Printing apparatus, computer program product including print data generation program

Abstract

The invention provides a printing device and a computer program product including a print data generation program, and aims to solve the problem that the position of image data printed on a backing paper is fixed and the usability is not considered in the prior art. A printing apparatus including a printing unit includes: an operation unit including a display unit; and a printing control unit that controls the printing unit on the basis of the printing condition acquired via the operation unit. When a plurality of media stacks, which are stacks of printed media, are discharged, the printing control unit can execute a cover arrangement mode in which a cover is arranged on each of the media stacks, and the printing control unit prints a title on the cover on the basis of a printing position acquired via the user interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for performing printing. Further, the present invention relates to a printing data generation program. Background Art

[0002] A technique of inserting a separator sheet between a plurality of printed materials has been conventionally known. In the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is configured to be able to place a separator sheet printed with image data on each of a plurality of printed materials discharged to a discharge tray. In Patent Document 1, the image data printed on the separator sheet is set to include a group name, member names of absentees, the number of printed copies, and a date.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-182714.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the position of the image data printed on the separator sheet is fixed, and thus usability is not considered. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including a printing unit that prints on a medium, the printing apparatus including: an operation unit that has a display unit for displaying various information and accepts various operation settings; and a printing control unit that causes the display unit to display a plurality of user interfaces and controls the printing unit based on printing conditions acquired via the operation unit. The printing control unit can execute a cover configuration mode for configuring a cover for each stack of media when discharging a plurality of stacks of media as the media to be printed, the cover configuration mode being capable of printing a title on the cover. The printing control unit can accept a setting of a printing position when printing the title on the cover via the user interface and print the title based on the acquired printing position.

[0008] Further, a printing data generation method according to the present invention is characterized by generating printing data based on acquired printing conditions. The printing data generation method causes a computer to execute the following steps: a step of causing a display device to display a user interface that accepts a setting of a printing position of a title when configuring a cover for a stack of media as a stack of media after printing and printing the title on the cover; and a step of generating printing data by including the printing position acquired via the user interface in the printing conditions. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 It is a front view of the printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the printing control unit.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a front view of the operation panel.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the process performed by the printing control unit.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the UI displayed on the touch panel.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the UI displayed on the touch panel.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the UI displayed on the touch panel.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the UI displayed on the touch panel.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the UI displayed on the touch panel.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the UI displayed on the touch panel.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example of the output order of the printed matter.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing an example of the output order of the printed matter.

[0021] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an example of the output order of the printed matter.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing an example of the output order of the printed matter.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing an example of the output state of the printed matter during misregistration printing.

[0024] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing an example of the output state of the printing unit when changing the orientation of the cover.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a computer capable of communicating with the printing apparatus.

[0026] Symbol Explanation

[0027] 1. Printing device; 2. Operation panel; 2a. Rotating shaft; 3. Touch panel; 4. Power button; 10. Printing unit; 12. Scanner unit; 14. Main body; 16. Media storage unit; 17A. First media cassette; 17B. Second media cassette; 17C. Third media cassette; 17D. Fourth media cassette; 18. Line head; 20. Printing control unit; 22. Inner body discharge unit; 23. Inner body discharge tray; 24. Relay unit; 30. Post-processing unit; 32. Device main body; 33. Main tray; 34. Stapler; 36. Processing tray; 40. CPU; 41. RAM; 42. I / F; 43. Non-volatile memory; 44. Various control programs; 45. Printing data generation program; 46. Printing setting information; 61, 62, 63, 64, 65. UI; 71. Execution button; 72. Basic setting label; 73. Application setting label; 74, 75. Icons; 76. Copy number setting label; 77. Collating label; 80. Icon; 100. Computer; 101. Operation unit; 102. Display unit; 103. Information processing unit; 104. CPU; 105. RAM; 106. ROM; 107. I / F; 108. Memory; 109. OS; 110. Application program; 111. Printer driver; 112. Printing setting information; P1a, P1b. First media; P2. Second media; P3. Third media; Pa1, Pa2, Pa3, Pa4. Covers; Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, Pt4. Media stacks. Detailed implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, the present invention will be outlined.

[0029] The printing device according to the first aspect is characterized by including a printing unit that prints on a medium, and the printing device includes: an operation unit that has a display unit for displaying various information and accepts various operation settings; and a printing control unit that causes the display unit to display a plurality of user interfaces and controls the printing unit based on printing conditions obtained via the operation unit. When discharging a plurality of media stacks as printed media, the printing control unit can execute a cover configuration mode for configuring a cover for each media stack. In the cover configuration mode, a title can be printed on the cover. The printing control unit can accept a setting of a printing position when printing the title on the cover via the user interface and print the title based on the obtained printing position.

[0030] According to this aspect, the printing control unit can accept a setting of a printing position when printing the title on the cover via the user interface and print the title based on the obtained printing position. Therefore, the title can be printed at a position convenient for the user, and the usability can be improved.

[0031] The second mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the printing control unit prints the title on the surface that becomes the upper surface of the cover in a state where the cover is placed on the stack of media.

[0032] According to this mode, since the printing control unit prints the title on the surface that becomes the upper surface of the cover in a state where the cover is placed on the stack of media, the title can be easily visually confirmed. In addition, the state where the cover is placed on the stack of media means the following: not limited to the state where the stack of media is first discharged and the cover is discharged onto the stack of media, but also includes the state where the cover is discharged before the stack of media and the stack of media and the cover are turned over together from the state where the stack of media is placed on the cover.

[0033] The third mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the vertical and horizontal writing of the text of the title can be selected via the user interface. According to this mode, since the vertical and horizontal writing of the text of the title can be set via the user interface, the usability can be further improved. In addition, this mode is not limited to the above first mode and can also be subordinate to the above second mode.

[0034] The fourth mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the size of the text of the title can be set via the user interface. According to this mode, since the size of the text of the title can be set via the user interface, the usability can be further improved. In addition, this mode is not limited to the above first mode and can also be subordinate to the above second or third mode.

[0035] The fifth mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the font of the text of the title can be set via the user interface. According to this mode, since the font of the text of the title can be set via the user interface, the usability can be further improved. In addition, this mode is not limited to the above first mode and can also be subordinate to any one of the above second mode to fourth mode.

[0036] The sixth mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that a plurality of the printing positions can be set via the user interface. According to this mode, since a plurality of the printing positions can be set via the user interface, the usability can be further improved. In addition, this mode is not limited to the above first mode and can also be subordinate to any one of the above second mode to fifth mode.

[0037] The seventh mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the cover configuration mode can perform a staggered discharge that alternately offsets the discharge positions of the stacks of media, and the printing control unit can accept, via the user interface, the area offset due to the staggered discharge as the printing position.

[0038] According to this mode, since the title is printed in the area offset due to the staggered discharge, it is easy to visually confirm the title, and the usability can be further improved. In addition, this mode is not limited to the above first mode and can also be subordinate to any one of the second to sixth modes.

[0039] The eighth mode is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized by further comprising: a first media cassette that stores media with the short side direction along the feeding direction; and a second media cassette that stores media with the long side direction along the feeding direction, wherein the cover configuration mode can discharge the cover and the stack of media in different orientations by selectively using the first media cassette and the second media cassette, and the printing control unit can accept, via the user interface, the area in the cover that does not overlap with the stack of media as the printing position.

[0040] According to this mode, since the title is printed in the area in the cover that does not overlap with the stack of media, it is easy to visually confirm the title, and the usability can be further improved. In addition, this mode is not limited to the above first mode and can also be subordinate to any one of the second to sixth modes.

[0041] The ninth mode is a mode subordinate to any one of the first to eighth modes, characterized in that the printing control unit can accept, via the user interface, settings of a plurality of main groups, a plurality of subgroups belonging to one of the main groups, and the number of copies of printed matter corresponding to one of the subgroups. When the printing control unit receives a printing execution instruction based on the cover configuration mode after one of the plurality of main groups is selected, it uses the stack of printed matter belonging to one of the subgroups as the stack of media and configures a cover on top of the stack of media.

[0042] According to this mode, when printing based on the cover configuration mode is performed after one of the plurality of main groups is selected, the stack of printed matter belonging to one of the subgroups is used as the stack of media, and a cover is configured on top of the stack of media, so the usability is further improved.

[0043] The printing data generation method according to the tenth mode is characterized in that printing data is generated based on the obtained printing conditions, and the printing data generation method causes a computer to execute the following steps: a step of causing a display device to display a user interface that accepts setting of a printing position of the title when a cover is arranged on a stack of media as a stack of media after printing and the title is printed on the cover; and a step of generating printing data by including the printing position obtained via the user interface in the printing conditions.

[0044] According to this mode, since the printing position of the title can be set, the title can be printed at a position convenient for the user, and usability can be improved.

[0045] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described. Hereinafter, a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each figure, the X-axis direction is the apparatus depth direction of the printing apparatus 1. In the X-axis direction, the +X direction as the direction in which the arrow points is the direction from the apparatus rear surface toward the apparatus front surface, and the -X direction is the direction from the apparatus front surface toward the apparatus rear surface. In addition, the X-axis direction is an example of the width direction of the medium. The Y-axis direction is the apparatus width direction of the printing apparatus 1. In the Y-axis direction, the +Y direction as the direction in which the arrow points is the left direction as viewed by the user facing the apparatus front surface, and the -Y direction is the right direction. The Z-axis direction is the apparatus height direction of the printing apparatus 1, which is the vertical direction. The +Z direction as the direction in which the arrow points is the vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction is the vertically downward direction. In the following description, the +Z direction may be simply referred to as the upward direction, and the -Z direction may be simply referred to as the downward direction. In addition, in Figure 1 the +A direction is the normal direction with respect to the mounting surface of the main tray 33 described later, and is a direction including a +Z direction component, and the +B direction is a direction parallel to the mounting surface of the main tray 33 and is a direction including a +Z direction component.

[0046] In addition, the following-described embodiment describes an example in which the printing apparatus 1 is installed in a school office and is used for printing printed matter distributed by school staff including teachers to students, but the use of the printing apparatus 1 is of course not limited to this. For example, it may be arranged in a home, a company, a home office, a public facility, a store, or others for various uses.

[0047] As Figure 1As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10 and a post-processing unit 30. The printing unit 10 according to the present embodiment is an inkjet printer that performs printing on a medium represented by printing paper by ejecting ink as an example of a liquid, and includes a line head 18 as an example of a printing unit. In addition, the term "printing" may also be referred to as "recording". Further, the printing unit 10 is a so-called multifunction printer having a scanner unit 12 above the apparatus, and realizes functions such as a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function by using the scanner unit 12. When the copying function is particularly realized in the printing apparatus 1, it is accompanied by the printing operation of the printing unit 10. However, the printing unit 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be a structure that performs printing by other methods such as a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, or a dot impact printer, for example.

[0048] The printing unit 10 includes a main body 14, a medium storage unit 16 that stores a medium, a medium conveyance unit (not shown) that conveys the medium, a line head 18, an in-apparatus discharge unit 22 that discharges the medium, and a relay unit 24 that conveys the medium to the post-processing unit 30. Further, the printing unit 10 includes a printing control unit 20 that controls the entire printing apparatus 1, and an operation panel 2 as an operation unit that accepts various setting operations and displays various information.

[0049] The medium storage unit 16 includes a first medium cassette 17A, a second medium cassette 17B, a third medium cassette 17C, and a fourth medium cassette 17D in this order from the top. A first medium P1a is stored in the first medium cassette 17A. The first medium P1a is A4-sized paper as an example, and is stored such that the short side direction is along the feeding direction. A first medium P1b is stored in the second medium cassette 17B. The first medium P1b is A4-sized paper as an example, and is stored such that the long side direction is along the feeding direction.

[0050] A second medium P2 is stored in the third medium cassette 17C. The second medium P2 is A4-sized paper as an example, and is stored such that the long side direction is along the feeding direction. In addition, the second medium P2 is a medium of a different type from the first medium P1b as an example. Specifically, it has a different color from the first medium P1b, and can realize the function of indicating the boundary between printed matters when it is present between printed matters. The second medium P2 is mainly used as a cover or a lining paper described later.

[0051] The third medium P3 is stored in the fourth medium cassette 17D. The third medium P3 is, for example, an A4-sized sheet of paper, and is stored with its long side along the feeding direction. In addition, the third medium P3 is, for example, a medium of a type different from the first medium P1b and the second medium P2. Specifically, the third medium P3 has a different color from either the first medium P1b or the second medium P2, and can function to indicate the boundary between printed materials when it is placed between the printed materials. The third medium P3 is mainly used as a cover or a lining paper described later.

[0052] In addition, as the cover or the lining paper described later, of course, either the first medium P1a or the first medium P1b can be used. Also, as printed materials other than the cover or the lining paper, either the first medium P1a or the first medium P1b can be used. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of medium cassettes, and it is sufficient if at least the first medium P1a or the first medium P1b for printing is stored.

[0053] A conveyance path for conveying the medium is provided inside the main body 14. The symbol T1 represents a feeding path for feeding the medium sent out from each medium cassette to a position opposite to a line head 18 described later. In addition, the symbol T2 represents a discharge path for discharging the recorded medium. In addition, the symbol T3 is a path for feeding the medium when recording is performed on both sides of the medium, and is a turning path for turning the medium. In addition, the symbol T4 is a path for feeding the medium from the turning path T3, and is a flipping path for flipping the medium.

[0054] The line head 18 has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles (not shown) arranged corresponding to the entire region in the X-axis direction (i.e., the width direction) of the medium. The line head 18 performs printing on the medium by ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) from the plurality of ink ejection nozzles toward the medium.

[0055] The medium printed in the printing unit 10 is discharged to the relay unit 24 via the discharge path T2, and then conveyed to the post-processing unit 30 via the relay unit 24. The post-processing unit 30 includes a device main body 32. The device main body 32 includes: a processing tray 36 and a stapler 34 as an example of a post-processing unit; a discharge unit (not shown) for discharging the post-processed medium to the main tray 33; and the main tray 33 provided outside the device main body 32. The main tray 33 is an example of a discharge tray for receiving the discharged medium. In addition, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which a relay unit 24 is provided in the in-body discharge unit 22 and the medium is conveyed to the post-processing unit 30. However, it may also be a structure in which the relay unit 24 and the post-processing unit 30 are omitted, and the medium is loaded on the in-body discharge tray 23 provided in the in-body discharge unit 22.

[0056] The medium transferred from the relay unit 24 to the apparatus main body 32 is transferred in the transfer path T5 inside the apparatus main body 32 and sent to the processing tray 36. The medium is temporarily loaded on the processing tray 36, and after necessary post-processing is performed in the case of post-processing, it is discharged to the main tray 33 through a discharge unit (not shown). In addition, a rear end alignment unit (not shown) is provided in the post-processing unit 30, and the rear end (+Y direction rear end) of the medium on the processing tray 36 is aligned by this rear end alignment unit. In addition, side cursors (not shown) are provided on the processing tray 36, and the side ends in the width direction (X-axis direction) on the processing tray 36 are aligned by the side cursors. In addition, by the side cursors, it is also possible to perform offset discharge in which the width direction positions when discharging the medium to the main tray 33 are alternately shifted and discharged. The main tray 33 can move in the vertical direction and descends as the medium is loaded.

[0057] The printing control unit 20 controls the entire printing apparatus 1 including the line head 18 according to the printing conditions acquired via the operation panel 2. As Figure 2 shown, the printing control unit 20 includes a CPU 40, a RAM 41, an I / F 42, and a non-volatile memory 43 as an example of a storage medium. The CPU 40 expands various control programs 44 stored in the non-volatile memory 43 and a printing data generation program 45 described later into the RAM 41 which is a volatile memory and executes them. Among the various control programs 44, various programs for controlling the printing unit 10 and the post-processing unit 30 are included. In addition, printing setting information 46 obtained by accepting input via the operation panel 2 is stored in the non-volatile memory 43. In view of the above functions, the printing control unit 20 can also be called an information processing apparatus or a computer.

[0058] Various functions of the printing apparatus 1 are realized by the CPU 40 executing various control programs 44. In addition, printing data for printing by the printing unit 10 is generated by the CPU 40 executing the printing data generation program 45. For example, in the case of using the copying function of the printing apparatus 1, the generation of this printing data is based on the image data generated by reading the original by the scanner unit 12 and the printing setting information 46. The I / F 42 is a communication interface for connecting the printing apparatus 1 to a LAN (local area network).

[0059] Next, the operation panel 2 will be described with reference to Figure 3 The operation panel 2 is an example of an operation unit that has a touch panel 3 as a display unit for displaying various information and accepts various operation settings. The operation panel 2 is provided on the main body 14 of the printing unit 10 via a rotation shaft 2a, and is configured to be able to adjust the tilt angle by rotating around the rotation shaft 2a. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 2a is configured as a freely pausing rotation shaft and is configured to be able to hold an arbitrary tilt angle.

[0060] The surface of the operation panel 2 is composed of a cover glass, and a touch panel 3 is provided in its lower layer. Further, a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) is provided in its still lower layer. The touch panel 3 is known in electrostatic capacitance type, resistive film type, optical type, electromagnetic induction type, etc. In the present embodiment, the electrostatic capacitance type is used. In the present embodiment, the operation of the operation panel 2 by the user is basically a touch operation on the touch panel 3. The operation panel 2 is composed of a housing 2b to form an outer shell, and a power button 4 for turning on and off the power of the printing apparatus 1 is disposed on the lower side of the touch panel 3 in the housing 2b.

[0061] On the touch panel 3, a user interface is implemented under the control of the printing control unit 20. The term of the user interface is hereinafter referred to as "UI" for convenience. Programs for implementing various UIs are included in various control programs 44 (see Figure 2 ). Hereinafter, when explaining the processing and operation of the printing apparatus 1 based on various UIs, it is assumed that the above processing and operation are implemented by the printing control unit 20 executing various control programs 44 and a printing data generation program 45 described later. In particular, the cover configuration mode described later is implemented by the printing control unit 20 executing the printing data generation program 45. Figure 3 The UI shown is a home screen, and icons with names such as "Copy", "Scan", "FAX", etc. are displayed. The user touches any one of the icons according to the subsequent operation.

[0062] Next, a general explanation of the processing performed by the printing control unit 20 will be given with reference to Figure 4 The printing control unit 20 displays various UIs on the touch panel 3 (step S101). When information is input by the user via various UIs (Yes in step S102), the printing control unit 20 updates the printing setting information 46 (step S103). Then, when the printing execution instruction is received (Yes in step S104), the printing control unit 20 reads the printing setting information 46 (step S105), generates printing data based on the printing setting information 46 (step S106), and executes printing (step S107).

[0063] Hereinafter, taking the case where "Copy" is selected in the Figure 3 home screen as an example, the transition of the UI will be explained. When the copy function is selected, as Figure 5 shown, the printing control unit 20 displays a UI61 including a basic setting label 72 and an application setting label 73. The UI61 initially displays the basic setting label 72 by default, but in Figure 5The state in which the application setting label 73 is selected is shown. Additionally, although the illustration of the content of the basic setting label 72 is omitted, basic copy settings such as the selection of color printing or black-and-white printing, the setting of printing density, paper setting, printing magnification, etc. can be performed in the basic setting label 72. Additionally, in the lower right corner of the UI61, an execution button 71 for executing copying, that is, for performing original reading and printing, is displayed. Clicking the execution button 71 is equivalent to Figure 4 the printing execution instruction shown in step S104 of

[0064] In the application setting label 73, items other than those that can be set using the basic setting label 72 can be set. As an example, an icon 74 for setting group printing and an icon 80 for making settings related to the backing paper and cover are displayed. Additionally, the icon 80 can also be displayed in another UI displayed by clicking the icon 74. Additionally, in the application setting label 73, although the illustration is omitted in Figure 5 icons such as binding processing using the post-processing unit 30 and an icon for saving the data read in the scanner unit 12 are displayed.

[0065] The icon 74 is an icon for entering the setting of group printing and shows the name of the currently selected main group among a plurality of main groups described later. In Figure 5 the example of

[0066] "First grade" is displayed as an example of the selected main group. When the execution button 71 is clicked in this state, group printing is executed according to the setting of "First grade" described later. Additionally, when none of the multiple main groups is selected, "Closed" is displayed instead of "First grade", and the function of group printing is turned off. Figure 6 When the icon 74 is clicked, it transfers to the Figure 6 UI62 shown in

[0067] In Figure 6In the example, the icon 75 of the main group representing "Grade 1" becomes the selected state. When the icon of each main group becomes the selected state, it changes from a light color to a dark color, enabling it to be distinguished from other unselected icons. Additionally, the registration of each main group can be set to the "unregistered" state by clicking the "Delete" icon. Further, when the "Register / Coverwrite" icon is clicked while in the state where any one of multiple main groups is selected, it transfers to Figure 7 the UI63 shown. Also, when the "Delete" icon is clicked while in the state where any one of multiple main groups is selected in Figure 6 , the setting of the selected main group can be deleted and set to the "unregistered" display. Also, when the "OK" icon is clicked in Figure 6 , the printing setting information 46 is updated with the previously set content (refer to Figure 2 ), and it returns to Figure 5 's UI61. Also, when the "Abort" icon is clicked in Figure 6 , the previously set content is discarded and the printing setting information 46 is not updated (refer to Figure 2 ), and it returns to Figure 5 's UI61.

[0068] On the right side of the registration list in Figure 6 , the setting content of the selected main group is displayed. Specifically, the subgroups described later and the number of printed copies and the number of printing groups corresponding to the subgroups are displayed. In addition, the total number of copies of the selected main group is displayed. In this state, the number of printed copies and the number of printing groups are grayed out, and by clicking the "Direct Edit" icon, the number of copies and the number of groups can be directly edited. In Figure 6 's UI62, an execution button 71 is also displayed. When the execution button 71 is clicked, group printing is executed according to the setting of the currently selected "Grade 1".

[0069] In Figure 7 's UI63, a copy number setting label 76 and a collation label 77 are displayed, and the copy number setting label 76 is displayed by default. In the copy number setting label 76, multiple subgroups and the number of printed copies and the number of printing groups corresponding to the subgroups are displayed. When the number representing the number of printed copies is clicked, the number representing the number of printed copies becomes the selected state, and the number of printed copies can be set using the numeric keys (not shown). Similarly, when the number representing the number of printing groups is clicked, the number representing the number of printing groups becomes the selected state, and the number of printing groups can be set using the numeric keys (not shown). In addition, the name of the subgroup can also be transferred to the name input UI (not shown) by long pressing the name of the subgroup, and can be set to any name, similar to the name of the main group.

[0070] Here, the number of printed copies and the number of printing groups will be described. For example, regarding the number of printed copies "30", in the setting where the number of printing groups is "1", one group of the number of printed copies "30" is printed. Or, for example, in the setting where the number of printed copies is "30" and the number of groups is "2", the number of printed copies 30 is printed in two groups, that is, 60 copies are printed for the selected subgroup. In this embodiment, the printed matter obtained by printing the specified number of printed copies in the specified number of printing groups becomes a "stack of media" that can be configured with a cover. Hereinafter, when referring to a "stack of media", it means a collection of printed matters that can be configured with a cover. For example, regarding the number of printed copies "30", when printing is performed based on the cover configuration mode described later with the number of printing groups set to "1", the printed matter with one group of the number of printed copies "30" is used as a stack of media and one cover is configured. In addition, in the case where the main group is set to "Grade 1" as in this embodiment, it is easy to intuitively judge by regarding each subgroup as each class constituting Grade 1.

[0071] When clicking Figure 7 's "OK" icon, the printing setting information 46 is updated with the previously set content (refer to Figure 2 ), and it returns to Figure 6 's UI62. Additionally, when clicking Figure 7 's "Abort" icon, the printing setting information 46 is not updated (refer to Figure 2 ) and it returns to Figure 6 's UI62.

[0072] Next, Figure 8 represents the state where the collation label 77 is selected in the UI63. In the collation label 77, any one of "no backing paper and cover", "with backing paper", and "no cover" can be selected through a radio button. When "no backing paper and cover" is selected, neither the backing paper nor the cover is configured. When "with backing paper" is selected, the backing paper is configured between multiple stacks of media. That is, the printing control unit 20 executes a backing paper configuration mode for configuring the backing paper between multiple stacks of media. When "with cover" is selected, covers are respectively configured for multiple stacks of media. That is, the printing control unit 20 executes a cover configuration mode for respectively configuring covers for multiple stacks of media. In addition, a drop-down menu may also be displayed so that it is possible to select from which of Figure 1 the first media cassette 17A, the second media cassette 17B, the third media cassette 17C, and the fourth media cassette 17D shown the backing paper or the cover is supplied.

[0073] In addition, in the sorting label 77, when a cover is selected, either "print without title" or "print with title" can be selected using a radio button. In addition, when a cover is not selected, the display of "print without title" and "print with title" and each radio button are grayed out and become in a non-selectable state. In addition, in the sorting label 77, the presence or absence of offset paper feeding can be selected using a checkbox. When the offset paper feeding is checked, the offset paper feeding described later is performed.

[0074] In addition, in the sorting label 77, by pressing the binding setting button, it is possible to transfer to a UI (not shown) and perform binding setting. The binding setting here is the setting of the presence or absence of the binding process using the post-processing unit 30 ( Figure 1 ). In addition, in the sorting label 77, by pressing the title printing setting button, it transfers to Figure 9 the shown UI64, and the title printing can be set. In addition, when the "OK" icon of Figure 8 is clicked, the printing setting information 46 (refer to Figure 2 ) is updated with the previously set content, and it returns to Figure 6 the UI62. In addition, when the "Cancel" icon of Figure 8 is clicked, it returns to Figure 2 the UI62 without updating the printing setting information 46 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0075] In Figure 9 the shown UI64, the presence or absence of title printing can be selected using a checkbox. When the title printing is checked, the title printing described later is performed. In addition, in the UI64, the orientation of the text when performing title printing can be selected as either "landscape" or "portrait" using a dropdown list. In addition, in the UI64, the size of the text when performing title printing can be selected using a dropdown list. In addition, in the UI64, the font of the text when performing title printing can be selected using a dropdown list. In addition, in the UI64, the printing to the extended area in the case where offset paper feeding is selected can be selected using a checkbox. When this checkbox is checked, the title is printed in the extended area described later.

[0076] In addition, in the UI64, the cover is displayed as an image as shown by the symbol Gu, and the printing position of the title on the cover is further displayed as a region. The regional display of the printing position is respectively arranged at the upper part, lower part, central part, right side, and left side of the cover and can be selected by short-time clicking. In addition, as an example, the direction from the lower part to the upper part of the display is the paper discharge direction. The selected area by clicking is displayed in dark color, and in Figure 9In the example, as indicated by the symbol As, the state is such that the right region is selected. When each region is further clicked for a long time, it transfers to Figure 10 the UI65 shown. In addition, when printing to the extended region in the case of offset paper feeding is selected and checked, the cover image is dimmed and the printing region cannot be selected. In this case, the printing region is automatically set. In addition, when clicking Figure 9 the "OK" icon, the printing setting information 46 is updated with the previously set content (refer to Figure 2 ), and it returns to Figure 8 the UI63. In addition, when clicking Figure 9 the "Abort" icon, the printing setting information 46 (refer to Figure 2 ) is not updated and it returns to Figure 8 the UI63.

[0077] In UI65, the content of the title printing can be set. As an example, it can be selected by checking the main group name, subgroup name, number of copies, date, any of these in the checkbox. The selected items are printed as the title. In addition, when the checkbox for "any" is checked and the text input box adjacent to its right is long-pressed, a text input UI (not shown) is displayed and any text can be input. The text input here is also printed as the title. In UI65, a preview button is displayed, and by clicking the preview button, the title printing can be previewed. In addition, if clicking Figure 10 the "OK" icon, the printing setting information 46 is updated with the previously set content (refer to Figure 2 ), and it returns to Figure 9 the UI64. In addition, when clicking Figure 10 the "Abort" icon, the printing setting information 46 (refer to Figure 2 ) is not updated and it returns to Figure 9 the UI65.

[0078] Figure 11 Shows the case of discharging to the main tray 33 with the printing surface of the cover facing down, that is, the case of discharging the cover face down. The symbols Pa1, Pa2, Pa3, Pa4 represent the covers. In addition, the symbols Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, Pt4 represent the media stacks. The media stack Pt1 is, for example, Figure 7 the printed matter of "Subgroup 01" shown, that is, 30 copies of printed matter. The media stacks Pt2, Pt3, Pt4 are the same below. In addition, the cover Pa1 is the cover configured for the media stack Pt1. The covers Pa2, Pa3, Pa4 are the same below.

[0079] In Figure 11 the case shown, the cover corresponding to the media stack is discharged before the media stack. In Figure 11When discharging each stack of media and each cover, by turning over the entire load on the main tray 33, the printed surface of the cover Pa1, i.e., the title, faces upward. Additionally, in Figure 11 the state, the closest printed surface in each stack of media is on the lower side like each cover, but it can also be on the upper side. Figure 12 This is the case of offset discharging.

[0080] Figure 13 It shows the case of discharging to the main tray 33 with the printed surface of the cover facing upward, i.e., discharging the cover with the surface facing upward. In Figure 13 the shown case, the cover corresponding to the stack of media is discharged after the stack of media. In Figure 13 the shown case, since the printed surface of each cover becomes the upper side, the entire load on the main tray 33 is not turned over, and the printed surface of each cover, i.e., the title, can be visually confirmed. Additionally, in Figure 12 the state, the closest printed surface in each stack of media is on the upper side like each cover, but it can also be on the lower side. Figure 14 This is the case of offset discharging.

[0081] In addition, it can also be that the loading order of the covers and stacks of media shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 can be specified through the UI, and Figure 13 and Figure 14 which of the loading orders of the covers and stacks of media shown in. Additionally, it can also be that the printed surface when printing the title on each cover can be specified through the UI. Additionally, the title can also be specified through the UI to be printed not only on one side of the cover but also on both sides.

[0082] In addition, when printing to the extended area in the case of selecting offset paper discharge (refer to Figure 9 ) is checked, the title is printed in the area offset due to offset discharging. In Figure 12 and Figure 14 , the symbol Wa is the area offset due to offset discharging, i.e., the extended area. The extended area Wa is the area that is not blocked by the stack of other media when another stack of media overlaps on the cover. Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 the cover Pa4, the stack of media Pt4, the cover Pa3, and the stack of media Pt3 in the printed matter shown. As shown in the figure, the title is printed in the extended area Wa.

[0083] In addition, instead of printing in the extended area generated by offset paper discharge, the cover and the stack of media can be discharged in different orientations as shown in Figure 16 , and the cover is printed in the area that does not overlap with the stack of media. Figure 16As an example, a medium stack Pt4 and a cover Pa4 are shown. The symbol Wa is an area in the cover Pa4 that does not overlap with the medium stack Pt4. In the case of non-offset paper discharge, the area Wa in the cover Pa4 that does not overlap with the medium stack Pt4 is an area that is not blocked by the medium stack even if another medium stack is further loaded thereon.

[0084] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 2, which is a touch panel 3 having a display unit for displaying various information and is an operation unit for accepting various operation settings. In addition, the printing apparatus 1 includes a printing control unit 20, which causes the touch panel 3 to display a plurality of UIs and controls the printing unit based on the printing conditions obtained via the operation panel 2. In the case of discharging a plurality of medium stacks as printed media, the printing control unit 20 can execute a cover configuration mode for configuring covers for each medium stack. The cover configuration mode can print a title on the cover, and the printing control unit 20 can accept the setting of the printing position when printing the title on the cover via the UI, and print the title based on the obtained printing position. In addition, a printing data generation program 45 that generates printing data based on the obtained printing conditions causes the printing control unit 20 to execute the following steps: a step of causing the touch panel 3 to display a UI (refer to Figure 9 ), the step ( Figure 4 S101 of the step) of the UI for accepting the setting of the printing position of the title in the case of configuring a cover for a medium stack as a printed medium and printing a title on the cover; and a step of generating printing data by including the printing position obtained via the UI in the printing conditions ( Figure 4 step S106 of the step). Thereby, the title can be printed at a convenient position for the user, and the usability can be improved.

[0085] In addition, the printing control unit 20 prints a title on the surface that becomes the upper surface of the cover in a state where the cover is placed on the medium stack. Therefore, the title can be easily visually confirmed. In addition, the state where the cover is placed on the medium stack means: not limited to the state where the medium stack is discharged first and the cover is discharged onto the medium stack, but also includes the state where the cover is discharged before the medium stack and the medium stack and the cover are turned over together from the state where the medium stack is placed on the cover.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the vertical writing and horizontal writing of the text of the title can be selected via the UI (refer to Figure 9 ). The difference between vertical writing and horizontal writing includes the difference between "vertical writing" and "horizontal writing" and the difference between "longitudinal writing" and "lateral writing". In addition, in the present embodiment, the size of the text of the title can be set via the UI (refer to Figure 9 ). In addition, in the present embodiment, the font of the text of the title can be set via the UI (refer toFigure 9 ). In addition, in this embodiment, multiple printing positions can be set via the UI (see Figure 9 ). Based on the above, according to this embodiment, usability can be further improved.

[0087] In addition, the printing control unit 20 can perform offset discharge in which the discharge position of the media bundle is alternately shifted in the cover arrangement mode, and can accept the area shifted by the offset discharge as the printing position via the UI (see Figure 9 ). As a result, the title is printed in the area that is offset due to the offset discharge, making it easier to visually confirm the title, which can further improve usability.

[0088] The printing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first media cassette 17A for storing media with the short side thereof aligned with the feed direction, and a second media cassette 17B for storing media with the long side thereof aligned with the feed direction. In the cover arrangement mode, the printing control unit 20 can selectively use the first media cassette 17A and the second media cassette 17B to discharge the cover and the media stack in different directions. Furthermore, the printing control unit 20 can receive, via the UI, a request to select an area (i.e., an area) in the cover that does not overlap with the media stack. Figure 16 Thus, the title is printed in an area of the cover that does not overlap with the media bundle, making it easier to visually confirm the title and further improving usability.

[0089] Furthermore, the print control unit 20 of this embodiment can accept settings for multiple main groups, multiple subgroups belonging to a main group, and the number of printed materials associated with a subgroup via the UI. Then, after selecting one of the multiple main groups and receiving a print execution command based on the cover placement mode, the print control unit 20 treats the stack of printed materials belonging to a subgroup as a media stack and places a cover on the stack. This further improves usability.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example in which the copy function is executed via the operation panel 2 of the printing apparatus 1 is described. However, the computer 50 (see FIG. 1 ) which can access the printing apparatus 1 Figure 17 ) can also realize the same functions as the above-mentioned printing data generation program 45.

[0091] Figure 17In this case, the computer 100 includes an operation unit 101, a display unit 102, a CPU 104, a RAM 105, a ROM 106, a memory 108, and an I / F 107. The memory 108 is composed of an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), etc. An operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 109, application programs 110, a printer driver 111, and printing setting information 112 are stored in the memory 108.

[0092] The CPU 104 expands various programs and the like stored in the ROM 106 and the memory 108 into the RAM 105, which is a volatile memory, and executes them. The operation unit 101 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device such as a touchpad, etc. The display unit 102 is composed of a liquid crystal display, etc. Various UIs are implemented on the display unit 102 through the OS 109, the application programs 110, the printer driver 111, etc. The I / F 107 is a communication interface for connecting the computer 100 to a communication network, such as a local area network.

[0093] The application program 110 is a program that operates under the OS 109, and examples include document production software. The printer driver 111 is a program for implementing the same functions as the above-described print data generation program 45, and is an example of a print data generation program. The printer driver 111 generates print data that can be sent to the printing device 1 based on the data generated by the application program 110 and the printing setting information 112.

[0094] The UI implemented on the display unit 102 through the printer driver 111 can be made equivalent to each of the Figures 5 to 10 shown UIs. That is, the printer driver 111 that generates print data based on the obtained printing conditions causes the computer 100 to execute the following steps: a step (step S101 of Figure 9 ) of causing the display unit 102 to display a UI (refer to Figure 4 ), the UI accepting the setting of the printing position of the title in the case of arranging a cover on a stack of media as the printed medium and printing the title on the cover (step S101 of Figure 4 ); and a step (step S106 of Figure 4 ) of generating print data by including the printing position obtained via the UI in the printing conditions. Based on the above, the user of the computer 100 can print the title at a convenient position, improving usability.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modification examples described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention, needless to say.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that, A printing unit for printing on a medium is provided. The printing device comprises: an operating unit including a display unit for displaying various information and accepting various operation settings; and a printing control unit that causes the display unit to display a plurality of user interfaces and controls the printing unit based on printing conditions acquired via the operation unit; The printing control unit can execute a cover arrangement mode for arranging a cover for each media bundle when discharging a plurality of media bundles as a bundle of printed media. The cover configuration mode is capable of printing a title on the cover, The print control unit can accept, via the user interface, a setting of a print position when printing the title on the cover, and print the title based on the acquired print position.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The printing control unit prints the title on a surface serving as an upper surface of the cover sheet in a state where the cover sheet is placed on the medium bundle.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The vertical and horizontal writing of the text of the title can be selected via the user interface.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The size of the text in the title can be set via the user interface.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The font of the text of the title can be set via the user interface.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of printing positions can be set via the user interface.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The cover arrangement mode enables staggered discharge in which the discharge positions of the media bundle are alternately staggered. The print control unit can accept, via the user interface, a region shifted by the offset discharge as the print position.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Also features: a first medium box, wherein the first medium box stores the medium with its short side along a feeding direction; as well as a second medium cassette, wherein the second medium cassette stores the medium with its longitudinal side along the feeding direction; The cover arrangement mode can discharge the cover and the media stack in different directions by using the first media box and the second media box separately. The printing control unit can accept, via the user interface, a region of the cover sheet that does not overlap with the medium bundle as the printing position.

9. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The printing control unit is capable of accepting settings of a plurality of main groups, a plurality of sub-groups belonging to one main group, and the number of copies of printed matter associated with one sub-group via the user interface. When receiving a print execution instruction based on the cover arrangement mode after one of the plurality of main groups is selected, the print control unit arranges a cover on the media bundle using the bundle of printed materials belonging to one of the sub-groups as the media bundle.

10. A computer program product including a printing data generation program, characterized in that, The print data generation program generates print data based on the acquired print conditions. The printing data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: The step of causing a display device to display a user interface that accepts setting of a printing position of the title when a cover is arranged on a stack of media as a stack of media after printing and the title is printed on the cover; and The step of generating printing data by including the printing position obtained via the user interface in the printing conditions.

Images