Information processing system, recording medium and computer program product

Abstract

Compared with a case where the transport speed used in printing the scheduled multiple printing jobs is made to be the same as the slowest transport speed among the multiple printing jobs, the time until the multiple printing jobs are completed is shortened. The present invention provides an information processing system and a recording medium, wherein the information processing system has a processor, and when multiple printing jobs with different allowable values ​​of transport speed are continuously scheduled to a roll of paper, the processor controls the increase or decrease of the transport speed within the range not exceeding the allowable value of each during the execution of the printing action corresponding to each printing job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a "continuous form printer") that continuously forms images on a long strip of paper, printing begins after a predetermined conveying speed is reached. In addition, paper in a state where the long strip of paper is wound on a reel or the like is called roll paper.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-30228 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is a situation where you want to schedule multiple printing jobs with different allowable values ​​of transport speeds onto one roll of paper. However, if the transport speed exceeds the allowable value of the transport speed specified for each printing job, there will not be enough time to process the data for printing, resulting in a portion where nothing is printed (hereinafter referred to as a "break"). If a break occurs, not only will paper be wasted, but the burden of post-processing will also increase. Therefore, as the transport speed for multiple printing jobs, the slowest allowable value among the multiple printing jobs is used. As a result, the time required until the multiple printing jobs are completed will inevitably become longer.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to shorten the time until a plurality of printing jobs are completed, compared with a case where a transport speed used in printing a plurality of scheduled printing jobs is made equal to the slowest transport speed among the plurality of printing jobs.

[0009] [Methods to solve the problem]

[0010] The invention recorded in the first invention is an information processing system having a processor, which controls the increase or decrease of the conveying speed within a range not exceeding the allowable value of each printing job during the execution of the printing action corresponding to each printing job when multiple printing jobs with different allowable values ​​of the conveying speed are continuously scheduled to a roll of paper.

[0011] The invention described in the second invention is the information processing system according to the first invention, wherein the processor controls so that the maximum value of the conveyance speed during the execution of the printing operation corresponding to each print job approaches an allowable value prescribed for each print job.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is the information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processor controls acceleration or deceleration so as to maximize the conveying speed within a range not exceeding a corresponding allowable value.

[0013] The invention described in the fourth invention is the information processing system according to the first invention, wherein the processor controls the increase or decrease of the conveying speed during the period corresponding to each printing job based on the size relationship between the allowable values ​​corresponding to two consecutive printing jobs scheduled respectively.

[0014] The invention recorded in the fifth invention is an information processing system according to the fourth invention, wherein the processor accelerates the conveying speed so that the conveying speed corresponding to the printing job being controlled reaches the first allowable value when the second allowable value corresponding to the printing job to be executed next is greater than the first allowable value corresponding to the printing job being controlled.

[0015] The invention recorded in the sixth invention is an information processing system according to the fourth invention, wherein when the second allowable value corresponding to the printing job to be executed next is smaller than the first allowable value corresponding to the printing job being controlled, the processor slows down the conveying speed corresponding to the printing job being controlled to the second allowable value before the next printing job starts.

[0016] The invention described in the seventh invention is the information processing system according to the first invention, wherein the execution order of the plurality of printing jobs is scheduled in the order of magnitude of the allowable values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of printing jobs.

[0017] The invention described in claim 8 is the information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the execution order of the plurality of printing jobs is scheduled in such a manner that the allowable values ​​corresponding to the respective printing jobs become larger in order.

[0018] The invention described in claim 9 is the information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the processor controls the increase or decrease of the transport speed when the selection of the operation mode that allows the increase or decrease control of the transport speed is accepted.

[0019] The invention recorded in the tenth invention is an information processing system according to the ninth invention, wherein the processor controls the increase or decrease of the conveying speed based on the allowable values ​​corresponding to the rearranged printing jobs when receiving an instruction to rearrange the execution order of the printing jobs in the order of the allowable values ​​corresponding to the rearranged printing jobs.

[0020] The invention recorded in the eleventh invention is a recording medium storing a program, wherein the program enables a computer to execute the following function: when a plurality of printing jobs with different allowable values ​​of conveying speed are continuously scheduled to a roll of paper, during the execution of the printing actions corresponding to each printing job, the increase or decrease of the conveying speed is controlled within a range not exceeding the allowable value of each.

[0021] [Effects of the invention]

[0022] According to the invention described in the first aspect, the time until the plurality of print jobs are completed can be shortened compared to the case where the transport speed used in printing the plurality of scheduled print jobs is made equal to the slowest transport speed among the plurality of print jobs.

[0023] According to the invention described in the second aspect, the time until a plurality of printing jobs are completed can be shortened.

[0024] According to the invention described in the third aspect, the time until a plurality of printing jobs are completed can be shortened.

[0025] According to the invention described in the fourth aspect, the increase or decrease of the transport speed can be controlled based on the relationship between the allowable values ​​corresponding to a plurality of print jobs.

[0026] According to the invention described in the fifth aspect, the time required to execute the printing job can be shortened as much as possible.

[0027] According to the invention described in the sixth aspect, the conveyance speed at the time when the next printing job starts can be made not to exceed the allowable value of the next printing job.

[0028] According to the invention described in the seventh aspect, the time until a plurality of printing jobs are completed can be shortened compared to the case where the slowest transport speed is matched.

[0029] According to the invention described in the eighth aspect, the time until a plurality of printing jobs are completed can be shortened compared to the case where the slowest transport speed is matched.

[0030] According to the invention described in the ninth aspect, the increase or decrease of the conveying speed can be selected according to the user's wish.

[0031] According to the invention described in the tenth aspect, the time until the plurality of printing jobs are completed can be shortened compared to the case where the slowest transport speed is matched.

[0032] According to the invention described in the eleventh aspect, the time until the plurality of printing jobs are completed can be shortened compared to a case where the transport speed used in printing the plurality of scheduled printing jobs is made equal to the slowest transport speed among the plurality of printing jobs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system used in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a management server (server) used in the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen displayed at the stage of starting a printing job.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen displayed when a print job to be printed by an image forming apparatus is selected.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a work management screen that is displayed when a display button for estimating results is tapped.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the job management screen in a state where a part of print jobs are selected from the job list.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen that is displayed when the print start button is tapped in a state where the transport speed variable button is selected.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen displayed in a state where a print job is transferred to a print queue.

[0041] Fig. 9 (A) and Fig. 9 (B) are diagrams showing an example of a job management screen used in instructing printing of an image forming apparatus. Fig. 9 (A) shows the job management screen displayed when the variable conveying speed mode is off, and Fig. 9 (B) shows the job management screen displayed when the variable conveying speed mode is on.

[0042] Fig.10 This is a flowchart for schematically explaining the control of the transport speed executed by the management server used in the first embodiment.

[0043] Fig.11 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation executed in step 11 when the variable transport speed mode is selected in the first embodiment.

[0044] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining an example of controlling the transport speed in the first embodiment.

[0045] Fig.13This is a flowchart for schematically explaining the control of the transport speed executed by the management server used in the second embodiment.

[0046] Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation executed in step 11A when the variable transport speed mode is selected in the second embodiment.

[0047] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining an example of speed control of the transport speed in the second embodiment.

[0048] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining an example of speed control of the transport speed in the third embodiment.

[0049] Fig.17 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation executed in step 11 when the variable transport speed mode is selected in the third embodiment.

[0050] Description of Figure Numbers

[0051] 1: Image forming system;

[0052] 10: Image forming device;

[0053] 11: image forming unit;

[0054] 12: Pre-processing unit;

[0055] 12A: supply roller;

[0056] 13, 15: buffer unit;

[0057] 14: post-processing unit;

[0058] 14A: winding roller;

[0059] 16: Transport path;

[0060] 17: droplet ejection device;

[0061] 17C, 17K, 17M, 17Y: droplet ejection heads;

[0062] 18: Drying drum;

[0063] 18A: outer peripheral surface;

[0064] 19: Halogen heater;

[0065] 20: Control mechanism;

[0066] 30: Management server;

[0067] 31: Processor;

[0068] 32: storage device;

[0069] 33: operating the receiving device;

[0070] 34: display device;

[0071] 35: Network interface;

[0072] 36: signal line;

[0073] 311: Work Management Department;

[0074] 312: Work Estimation Department;

[0075] 313: Raster data generation unit;

[0076] 314: Work Processing Department;

[0077] 321: Work list;

[0078] 322: grid storage;

[0079] 340, 370A, 370B: work management screen;

[0080] 341: Title bar;

[0081] 342: Project column;

[0082] 343: Operation button bar;

[0083] 343A: estimation start button;

[0084] 343B: estimation result display button;

[0085] 343C: Print start button;

[0086] 343D: Button for variable conveying speed;

[0087] 344: Information bar;

[0088] 350, 360: pop-up screen;

[0089] 361: Affirmation button;

[0090] 362: Negative button;

[0091] 371: Status bar;

[0092] 372: stop button;

[0093] 373: Reset button;

[0094] 374: Start button;

[0095] 375: conveying speed column;

[0096] 376: Set speed bar;

[0097] P: Continuous form paper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0099] <Implementation method 1>

[0100] <System Configuration>

[0101] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 used in the first embodiment.

[0102] Figure 1 The image forming system 1 shown includes an image forming apparatus 10 for forming an image on a long strip of paper P (hereinafter referred to as "continuous form paper P") drawn out from a paper roll, and a management server 30 for controlling image formation by the image forming apparatus 10. The management server 30 here is an example of an information processing system.

[0103] <Configuration of image forming apparatus>

[0104] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 10 shown includes: an image forming unit 11 for forming an image on a continuous form paper P; a pre-processing unit 12 for accommodating the continuous form paper P to be supplied to the image forming unit 11; a buffer unit 13, which is arranged between the image forming unit 11 and the pre-processing unit 12, and adjusts the conveyance amount of the continuous form paper P supplied from the pre-processing unit 12 to the image forming unit 11; a post-processing unit 14, which accommodates the continuous form paper P discharged from the image forming unit 11; and a buffer unit 15, which is arranged between the image forming unit 11 and the post-processing unit 14, and adjusts the conveyance amount of the continuous form paper P discharged from the image forming unit 11 to the post-processing unit 14.

[0105] The image forming unit 11 is provided with a roller member that guides the continuous form paper P along a conveying path 16 and a liquid droplet ejecting device 17 that ejects liquid droplets onto the continuous form paper P conveyed along the conveying path 16 to form an image. In this embodiment, a so-called inkjet method is used as a printing method.

[0106] The droplet ejection device 17 includes droplet ejection heads of multiple colors for ejecting ink droplets onto the continuous form paper P. There are four droplet ejection heads, namely, a droplet ejection head 17K, a droplet ejection head 17Y, a droplet ejection head 17M, and a droplet ejection head 17C. The droplet ejection head 17K is used to form a black image. The droplet ejection head 17Y is used to form a yellow image. The droplet ejection head 17M is used to form a magenta image. The droplet ejection head 17C is used to form a cyan image.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the droplet ejection head 17K, the droplet ejection head 17Y, the droplet ejection head 17M, and the droplet ejection head 17C are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous form paper P. The droplet ejection head 17K, the droplet ejection head 17Y, the droplet ejection head 17M, and the droplet ejection head 17C are arranged at a position facing the continuous form paper P being conveyed.

[0108] When the colors of ink ejected from the liquid drop ejection head are not distinguished, the description of K, Y, M, and C will be omitted in the following description.

[0109] A drying drum 18 is arranged downstream of the droplet ejection head 17 in the conveying direction of the continuous form paper P. The back surface of the continuous form paper P is wound around the outer peripheral surface 18A of the drying drum 18. The drying drum 18 rotates passively as the continuous form paper P is conveyed, and the image formed on the continuous form paper P is dried.

[0110] Furthermore, a halogen heater 19 for drying the image formed on the continuous form paper P is arranged around the drying drum 18. The image on the continuous form paper P wound around the drying drum 18 is dried by the halogen heater 19.

[0111] In addition, the image forming unit 11 is provided with a control mechanism 20 for controlling the operation of each part of the image forming device 10. The control mechanism 20 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk device, and other storage devices (not shown). The CPU, ROM, and RAM constitute a computer.

[0112] The pre-processing unit 12 is provided with a supply roller 12A around which the continuous form paper P to be supplied to the image forming unit 11 is wound. The supply roller 12A is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown).

[0113] On the other hand, the post-processing unit 14 is provided with a take-up roller 14A which takes up the continuous form paper P on which the image is formed. The take-up roller 14A is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The continuous form paper P is drawn out from the supply roller 12A by the rotation of the take-up roller 14A and is transported along the transport path 16. The transport speed of the continuous form paper P is controlled by the control mechanism 20. Specifically, the control mechanism 20 controls the rotation speed of the motor (not shown) which drives the take-up roller 14A to rotate.

[0114] In this embodiment, the control mechanism 20 controls the conveyance speed of the continuous form paper P according to an instruction from the management server 30. The management server 30 instructs the conveyance speed for each print job, and the control mechanism 20 controls the rotation speed of a motor (not shown) to achieve the instructed conveyance speed.

[0115] The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment can accelerate or decelerate the conveyance speed of the continuous form paper P during the execution of the printing job. In addition, when the conveyance speed of the continuous form paper P is accelerated or decelerated, the ejection of liquid droplets by the liquid droplet ejection device 17 is also controlled, and the control is performed in a manner that the quality of the image printed on the continuous form paper P does not decrease even when the conveyance speed changes.

[0116] <Management Server Configuration>

[0117] The management server 30 includes: a processor 31 that controls the operation of the entire server and the image forming device 10 by executing a program; a storage device 32 that stores the program executed by the processor 31 or various data; an operation receiving device 33 that receives user operations; a display device 34 that displays an operation screen for user confirmation; and a network interface (=InterFace, IF) 35 that realizes communication with the image forming device 10. The above-mentioned components are connected through signal lines 36 such as a data bus, an address bus, and a peripheral component interconnect (Peripheral Component Interconnect, PCI) bus.

[0118] The processor 31 includes, for example, a CPU. The storage device 32 includes, for example, a ROM storing a basic input output system (BIOS), a RAM used as a work area, and a hard disk device storing basic programs or application programs. However, it does not prevent the ROM or RAM from being included in a part of the processor 31. The processor 31 and the storage device 32 constitute a computer.

[0119] The operation accepting device 33 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a mechanical button, and a switch. The operation accepting device 33 also includes a touch sensor that constitutes a touch panel integrally with the display device 34 .

[0120] The display device 34 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. In the operation screen displayed on the display device 34, for example, a print job to be printed can be selected and the print status of the print job can be confirmed. The print status includes, for example, printing and holding.

[0121] <Functional structure of management server>

[0122] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the management server 30 used in the first embodiment.

[0123] exist Figure 2 3 shows a part of the functions realized by the processor 31 executing the application program and a part of the data stored in the storage device 32 .

[0124] Figure 2 The processor 31 shown executes application programs to function as a job management unit 311, a job estimation unit 312, a raster data generation unit 313, and a job processing unit 314. The storage device 32 also stores a job list 321 and a raster spool 322.

[0125] The function of the job management unit 311 is realized by executing a program that manages the print jobs entered by the user.

[0126] For example, the job management unit 311 executes a process of storing the print job entered by the user in the job list 321 .

[0127] For example, the job management unit 311 executes a process of accepting a designation of a print job submitted to the raster data generation unit 313 from a job list 321 that is a list of print jobs accepted as print targets by the operation acceptance device 33 .

[0128] The job management unit 311 in this embodiment also has the following function: when a mode of printing while making the conveyance speed variable (hereinafter also referred to as "variable conveyance speed mode") is selected, the estimation result of the job estimation unit 312, that is, the maximum conveyance speed of each printing job, etc. is notified to the image forming device 10.

[0129] The job estimation unit 312 calculates rasterization performance based on the print setting contents designated by the user, the size of the document data, the file format of the document data, and the like, and outputs the maximum transport speed determined according to the rasterization performance for each print job.

[0130] In the case of the present embodiment, the maximum transport speed is a maximum value of the transport speed of the continuous form paper P that can be used during the execution of the printing job. If the transport speed of the continuous form paper P of the image forming apparatus 10 exceeds the maximum transport speed of the printing job during printing, an area where an image is not formed is generated in the continuous form paper P. Printing in which such an area is generated is also called intermittent printing, and is a typical example of printing failure.

[0131] Therefore, the transport speed during execution of each print job cannot exceed the maximum transport speed calculated by the job estimation unit 312. The maximum transport speed is an example of an allowable value of the transport speed of the corresponding print job.

[0132] In the case of the present embodiment, the maximum conveying speed for each printing job is set not to exceed the upper limit of the conveying speed that the image forming apparatus 10 can physically handle. When the image forming apparatus 10 used in the present embodiment conveys the continuous form paper P at a speed less than or equal to the maximum conveying speed set for each printing job, the printing quality can be maintained even if the conveying speed of the continuous form paper P increases or decreases during the printing process. In addition, the element technology for realizing the variable speed mode of the conveying speed has been applied for by the applicant. By the way, even during the period when the conveying speed of the continuous form paper P is accelerated or decelerated during the printing process, the printing quality equivalent to that during the period when the conveying speed is constant can be obtained.

[0133] The raster data generating unit 313 rasterizes the print job submitted from the job managing unit 311 , and stores the created rasterized data in the raster array 322 .

[0134] The job processing unit 314 sequentially outputs the raster data in the raster array 322 to the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0135] <Example of management screen>

[0136] Below, using Figures 3 to 9 (B) , for display on the display device 34 (refer to Figure 1 ) is explained using an example of a work management screen.

[0137] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen 340 displayed when a print job is input. The input print job is held in a holding queue.

[0138] Figure 3 The illustrated work management screen 340 includes a title bar 341 , an item bar 342 , an operation button bar 343 , and an information bar 344 that displays information corresponding to the item bar 342 .

[0139] exist Figure 3 In the case of , the item column 342 includes "Processing", "Reserved", "Error", "Completed", and "Work History", and among them, only "Reserved" is highlighted. The highlighting indicates the correspondence with the printing job displayed in the information column 344. Figure 3 In the case of , it indicates that the print job displayed in the information column 344 is a print job in a reserved state.

[0140] exist Figure 3 In the case of , the number of printing jobs corresponding to each item is also displayed in the item column 342. Figure 3 In the case of , there are 8 printing jobs on hold, 1 printing job in an error state, and 3 printing jobs in a completed state.

[0141] Operation buttons are arranged in the operation button column 343. Figure 3 In the case of the work management screen 340, the filter button, read button, print start button, delete button, copy button, property button, estimate start button, estimate result display button, and setting button are arranged in order from the left end to the right. Figure 3 In the display, only the filter button, read button, and set button are highlighted, and the other buttons are grayed out. Operations are not allowed on the grayed-out buttons.

[0142] exist Figure 3 , the eight entered print jobs are displayed in the information column 344. For each print job, a check box for selection, an identifier (=IDentifier, ID), a job name, information, status, size of manuscript data, reception start date and time, retention date and time, printing completion date and time, and information corresponding to the number of pages of the manuscript are displayed. In addition, if the check box in the header row is selected, all print jobs are selected or cleared.

[0143] Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen 340 displayed when a print job to be printed by the image forming apparatus 10 is selected. Figure 4 In, with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0144] exist Figure 4 In the case of , select the print job corresponding to the file name "Ydelay_Pattern_d03(1)". Figure 4 In the figure, only the estimation result display button 343B is displayed in gray, and the other buttons are displayed in highlight.

[0145] When the user taps the estimation start button 343A while a print job is selected, estimation of the selected print job begins. As described above, the estimation targets include the maximum transport speed of the continuous form paper P that can be used in printing the print job and the travel distance of the continuous form paper P used in printing the print job.

[0146] Figure 5 This indicates that the estimation result display button 343B (see Figure 4 ) is a diagram showing an example of a work management screen 340 displayed in the case of Figure 5 In, with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0147] exist Figure 5 In the case of , a pop-up screen 350 showing the estimated result of the printing job is displayed on the front side of the job management screen 340. Figure 5 In the case of , it indicates that the rasterization performance of the printing job corresponding to the file name "Ydelay_Pattern_d03(1)" is 2 meters per minute.

[0148] Figure 6 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen 340 in which a part of printing jobs is selected from a job list. Figure 6 In, with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0149] exist Figure 6 In the case of , five print jobs are selected from the eight print jobs shown in the information column 344. Therefore, the selected five print jobs are all highlighted.

[0150] In addition, Figure 6 In the case of , a variable transport speed button 343D for selecting the variable transport speed mode is arranged in the operation button column 343. In the case of the present embodiment, the variable transport speed button 343D is displayed after the print job is selected.

[0151] Regardless of whether the variable transport speed mode is selected, when the Figure 6 When the print start button 343C is tapped in the state of the job management screen 340 shown in FIG. 1 , all selected print jobs are moved to the processing queue. The processing queue is also stored in the storage device 32 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) In addition, before the print start button 343C is tapped, it is also possible to add or delete a print job.

[0152] Figure 73 is a diagram showing an example of the job management screen 340 displayed when the print start button 343C is tapped with the transport speed variable button 343D selected. Figure 7 In, with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0153] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pop-up screen 360 for requesting user confirmation is displayed on the front side of the work management screen 340 .

[0154] The content of the selected operation mode and an inquiry regarding the continuation of the process are displayed on the pop-up screen 360. Specifically, main contents such as "A mode for printing with a variable transport speed has been selected. Can you continue the process as is?" are displayed.

[0155] exist Figure 7 In the pop-up screen 360 shown, there are arranged an OK button 361 which is operated when the processing is continued, and a NO button 362 which is operated when the process returns to the stage before the print start button 343C is operated.

[0156] When the operation of the OK button 361 is confirmed, the maximum transport speed for each job is estimated, etc. On the other hand, when the operation of the NO button 362 is confirmed, the screen returns to the previous screen and the transport speed variable button 343D can be operated.

[0157] Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen 340 displayed when a print job is transferred to a print queue. Figure 8 In, with Figure 3 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0158] exist Figure 8 The information bar 344 in the Figure 6 In addition, the buttons that can be operated during processing are different from the buttons that can be operated during retention. Figure 8 Only 6 buttons are displayed in the operation button bar 343. Figure 8 In the case of , only the read button and the set button can be operated. Therefore, the other 4 buttons are grayed out.

[0159] In addition, the items of information related to each printing job displayed in the information column 344 also change. Figure 8In the case of printing, as information related to each printing job, a check box for selection, an identification ID, a job name, information, status, raster image processor (RIP) processing, RIP remaining time, printing, remaining printing time, size of the original data, and information corresponding to the start date and time of reception are displayed.

[0160] Fig. 9(A) and Fig. 9(B) are diagrams showing examples of job management screens 370A and 370B used for printing instructions to the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 9(A) shows the job management screen 370A displayed when the variable conveyance speed mode is off, and Fig. 9(B) shows the job management screen 370B displayed when the variable conveyance speed mode is on.

[0161] The job management screen 370A is configured with: a status bar 371, which indicates the current management status; a stop button 372, which is operated to stop the processing; a reset button 373, which is operated to reset the processing; a start button 374, which is operated to start printing of the image forming device 10; a transport speed bar 375, which indicates the current transport speed; and a set speed bar 376, which is used to enter the speed when printing all printing jobs at a fixed transport speed.

[0162] Incidentally, the setting speed column 376 is not displayed in the job management screen 370B displayed when the transport speed variable mode is turned on. This is because the management server 30 (see Figure 1 ) to the image forming apparatus 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) indicates the conveying speed.

[0163] <Conveying speed control>

[0164] Next, the management server 30 (see Figure 1 ) will be described below with respect to the control of the transport speed of the continuous form paper P executed.

[0165] Fig.10 This is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the control of the transport speed executed by the management server 30 used in Embodiment 1. S in the figure represents a step.

[0166] exist Fig.10 In the case of Figure 1 ) Accept the selection of printing job (step 1). Step 1 corresponds to Figure 6 The time when the print start button 343C is tapped in the job management screen 340 shown.

[0167] Next, the processor 31 determines whether the variable transport speed mode is on (step 2).

[0168] When the variable conveying speed mode is off, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 2. In this case, the processor 31 displays the display device 34 (see Figure 1 ) displays the work management screen 370A (refer to Figure 9(A)).

[0169] On the other hand, when the variable transport speed mode is turned on, the processor 31 obtains a positive result in step 2. In this case, the processor 31 confirms the information of the printing job selected by the user (step 3). In the case of the present embodiment, the processor 31 selects one printing job according to the user's selection order and confirms the information of the selected printing job. The information to be confirmed is the estimation of the maximum transport speed or the information required for the control of the transport speed. The processor 31 confirms, for example, the setting content of the printing job, the size of the original data, the file format of the original data, etc. In addition, as described above, the maximum transport speed of each printing job is basically determined according to the rasterization performance of each printing job.

[0170] Next, the processor 31 estimates the maximum transport speed and the like based on the confirmed information (step 4).

[0171] When the estimation is completed, the processor 31 determines whether the estimation has been completed for all the print jobs (step 5). If a negative result is obtained in step 5, the processor 31 selects the next print job (step 6) and returns to step 3.

[0172] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 5, the processor 31 sets the state in which the start button can be operated (step 7). For example, the work management screen 370B (see FIG. 9(B)) is displayed on the display device 34 (see FIG. Figure 1 ).

[0173] While the work management screen 370A or 370B is displayed, the processor 31 confirms that the start button 374 (see FIG. 9(A) and FIG. 9(B)) has been pressed (step 8).

[0174] Then, the processor 31 determines whether the grid is stored in 322 (refer to Figure 2 ) is sufficient to accumulate raster data (step 9). During the period in which a negative result is obtained, the processor 31 repeats the determination of step 9. During the period in which the determination of step 9 is repeated, printing is not started.

[0175] When a positive result is obtained in step 9, the processor 31 sends a signal to the image forming device 10 (see Figure 1 ) indicates the start of printing (step 10).

[0176] Next, the processor 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 10 on the transport speed (step 11). When the variable transport speed mode is off, the processor 31 instructs the transport speed set by the user. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 starts printing after the transport speed of the continuous form paper P reaches the instructed value.

[0177] On the other hand, when the variable transport speed mode is on, the processor 31 indicates the maximum transport speed for each printing job corresponding to the raster data. In the case of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 controls the transport speed of the continuous form paper P so that the transport speed becomes as large as possible within the range of the indicated maximum transport speed. In addition, when the variable transport speed mode is on, printing starts at the same time as the start of transporting the continuous form paper P. That is, unlike the case of printing at a fixed speed, printing starts from a state where the transport speed is zero. In other words, while the transport speed is accelerated from zero to the maximum transport speed, printing is performed while the droplet ejection by the droplet ejection device 17 is linked to the transport speed.

[0178] As will be described in detail below, when the maximum conveying speed of the next printing job is lower than the maximum conveying speed of the printing job being executed, the conveying speed must be decelerated before starting the next printing job. In the case of this embodiment, the processor 31 instructs the image forming device 10 on the time to start deceleration and the conveying speed that is the deceleration target. However, as long as the conveying speed can be reduced to the target conveying speed before starting the next printing job, there is no limitation on the method of achieving the deceleration of the conveying speed.

[0179] Fig.11 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation executed in step 11 when the variable transport speed mode is selected in Embodiment 1. S in the figure indicates a step.

[0180] First, the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 ) confirms the maximum conveying speed of the current printing job (step 21).

[0181] Next, the processor 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to accelerate to the confirmed maximum conveying speed (step 22). Figure 1 ) and simultaneously with the start of conveying the continuous form paper P, the use of the control unit 30 (see Figure 1 ) is used to print the received raster data. In the case of this embodiment, the image forming device 10 accelerates the conveying speed at a fixed rate of change. That is, the image forming device 10 increases the conveying speed linearly.

[0182] When printing starts, the processor 31 determines whether there is a next printing job (step 23). If the current printing job is the last one, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 23. In the case of this embodiment, the processor 31 that obtains a negative result in step 23 determines whether printing is completed (step 24). While obtaining a negative result in step 24, the processor 31 repeats the determination in step 24.

[0183] If a positive result is obtained in step 24, the processor 31 ends the control of the conveyance speed. For example, the conveyance of the continuous form paper P is stopped.

[0184] On the other hand, if there is another print job scheduled after the current print job, the processor 31 obtains an affirmative result in step 23. In the present embodiment, the processor 31 that obtains an affirmative result in step 23 checks the maximum conveying speed of the next print job (step 25).

[0185] Next, the processor 31 determines whether the maximum transport speed of the next print job is greater than or equal to the maximum transport speed of the current print job (step 26). The maximum transport speed of the current print job is an example of the first allowable value, and the maximum transport speed of the next print job is an example of the second allowable value.

[0186] If a positive result is obtained in step 26, the transport speed does not need to be reduced before the next printing job is started, and the transport speed can be accelerated to the maximum transport speed of the current printing job during the execution of the current printing job. However, if the time required to execute the printing job is shorter than the time required to accelerate the transport speed, the printing of the printing job being processed may be completed before the transport speed of the continuous form paper P reaches the maximum transport speed.

[0187] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 26 , the transport speed must be reduced to the maximum transport speed for the next print job before the next print job starts.

[0188] When a positive result is obtained in step 26 , processor 31 determines whether printing is completed (step 27 ). While a negative result is obtained in step 27 , processor 31 repeats the determination in step 27 .

[0189] When a positive result is obtained in step 27, processor 31 starts the next printing job (step 28). Next, processor 31 instructs acceleration to the maximum conveying speed confirmed in step 25 (step 29). Then, processor 31 returns to the determination process in step 23.

[0190] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 26, the processor 31 obtains the predicted end time of the current printing job (step 30). The predicted end time is calculated based on the length of the continuous form paper P used in the printing job and the conveying speed. Fig.11 In the case of , the variable transport speed mode is selected, and therefore, the time when the printing job is completed is predicted including the change in the transport speed.

[0191] Next, the processor 31 calculates the time to start deceleration (deceleration start time) based on the predicted end time and the speed difference (step 31). The speed difference here is given as the difference between the maximum transport speeds of the current print job and the next print job.

[0192] In the case of this embodiment, the conveying speed is decelerated at a fixed rate of change. That is, the image forming device 10 changes the conveying speed linearly. The deceleration start time is defined as the time obtained by backtracking from the predicted end time to eliminate the speed difference. However, when the predicted end time must be corrected in consideration of the time required for deceleration, the deceleration start time is calculated based on the corrected predicted end time. The deceleration start time can also be calculated using other methods.

[0193] When the deceleration start time is calculated, the processor 31 determines whether the deceleration start time has arrived (step 32 ). While a negative result is obtained in step 32 , the processor 31 repeats the determination in step 32 .

[0194] When the deceleration start time finally arrives, processor 31 obtains an affirmative result in step 32 and instructs image forming apparatus 10 to start deceleration (step 33 ).

[0195] Then, the processor 31 determines whether printing is completed (step 34). While a negative result is obtained in step 34, the processor 31 repeats the determination of step 34. When a positive result is obtained in step 34, the processor 31 returns to the determination process of step 23.

[0196] <Example of conveying speed control>

[0197] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining an example of controlling the transport speed in the first embodiment. Fig.12 The example is an example in which three printing jobs A, B, and C are scheduled to be executed. In addition, the execution order is the order of printing job A, printing job B, and printing job C. In addition, the maximum conveying speed is the highest for printing job A, the second highest for printing job C, and the third highest for printing job B.

[0198] First, when printing of print job A is started, the processor 31 (see Figure 1) to the image forming apparatus 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) indicates acceleration to the maximum transport speed A. This process corresponds to step 21 and step 22 (refer to Fig.11 ).like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the variable transport speed mode is turned on, printing starts from a state where the transport speed is zero. The transport speed of the continuous form paper P increases linearly to the maximum transport speed A of the print job A.

[0199] When the transport speed of the continuous form paper P of the image forming apparatus 10 reaches the maximum transport speed A of the print job A, the transport speed is maintained at the maximum transport speed A until the deceleration start time arrives.

[0200] exist Fig.12 In the case of , print job B is scheduled to follow print job A. Therefore, the processor 31 compares the maximum conveying speed A of print job A with the maximum conveying speed B of print job B. Fig.12 In the case of , the maximum conveying speed B of the next print job B is lower than the maximum conveying speed A of the print job A being executed. Therefore, the processor 31 calculates the time point obtained by only looking back the time required for the conveying speed to decelerate from the predicted end time of the print job A as the deceleration start time. This processing corresponds to step 26, step 30, and step 31 (see Fig.11 ).

[0201] When the deceleration start time arrives, the conveyance speed of the continuous form paper P starts to be decelerated, and the conveyance speed of the image forming apparatus 10 is decelerated from the maximum conveyance speed A of the print job A to the maximum conveyance speed B of the next print job B.

[0202] When printing of print job A is completed, printing of print job B starts. Fig.12 In this case, at the time when print job B is started, the transport speed of the image forming apparatus 10 has already reached the maximum transport speed B for print job B.

[0203] Furthermore, the maximum transport speed C of the print job C executed subsequent to the print job B is faster than the maximum transport speed B of the print job B. Therefore, the transport speed during the print job B is maintained at the maximum transport speed B.

[0204] When printing of print job B is completed, printing of print job C starts. Fig.12, the maximum transport speed C of print job C is faster than the maximum transport speed B of print job B. Therefore, when print job C is started, the transport speed of the image forming apparatus 10 is linearly accelerated from the maximum transport speed B of print job B to the maximum transport speed C of print job C, and then maintained at the maximum transport speed C until print job C is finished. However, the transport speed may be decelerated so that the transport speed returns to 0 at the end time of print job C.

[0205] <Implementation method 2>

[0206] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. The configuration of the image forming system used in this embodiment is also the same as that of Embodiment 1.

[0207] In the case of the first embodiment, the print jobs are scheduled in the order selected by the user, but in the case of the second embodiment, when the variable transport speed mode is selected, the print jobs are rearranged in the ascending order of the maximum transport speed.

[0208] Fig.13 This is a control of the management server 30 (see Figure 1 ) is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the control of the conveying speed performed by the embodiment of the present invention. S in the figure represents a step. Fig.13 In, with Fig.10 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0209] Fig.13 and Fig.10 The difference is that after the estimation of all printing jobs is completed, the processor 31 (refer to Figure 1 ) The rearrangement of the printing jobs is performed in such a way that the maximum transport speed becomes an ascending order (step 41). In addition, the rearrangement of the printing jobs can also be performed every time the maximum transport speed is estimated in step 4.

[0210] In the second embodiment, the content of the transport speed instruction executed after the instruction to start printing is simplified compared with the first embodiment.

[0211] Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation performed in step 11A when the variable conveying speed mode is selected in the second embodiment. Fig.14 In, with Fig.11 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0212] Fig.14 The contents of step 11A shown in FIG. Fig.11The contents of step 11 shown are deleted from the contents of step 26 and steps 30 to 34. In this way, by rearranging the schedule of the printing jobs in advance so that the maximum transport speeds are in ascending order, the processing for deceleration is unnecessary.

[0213] <Example of conveying speed control>

[0214] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining an example of speed control of the conveying speed in the second embodiment. Fig.15 In, with Fig.12 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0215] exist Fig.15 In the case of , three printing jobs A, B, and C are scheduled to be executed. However, after rearranging the execution order in the order of the maximum transport speed, the execution order becomes the following order: first, printing job B, then printing job C, and finally printing job A. In the case of this control, it is not necessary to decelerate when the execution of the printing job is switched to the next printing job. Therefore, during the period corresponding to each printing job, the period of conveying the continuous form paper P at the maximum transport speed corresponding to each is prolonged, and the time until all printing is completed can be shortened accordingly compared with the first embodiment.

[0216] In addition, when the user selects the variable conveying speed mode, the user can also select the variable conveying speed mode on the job management screen 340 (see Figure 6 ) is configured with the following button, which selects whether to allow rearrangement of the printing order.

[0217] <Implementation method 3>

[0218] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. The configuration of the image forming system used in this embodiment is also the same as that of Embodiment 1.

[0219] In the case of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the time required for the execution of the next printing job is sufficient to decelerate after the maximum transport speed is reached. However, depending on the content of the printing job, it may not be possible to ensure sufficient time for accelerating or decelerating the transport speed. In this case, the maximum transport speed corresponding to the printing job may not be reached. In particular, when deceleration is involved, the possibility of not reaching the maximum transport speed increases.

[0220] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining an example of speed control of the conveying speed in the third embodiment. Fig.16 In, with Fig.12 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols.

[0221] exist Fig.16 In the case of Fig.12 In this case, if the transport speed is increased to the maximum transport speed A of print job A, it is impossible to decelerate the transport speed to the maximum transport speed B before print job B starts. Fig.16 As shown, in the case of the third embodiment, the speed is reduced when the transport speed during the execution of the printing job A reaches the predicted maximum transport speed A which is slower than the maximum transport speed A of the printing job A. In addition, when a control method for minimizing the change in the transport speed is adopted, the predicted maximum transport speed may be set to a slower speed to increase the period during which the printing job A is controlled at a fixed speed at the transport speed during execution.

[0222] Fig.17 This is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation executed in step 11 when the variable transport speed mode is selected in Embodiment 3. S in the figure indicates a step. Fig.17 It is right Fig.11 The corresponding parts are marked with corresponding symbols. In addition, the processor 31 in this embodiment performs the processing before step 11 Fig.10 Steps 1 to 10 are shown.

[0223] exist Fig.17 In the case of Figure 1 ) When the maximum transport speed of the current printing job is confirmed (step 21), acceleration is instructed toward the confirmed maximum transport speed (step 51).

[0224] The image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 1 ) and simultaneously with the start of conveying the continuous form paper P, the use of the control unit 30 (see Figure 1 ) is used to print the received raster data. In the case of this embodiment, the image forming device 10 accelerates the conveying speed at a fixed rate of change. That is, the image forming device 10 changes the conveying speed linearly.

[0225] After printing starts, the processor 31 determines whether there is a next printing job (step 23). If the current printing job is the last one, the processor 31 obtains a negative result in step 23 and then determines whether printing is completed (step 24). If a positive result is obtained in step 24, the processor 31 ends the control of the conveying speed.

[0226] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 23 , the processor 31 checks the maximum transport speed for the next printing job (step 25 ).

[0227] Next, the processor 31 determines whether the maximum conveying speed of the next printing job is greater than or equal to the predicted maximum conveying speed of the current printing job (step 52). Fig.16 As described in , this is different from the maximum transport speed calculated using only information on a single print job, and is the predicted maximum transport speed determined by the time allocated to the execution of the print job or the relationship with the next print job to be executed.

[0228] However, if a positive result is obtained in step 52, it is not necessary to reduce the conveying speed before the next printing job starts. Therefore, the processor 31 determines whether printing is completed (step 27), and if a positive result is obtained in step 27, the next printing job starts (step 28). In the case of this embodiment, the processor 31 instructs acceleration toward the maximum conveying speed confirmed in step 25 (step 53). Then, the processor 31 returns to the determination process of step 23.

[0229] On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 52, the processor 31 executes the processing of steps 30 to 34 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. When a positive result is obtained in step 34, the processor 31 returns to the determination processing of step 23. In addition, the speed difference during deceleration is given in the form of the difference between the predicted maximum transport speed of the current printing job and the maximum transport speed of the next printing job.

[0230] <Other embodiments>

[0231] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments. According to the description of the claims, it is clear that embodiments obtained by adding various changes or improvements to the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0232] In the above embodiment, when the variable transport speed mode is selected, the management server 30 (see Figure 1 ) estimates the maximum transport speed of each printing job, and instructs the image forming device 10 based on the estimated maximum transport speed (refer to Figure 1 ), but the function of controlling the conveying speed during the execution of the printing job can also be performed independently by the image forming device 10. In this case, the image forming device 10 becomes an example of the information processing system.

[0233] In addition, the management server 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 may cooperate to execute a function of controlling the conveyance speed during the execution of the print job. In this case, the management server 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 are an example of an information processing system.

[0234] In the above embodiment, the management server 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 are connected via a network. However, the network is not limited to a local area network (LAN) but may be the Internet, a dedicated line or a signal line.

[0235] In addition, the processor in each of the embodiments refers to a processor in a broad sense, which includes, in addition to general-purpose processors (such as CPU (=Central Processing Unit), etc.), special-purpose processors (such as graphics processor (=Graphical Processing Unit, GPU), application-specific integrated circuit (=Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), field programmable gate array (=Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA), program logic device, etc.).

[0236] In addition, the actions of the processors in the above-mentioned embodiments may be performed by a single processor alone, or by multiple processors located in physically separate locations in cooperation. In addition, the execution order of the actions in the processors is not limited to the order described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and may also be appropriately changed.

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that: With processor, The processor controls the increase or decrease of the transport speed within a range not exceeding the allowable value of each print job when a plurality of print jobs with different allowable values ​​of the transport speed are continuously scheduled to one roll of paper, during the execution of the printing operation corresponding to each print job. The plurality of printing jobs include a first printing job and a second printing job scheduled after the first printing job, the allowable value of the conveying speed of the first printing job is a first maximum conveying speed, and the allowable value of the conveying speed of the second printing job is a second maximum conveying speed, When the second maximum transport speed is lower than the first maximum transport speed, the processor decelerates the transport speed of the roll paper from the first maximum transport speed to the second maximum transport speed during the first printing job before starting the second printing job, so that the transport speed of the roll paper is already the second maximum transport speed at the time of starting the second printing job. When the second maximum transport speed is higher than the first maximum transport speed, the processor maintains the transport speed of the roll paper at the first maximum transport speed during the first printing job, and accelerates the transport speed of the roll paper from the first maximum transport speed to the second maximum transport speed during the second printing job after the first printing job is completed.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor performs control so that the maximum value of the transport speed during the execution of the printing operation corresponding to each printing job approaches an allowable value defined for each printing job.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor controls acceleration or deceleration so as to maximize the conveying speed within a range not exceeding a corresponding allowable value.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor controls the increase or decrease of the conveyance speed in a period corresponding to each printing job based on the magnitude relationship between the allowable values ​​corresponding to two consecutively scheduled printing jobs.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The processor increases the conveyance speed corresponding to the printing job being controlled so that the conveyance speed corresponding to the printing job being controlled reaches the first permissible value when the second permissible value corresponding to the printing job to be executed next is larger than the first permissible value corresponding to the printing job being controlled.

6. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The processor reduces the conveyance speed corresponding to the printing job being controlled to the second allowable value before starting the next printing job when the second allowable value corresponding to the printing job being executed is smaller than the first allowable value corresponding to the printing job being controlled.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The execution order of the plurality of printing jobs is scheduled in the order of magnitude of the allowable values ​​corresponding to each of the printing jobs.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The execution order of the plurality of printing jobs is scheduled such that the allowable values ​​corresponding to the respective printing jobs become larger in order.

9. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor controls the increase or decrease of the transport speed when accepting the selection of the operation mode that allows the increase or decrease control of the transport speed.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The processor controls the increase or decrease of the transport speed based on the allowable values ​​corresponding to the rearranged print jobs when receiving an instruction to rearrange the execution order of the print jobs in the order of magnitude of the allowable values ​​corresponding to the print jobs.

11. A recording medium storing a program, characterized in that: The program enables the computer to perform the following functions: When a plurality of printing jobs having different allowable values ​​of transport speed are continuously scheduled to one roll of paper, during the execution of the printing operation corresponding to each printing job, the increase or decrease of the transport speed is controlled within the range not exceeding the allowable value of each. The plurality of printing jobs include a first printing job and a second printing job scheduled after the first printing job, the allowable value of the conveying speed of the first printing job is a first maximum conveying speed, and the allowable value of the conveying speed of the second printing job is a second maximum conveying speed, When the second maximum transport speed is lower than the first maximum transport speed, the computer decelerates the transport speed of the roll paper from the first maximum transport speed to the second maximum transport speed during the first printing operation before starting the second printing operation, so that the transport speed of the roll paper is already the second maximum transport speed at the time of starting the second printing operation. When the second maximum transport speed is higher than the first maximum transport speed, the transport speed of the roll paper is maintained at the first maximum transport speed during the first printing job, and during the second printing job after the first printing job is completed, the transport speed of the roll paper is accelerated from the first maximum transport speed to the second maximum transport speed.

12. A computer program product comprising a program, characterized in that: The program enables the computer to perform the following functions: When a plurality of printing jobs having different allowable values ​​of transport speed are continuously scheduled to one roll of paper, during the execution of the printing operation corresponding to each printing job, the increase or decrease of the transport speed is controlled within the range not exceeding the allowable value of each. wherein the plurality of printing jobs include a first printing job and a second printing job scheduled after the first printing job, the allowable value of the conveying speed of the first printing job is a first maximum conveying speed, and the allowable value of the conveying speed of the second printing job is a second maximum conveying speed; as well as When the second maximum transport speed is lower than the first maximum transport speed, the computer decelerates the transport speed of the roll paper from the first maximum transport speed to the second maximum transport speed during the first printing operation before starting the second printing operation, so that the transport speed of the roll paper is already the second maximum transport speed at the time of starting the second printing operation. When the second maximum transport speed is higher than the first maximum transport speed, the transport speed of the roll paper is maintained at the first maximum transport speed during the first printing job, and during the second printing job after the first printing job is completed, the transport speed of the roll paper is accelerated from the first maximum transport speed to the second maximum transport speed.

Images