Control apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control apparatus, a control method and a program which improve the printing productivity by execution of a job where sheet types are mixed.SOLUTION: A control apparatus includes: acquisition means configured to analyze a job used to execute print processing and acquire sheet information of a page included in the job; and control means configured to decide a print speed in the print processing based on a result acquired by the acquisition means and execute the print processing using the decided print speed. The control means causes the acquisition means to acquire the sheet information of each of a predetermined number of pages of a plurality of pages included in the job, accumulates the sheet information in storage means, decides the print speed based on the accumulated result, and executes the print processing using the decided print speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device having a plurality of printing speed modes, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices (also called multi-function peripherals (MFPs)) having multiple print speed modes are known. As an example, for plain paper, print control is performed using a high-speed print mode, and for paper types such as thick paper or coated paper, print control is performed using a low-speed print mode. In addition, MFPs support a wide variety of sheet types, and are capable of various printing and processing processes using these various types of sheets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-142163 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An image forming apparatus has multiple print speed modes, and selects and controls an appropriate speed according to the type of sheet to be processed. When the print speed needs to be switched, the switching process takes a certain amount of time, and there is a demand for improving the productivity of job execution.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes preventing a decline in print productivity by changing the order of jobs to be processed. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention improving the productivity of job execution involving mixed sheet types.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device, a control method, and a program that improve the productivity of printing by executing a job involving a mixture of sheet types. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the control device of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for analyzing a job for executing a printing process and acquiring sheet information of pages included in the job, and a control means for determining a printing speed for the printing process based on the results acquired by the acquisition means and executing the printing process at the determined printing speed, wherein the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each of a predetermined number of pages included in the job and stores it in a memory means, determines a printing speed based on the accumulated results, and executes the printing process at the determined printing speed. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the printing productivity by executing a job involving a mixture of sheet types. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a print processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an MFP. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a DFE. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the program configuration of the MFP. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a program configuration of a DFE. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a media database. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing print job data. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 illustrates a job management screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing job page data. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the effect of the operation of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a print control process. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a print control process. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printing speed table. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a print control process. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing job page data. [Figure 20] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the effect of the operation of the present embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a print control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a print processing system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 101 will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. A PC 102 will be described as an example of an information processing apparatus. The MFP 101 and the PC 102 are connected to each other via a network 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] 1 illustrates an example in which one information processing device is provided in the print processing system, but the MFP 101 and multiple information processing devices may be communicably connected via the network 100. Also, while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the print processing system includes an image forming device and an information processing device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device may be the print processing system. Also, in the execution of image forming processes that can be executed by the MFP 101 alone, such as printing a copy job or a storage job, the information processing device does not need to be connected to the network 100.

[0013] First, the PC 102 will be described. The PC 102 can execute various programs such as an application program for inputting a print job. In addition, various applications such as a printer driver having a function of converting data into a printer language compatible with the MFP 101 and workflow software are installed in the PC 102. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction from the various applications. The various applications can convert data output by the application based on the print instruction into data that can be interpreted by the MFP 101 and transmit the converted data to the MFP 101.

[0014] In this embodiment, a PC is shown as an example of the information processing device, but it may be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The configuration for transmitting the converted data to the image forming device may be realized in various ways. For example, the information processing device may transmit the converted data to the image forming device via a printing application or a printer driver, or may transmit the converted data to the image forming device via a cloud server.

[0015] Next, the MFP 101 will be described. The MFP 101 has a reading function for optically reading an image on an original document, and a printing function for printing an image on a recording medium such as a sheet. The MFP 101 also has a post-processing function for binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been printed, aligning a plurality of sheets, and discharging a plurality of sheets into a plurality of trays. The sheets include paper such as plain paper, thick paper, and coated paper, as well as film.

[0016] In this embodiment, the MFP 101 is shown as an example of the image forming apparatus, but it may be, for example, a printer that does not have a reading function. In this embodiment, as an example, the image forming apparatus is assumed to have various configurations described below.

[0017] The Digital Front End (DFE) 103 is a device that mainly processes print job data input to the MFP 102. Specifically, the DFE 103 has a function as a kind of server device that corrects, edits, and performs high-speed RIP processing on print job data input from the PC 102, etc., and stores and manages the print job data. The functions of the DFE 103 may be realized as part of the functions of the MFP 101 main body. That is, the MFP 101 itself may be configured to provide the functions of the DFE 103 to an external device. In this case, the PC 102 can consider that the DFE 103 provides the functions of the MFP 101 on behalf of the MFP 101 via the network 100. The DFE 103 may be configured with various input / output devices similar to those of the PC 102, such as a monitor 105. Even in this case, the MFP 101 may be directly connected to the network 100 via a network cable 104.

[0018] The MFP 101 is configured such that a number of devices with different roles are interconnected to enable various sheet processing operations. Each component of the MFP 101 will be described below.

[0019] The printer unit 203 forms (prints) an image on a sheet fed from a paper feed unit using toner based on image data. The printer unit 203 has the following configuration and operating principle. A light beam, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror, etc.) and irradiated as a scanning light onto a photosensitive drum. An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed by toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. A full-color image is formed on a sheet by sequentially executing this series of image formation processes for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. In addition to these four colors, a configuration may be adopted in which toners called special colors and transparent toners can be transferred. The sheet on the transfer drum on which the full-color image has been formed in this way is transported to a fixing device. The fixing device includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the roller, and melts the toner on the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by heat and pressure to fix it to the sheet.

[0020] An appropriate print speed is selected during printing by the printer unit 203 according to the sheet type and basis weight used by the MFP 101 during print processing. Since the fixing process is limited by the print speed, a print speed switching process is required according to the sheet type and basis weight. Specifically, the print speed switching process involves changing the fixing temperature of the image forming unit and executing various adjustments associated with changes in the print speed. The printer unit 203 of the MFP 101 is equipped with a scanner 201 and an operation unit 204 disposed on the top surface of the printer unit 203. The operation unit 204 provides various interface screens for the user to perform various settings and operations of the printer unit 203.

[0021] The large-capacity paper feeder 220 is a paper feeder that can be detached from the printer unit 203. These paper feeders include multiple paper feed units 225. With this configuration, the printer unit 203 can perform print processing on a large volume of sheets. The inserter 221 is a device used when inserting a sheet that does not involve image formation into a deliverable after the sheets processed by the printer unit 203. FIG. 1 shows a configuration that includes two trays 226, 227.

[0022] The punch device 222 is a device intended to perform processing such as punching on the sheets supplied by the printer unit 203 or the inserter 221. For example, in the device shown in Fig. 1, an internal part called a die is configured to be replaceable. For this reason, a door 234 for die replacement is provided.

[0023] The bookbinding device 223 is a device for carrying out bookbinding processing. Specifically, the purpose of the device is to obtain a sheet stack, i.e., a bookbinding product, by penetrating a binding material through holes in the sheets processed by the punch device 222 and further deforming the binding material. The created bookbinding product is loaded on a tray arranged inside the bookbinding door 231. In addition, a door 232 is configured to be able to be opened and closed when replenishing the binding material. Furthermore, a door 233 is configured to allow a user to access the sheet transport path inside the device when, for example, a jam or the like occurs inside the device.

[0024] The processing device 224 is a device for performing staple processing on a plurality of sheet bundles. As the staple processing, corner binding, two-position binding, saddle binding, or other binding processing in a form desired by the user is possible. In the case of corner binding or two-position binding, the processed product is discharged to trays 228 and 229. On the other hand, in the case of saddle binding, the processed product is discharged to tray 230.

[0025] The MFP 101 can be roughly divided into three parts with the printer unit 203 as the boundary. In FIG. 1, the devices arranged to the right of the printer unit 203 are called paper feed devices, and the paper feed devices mainly supply the sheets loaded inside to the printer unit 203 continuously at an appropriate timing. In addition, the devices perform detection of the remaining amount of sheets loaded inside. The paper feed unit 225 inside the printer unit 203 can execute the same function as the paper feed device. For the sake of explanation, the paper feed unit provided in the printer unit 203 will also be called the paper feed device. On the other hand, the devices arranged to the left of the printer unit 203 in FIG. 1 are called sheet processing devices. They are also called sheet processing devices or post-processing devices. The sheet processing devices perform various processing processes on sheets that have completed printing processing, or perform processing such as stacking. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned paper feed devices and sheet processing devices will be collectively called the sheet processing device 200.

[0026] Next, a functional configuration of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment will be described below.

[0027] The MFP 101 includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk 209 (hereinafter, HDD) capable of storing data of a plurality of jobs to be processed. Note that, although an example of the MFP 101 using a hard disk has been shown in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to a hard disk as long as it is a similar large-capacity non-volatile storage device.

[0028] Furthermore, MFP 101 has a copy function of storing data received from scanner 201 in HDD 209, reading the data from HDD 209, and printing the data with printer unit 203. Furthermore, MFP 101 has a print function of storing print job data received from an external device via external I / F unit 202 in HDD 209, reading the data from HDD 209, and printing the data with printer unit 203. MFP 101 is a multi-function processor (MFP) equipped with such multiple functions. Note that the print function of MFP 101 may be a function capable of either color printing or monochrome printing.

[0029] The scanner 201 optically reads an image of an original document, processes the image data obtained by reading the original document, and outputs the image data. The external I / F unit 202 transmits and receives image data between a facsimile, a network-connected device, and an external dedicated device. The HDD 209 also stores various management information stored, changed, and managed by the MFP 101. The MFP 101 also includes a printer unit 203 that executes print processing of print job data stored in the HDD 209. The MFP 101 also includes an operation unit 204 that has a display unit. The controller unit (control unit) 205 included in the MFP 101 has a CPU (not shown) and comprehensively controls the processing and operation of various units included in the MFP 101. The ROM 207 stores various programs and data. For example, a program for executing the processing of a flowchart to be described later, which is executed by the controller unit 205, is stored in the ROM 207. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens, including user interface screens (hereinafter, UI screens), on the display unit of the operation unit 204.

[0030] The CPU of the controller unit 205 reads out and executes the programs stored in the ROM 207, thereby causing the MFP 101 to execute various operations in this embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores programs and the like for the controller unit 205 to interpret page description language (hereinafter abbreviated as PDL) data received from an external device via the external I / F 202 and to develop the data into raster image data (bitmap image data). Similarly, the ROM 207 also stores programs and the like for the controller unit 205 to interpret and process a print job received from an external device via the external I / F 202. These are processed by software. The ROM 207 is a read-only memory, and stores in advance various programs such as a boot sequence and font information, and the above programs. Details of the various programs stored in the ROM 207 will be described later. The RAM 208 is a readable and writable memory, and stores image data sent from the scanner 201 and the external I / F 202, various programs, setting information, and the like. The controller unit 205 also controls the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheet processing apparatus 200 corresponds to the sheet feeding apparatus and the sheet processing apparatus described with reference to FIG.

[0031] Moreover, the HDD 209 stores image data compressed by the compression / expansion unit 206. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold print job data to be processed. The controller unit 205 stores the print job data to be processed, inputted via various input units such as the scanner 201 and the external I / F 202, in the HDD 209, reads it out from the HDD 209, and outputs it to the printer unit 203 for printing. The controller unit 205 also controls the print job data read out from the HDD 209 to be sent to an external device via the external I / F 202. In this way, the controller unit 205 can execute various output processes of the print job data to be processed stored in the HDD 209. The compression / expansion unit 206 compresses and expands image data and the like stored in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 by various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG.

[0032] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the DFE 103. In FIG. 3, the CPU 301 included in the controller unit 308 executes programs such as an OS, a general application, and a bookbinding application stored in a program ROM of the ROM 303 or loaded from the HDD 311 to the RAM 302. The ROM 303 is used as a font ROM and a data ROM. The RAM 302 functions as the main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 301. The keyboard controller (KBC) 305 controls input from a keyboard 309 and a pointing device (not shown). The display controller 306 controls display on the display unit 310. The disk controller (DKC) 307 controls access to the HDD 311 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and the like. The network controller (NC) 312 executes a process of controlling communication with other devices connected to the network 100. The bus 304 connects the CPU 301 with the RAM 302, the ROM 303, and various controllers, and transfers data signals and control signals.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a program configuration of MFP 101. The program shown in FIG.

[0034] The boot loader 401 is a program that is executed immediately after the power of the MFP 101 is turned on. This program includes a program for executing various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 402 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the MFP 101. This program mainly provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the MFP 101, i.e., the ROM 207, RAM 208, HDD 209, etc., and basic input / output control of each unit shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] The network control program 403 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. This program is used when receiving files to be printed, transmitting data from external devices, and transmitting and receiving commands. The network control program also includes a device driver program for controlling the external I / F 202.

[0036] The Job Definition Format (JDF) function program 404 is a program that executes a JDF print function when JDF job data is received via the external I / F 202. In the JDF print function, the controller unit 205 sequentially instructs the operations of each unit in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the JDF function program 404. As a result, control is performed so that the JDF print process is finally executed. The controlled units include the sheet processing device 200, the printer unit 203, the HDD 209, the compression / decompression unit 206, the RAM 208, etc. Also executed are an analysis process of the JDF job data received via the external I / F 202, a process of determining whether or not the JDF contains incorrect settings as a result of the analysis process, and a process of changing settings to eliminate the incorrect settings.

[0037] The PDL function program 405 is a program that performs PDL data expansion processing and print processing when PDL data (image data to be printed) is received via the external I / F 202. In the PDL function, the controller unit 205 sequentially instructs the operations of each unit in FIG. 2 in an appropriate order based on the processing order and processing conditions described in the PDL function program 405. As a result, control is performed so that the PDL print processing is finally executed. The controlled units include the sheet processing apparatus 200, the printer unit 203, the HDD 209, the compression / decompression unit 206, the RAM 208, etc. The PDL function program 405 is configured to operate together with the JDF function program 404 in order to analyze various job setting formats when executing the print processing.

[0038] The media management program 406 is a program for executing a management function related to sheets that can be used by the MFP 101. Sheet-related information managed by the media management program 406 is stored in the HDD 209. The media management program 406 provides media management functions such as registering new media and deleting unnecessary media. The media management program 406 also has a function of changing the settings of registered media and adjusting unadjusted media and re-registering it as adjusted media. The media management program 406 also has a management function of exporting media information to an external device of the MFP 101, for example, the PC 102, via the external I / F 202, and importing media information from the PC 102. As sheet-related information managed by the media management program 406, information on a print speed that can be applied during printing is also managed in association with the information.

[0039] The JDF function program 404 and the PDL function program 405 are configured to work in conjunction with a media management program 406 to determine the type of media and printing conditions used in the print process of the page data to be printed, and to select and control the appropriate print speed. The selection and control of the print speed will be described in detail later.

[0040] The setting management program 407 is a program for performing various settings of the MFP 101. Instructions to the setting management program 407 are given via the operation unit 204. Instructions to the setting management program 407 may also be given via the external I / F 202 and executed remotely from an external system such as the PC 102 or the DFE 103. Other programs 408 is a general term for programs stored in the ROM 207 that can be executed by the MFP 101 and that are not included in any of the above programs.

[0041] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a program configuration of the DFE 103. The program shown in FIG.

[0042] The boot loader 501 is a program that is executed immediately after the power supply of the DFE 103 is turned on. This program includes a program for executing various startup sequences required for starting the system. The operating system 502 is a program that aims to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the DFE 103. The operating system 502 provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the device, i.e., the ROM 303, the RAM 302, the HDD 311, etc.

[0043] The network control program 503 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via a network. That is, the network control program 503 is used when transmitting print job data to the MFP 101 and instructing printing processing. The network control program 503 is also used to receive data used for printing from external devices such as the PC 102 and to transmit status information.

[0044] The job management program 504 is a program for managing jobs transmitted by the DFE 103 to the MFP 101. The job management program 504 manages a job list in the order in which the jobs were transmitted, and can execute processes such as changing the order of jobs, pausing jobs, canceling jobs, and changing settings. When the DFE 103 receives a print job from an external device such as the PC 102, the job management program 504 cooperates with a PDL function program 506, a scheduler program 507, a Pre-RIP program 505, and the like, which will be described later, to perform a series of job management and job execution control for the DFE 103.

[0045] The pre-RIP program 505 is a program for analyzing configuration information of the received print job data when the DFE 103 receives the print job data from the PC 102 via the network control program 503. Specifically, the pre-RIP program 505 collects the number of pages and page size of the print job data, sheet information for each page, various setting information, and the like, and transmits them to the job management program 504.

[0046] The PDL function program 506 is a program for performing a process of expanding the print job data, which is executed when the DFE 103 receives print job data from the PC 102 via the network control program 503. The expanded data is converted into a format suitable for printing, and is transmitted to the MF 101 via the network control program 503. This instructs the MFP 101 to execute the print process.

[0047] The scheduler program 507 is a program provided for the purpose of presenting information on the progress of each job registered in the job management program 504. It is possible to display the time required for the job, the time when paper runs out, etc., in chronological order on the display unit 310. This allows the user of the MFP 101 and the DFE 103 to efficiently replenish paper and to create a production plan and generate a deliverable. Other programs 508 is a collective term for programs included in the DFE 103 that are not included in any of the above programs.

[0048] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a media database and a print speed management table managed by the media management program 406 in FIG. 4 and stored in the HDD 209. In FIG.

[0049] 6A is an internal ID that is uniquely determined within the MFP 101 for all media entries stored in the media database. A media name field 602, a media size field 603, a media type field 604, and a basis weight field 605 are media-related parameters of the media database.

[0050] The print speed field 606 indicates whether a print speed (print speed 1) of a high-speed print mode among a plurality of print speed modes provided in the MFP 101 is applicable. The print speed field 607 indicates whether a print speed (print speed 2) of a low-speed print mode among a plurality of print speed modes provided in the MFP 101 is applicable. From the information stored in the print speed field 606 and the print speed field 607, it is determined whether or not a print process can be executed at each print speed for each medium managed by the media database. Note that the information stored in the print speed field 606 and the print speed field 607 may be editable or created by the operator of the MFP 101. Alternatively, the information may be provided to the operator by the provider (manufacturer) of the MFP 101 as a fixed part of the product specifications.

[0051] Fig. 6(A) shows examples of four specific registered sheets. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6(A), coated paper A 608, coated paper B 609, coated paper C 610, and coated paper X 611 are shown as examples. Fig. 6(A) shows an example in which the media size field 603, media type field 604, and basis weight field 605 are the same for coated paper A 608, coated paper B 609, and coated paper X 611. In other words, it shows that the three specific media shown in Fig. 6(A) are equivalent in nature to the MFP 101.

[0052] In this embodiment, the values ​​of the print speed field 606 and the print speed field 607 in Fig. 6(A) are judged. In the example of Fig. 6(A), it is judged that print speed 2 is applicable to all of coated paper A 608, coated paper B 609, coated paper C 610, and coated paper X 611. On the other hand, it is judged that print speed 1 is applicable to coated paper A 608, coated paper B 609, and coated paper C 610, but is not applicable to coated paper X 611.

[0053] In this embodiment, even if the media name field 602 to the basis weight field 605 are the same for multiple types of media, when a print job that includes a mixture of these media types is executed, flexible control of the print speed can be achieved.

[0054] Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a print speed table managed by the media management program 406. As shown in Fig. 6(B), a print speed field 606 indicates print speed 1, and 100 PPM (pages per minute: the number of pages that can be printed per minute) is stored as an example of print speed 1. A print speed field 607 indicates print speed 2, and 75 PPM is stored as an example of print speed 2. A switching time field 614 required to switch between print speed 1 and print speed 2 stores an associated time of 30 seconds as an example.

[0055] 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams showing examples of a setting screen for a print speed mode displayed on the operation unit 204 of the MFP 101. FIG.

[0056] Fig. 7 shows an example of a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 204 of the MFP 101. As shown in Fig. 4, the MFP 101 is provided with various programs. Fig. 7 shows a state in which a setting section 701 is selected. The setting section 701 is an item provided for setting various default operations and management functions of the MFP 101, and is an item for instructing the execution of the setting management program 407.

[0057] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting items to which the screen transitions after the setting section 701 is selected. The transition to the screen in Fig. 8 and the display processing of various setting instructions are realized by the controller unit 205 executing the setting management program 407. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the print setting section 702 has been selected. Fig. 8 also shows a state in which the productivity setting section 703 has been selected as an example of a detailed item of the print setting section 702.

[0058] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to which the screen transitions after the productivity setting section 703 is selected. When the quality designation section 706 is selected, the slowest print speed mode of at least one or more print speed modes is selected as the print speed mode to be applied when printing the sheet, and is applied during the print processing. When the productivity designation section 707 is selected, the fastest print speed mode of at least one or more print speed modes is selected as the print speed mode to be applied when printing the sheet, and is applied during the print processing.

[0059] The optimum designation section 708 is selected when executing a print speed optimization process with the productivity designation section 707 selected. In the print speed optimization process, if it is determined that the print speed mode needs to be switched, the print speed mode is automatically determined based on sheet information of a predetermined number of pages analyzed from the beginning of the print job data in order to suppress the occurrence of a print speed switch.

[0060] The following describes the operations that occur after the execution of a print job is instructed by the DFE 103. When the MFP 101 receives a print job, the MFP 101 expands the print job data and generates page data to be printed. This operation is realized by the controller unit 205 reading and executing the PDL function program 405. In addition to generating the page data, sheet information of the sheets to be used during printing is also obtained.

[0061] The PDL function program 405 sequentially executes the expansion process from the first page of the data constituting the print job, and printable page data is stored in the HDD 209 of the MFP 101. If the optimum designation section 708 is not selected, the PDL function program 405 and the controller section 205 immediately execute the print process for the page data stored in the HDD 209. At that time, the print speed mode to be applied at the time of printing is selected based on the print speed in the print speed field 606 and the print speed field 607 of the media database in Fig. 6A managed by the media management program 406 based on the acquired sheet information.

[0062] However, when the optimum designation section 708 is selected and the job contains mixed sheet types, sheets of the mixed sheet types cannot be processed at a single print speed, and so print speed switching processing is required. As a result, production is temporarily interrupted because the MFP 101 must switch print speeds at the boundaries of pages containing mixed sheet types. As a result, productivity may decrease due to the time required for the print speed switching processing.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the optimum designation section 708 is selected, the MFP 101 executes the following operation. First, even if the page data to be printed is stored in the HDD 209 of the MFP 101, as shown in S1212 described later, the print process for the page data already stored in the HDD 209 is temporarily suspended until the page data for a predetermined number of pages determined by a specific condition is accumulated. Then, sheet information of the sheet used during printing is acquired in S1211 described later. The determination process in S1211 is executed by the media management program 406 based on the information of the media database in FIG. 6. At that time, the mixed state of the setting contents of the print speed field 606 and the print speed field 607 in the sheet information of the sheet used for printing the page data for the predetermined number of pages stored in the HDD 209 is determined. This determination process is executed by S1214 described later and the flow shown in FIG. 13.

[0064] That is, in this embodiment, the values ​​of the print speed field 606 and the print speed field 607 are determined for each sheet used to print the page data for a predetermined number of pages in S1305, which will be described later. If the result of the determination is that the value of the print speed field 606 is "Yes" for any sheet of mixed sheet types, this means that all of the sheet types used in the print processing of these page data can be processed in the high-speed print speed mode. Therefore, in this case, even if sheet types are mixed, there is no need to switch the print speed, and processing can be performed in the single high-speed print speed mode.

[0065] Furthermore, if the value of the print speed field 606 is "not possible" for any of the mixed sheet types, this means that any of the sheet types used for print processing of these page data cannot be processed in the high-speed print speed mode. Therefore, in this case, when mixed sheet types occur, the print speed will be switched when printing on a sheet that cannot be processed in the high-speed print mode. In this embodiment, a low-speed print speed mode is selected and control is exercised so that print processing is performed at a single print speed so that print speed switching processing is not necessary. This control is executed in S1309 and S1311, which will be described later.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the optimum designation section 708 is selected, sheet information used for a predetermined number of pages of page data from the beginning of the print job is accumulated and analyzed before the start of the print process so that the print speed switching process does not occur. Then, based on the analyzed information, a print speed that does not switch the print speed and is the fastest possible is determined. Then, the execution of the print job is controlled by the determined print speed. The details of the operation and flow of the PDL function program 405 when the optimum designation section 708 is selected will be described later.

[0067] 7, 8, and 9 and accepts an instruction to store the set contents in HDD 209. On the other hand, the Cancel button 704 is for accepting an instruction to end the setting operation without confirming the settings made via the screens in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 and without storing the set contents in HDD 209.

[0068] Below, a specific description will be given of the operation when the quality designation section 706, the productivity designation section 707, and the optimum designation section 708 are selected. Below, it is assumed that the pages included in the print job include a mixture of sheets that can be processed at print speed 1 and sheets that can be processed only at print speed 2.

[0069] When the quality designation section 706 is selected, even if there are pages that can be processed at print speed 1, all sheets are printed at print speed 2. Generally, when the same sheet can be printed at multiple print speeds, it is advantageous to print at a slower speed in terms of maintaining gloss and uniformity of the image. In this case, even a sheet that can be printed at print speed 1, which is originally a high-speed printing mode, is printed at the slower print speed 2. Therefore, quality takes priority, and productivity is treated as secondary.

[0070] When the productivity designation section 707 is selected, if there is a sheet that can be processed at print speed 1, it is processed at print speed 1, which is the fastest possible print processing. However, as in the above example, if the job contains a sheet that can only be processed at print speed 2, that sheet cannot be printed at print speed 1 and is processed only at print speed 2. In this case, switching processing occurs between print speed 1 and print speed 2. However, if sheets that can be processed at print speed 1 account for the majority of the sheets printed by the job, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of high productivity provided by high-speed print mode 1.

[0071] When the optimum designation section 708 is selected, it is similar to the productivity designation section 707, but differs in the following respects. When the optimum designation section 708 is selected, the print processing of the print job is not started immediately, and a determination is made as to whether any of the sheets up to a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the print job can be processed at print speed 1, or whether any of the sheets can be processed only at print speed 2, or whether a mixture of these sheets exists. If all of the sheets up to a predetermined number of pages can be processed at print speed 1, it is presumed that there is a high possibility that the sheets after the predetermined number of pages in the print job can also be processed uniformly at print speed 1. Therefore, in this case, print speed 1 is applied. Then, the suspended print processing is resumed at print speed 1.

[0072] On the other hand, if all of the sheets up to the specified number of pages can be processed only at print speed 2, it is highly likely that all sheets after the specified number in the print job can also be processed uniformly only at print speed 2. Therefore, in this case, print speed 2 is applied. The suspended print process then resumes at print speed 2.

[0073] When a certain number of pages of sheets are mixed, including sheets that can be processed at print speed 1 and sheets that can be processed only at print speed 2, applying print speed 1 or print speed 2 to each sheet during print processing will result in print speed switching processing. In this case, there is a high possibility that productivity will decrease due to the time required to switch print speeds. Therefore, in order to suppress the print speed switching processing, control is performed so that print speed 2, which can process both types of sheets, is uniformly applied to print all sheets of the print job. In this way, in this embodiment, sheet information for a certain number of pages from the beginning of the print job is analyzed, and the print speed is determined based on the analysis results, thereby suppressing the occurrence of print speed switching.

[0074] In this embodiment, the occurrence of a print speed change is judged for a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the print job, and an appropriate print speed is selected. However, the occurrence of a print speed change may be judged using all sheets of the print job. Even if the judgment is made for a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the print job, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity. The reason is that a print job that mixes sheet types often specifies different sheet types for the pages at the beginning of the print job. For example, deliverables that use thick coated paper for the cover and plain paper for the body are generally widely generated. Since thick coated paper has a large basis weight and is coated paper, the image quality is maintained by the low-speed mode. In other words, while print speed 2 is an appropriate print speed, high-speed print speed 1 can be applied to plain paper. In such a case, the cover and body will have a mixture of sheet types at the beginning of the entire print job. In other words, even if all sheets of the print job are not analyzed, the form of the deliverable can be roughly estimated by analyzing a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the print job. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not a switch in print speed has occurred within a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of a print job.

[0075] As another example, consider a case where a series of data consisting of multiple records is executed as a single job, such as variable printing. Specifically, consider job data that is configured by linking pages of records consisting of multiple personal data. If the top of the record is configured, for example, as preprinted paper and the main body of the record is configured as plain paper, it is assumed that records of multiple sheet types are included within a range of a predetermined number of pages from the top. In this case, too, it is possible to determine whether or not a switch in print speed will occur based on the results of analyzing the pages for the predetermined number of pages from the top.

[0076] Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(B) are diagrams showing an example of print job data. Fig. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of print job data. The print job data shown in Fig. 10(A) is created by various applications running on the PC 102 or the like, for the purpose of being processed by the PDL function program 405. As shown in Fig. 10(A), the print job data is made up of a plurality of further subdivided data, which are sent from the PC 102 or the like to the DFE 103 or the MFP 101 in a composite state.

[0077] 10A, the job ticket section 801 includes setting information that is applied to the entire print job, and settings for various post-processing processes, image processing, etc. The job ticket section 801 may also include sheet setting information for each page.

[0078] The PDL data section 802 is a data section that stores image information constituting a page and various print control commands. In the example shown in Fig. 10(A), a data section configured in PDF format is assumed, but it may be configured in another type of page description language such as Postscript.

[0079] In this embodiment, media information used in the print process of each page is obtained by expanding the PDL data portion 802. In other words, media information used in the print process of each page is stored in the PDL data portion 802, and this information is obtained by expanding the PDL data portion 802. However, the media information may be configured to be specified in the job ticket portion 801.

[0080] Fig. 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of media information for each page used when printing in the job, which is acquired by expanding the PDL data portion 802 in Fig. 10(A). The information shown in Fig. 10(B) is extracted as a result of analyzing the PDL data portion 802 in Fig. 10(A). The controller unit 205 of the MFP 101 acquires sheet information used when printing each of the multiple pages that make up the job based on the information shown in Fig. 10(B), and performs control so as to select and feed an appropriate sheet from one of the paper feed units 225 in Fig. 1.

[0081] 10A. A sheet ID field 804 and a sheet type field 805 are set for the purpose of being used when printing the page data indicated in the page field 803, and are fields for storing sheet information acquired after the PDL data portion 802 is expanded.

[0082] 10B shows an example of print job data in which a mixture of sheet types is set. That is, for pages 1 to 46, media 806 with a sheet ID of "011" and a sheet type of "coated paper B" is set. Similarly, for pages 47 to 48, media 807 with a sheet ID of "012" and a sheet type of "coated paper C" is set. For page 49, media 808 with a sheet ID of "020" and a sheet type of "coated paper X" is set. For pages 50 to 100, media 806 with a sheet ID of "011" and a sheet type of coated paper B is set.

[0083] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a job management screen displayed on monitor 105 (or display unit 310) provided in DFE 103. Fig. 11 shows a state in which Job_A 902 has been registered in DFE 103 with job management screen selection unit 901 selected. Job_A 902 is transmitted, for example, from PC 102 to DFE 103. Then, when DFE 103 receives the job data, the job data is immediately executed on the connected MFP 101. In other words, the job data received by DFE 103 is immediately processed by transmitting it to MFP 101, and execution of the print job is instructed.

[0084] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of job page data that is generated and managed within the MFP 101 when the MFP 101 receives Job_A 902 in Fig. 11 and determines the print speed to be applied during printing. The job page data is composed of multiple fields as shown below. The information shown in Fig. 12 is obtained from the result of the PDL function program 405 receiving and analyzing the print job data in Figs. 10(A) and 10(B). However, as shown in Fig. 12, it does not include information on all pages of the received print job data, and only information on a predetermined number of pages predetermined by the system of the MFP 101, for example the first 50 pages, is held.

[0085] The number of predetermined pages shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, it may be configured to hold information for the number of pages according to the resource. Also, it is sufficient that the number of pages is such that the time required to accumulate job page data for the predetermined number of pages is shorter than the time required for the printing speed switching process. Therefore, any method of determining or selecting the number of predetermined pages that satisfies such a condition can be applied. The time required to accumulate job page data for the predetermined number of pages is, for example, the time required for the expansion process for the predetermined number of pages of the PDL data part 802 shown in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the time required for the expansion process for the predetermined number of pages is overwhelmingly faster than the time required for the print process for the corresponding predetermined number of pages.

[0086] For each page of job data indicated by a page field 1001, sheet information about the sheet used when printing is indicated by a sheet ID field 1002 and a sheet type field 1003. In addition, for the sheet used when printing each page, a print speed field 1003 and a print speed field 1004 indicate whether or not the sheet is applicable to print speed 1, which is a high-speed print mode, and print speed 2, which is a low-speed print mode.

[0087] In this embodiment, sheet information for a predetermined number of pages (e.g., 50 pages) from the top of all pages constituting the print job data is accumulated and analyzed before the print process is started. Then, the print speed is determined based on the analysis result, and the print process is started at the determined print speed. Therefore, for example, even if the job data Job_A902 consists of 100 pages, the first 50 pages are accumulated as the predetermined number of pages, and the optimal print speed is determined from the sheet information of the sheets used when printing these pages.

[0088] 12, for 50 pages, which is the predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the job, only the sheet in row 1005 of page 49 has a value of "Not OK" in the print speed field 1003 and a value of "OK" in the print speed field 1004. For the sheets of pages other than row 1005 of page 49, the values ​​of both the print speed field 1003 and the print speed field 1004 are "OK".

[0089] That is, when MFP 101 receives the print job data of FIG. 10, it is determined that the 49th page out of the first 50 pages among the sheets selected when printing the print job data includes a sheet that can be printed only at print speed 2. In other words, it is determined that print processing at print speed 1 is possible for pages other than the 49th page. However, when printing the 49th page, it is necessary to print only at print speed 2, which is the low-speed mode, and when the print speed mode is switched, the switching time is added to the processing time. Similarly, when the print processing of the 49th page is completed and the print processing of the 50th page and after is executed, processing at print speed 1 is possible again. Therefore, the print speed is switched from print speed 2 to print speed 1, and the switching time is added to the print processing time.

[0090] In this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of switching time by performing the following process. That is, when it is determined that there is a sheet to which print speed 1 in the high-speed print mode cannot be applied, such as page 49 shown in row 1005, it is determined before the start of the print process that print speed 2 should be applied so that switching processing is not required, and control is performed so that the print job is executed at print speed 2. This makes it unnecessary to spend time on switching processing, eliminating a factor that reduces productivity, and maintaining high productivity.

[0091] Figures 13(A), 13(B), and 13(C) are diagrams for explaining the effects of the operation of this embodiment. In the following, as an example, Figures 13(B) and 13(C) will be explained for the case where the conditions shown in Figure 13(A) are used.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 13(A), among the print speed modes of MFP 101, print speed 1, which is the high-speed print mode, is set to 100 PPM. Also, print speed 2, which is the low-speed print mode, is set to 75 PPM. Also, it takes 30 seconds to switch between print speed 1 and print speed 2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12, the specified number of pages of job page data is set to 50 pages, and the total number of pages of the print job data is set to 100 pages, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0093] Fig. 13(B) shows the time required for each print speed applied to each page when performing conventional print processing under the conditions shown in Fig. 13(A), and the time required for switching print speeds when switching occurs. The vertical axis shows the time required at print speed 1101 (print speed 1), the time required at print speed 1102 (print speed 2), and the time required for switching 1103. The horizontal axis shows the cumulative time required from the start of processing.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10B, the media used for pages 1 to 48 of the job data are printable at print speed 1. The media are printed in a high-speed print mode at 100 PPM, and the required time 1105 is 28.8 seconds. On the other hand, the media for page 49 cannot be printed at print speed 1, and only print speed 2 is possible. Therefore, a print speed switching process occurs, and a switching time 1106 is required. After the switching process is completed, the print process for page 49 is executed, and the required time 1107 is 0.8 seconds. The media for pages 50 to 100 can be printed at print speed 1. Therefore, the MFP 101 again switches the print speed from print speed 2 to print speed 1. At this time, a switching time 1108 is required again. The required time 1109 for printing pages 50 to 100 is 30.6 seconds. As a result, the cumulative time 1110 is 120.2 seconds.

[0095] FIG. 13(C) shows the required time for each printing speed applied to each page when printing processing in this embodiment is performed under the conditions shown in FIG. 13(A), and the required time for switching printing speeds if a switch in printing speed occurs.

[0096] As shown in the job page data in Fig. 12, the predetermined number of pages, 50 pages or less, includes page 49 (row 1005), which is a sheet to which print speed 1 cannot be applied. Therefore, in this embodiment, MFP 101 determines print speed 2 as the print speed to be applied when printing the job based on the sheet information in the job page data in Fig. 12 before starting the print process, and executes the print process at the determined print speed. As a result, as shown in Fig. 13(C), all pages are printed at print speed 2, and the required time 1111 is 80 seconds. As a result, accumulated time 1112 is 80.0 seconds.

[0097] As described above, the MFP 101 in this embodiment determines sheet information for a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the print job data before starting the print process, and determines a print speed that does not cause a print speed switching process based on the determined information.Then, the MFP 101 controls the start of the print process based on the determined print speed.This effectively eliminates factors that reduce productivity due to the switching process, and enables control to maintain high productivity.

[0098] 14 is a flowchart showing a print control process in this embodiment. The process in FIG.

[0099] In S1201, the controller unit 205 analyzes the contents of the job ticket portion 801 of the print job data. The information included in the job ticket portion 801 is as described in FIG.

[0100] In S1202, the controller unit 205 starts the rendering process of the PDL data portion 802. The rendering process in S1202 includes conversion and generation process of page data to be printed. These processes can be executed in parallel with the page data generation process (S1205, S1210) which is a part of the print process.

[0101] In S1203, the controller unit 205 acquires the setting contents of the print speed mode accepted via the screens of Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Specifically, the controller 205 acquires the setting contents of the optimum designation section 708 of Fig. 9.

[0102] In S1204, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not the optimum designation unit 708 has been designated. If it is determined that the optimum designation unit 708 has been designated, the process of suppressing the occurrence of switching of the print speed described in Fig. 13(C) is executed in S1210 and thereafter. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1204 that the optimum designation unit 708 has not been designated, the print process described in Fig. 13(B) is executed in S1205 and thereafter.

[0103] First, the printing process from S1205 onwards will be described. The printing process from S1205 onwards is executed when either the quality designation section 706 or the productivity designation section 707 in Fig. 9 is selected, and the optimum designation section 708 is not selected.

[0104] In S1205, the controller unit 205 generates page data to be used during printing from the data expanded in S1202. Specifically, the page data is generated by the PDL function program 405 through conversion processing from the data in the PDL data unit 802 to data in a bitmap format, which is a format used when the printer unit 203 forms an image on a sheet. This conversion processing is executed by the compression / expansion unit 206.

[0105] In S1206, the controller unit 205 acquires sheet information of the sheet to be used when printing the page data generated in S1205. Here, the sheet information includes information on the sheet type. The process of S1206 is performed by identifying the corresponding sheet from the information stored in the media database of FIG. 6 and acquiring the necessary parameter set.

[0106] In the printing process executed after S1205, the printing process proceeds by sequential processing in which the page data generated in S1205 is immediately printed. Therefore, when the sheet information is acquired in S1206, the process proceeds to S1219.

[0107] In S1219, the controller unit 205 determines whether the sheet type acquired in S1206 is a medium to which print speed 1, which is a high-speed print mode, can be applied. If it is determined in S1219 that the medium is not to which print speed 1 can be applied, this means that the sheet type acquired in S1206 is a sheet type to which only print speed 2, which is a low-speed print mode, can be applied. In this case, the process proceeds to S1222, where the controller unit 205 selects print speed 2 as the print speed to be applied when printing the sheet.

[0108] If it is determined in S1219 that the media is applicable to print speed 1, the process proceeds to S1220, where the controller unit 205 determines whether or not the quality designation unit 706 has been selected. It may be determined whether the quality designation unit 706 or the productivity designation unit 707 in FIG. 9 has been selected. If it is determined that the quality designation unit 706 has been selected, it is desirable to apply print speed 2 rather than print speed 1, as described in FIG. 9. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1222, where the controller unit 205 selects print speed 2 as the print speed to be applied when printing the sheet.

[0109] On the other hand, when it is determined in S1220 that the quality designation section 706 is not selected, this means, for example, that the productivity designation section 707 is selected. In other words, it is possible to apply print speed 1. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1221, where the controller unit 205 selects print speed 1 as the print speed to be applied when printing the sheet.

[0110] In S1208, the controller unit 205 applies either the print speed selected in S1221 or S1222, and causes the printer unit 203 to execute print processing.

[0111] If the PDL data portion 802 is data consisting of multiple pages, the above-mentioned processes of S1205, S1206, S1219 to S1222, S1208, and S1209 are repeated for each page (loop process). In S1209, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not print processing has been executed for all pages. If it is determined that print processing has not been executed for all pages, the process from S1205 is repeated. That is, the process is repeated for the multiple pages included in the print job data. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1209 that print processing has been executed for all pages, the process of FIG. 14 is terminated.

[0112] Next, the printing process from S1210 onwards will be described.

[0113] In S1210 and S1211, the same processes as in S1205 and S1206 are performed, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] In S1212, the controller unit 205 accumulates the page data generated in S1210 and the sheet information acquired in S1211 in the HDD 209. In S1212, the controller unit 205 generates job page data from the sheet information acquired in S1211 and stores it in the HDD 209.

[0115] During the above-mentioned accumulation process from S1210 to S1212, unlike the print process from S1205 onwards, the page data generated in S1210 is not printed sequentially. In the print process from S1210 onwards, execution of the print process is suppressed (stopped) until accumulation of the page data and job page data for a predetermined number of pages is completed. This is because the print speed to be applied is determined based on the information in the print speed field 1003 and the print speed field 1004 included in the job page data accumulated in HDD 209.

[0116] In S1213, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not a predetermined number of pages of page data and job page data have been accumulated in the HDD 209. If it is determined that the predetermined number of pages have been accumulated, the process proceeds to S1214. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined number of pages have not been accumulated, the process from S1210 is repeated. As a result, the job page data of FIG. 12 is stored in the HDD 209. Thus, in this embodiment, the print speed to be applied is not determined until the accumulation process is completed, and control is exercised so that the print process is not started during the accumulation process.

[0117] In S1214, the controller unit 205 determines the print speed to be applied during printing based on the job page data accumulated in the HDD 209 as a result of the processes from S1210 to S1213. That is, sheet information for a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of the job is analyzed, and an appropriate print speed is determined based on the analysis result. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of pages is described as, for example, 50 pages of the job page data in FIG. 12, but is not limited to this number of pages. Details of the process of S1214 will be described later.

[0118] Print processing starts after S1215. In S1215, the controller unit 205 generates page data to be used during printing from the data expanded in S1202. Note that the processing of S1215 is not performed for pages for which page data has already been generated in S1210, but is performed for pages for which page data has not yet been generated in S1210. For example, since page data has not yet been generated in S1210 for the 51st page, page data is generated in S1215.

[0119] In S1216, the controller unit 205 acquires sheet information for the sheet to be used when printing the page data generated in S1210 or S1215. Here, the sheet information includes information on the sheet type. In S1217, the controller unit 205 executes the print process by the printer unit 203 at the print speed determined in S1214.

[0120] If the PDL data portion 802 is data consisting of multiple pages, the above-mentioned processes of S1215 to S1218 are repeated for each page (loop process). In S1218, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not print processing has been executed for all pages. If it is determined that print processing has not been executed for all pages, the process from S1215 is repeated. If it is determined that print processing has been executed for all pages, the process of FIG. 14 is terminated.

[0121] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing S1214 of FIG. 14, ie, the process of determining the print speed to be applied during printing based on the job page data generated and stored as a result of the processes from S1210 to S1213.

[0122] In S1301, the controller unit 205 initializes a counter used when determining sheet information for a predetermined number of pages at the beginning of all pages constituting a print job to "1." The sheet information for the predetermined number of pages here is, for example, sheet information for 50 pages included in the job page data in FIG.

[0123] In S1302, the controller unit 205 sets the initial value of the print speed selection flag to "false." The print speed selection flag is used for the following determinations. If a certain sheet can be printed at both print speed 1, which is the high-speed print mode, and print speed 2, which is the low-speed print mode, the value of the print speed selection flag is set to "false." On the other hand, if a certain sheet cannot be printed at print speed 1, which is the high-speed print mode, and can be printed only at print speed 2, which is the low-speed print mode, the value of the print speed selection flag is set to "true."

[0124] In S1303, the controller unit 205 acquires sheet information of the first page of the job page data. In S1304, the controller unit 205 acquires print speed information. Specifically, print speed 1 in the print speed field 606 and print speed 2 in the print field 607 of the print speed table in FIG. 6B are acquired.

[0125] In S1305, the controller unit 205 determines whether or not print speed 1, which is a high-speed print mode, is applicable to the sheet used for the page of interest (here, the first page) indicated by the counter. If it is determined that print speed 1 is not applicable, the sheet used for the target page can be printed only at print speed 2, which is a low-speed print mode. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1306, where the controller unit 205 sets the value of the print speed selection flag to "true."

[0126] If it is determined in S1305 that print speed 1 is applicable, the sheet used for the target page can be printed at either print speed 1 or print speed 2. In this case, the value of the print speed selection flag remains set to "false." After the processes of S1305 and S1306 are completed, the process proceeds to S1307, where the controller unit 205 increments the counter value.

[0127] In S1308, the controller unit 205 determines whether the counter value is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is a value corresponding to a predetermined number of pages of job data. If it is determined in S1308 that the counter value is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the process repeats from S1303. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1308 that the counter value exceeds the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1309. Note that the process of S1304 may be skipped from the second time onwards.

[0128] In S1309, the controller unit 205 determines the value of the print speed selection flag. If it is determined in S1309 that the value of the print speed selection flag is "false," then both print speed 1 and print speed 2 are applicable to the sheets used for any of the pages included in the job page data. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to S1310, and the controller unit 205 selects print speed 1 as the print speed to be applied during printing. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently generate a deliverable in the high-speed print mode. Specifically, the print process is executed in S1217 using print speed 1 in field 606 in FIG. 6B.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1309 that the value of the print speed selection flag is "true", print speed 1 cannot be applied to the sheet used for any page included in the job page data, and print processing is possible only with print speed 2. In this case, the print speed of the high-speed print mode cannot be applied at the time of printing. For this reason, in this embodiment, the occurrence of print speed switching processing is suppressed by generating a deliverable in the low-speed print mode. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1311, and the controller unit 205 selects print speed 2 as the print speed to be applied at the time of printing. As a result, even when sheets of media with different applicable print speeds are mixed, it is possible to perform processing as efficiently as possible. Specifically, print processing is performed in S1217 with print speed 2 in the print speed field 607 in FIG. 6B.

[0130] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it has been described that the MFP 101 has a high-speed print mode and a low-speed print mode, and that sheet information for a predetermined number of pages from the beginning of job page data constituting a print job is analyzed before the start of print processing to determine an applicable print speed. In this embodiment, the MFP 101 has a mode for printing at at least one or more third print speeds (print speed 3) in addition to print speed 1 in the high-speed print mode and print speed 2 in the low-speed print mode.

[0131] 16 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a print speed table in this embodiment. Unlike in FIG. 6B, print speed 3 is stored in the print speed field 1401 in the print speed table.

[0132] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the print speed in this embodiment. The process of Fig. 17 is realized, for example, by the controller unit 205 reading the PDL function program 405 from the ROM 207 and executing it.

[0133] S1501 is the same as S1301 in FIG. 15, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] In S1502, the controller unit 205 initializes all of flag 1, flag 2, and flag 3 for print speed selection to the value "true." Here, flag 1 is a flag for determining whether print speed 1 is applicable. Flag 2 is a flag for determining whether print speed 2 is applicable. Flag 3 is a flag for determining whether print speed 3 is applicable. In this embodiment, in order to determine whether or not there is switching between three or more different print speeds, a flag is set for each print speed to determine whether or not it is applicable.

[0135] S1503 and S1504 are the same as those in S1303 and S1304 in FIG. 15, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0136] In S1505, the controller unit 205 determines the print speed information acquired in S1504 for the sheet used for the page of interest (here, the first page) indicated by the counter. That is, it determines whether print speed 1 is applicable. If it is determined that print speed 1 is not applicable, the process proceeds to S1508, where the controller unit 205 sets flag 1 to "false." On the other hand, if it is determined that print speed 1 is applicable, the process proceeds to S1506.

[0137] In S1506, the controller unit 205 further determines the print speed information acquired in S1504. That is, it determines whether or not print speed 2 is applicable. If it is determined that print speed 2 is not applicable, the process proceeds to S1509, where the controller unit 205 sets flag 2 to "false." On the other hand, if it is determined that print speed 2 is applicable, the process proceeds to S1507.

[0138] In S1507, the controller unit 205 further determines the print speed information acquired in S1504. That is, it determines whether or not print speed 3 in field 1401 is applicable. If it is determined that print speed 3 is not applicable, the process proceeds to S1510, where the controller unit 205 sets flag 3 to "false." On the other hand, if it is determined that print speed 3 is applicable, the process proceeds to S1511.

[0139] By the process up to S1510, it is possible to determine which speed allows printing to be performed at a uniform speed. In other words, printing can be performed at a single printing speed mode without switching the printing speed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity due to switching the printing speed.

[0140] S1511 and S1512 are the same as those in S1307 and S1308 in FIG. 15, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0141] From S1513 onwards, a single print speed mode is determined. In S1513, the controller unit 205 determines the value of flag 1. Here, if it is determined that the value of flag 1 is "true", this means that there is no sheet to which print speed 1 cannot be applied in any of the pages in the job page data. In other words, in this case, it is possible to execute the print process by applying print speed 1. Therefore, in S1514, the controller unit 205 selects print speed 1 as the print speed to be applied during printing.

[0142] If it is determined in S1513 that the value of flag 1 is "false," the process proceeds to S1515. In S1515, the controller unit 205 determines the value of flag 2. Here, if it is determined that the value of flag 2 is "true," this means that while print speed 1 is not applicable, there is no sheet to which print speed 2 cannot be applied in any of the pages in the job page data. In other words, in this case, it is possible to execute the print process by applying print speed 2. Therefore, in S1516, the controller unit 205 selects print speed 2 as the print speed to apply during printing.

[0143] If it is determined in S1515 that the value of flag 2 is "false," the process proceeds to S1517. In S1517, the controller unit 205 determines the value of flag 3. Here, if it is determined that the value of flag 3 is "true," this means that print speeds 1 and 2 are not applicable, but there is no sheet in the job page data to which print speed 3 cannot be applied. In other words, in this case, it is possible to execute the print process by applying print speed 3. Therefore, in S1518, the controller unit 205 selects print speed 3 as the print speed to apply during printing.

[0144] If it is determined in S1517 that the value of Flag 3 is "false", the process proceeds to S1519. In S1519, the controller unit 205 selects another predetermined print speed as the print speed to be applied during printing.

[0145] As described above, even if there are three or more print speed modes, it is possible to determine whether the print speed applicable to each sheet of each page included in the analysis result stored in the job page data is applicable for each print speed. At that time, the fastest print speed is given priority. This makes it possible to determine the fastest print speed that can prevent the occurrence of print speed switching processing even if there are three or more print speed modes.

[0146] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the process shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, that is, the control not to start the print process until the print speed to be applied during printing is determined based on the job page data for the predetermined number of pages shown in Fig. 12, is described. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the print process is started before the print speed to be applied during printing is determined.

[0147] In this embodiment, the accumulation process of job page data from S1210 to S1213 is executed as in the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the process of S1211 for determining the print speed to be applied during printing is executed after S1210 to S1213, and then the processes of S1215 to S1217 are executed. On the other hand, in this embodiment, even before the accumulation process of job page data from S1210 to S1213, for example, the accumulation process of job page data for 50 pages, is completed, for example, when the job page data for the second page from the top is generated in S1210, the sheet information of the job page data for that page is obtained and the print process is executed. Then, the sheet information of the job page data for each page from the second page onwards is obtained and the print process is executed.

[0148] The above operation will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18(A) shows the operation of the first and second embodiments. That is, in period 1801, for example, 50 pages of job page data are accumulated. After that, in period 1802, the print speed is determined based on the accumulated job page data of 50 pages, and execution of the print process is started.

[0149] FIG. 18B shows the operation of this embodiment. That is, the operation in the period 1801 and the period 1802 is performed in the same manner as in FIG. 18A. However, in parallel with the period 1801, in the period 1803, the print process is sequentially performed for the job page data of each page, for example, from the second page. In the period 1803, for example, the process of S1303 or S1503 and the process of S1215 to S1217 are performed. However, in the period 1803, the process of accumulating the job page data and determining the print speed is not performed. Therefore, in the period 1803, the print speed may be switched. When the period 1803 ends, the print speed is determined based on the job page data accumulated in the period 1801 and the print process is performed from the 51st page. The processes in the periods 1801 and 1802 in FIG. 18B are the same as the operations in the first and second embodiments.

[0150] The effects of this embodiment will be described. There may be cases where the print speed does not change during period 1803. For example, if print speed 1 is applicable to the sheets used for all 50 pages, the print speed does not change. Furthermore, print speed 1 is determined as the print speed based on the accumulation during period 1801. In other words, the result of determining the print speed is the same as the result of actually executing the print processes in parallel, and the start timing of the print process can be made earlier than in FIG. 18(A).

[0151] On the other hand, there may be cases where the print speed is switched during period 1803. For example, if 50 pages contain a mixture of sheets to which print speed 1 can be applied and sheets to which only print speed 2 can be applied, the print speed is switched during period 1803. On the other hand, based on the accumulation during period 1801, print speed 2 is determined as the print speed, and print processing is performed at print speed 2 from page 51 onwards. In this case, although the print speed is switched, the start timing of the print processing is advanced compared to FIG. 18(A). Therefore, even if there is time associated with switching the print speed, by advancing the start timing of the print processing, there is a possibility that productivity can be improved as in the first and second embodiments.

[0152] As described above, this embodiment is configured to advance the start timing of the print process. Also, the processes in Fig. 18(A) and Fig. 18(B) may be switched. For example, the processes in Fig. 18(A) and Fig. 18(B) may be switched based on the analysis result of the job ticket section 801 in S1201. For example, if the analysis result of the job ticket section 801 includes information indicating the output mode of the bookbinding product (such as "all body text on plain paper"), the processes in Fig. 18(A) and Fig. 18(B) may be switched for each print job data based on that information.

[0153] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first to third embodiments. In the first to third embodiments, it has been described that the print speed of the entire job is determined before the start of the print process from the sheet information of a predetermined number of pages at the beginning of the job. In this embodiment, for example, a case is assumed in which it is determined that the first predetermined number of pages of the job can be processed at the first print speed, but all pages after the predetermined number of pages can only be processed at the second print speed. In this embodiment, in such a case, the print speed is determined based on the first predetermined number of pages before printing starts, and then the print process is executed while more optimally determining the print speed at the time of execution of the print process based on the information of the subsequent unprinted pages.

[0154] FIG. 19(a) is a diagram for explaining the effect of this embodiment, showing an example of information of job page data constituting a job. The determination of the print speed according to this embodiment will be explained using the example shown in FIG. 19(a). As shown in FIG. 19(a), the job is composed of sheets that can be printed at high speed at print speed 1 for the first predetermined number of pages, 50 pages in this case, and sheets that can be processed only at print speed 2 from page 51 onwards. Furthermore, from the analysis result of the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages, the print speed of the job is determined by the process shown in the first embodiment, and is determined as print speed 1 in the example of FIG. 19(a).

[0155] After the printing process is started and the first page (1901) is printed at print speed 1, the printing speed is calculated again for a new range of a predetermined number of pages by excluding the printed page (first page) from the predetermined number of pages and adding the next page information of the predetermined number of pages, by the process of the first embodiment. In other words, in the example of FIG. 19(a), the sheet information of the second page (1902) to the fifty-first page (1904) is set as the range of the predetermined number of pages, and the printing speed information is determined. As shown in FIG. 19(a), the range of the second page (1902) to the fifty-first page (1904) includes sheets that can be processed only at print speed 2. In other words, when the sheets from the second page (1902) to the fifty-first page (1904) are printed, a printing speed switching process occurs.

[0156] A method is conceivable in which the print speed is immediately changed from the currently determined print speed 1 to print speed 2 at this determination process stage, and the second page (1902) is printed. However, it is advantageous in terms of processing speed to execute print processing as much as possible at print speed 1, which is the high-speed print mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, print processing at print speed 1 is continued until the timing when print speed switching processing is required. In the example shown in FIG. 19(a), it is determined that the sheets are composed of sheets with mixed print speeds based on the result of determination of print speed information from the second page (1902) to the 51st page (1904). Even in such a case, in this embodiment, sheets prior to the execution of print processing of the 51st page (1904), which can only be processed at print speed 2, are processed at print speed 1, like the first page (1901).

[0157] Fig. 20(a) is a diagram showing the time required for each print speed applied to each page when printing processing in this embodiment is performed under the conditions shown in Fig. 19(a), and the time required for switching the print speed when a switch occurs. Note that the conditions such as the print speed and the switching time are the same as those in Fig. 13(A).

[0158] As shown in Figure 20(a), pages 1 to 50 use media that can be printed at print speed 1, and are printed in high-speed print mode at 100 PPM. The time required for this is 30.0 seconds (required time 1907). However, before printing of page 51 can begin, it is necessary to switch from print speed 1 to print speed 2, which requires a switching time of 30 seconds (required time 1908). After the switching time has elapsed, printing of pages 51 and onwards is performed at print speed 2, and the time required for this is 40.0 seconds (required time 1909).

[0159] Fig. 19(b) shows another example of information of job page data constituting a job used to explain the processing of this embodiment. The determination of the print speed in this embodiment will be explained using the example shown in Fig. 19(b). As shown in Fig. 19(b), the job is composed of sheets that can be printed only at print speed 2 for the first predetermined number of pages, 50 pages in this case, and sheets that can be printed at print speed 1 from page 51 onwards. Furthermore, from the analysis result of the sheet information for the predetermined number of pages, the print speed of the job is determined by the processing of the first embodiment, and in the example of Fig. 19(b), it is determined to be print speed 2.

[0160] After printing processing is started and the first page (1911) is printed at print speed 2, the print speed is calculated again for a new range of a predetermined number of pages by excluding the printed page (first page) from the predetermined number of pages and adding the next page information of the predetermined number of pages, using the processing of the first embodiment. In other words, in the example of Fig. 19(b), the sheet information of the second page (1912) to the fifty-first page (1914) is set as the range of the predetermined number of pages, and print speed information is determined.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 19(b), the range from page 2 (1912) to page 51 (1914) includes both sheets that can be processed only at print speed 2 and sheets that can be processed at print speed 1. In other words, when the sheets from page 2 (1912) to page 51 (1914) are printed, a print speed switching process occurs. However, in order to suppress the processing speed degradation that accompanies the switching, it is desirable to maintain processing at print speed 2 and switch to print speed 1 only when it is determined that processing at print speed 1 can be continued. In this embodiment, it is possible to obtain both the effects of improving productivity by print speed 1 while minimizing the impact of the processing speed degradation that accompanies the switching.

[0162] Assume that the printing process has progressed to a stage where page 50 (1913) has been output at print speed 2. The predetermined number of pages at this stage are pages 51 (1914) to 100 (1915). The predetermined number of pages from page 51 to page 100 can all be processed at print speed 1. Thus, while pages up to page 50 are printed at print speed 2, from page 51 onwards there continues to be a certain number of pages that can be processed at high speed at print speed 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the print speed is controlled to be switched to print speed 1 to execute the printing process.

[0163] FIG. 20(b) shows the time required for each print speed applied to each page when printing is performed in this embodiment using the information of the job page data shown in FIG. 19(b), and the time required for switching the print speed if switching occurs. Note that the conditions such as the print speed and switching time are the same as those in FIG. 13(A). As shown in FIG. 20(b), media that can be printed only at print speed 2 is used for pages 1 to 50, and pages are processed in a low-speed print mode at 75 PPM. The time required in this case is 40.0 seconds (time required 1919). From page 51 onwards, sheets that can be processed in the high-speed print mode continue for more than a predetermined number of pages, so it is possible to switch to print speed 1 at 100 PPM and process them (time required 1921). However, a time of 30 seconds is required for switching the print speed (time required 1920). In the example shown in Figure 20(b), from page 51 onwards, sheets that can be processed at print speed 1 continue beyond the specified number of pages, so the productivity improvement achieved by print speed 1 exceeds the loss due to the time required to switch print speeds, and an improvement in productivity for the entire job is expected.

[0164] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the print speed in this embodiment. The process of Fig. 21 is realized, for example, by the controller unit 205 reading the PDL function program 405 from the ROM 207 and executing it. Fig. 21 shows the process executed instead of S1214 to S1218 in Fig. 14. If it is determined in S1213 that a predetermined number of pages of page data and job page data have been accumulated in the HDD 209, the process of Fig. 21 is started. Note that, hereinafter, the page currently to be printed is described as X, and the predetermined number of pages related to the number of pages to be accumulated for determining the print speed is described as N. The value of N is, for example, 50.

[0165] In S2001, the controller unit 205 sets an initial value for the page currently to be printed. Since printing is processed from the first page, the initial value is set to 1. In S2002, the controller unit 205 determines the initial print speed to be applied when printing the job. The processing in S2002 is the same as that in S1214.

[0166] In S2003, the controller unit 205 applies the print speed determined in S2002 and executes print processing for the Xth page. After that, in S2004, the controller unit 205 determines whether the sheet printed in S2003 is the final page of the job. If it is determined that it is the final page of the job, the process in FIG. 21 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the final page of the job, the process proceeds to S2005.

[0167] In S2005, the controller unit 205 generates and stores page data for page X+N, which is a predetermined number of pages after the currently printed page X. Then, in S2006, the controller unit 205 acquires sheet information. For example, if the currently printed page X is page 1, page X+N is page 51. That is, the print speed is determined using page information from page 2 to page 51.

[0168] In S2007, the controller unit 205 determines the print speed applied when printing the immediately preceding page, page X. If it is determined that the print speed applied when printing page X was print speed 1, the process proceeds to S2008 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print speed applied when printing page X was print speed 2, the process proceeds to S2009 and subsequent steps.

[0169] In S2008, the controller unit 205 determines whether the top of the unprocessed print pages, i.e., page X+1, which is the page to be printed next, can be processed at print speed 1. In this embodiment, in S2008, the determination is not made for all of the predetermined number of pages, but only for the next page to be printed. This is because the print speed selected at the stage when S2008 is being executed is print speed 1, and so as long as there are pages that can be processed at print speed 1, it is possible to execute print processing at print speed 1. In other words, print processing is executed at print speed 1 until it becomes impossible to process without switching to print speed 2.

[0170] If it is determined in S2008 that the X+1th page can be processed at print speed 1, S2010 is skipped and the process proceeds to S2012 in order to maintain the print speed as print speed 1. In S2012, the controller unit 205 advances the page to be processed next by one page, and repeats the process from S2003.

[0171] A case in which it is determined in S2008 that the X+1th page cannot be processed at print speed 1 means that the X+1th page is a page that can only be executed at print speed 2. In this case, in S2010, the controller unit 205 switches the print speed from print speed 1 to print speed 2. The print speed set in S2010 is applied when the data for the X+1th page is executed in S2003. Note that when the print speed is switched from print speed 1 to print speed 2 in S2010, the switching time shown in FIG. 20(a) occurs.

[0172] If it is determined in S2007 that the print speed applied when printing the Xth page is print speed 2, the process proceeds to S2009. In S2009, the controller unit 205 determines whether all pages from the X+1th page to the X+Nth page, which corresponds to the predetermined number of pages after the Xth page, can be processed at print speed 1. The purpose of this step is as follows. If print speed 2 is selected, all pages can be processed at print speed 2. Processing pages that can be processed at print speed 1 at print speed 2 does not fully utilize the capabilities of the image forming device, but it is possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of print speed switching time. In this embodiment, if it is determined that a certain number or more of pages can be processed at print speed 1, a speed reduction due to print speed switching is allowed, and the advantage of high-speed processing at print speed 1 is enjoyed. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a certain number or more of pages can be processed at print speed 1 in S2009, it is determined that the print speed can be switched, and the process proceeds to S2011. Then, in S2011, the controller unit 205 switches the print speed from print speed 2 to print speed 1. The print speed set in this step is applied when page X+1 is executed in S2003. If it is determined in S2009 that all pages from page X+1 to page X+N, which corresponds to the predetermined number of pages after, cannot be processed at print speed 1, S2011 is skipped to maintain the print speed as print speed 2, and the process proceeds to S2012. In S2012, the controller unit 205 advances the page to be processed next by one page, and repeats the process from S2003.

[0173] As described above, according to this embodiment, the print speed is determined based on a specified number of pages at the beginning before printing begins, and then the print process can be executed while more optimally determining the print speed at the time the print process is executed based on information about subsequent unprinted pages.

[0174] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0175] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following control device, control method, and program. (Item 1) an acquisition unit that analyzes a job for executing a print process and acquires sheet information of pages included in the job; a control means for determining a print speed in the printing process based on the result acquired by the acquisition means, and for executing the printing process at the determined print speed; Equipped with the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each of a predetermined number of pages among the multiple pages included in the job, stores the information in a storage means, determines a print speed based on the accumulated results, and executes the print process at the determined print speed. A control device comprising: (Item 2) 2. The control device according to item 1, wherein the control means determines the printing speed in the printing process from a plurality of printing speeds including at least a first printing speed and a second printing speed slower than the first printing speed. (Item 3) The control device described in item 2, characterized in that when the sheet information of all pages of the specified number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the first printing speed is applicable, the control means determines the first printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process. (Item 4) The control device described in item 2 or 3, characterized in that when the sheet information of the pages of the specified number of pages acquired by the acquisition means includes sheet information indicating that the first printing speed is not applicable, the control means determines the second printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process. (Item 5) the plurality of print speeds includes a third print speed that is slower than the second print speed; the control means determines a print speed in the printing process based on at least one of a first determination result of determining whether or not sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the first print speed is applicable, a second determination result of determining whether or not sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the second print speed is applicable, and a third determination result of determining whether or not sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the third print speed is applicable. 3. The control device according to item 2, (Item 6) When the result of the first determination indicates that the sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the first print speed is applicable, the control means determines the first print speed as a print speed in the printing process; When the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means includes sheet information indicating that the first printing speed is not applicable, the control means performs the second determination. 6. The control device according to item 5, characterized in that (Item 7) When the result of the second determination indicates that the sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the second print speed is applicable, the control means determines the second print speed as a print speed in the printing process; When the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means includes sheet information indicating that the second printing speed is not applicable, the control means performs the third determination. 7. The control device according to item 6, characterized in that (Item 8) When the result of the third determination indicates that the sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the third print speed is applicable, the control means determines the third print speed as a print speed in the printing process; When the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means includes sheet information indicating that the third print speed is not applicable, the control means determines a predetermined print speed as the print speed in the printing process. 8. The control device according to item 7, characterized in that (Item 9) The control device described in any one of items 2 to 8, characterized in that when the control means receives a designation of a predetermined mode for executing a job from the receiving means, the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each page of the predetermined number of pages, stores the information in the memory means, determines a printing speed for the printing process based on the accumulated results, and executes the printing process at the determined printing speed. (Item 10) when the control means does not accept the designation of the predetermined mode by the acceptance means, causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information of one page included in the plurality of pages, determines a print speed corresponding to the acquired result, and executes the print process at the determined print speed; the control means repeats a process from obtaining sheet information of one page to executing the printing process at the determined printing speed for the plurality of pages. 10. The control device according to item 9, characterized in that (Item 11) 11. The control device according to item 9 or 10, wherein the predetermined mode is a mode that prioritizes productivity. (Item 12) 11. The control device according to item 10, wherein when the specification of the predetermined mode is not accepted by the acceptance means, the acceptance means includes a case where the specification of a mode giving priority to quality is accepted by the acceptance means. (Item 13) 13. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the control means does not execute the printing process while the sheet information for each of the specified number of pages is being acquired by the acquisition means and stored in the storage means. (Item 14) the control means, in parallel with the acquisition means acquiring the sheet information for each of the predetermined number of pages and storing the sheet information in the storage means, determines a print speed corresponding to the sheet information for each of the predetermined number of pages, and executes a print process for each page at the determined print speed; After the printing process for the predetermined number of pages, a printing speed is determined based on the results stored in the storage means, and a printing process for the predetermined number of pages is executed at the determined printing speed. 13. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. (Item 15) 15. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the predetermined number of pages is determined so that the time required for accumulation in the storage means is shorter than the time required for switching the printing speed. (Item 16) 16. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the seat information includes a type of seat. (Item 17) the control means determines a printing speed in the printing process based on information in which the type of the sheet is associated with whether or not the printing speed can be applied. 17. The control device according to item 16, characterized in that (Item 18) 18. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 17, further comprising a printing unit that performs printing on a sheet by executing the printing process. (Item 19) the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each of a predetermined number of unprinted pages from the top of the multiple pages included in the job, and stores the information in a storage means, determines a print speed based on the accumulated results, and executes the print process at the determined print speed. 2. The control device according to item 1, (Item 20) The control device according to item 19, characterized in that when the printing speed during the immediately preceding printing process was a first printing speed, the control means determines the printing speed of the next page based on the sheet information of the first page of unprinted pages. (Item 21) The control device described in item 20 is characterized in that, when the printing speed during the immediately preceding printing process was a second printing speed slower than the first printing speed, the control means determines the printing speed of the next page based on sheet information for a predetermined number of pages starting from the first page of unprinted pages. (Item 22) A control method executed in a control device, comprising: an acquisition step of analyzing a job for executing a print process and acquiring sheet information of pages included in the job; a control step of determining a print speed in the printing process based on the result obtained in the obtaining step, and executing the printing process at the determined print speed; having A control method characterized in that, in the control step, sheet information for each of a predetermined number of pages included in the job is acquired in the acquisition step and stored in a memory means, a printing speed is determined based on the accumulated results, and the printing process is executed at the determined printing speed. (Item 23) 22. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to any one of items 1 to 21.

[0176] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 101 MFP: 205 Controller: 207 ROM: 208 RAM

Claims

1. an acquisition unit for acquiring sheet information for each of a plurality of pages included in a job for executing a printing process; a control means for controlling the printing process to be executed at a printing speed determined based on the sheet information of each of the plurality of pages acquired by the acquisition means; A control device comprising:

2. The control device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires sheet information for each of the multiple pages by analyzing the job.

3. The control device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the control means determines the printing speed in the printing process based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, and controls the printing process to be executed at the determined printing speed.

4. The control device described in Claim 3, characterized in that the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each of a predetermined number of pages included in the job and stores it in a memory means, determines a printing speed based on the accumulated results, and controls the printing process to be executed at the determined printing speed.

5. The control device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls so that the printing process is not executed while the acquisition means is acquiring sheet information for each of the multiple pages.

6. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the control means determines the printing speed in the printing process from a plurality of printing speeds including at least a first printing speed and a second printing speed slower than the first printing speed.

7. The control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the sheet information of all pages of the specified number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the first printing speed is applicable, the control means determines the first printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process.

8. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein, when the sheet information of the specified number of pages acquired by the acquisition means includes sheet information indicating that the first printing speed is not applicable, the control means determines the second printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process.

9. the plurality of printing speeds includes a third printing speed that is slower than the second printing speed; the control means determines the print speed in the print process based on at least one of a first determination result of determining whether or not sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the first print speed is applicable, a second determination result of determining whether or not sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the second print speed is applicable, and a third determination result of determining whether or not sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the third print speed is applicable.

7. The control device according to claim 6.

10. If the result of the first determination indicates that the sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means is applicable to the first printing speed, the control means determines the first printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process; When the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition unit includes sheet information indicating that the first printing speed is not applicable, the control unit performs the second determination. The control device according to claim 9 .

11. If the result of the second determination indicates that the sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means is applicable to the second printing speed, the control means determines the second printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process, When the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition unit includes sheet information indicating that the second printing speed is not applicable, the control unit performs the third determination. The control device according to claim 10 .

12. If the result of the third determination indicates that the sheet information of all pages of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the third printing speed is applicable, the control means determines the third printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process, When the sheet information of the predetermined number of pages acquired by the acquisition means includes sheet information indicating that the third printing speed is not applicable, the control means determines the predetermined printing speed as the printing speed in the printing process. The control device according to claim 11 .

13. The control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the control means receives a specification of a predetermined mode for executing a job from the reception means, the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each of the predetermined number of pages, stores the acquired information in the storage means, determines a printing speed for the printing process based on the accumulated results, and executes the printing process at the determined printing speed.

14. when the acceptance means does not accept the designation of the predetermined mode, the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information of one page included in the plurality of pages, determines a print speed corresponding to the acquired result, and executes the print process at the determined print speed; the control means repeats the process from obtaining the sheet information of one page to executing the printing process at the determined printing speed for the plurality of pages.

14. The control device according to claim 13.

15. 14. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined mode is a mode that prioritizes productivity.

16. 15. The control device according to claim 14, wherein when the specification of the predetermined mode is not accepted by the accepting means, the specification of a mode that prioritizes quality is accepted by the accepting means.

17. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the control means does not execute the printing process while the sheet information for each of the predetermined number of pages is being acquired by the acquisition means and stored in the storage means.

18. the control means, in parallel with the acquisition by the acquisition means of the sheet information for each of the predetermined number of pages and the storage of the sheet information in the storage means, determines a print speed corresponding to the sheet information for each of the predetermined number of pages, and executes a print process for each page at the determined print speed; After the printing process for the predetermined number of pages, a printing speed is determined based on the results stored in the storage means, and a printing process for the predetermined number of pages is executed at the determined printing speed.

5. The control device according to claim 4.

19. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined number of pages is determined so that the time required for storing the data in the storage means is shorter than the time required for switching the printing speed.

20. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet information includes a type of the sheet.

21. the control means determines the printing speed in the printing process based on information associating the type of the sheet with whether or not the printing speed can be applied; 21. The control device according to claim 20.

22. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints on a sheet by executing the printing process.

23. the control means causes the acquisition means to acquire sheet information for each of a predetermined number of unprinted pages from the top of the plurality of pages included in the job, stores the acquired information in a storage means, determines a printing speed based on the accumulated results, and executes the printing process at the determined printing speed; 5. The control device according to claim 4.

24. 24. The control device according to claim 23, wherein when the printing speed in the immediately preceding printing process is the first printing speed, the control means determines the printing speed for the next page based on sheet information of the first page of unprinted pages.

25. The control device according to claim 24, characterized in that, when the printing speed during the immediately preceding printing process is a second printing speed that is slower than the first printing speed, the control means determines the printing speed for the next page based on sheet information for a predetermined number of pages starting from the first page of unprinted pages.

26. A control method executed in a control device, an acquiring step of acquiring sheet information for each of a plurality of pages included in a job for executing a printing process; a control step of controlling the printing process to be executed at a printing speed determined based on the sheet information of each of the plurality of pages acquired in the acquisition step; A control method comprising:

27. ​​A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of a control device described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of a control device described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

Images