated by a dotted line so as to be wound in a rolled shape is disposed in the tape head  52 . The beginning end side of the roll tape  33  is wound around a winding shaft  34 . The roll tape  33  is wound around two folding-back rollers  35 , and transfer abutment surface forming rollers  36  and  37  which separately face each other along a vertical alignment direction. The winding shaft  34  is rotated by a tape winding mechanism that has a motor M and the like, thereby performing winding of the roll tape. The first transfer abutment surface forming roller  36  and the second transfer abutment surface forming roller  37  protrude downward from a lower surface of the tape head  52 , thereby causing a space between the rollers in the vertical alignment direction to be a transfer abutment surface  38 . In a lower surface  52 A of the tape head  52 , a portion corresponding to the transfer abutment surface  38  is formed on a wall surface, and the mounting tape  32  abuts thereon. 
     In a direction along the space between the first transfer abutment surface forming roller  36  and the second transfer abutment surface forming roller  37  (hereinafter, referred to as a width direction), a drawn-out amount of the roll tape  33  is controlled by controlling rotations of the motor M, and thus, a width of the two-sided adhesive sheet  31  drawn out from the first transfer abutment surface forming roller  36  in the width direction may be adjusted. If the width of the two-sided adhesive sheet  31  is short, adhesion between the sheets of paper P is weak. For example, if the paper P is thick paper, due to a firm property of the sheet, a great peeling force is likely to be added in a direction of peeling adhesion when turning pages of the bundle of sheets. In this case, when the width of the two-sided adhesive sheet  31  is wide, an adhesion force becomes strong in response thereto. If the paper P thin, a peeling force added to the adhesion portion is weak. 
     Therefore, adhesion strength may be adjusted by adjusting the width of the two-sided adhesive sheet  31  drawn out to the transfer abutment surface  38 . 
     For example, the pressurization mechanism D shown in FIG. is a mechanism independent from the pasting section  101  performing coating with the adhesive. However, if the mechanism shown in  FIG. 19  is employed, “application of an adhesive” may be carried out when a sheet is pressed down in a state where the two-sided adhesive sheet  31  is drawn out, and thus, if the sheet is pressed down in a state where a portion in which the two-sided adhesive sheet  31  is peeled off in the mounting tape  32  is exposed, only pressing-down of the sheet may be performed without applying the adhesive. 
     In the above-described embodiment, although the “coating” of the paste is used, the expression denotes not only simply “applying” the paste on a sheet but also includes ejecting such as a spray as well as pasting a tape-type adhesive as shown in 
       FIG. 19  and stamp-type pasting, for example. That is, any methods can be used as long as the paste is applied on the surface of a sheet as a result of the processing. Without being limited to a case where an adhesive in a single body adheres to a sheet, it is possible to employ a two-sided adhesive sheet in which both sides of the sheet-like base material are covered with an adhesive. 
     In the above-described embodiment, a pressure sensitive paste is used as the adhesive. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive adopted in the present embodiment may be an adhesive of which adhesion is decreased or is substantially dissipated by receiving high-temperature heat or low-temperature heat so as to be applicable for reuse. Adhesion of the adhesive used in the adhesion portion may be decreased or be substantially dissipated by receiving light. 
     The “sheet” in the above-described embodiment is not necessarily limited to paper. For example, it is acceptable as long as the sheet is a sheet-like medium which may be bound by applying paste such as an OHP film sheet. 
     In the above-described embodiment, a request for applying of an adhesive is transmitted from the CPU  701  of the image forming apparatus  7  to the post-processing apparatus  1 . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to cause an automatic text transport device which performs only transporting of sheets to the post-processing apparatus  1  to transmit the request for applying of the adhesive to the post-processing apparatus  1 . 
     As a sheet binding program, a program for executing each of the above-described operations in a computer configuring a sheet binding device and a post-processing apparatus including the same may be provided. In the present embodiment, the program for realizing functions to execute the exemplary embodiment is recorded in a storage region provided inside the apparatus in advance. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The similar program may be downloaded from the network to the apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium in which the similar program is stored may be installed in the apparatus. As the recording medium, any type of recording medium may be used as long as the recording medium may store a program and may be read by a computer. Specifically, as the recording medium, for example, an internal storage device such as a ROM and a RAM which are mounted inside a computer; a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card; database holding a computer program; other computers and database thereof; and a transmission medium on a line may be exemplified. A function obtained by installation or download in advance as described above may realize its function in association with an OS (operating system) inside the apparatus. 
     A portion or whole program may be a dynamically generated execution module. 
     At least a portion of various types of processing carried out in the above-described embodiment by executing a program in a CPU or MPU may be executed using a circuit of the ASIC  802 . 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.