Image forming device, control method of image forming device, program and recording medium

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that can be improved in throughput in performing printing of a plurality of pages.SOLUTION: The image forming device has: processing means that performs processing for executing a predetermined cut function which is a function of not cutting the recording medium until printing of a second page is started after printing of a first page on a roll-shape recording medium is completed, and when a position to be cut of the recording medium reaches a cutting position of cutting means during printing of the second page, temporarily stopping the printing of the second page and performing cutting; and control means that controls conveying means so that the conveying means performs a first conveying operation by which the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined length and stopped in a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed after the printing of the first page is completed and a second conveying operation by which the recording medium is conveyed in a direction in which the recording medium is ejected before a position on which the printing of the second page is started reaches a position of printing means after the first conveying operation is performed and before the printing of the second page is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to transport control in an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus that prints on rolled paper, when printing multiple pages, after receiving a print job, first prints one page of print data. Next, the paper is cut, the paper is transported to print the next page, and the next page is printed. However, the cutter that cuts the paper may be located downstream in the paper transport direction away from the printer carriage (hereinafter also referred to as the carriage) equipped with the recording head that performs printing. In this case, after the paper is cut, the paper must be returned to the start position of printing by the carriage in order to print the next page. Therefore, it takes time to start printing the next page. Therefore, in the method of Patent Document 1, after the printing of one page is completed, the cutting operation is not performed immediately, but the paper transport operation for printing the next page is performed, and the next page is printed until the paper reaches the cutter position. After that, when the paper reaches the cutter position, printing is temporarily stopped, the paper is cut, and printing is resumed (hereinafter, this technology is referred to as "cutting during printing"). In this way, the process of returning the paper after cutting is eliminated, and printing throughput is improved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-80917 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the paper transport operation for printing the next page cannot start until the print start position of the next page, i.e., the target position for paper transport, is determined, regardless of whether or not cutting during printing is performed. Therefore, even when cutting during printing is performed, after printing of one page is completed, there is a possibility that the printer will be in a standby state until the print start position of the next page is determined.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to improve the printing throughput when printing multiple pages in an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, an image forming apparatus capable of printing multiple pages on a roll-shaped recording medium includes a transport means for transporting the recording medium, a printing means for printing on the recording medium, a cutting means for cutting the recording medium, and a processing means for processing to execute a predetermined cutting function, which is a function of temporarily stopping printing of the second page and cutting the recording medium when a position to be cut on the recording medium reaches a cutting position by the cutting means during printing of the second page, without cutting the recording medium by the cutting means during a period from when printing of a first page by the printing means is completed until when printing of a second page to be printed after the first page is started, and a control means for controlling the transport means to perform a first transport operation of transporting the recording medium a predetermined length in a direction to eject the recording medium and stopping the same after printing of the first page by the printing means, and a second transport operation of transporting the recording medium in the direction to eject the recording medium until a print start position of the second page on the recording medium reaches a position of the printing means, after the first transport operation and before printing of the second page is performed. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the print throughput when printing multiple pages in an image forming apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between an image forming apparatus and an externally connected device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a paper mounting configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a paper transport configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a paper transport process between pages in an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a paper transport process between pages when printing multiple copies in an embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a table showing the relationship between the copy being printed and the type of paper transport operation between print pages in printing multiple copies in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional execution order of inter-page processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an execution order of inter-page processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams showing the transport position of the paper at each processing timing in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing the transport position of the paper at each process timing in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the transport position of the paper immediately after printing of the first page is completed in one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for setting the timing of a cut in one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for setting margins between print pages according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the present embodiment are essential to the present invention. The present invention also includes various modified forms within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured by combining parts of the following embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between an image forming apparatus and externally connected devices in this embodiment.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 4 and the externally connected device are communicably connected to each other via an interface with the externally connected device (e.g., USB) and the network 3. For example, a print job is transferred from an externally connected device such as a personal computer 1 or a smartphone 2 to the image forming apparatus 4 via the network 3. The network 3 can be implemented by any communication method, whether wired or wireless. The number of image forming apparatuses 4 and externally connected devices is not limited.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 4 includes a CPU 5, a ROM 6, a RAM 7, a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 8, a hard disk 9, a printer unit 10, a controller 11, a display and operation unit 12, a network driver 13, and a LAN unit 14.

[0014] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5 controls the image forming device 4 by reading out programs stored in the ROM 6 or the hard disk 9 into the RAM 7 and executing them. The RAM 7 functions as a temporary storage area for the programs read out by the CPU 5. The NVRAM 8 is a non-volatile memory that records various data necessary for maintaining the image forming device 4 and stores information about images to be printed. The hard disk 9 stores programs and image data to be printed by the printer unit 10.

[0015] The display and operation unit 12 includes a user interface such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), keys, a touch panel, etc. A user performs operations for executing and setting each function of the image forming apparatus 4 via the display and operation unit 12. The controller 11 controls the operation state and display contents of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0016] The LAN unit 14 communicates with externally connected devices via an interface with the externally connected devices and the network 3. The CPU 5 can exchange execution commands and data with the externally connected devices connected to the LAN unit 14 via the network driver 13. For example, when the printer unit 10 performs printing, the CPU 5 can receive a print job from the externally connected device via the network driver 13.

[0017] The printer unit 10 forms an image based on print data on recording paper (recording medium) such as rolled paper (hereinafter also referred to as roll paper). The recording medium may be a sheet including rolled paper, cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0018] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a paper mounting configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus includes a cutter unit 102, a carriage 103, a transport roller 104, and a platen 105.

[0019] A roll of paper 101, which is recording paper, is sandwiched between transport rollers 104, and the paper is fed or rewound by the rotation of the transport rollers 104. The roll of paper 101 is supported from below by a platen 105.

[0020] The carriage 103 is equipped with a print head (not shown), which ejects ink to print on the roll paper 101. The carriage 103 may also be equipped with an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the print head. The carriage 103 moves back and forth from the right side to the left side and from the left side to the right side in this figure. In this embodiment, the side on the right side of this figure where the carriage 103 is located is referred to as the reference side, and the left side is referred to as the non-reference side.

[0021] The cutter unit 102 cuts the roll paper 101 while moving from the reference side to the non-reference side.

[0022] The direction in which the carriage 103 moves is called the main scanning direction, and the direction in which the roll paper 101 is fed and rewound by the transport rollers 104 (that is, the transport direction of the roll paper 101) is called the sub-scanning direction.

[0023] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the paper transport configuration of an image forming apparatus in this embodiment. This diagram shows the state in which roll paper 101 is attached to the image forming apparatus. The roll paper 101 is sandwiched between transport rollers 104, and the paper is fed in the paper transport direction (arrow direction) as the transport rollers 104 rotate. In this embodiment, the side of the paper transport path closer to where the roll paper 101 is held in a wound state is referred to as the upstream side, and the side of the paper discharge port 203 is referred to as the downstream side. The roll paper 101 is supported from below by a platen 105.

[0024] The image forming apparatus further includes a carriage 103 and a cutter unit 102. The carriage 103 includes a print head, and printing is performed by ejecting ink from nozzles mounted on the print head. In the print head, the nozzle located most upstream is called the most upstream nozzle 201, and the nozzle located most downstream is called the most downstream nozzle 202.

[0025] When printing multiple pages and cutting is not performed during printing (i.e., cutting is performed before the next page is printed), after printing one page is completed, the roll paper 101 is transported in the paper transport direction to the cutter position. Then, a cutting operation is performed, and the roll paper 101 is transported (rewound) in the opposite direction to the paper transport direction to the printing start position of the next page, and printing of the next page begins.

[0026] In contrast, when cutting during printing (i.e. cutting while the next page is being printed), after printing of one page is completed, printing of the next page continues without cutting the roll paper 101. Then, when the start position of the next page reaches the cutter position as the second page is printed, printing is temporarily stopped, the roll paper 101 is cut, and printing resumes. This is expected to improve printing throughput.

[0027] 5 shows a flowchart of the paper transport process between pages in this embodiment. The image forming device starts the process shown in this flowchart by executing a print job. The print job includes a print job header section that stores information about the print format and the print job, and an image data section that stores image data to be printed.

[0028] A series of processes shown in the flowcharts is performed by the CPU 5 of the image forming apparatus 4 reading out a program stored in the ROM 6 or hard disk 9, expanding it in the RAM 7, and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in the flowcharts may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the explanation of the flowcharts means a "step" in that flowchart. The same applies to the other flowcharts.

[0029] First, in S301, the CPU 5 executes printing processing for one page. Specifically, based on the print job, it generates print data including image data and instructs the printer unit 10 to print. The CPU 5 transports the roll paper 101 in the sub-scanning direction (i.e., the paper transport direction) to the print start position for one page, and ejects ink while driving the carriage 103, which is equipped with a recording head filled with ink, in the main scanning direction. Thereafter, one page is printed on the roll paper 101 by sequentially repeating the transport of the roll paper 101 a predetermined amount and the driving of the carriage 103.

[0030] After printing of one page is completed, the CPU 5 judges in S302 whether the next page exists. Specifically, it judges whether the print job includes information of the next page. If the next page does not exist, the process ends. On the other hand, if the next page exists, the process proceeds to S303.

[0031] CPU 5 performs four determination processes in S303 and thereafter, S304, S305, and S306. These four determinations make it possible to compare the time T1 required to determine the transport target position with the transport time T2 required for the process of transporting the start position of the next page on the roll paper 101 (i.e., the paper cut position) to the most downstream nozzle of the carriage. Note that the transport target position refers to the print start position of the next page.

[0032] The paper cut position can be determined based on the print data of the current page, specifically the paper length of the current page. Process Y in S307 is a process for creating data for the next page until the transport target position is determined. Process X in S308 is a process for performing data creation processing for the next page and the first paper transport processing in parallel until the transport target position is determined. This parallel processing only needs to be performed in parallel for at least a part of the period, and the start and end points of the transport processing and the data creation processing do not need to coincide. The first paper transport processing will be described later with reference to Figs. 9 and 11.

[0033] Depending on the result of comparing the time T1 until the transport target position is determined with the transport time T2, the CPU 5 determines whether to perform process X or process Y. The data creation process for the next page in process X is the same as the data creation process in process Y. The four determination processes may be performed in any order. One or more of the determinations in S303, S304, S305, and S306 may not be performed. Furthermore, the process may proceed to process X or process Y without performing any determination. For example, in the case of performing cut during printing, process X may always be performed if the next page exists. In other words, even if the determinations in S303 to S306 are not performed, the effect of reducing the waiting time and improving the printing throughput can be obtained by performing process X whenever the next page exists in the cut during printing mode.

[0034] In S303, the CPU 5 judges whether the paper transport speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value a. The predetermined value a is, for example, 76.2 mm / sec, but is not limited thereto. The speed of 76.2 mm / sec is slightly faster than the normal paper transport speed in the above-mentioned specific image forming apparatus. The paper transport speed to be judged may be, for example, a paper transport speed value preset in the image forming apparatus according to the paper type, operation timing, etc., acquired and used. A specified value may be used, or an actually measured value may be used. If the paper transport speed is smaller than the predetermined value a (i.e., if the paper transport speed is slow), the time T2 required for the first paper transport process (S308) is likely to be longer than the time T1 until the transport target position is determined. This is because the slower the paper transport speed, the longer the paper transport time. Therefore, if the paper transport speed is less than the predetermined value a (i.e., if the paper transport speed is slow) in S303, the CPU 5 proceeds to S307 and performs process Y. On the other hand, if the paper transport speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (that is, if the paper transport speed is fast), the process proceeds to S304, where the next determination process is performed.

[0035] In S304, the CPU 5 determines whether the margin setting of the next print page (i.e., the set margin amount) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value b. The margin setting is included in the print job, and a common value or an individual value is set for all print pages. The margin setting can be set by the CPU 5 displaying an input screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display and operation unit 12 and operating the display and operation unit 12. The predetermined value b is, for example, 20 mm, but is not limited to this. The value of 20 mm is an example of a value that can be set on the display and operation unit 12 of the image forming apparatus described above. The margin may also be set using an externally connected device. If the margin setting is equal to or greater than the predetermined value b, there is a high possibility that the time T2 required for the first paper conveying process (S308) will be longer than the time T1 required for the conveying target position to be determined. This is because the larger the margin setting, the longer the conveying distance of the paper and the longer the conveying time. Therefore, if the margin setting is equal to or greater than b in S304 (i.e., if the transport time is long), the CPU 5 proceeds to S307 and performs process Y. On the other hand, if the margin setting of the print page is smaller than the predetermined value b, the CPU 5 proceeds to S305 and performs the next determination process.

[0036] In S305, the CPU 5 determines whether the resolution of the image data of the next print page is equal to or greater than a predetermined value c. The resolution of the image data is included in the print job and is acquired by the CPU 5. The predetermined value c is, for example, 600 dpi, but is not limited thereto. The value of 600 dpi is an example of a resolution that can be printed by the image forming apparatus described above. If the resolution of the image data is lower than the predetermined value c, there is a high possibility that the time T2 required for the first paper conveyance process (S308) will be longer than the time T1 required for the conveyance target position to be determined. This is because the resolution of the image data affects the time T1 required for the conveyance target position to be determined, and the higher the resolution, the longer the time T1 required for the conveyance target position to be determined. Therefore, in S305, if the resolution is less than the predetermined value c (i.e., if the time required for the conveyance target position to be determined is short), the CPU 5 proceeds to S307 and performs process Y. On the other hand, if the resolution of the image data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the CPU 5 proceeds to S306 and performs the next determination process.

[0037] In S306, the CPU 5 determines whether the print quality of the next print page is equal to or greater than a predetermined value e. The print quality is included in the print job, and there are modes such as "fast", "standard", and "fine". The predetermined value e is, for example, a value corresponding to the "standard" mode, but is not limited to this. The print quality values ​​corresponding to each mode increase in the order of "fast", "standard", and "fine". If the print quality is lower than the predetermined value e (in this example, the print quality is "fast"), it is highly likely that the time T2 required for the first paper conveyance process (S308) will be longer than the time T1 required for the conveyance target position to be determined. This is because the smaller the print quality value, the shorter the time T1 required for the conveyance target position to be determined. Therefore, if the print quality is less than the predetermined value e in S306 (i.e., if the time required for the conveyance target position to be determined is fast), the CPU 5 proceeds to S307 and performs process Y. On the other hand, if the print quality is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (in this example, the print quality is "standard" or "fine"), the process proceeds to S308, and the CPU 5 performs process X.

[0038] In S308, the CPU 5 performs process X. That is, the data creation process for the next page and the first paper transport process are performed in parallel. In the first paper transport process, the roll paper 101 is transported a predetermined length in the paper transport direction. The predetermined length is a length that is shorter than the transport length (transport distance) until the print start position of the next page reaches the position of the recording head in the paper transport direction. In other words, it is a transport length that is assumed that the position of the recording head does not exceed the print start position of the next page even in a state where the print start position of the next page has not been determined (a transport length that is assumed to be upstream of the recording head). If it is this length, there is no need to transport the roll paper 101 in the opposite direction. This length may be set in advance or may be set based on the cut position of the first page. This is because the cut position of the first page does not exceed the print start position of the second page. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to transport the roll paper 101 to a position where the cut position of the first page of the roll paper 101 reaches the recording head. More specifically, the roll paper 101 may be conveyed until the cutting position of the first page of the roll paper 101 reaches the most downstream position of the nozzles of the carriage.

[0039] Instead of or in addition to the four determination processes described above, for example, the line speed at which the print job is transmitted may be determined. Regarding the line speed, for example, the time taken from receiving the first data to receiving the next data can be measured and used for the determination. If the line speed is slow, the time T1 until the transfer target position is determined becomes longer.

[0040] Also, depending on the print paper settings, borderless printing may or may not be possible, so this may be taken into consideration when making a decision. For example, borderless printing, unlike the cutting operation for normal continuous printing, requires cutting at two locations: the printing end position of the first page (m in FIG. 12) and the printing start position of the second page (g in FIG. 12). For this reason, this embodiment may not be implemented. Also, in the paper transport operation for bordered printing, the paper may be transported to a position that takes the border into consideration.

[0041] After the process X or Y is completed, the process proceeds to S309.

[0042] In S309, the CPU 5 determines whether the transport target position (i.e., the print start position of the next page) has been determined in the transport operation of the roll paper 101 to start printing the next page (hereinafter referred to as the second paper transport process). The transport target position is determined by the CPU 5 based on the next page to be printed. The determination process of this step will be described later with reference to FIG. 11. If the transport target position has not been determined, the CPU 5 repeats the determination until it is determined. If the transport target position has been determined, the process proceeds to S310, where the CPU 5 performs a second paper transport process to transport the roll paper 101 to the transport target position. In other words, the roll paper 101 is transported so that the print start position of the next page reaches the position of the recording head. The second paper transport process will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 11. Next, the process returns to S301 and is repeated.

[0043] The above-mentioned four determination processes may be performed on the next page each time, or may be performed only once and the result of the determination may be used for the subsequent pages.

[0044] As described above, according to this embodiment, after the printing process for one page is completed, before the transport target position of the next print page is determined, the roll paper 101 can be transported to the position shown below as the first stage of transport. That is, as the first stage of transport, the roll paper 101 can be transported to a position where a predetermined position on the roll paper 101 (for example, the cut position of the current page) reaches the position of the recording head. In other words, before the transport target position of the next page is determined, transport is performed to a position that does not affect the printing of the next page. This reduces the conventional waiting time and the time required to transport paper after the transport target position of the next print page is determined. This makes it possible to improve print throughput.

[0045] 6 is a flowchart showing a process for conveying paper between pages when printing multiple copies in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus starts the process shown in this flowchart by executing a print job for printing multiple copies.

[0046] In this flowchart, the processes of S401 and S403 to S410 are similar to the processes of S301 and S303 to S310 in FIG. 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] In this paper transport process, after printing of one page is completed, in S402, CPU 5 determines whether or not it is printing the first copy. If it is not printing the first copy, the process proceeds to S411. On the other hand, if it is printing the first copy, the process proceeds to S403, and thereafter, the process is performed as described above with reference to Fig. 5. Here, the case where S408 is executed is referred to as route A, and the case where S407 is executed is referred to as route B.

[0048] In S411, the CPU 5 determines whether the printing is the final part. If it is determined that the printing is not the final part, the process proceeds to S412. If the printing is not the final part, the transport target position of each print page is determined when the front part is processed. Therefore, until the transport target position is reached, the CPU 5 executes the transport process to the transport target position determined when the front part is processed and the data creation process of the next print page in parallel. In other words, while transporting to the transport target position, the data creation process of the next print page is generated. Note that this parallel process only needs to be parallel processed for at least a part of the period, and the start and end points of the transport process and the data creation process do not need to match. This parallel process is referred to as process Z. This parallel process is also referred to as route C. In the transport process of S412, the transport target position is clear immediately after the printing process for one page is completed, so that the transport process to the transport target position can be completed in parallel with the data creation of the next print page. After the process Z is completed, the process returns to S401.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined in S411 that the final copy is being printed, the process proceeds to S413. In S413, the CPU 5 determines whether or not there is a next page to print. If there is not a next page to print, the process ends. This is called route D. On the other hand, if there is a next page to print, the process proceeds to S412, where the CPU 5 performs process Z. After process Z is completed, the process returns to S401.

[0050] In this paper transport process, the print head position (print start position) of the next page is determined in advance, so by performing process Z, the transport time required for transporting paper between pages can be further reduced.

[0051] 7 is a table showing the relationship between the copy being printed and the type of paper transport operation between print pages (i.e., route A, route B, route C, and route D in FIG. 6 described above) in multiple copy printing in this embodiment. N (an integer of 3 or more) indicates the last copy. In the table, the copy 501 currently being printed is divided into three copies: 1st copy 502, 2nd to (N-1)th copies 503, and Nth copy 504.

[0052] For the paper transport process between print pages of the first copy 502, if there is a next page, the operation of route A or route B in Fig. 6 is performed. Also, if there is no next page, the operation of route A or route B in Fig. 6 is performed.

[0053] For the paper transport process between the print pages of the 2nd to (N-1)th copies 503, if there is a next page, the operation of route C in Fig. 6 is performed. Also, if there is no next page, the operation of route C in Fig. 6 is performed.

[0054] For the paper transport process between print pages of the Nth copy 504, if there is a next page, the operation of route C in Fig. 6 is performed, whereas if there is no next page, the operation of route D in Fig. 6 is performed.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the execution sequence of conventional inter-page processing. Between pages, after the printing operation 604 of the first page is finished (601), a paper transport operation 606 is performed to the print start position of the next page, and then the printing operation 607 of the second page is performed. The conventional paper transport operation 606 will be described later with reference to Fig. 10. However, the paper transport operation 606 is started after the print start position of the second page is determined (602). Therefore, a waiting time 605 occurs until the print start position of the second page is determined. Therefore, the start of the printing operation 603 of the second page is delayed, leading to a decrease in print throughput.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the execution sequence of the inter-page process in this embodiment. Between pages, after the printing operation 611 of the first page, two-stage paper transport operations (first paper transport process 612, second paper transport process 613) are performed, and then the printing operation 614 of the second page is performed. Conventionally, a standby state was in effect from the end of the printing operation of the first page (608) until the print start position of the second page was determined (609), so the start of the printing operation 610 of the second page was delayed. In this embodiment, the roll paper 101 is transported a predetermined length from the end of the printing operation of the first page (608) until the print start position of the second page is determined. As described above, the predetermined length is a length that is shorter than the transport length (transport distance) in the paper transport direction (medium transport direction) until the print start position of the next page reaches the position of the recording head. This length may be set in advance, but here, as an example, it is set based on the cut position of the first page. Specifically, an operation 612 (i.e., a first paper transport operation) is performed to transport the paper to the cut position of the first page (i.e., the beginning position of the second page). After that, an operation 613 (i.e., a second paper transport operation) is performed after the print start position of the second page is determined (609). The paper transport process in process X of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 corresponds to the first paper transport operation (first medium transport operation). The paper transport process in S310 of FIG. 5 and S410 of FIG. 6 corresponds to the second paper transport operation (second medium transport operation). The first paper transport operation and the second paper transport operation in this embodiment will be described later with reference to FIG. 11. Thus, in this embodiment, the conventional paper transport operation 606 is divided into a first paper transport operation 612 and a second paper transport operation 613, and the first paper transport operation 612 is performed immediately after the end of the print operation of the first page. By doing so, the printing operation for the second page can be started 610 earlier than in the past, and an improvement in printing throughput can be expected.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the paper transport position at each processing timing of the conventional inter-page processing in Fig. 8. In the conventional method, after the printing operation of the first page is completed (601), the roll paper 702 on which the first page has been printed is discharged from the image forming device 701, and the carriage 703 is positioned at the last printed line of the first page. Also, a cutter 704 is present downstream of the carriage 703. In this state, the image forming device 701 is stopped. After determining the print start position for the second page (602), the image forming device 701 performs a paper transport operation 606 so that the most downstream side of the carriage 703 is located at the print start position for the second page. After that, the image forming device 701 starts the print operation 607 for the second page.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the paper transport position at each processing timing of the inter-page process of this embodiment in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, after the printing operation of the first page is completed (608), the roll paper 707 on which the first page has been printed is discharged from the image forming device 706, and the carriage 709 is positioned at the last printed line of the first page. In addition, a cutter 708 is present downstream of the carriage 709. The image forming device 706 performs a first paper transport operation to a predetermined position (as an example here, the cut position of the first page (i.e., the leading position of the second page)) between the end of the printing operation of the first page (608) and the determination of the print start position of the second page. This means that the paper is transported to a position where the position of the most downstream nozzle of the carriage 709 (h in FIG. 12 described later) is not upstream of the print start position of the second page (g in FIG. 12). This is to avoid the need to transport the roll paper 707 in the opposite direction to the paper transport direction in the subsequent second paper transport operation. As an example of controlling the recording head so as not to be positioned upstream of the print start position of the second page, the most downstream nozzle (h in FIG. 12) of the carriage 709 is positioned at the leading edge (f in FIG. 12) of the second page, but this is not limited thereto. The transport position in process X in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is determined by the above-mentioned method. After the first paper transport operation and the print start position of the second page are determined (609), a second paper transport operation is performed so that the most downstream nozzle (h in FIG. 12) of the carriage 709 is positioned at the print start position of the second page (g in FIG. 12). The determination method in S309 and S409 and the transport position in S310 and S410 are determined by the above-mentioned method. After that, the image forming apparatus 706 starts the print operation 614 of the second page.

[0059] 12 is a schematic diagram showing the paper transport position immediately after printing of the first page in this embodiment. Immediately after printing of the first page is completed, roll paper 804 is discharged from image forming apparatus 801, and carriage 802 is positioned at the final printed line of page 1. In addition, cutter 803 is located downstream of carriage 802. e indicates the cutter position, f indicates the leading edge position of page 2 (i.e., the cut position), g indicates the printing start position of page 2, h indicates the downstream-most nozzle position of carriage 802, and i indicates the upstream-most nozzle position of carriage 802. In addition, j indicates the margin between pages 1 and 2, k indicates the leading edge position of roll paper 804, and m indicates the printing end position of page 1.

[0060] FIG. 13 shows an example of an input screen for setting the timing of cutting in this embodiment. The input screen 901 is displayed on the display and operation unit 12. The user selects the button 903 when setting the cutting operation to be performed every time printing of each page is completed, that is, when setting the cutting operation not to be performed during printing. On the other hand, when setting the cutting operation to be performed while printing a page, that is, when setting the cutting operation to be performed during printing, the user selects the button 902. After selecting the button 902 or the button 903, the user presses the OK button 904 to confirm the setting value. When the OK button 904 is pressed, the setting value is stored in the NVRAM 8. On the other hand, when not setting the cutting operation, the user presses the cancel button 905. When either button is pressed, the display and operation unit 12 ends the display of the input screen 901. The setting of whether or not to perform the cutting operation during printing may be set by an externally connected device such as a PC. It may also be set according to the paper type, image quality, and the like.

[0061] FIG. 14 shows an example of an input screen for setting the margin between print pages in this embodiment. The input screen 1001 is displayed on the display and operation unit 12. The input screen 1001 displays a margin setting amount 1002, and when the user presses buttons 1003 and 1004, the value of the margin setting amount 1002 is changed. By default, the current margin setting amount is displayed. Since the current margin setting amount is stored in the NVRAM 8, the input screen 1001 first obtains and displays the current margin setting amount from the NVRAM 8. When the button 1003 is pressed, the margin setting amount 1002 increases, and when the button 1004 is pressed, the margin setting amount decreases. After changing the margin setting amount, the user presses the OK button 1005 to confirm the setting value. When the OK button 1005 is pressed, the setting value is stored in the NVRAM 8. On the other hand, when the cancel button 1006 is pressed, the setting value is not stored in the NVRAM 8. When either button is pressed, the display and operation unit 12 ends the display of the input screen 1001. Note that the margin setting may be set, for example, by an externally connected device.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, after printing one page, the paper is transported to a specified position before the print start position of the next page is determined. Then, as soon as the print start position of the next page is determined, the paper is transported to the print start position of the next page. This is expected to improve print throughput.

[0063] It should be noted that if cutting during printing is not performed, this embodiment does not need to be performed. Whether cutting during printing is performed or not can be set by displaying the input screen 901 shown in Fig. 13 on the display and operation unit 12. It should be noted that whether cutting during printing is performed or not may be set, for example, by an externally connected device. It may also be set according to the paper type, image quality, etc.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the throughput is improved by dividing the paper transport operation between pages into two, but the number of divisions is not limited to two. For example, if the paper cut position passes the cutter position during the second paper transport operation, the second paper transport operation is divided into two, "transport to the cutter position" and "transport to the transport target position", and the transport operation between pages is divided into three. In addition, image data such as PDF format is analyzed in stages, so the start position of printing is determined in stages. Therefore, with such image data, there is a possibility that paper transport will be performed each time the start position is determined, and in such a case, it is divided into three or more. As with the above, this method is also expected to improve print throughput.

[0065] Furthermore, if the creation of the print data for the next page is completed before printing of one page is completed, the print start position of the next page is determined immediately after printing of one page is completed. Therefore, there is no need to divide the paper transport operation between pages, and it is possible to transport the paper to the print start position of the next page in a single transport operation immediately after printing of one page is completed. As with the above, this method is also expected to improve print throughput.

[0066] Also, in this embodiment, process X can be started immediately after printing of one page is completed. However, as long as the time from the completion of printing of one page to the completion of process X is shorter than or equal to the time from the completion of printing of one page to the determination of the print start position of the next page, the start timing of the processes of S308 and S408 is not limited to this. As with the above, this method is also expected to improve print throughput.

[0067] (Other embodiments) 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.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of printing multiple pages on a roll-shaped recording medium, A conveying means for conveying the recording medium; A printing means for printing on the recording medium; cutting means for cutting the recording medium; a processing means for performing a predetermined cutting function, which is a function for not cutting the recording medium by the cutting means during a period from when printing of a first page by the printing means is completed until when printing of a second page that is printed next to the first page is started, and for temporarily stopping printing of the second page and cutting the recording medium when a position to be cut on the recording medium reaches a cutting position by the cutting means during printing of the second page; a first transport operation of transporting the recording medium a predetermined length in a direction in which the recording medium is discharged and stopping the same after the printing of the first page by the printing means is completed; a second transport operation, which is performed after the first transport operation and before printing on the second page, transports the recording medium in the ejection direction until a print start position of the second page on the recording medium reaches a position of the printing means; A control means for controlling the conveying means to carry out the above-mentioned An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a setting means for setting the predetermined function to one of a plurality of setting states including a first setting state, The control means controls whether or not to perform the first transport operation and the second transport operation during a period from when printing of the first page is completed until when printing of the second page is started, depending on a setting state of the setting means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. When the setting means has set the first setting state, the control means controls so that the first transport operation and the second transport operation are performed after the printing of the first page is completed and before the printing of the second page is started.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,

4. When the setting means has set the second setting state in which the predetermined function is not executed, the control means controls to perform a third transport operation for transporting the recording medium until a position to be cut on the recording medium reaches a cutting position by the cutting means, between the end of printing of the first page and the start of printing of the second page, thereby cutting the recording medium, and then to perform a fourth transport operation for transporting the recording medium until a printing start position of the second page on the recording medium reaches a position of the printing means.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a multi-color image forming apparatus.

5. The printing means performs printing by ejecting ink.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print start position of the second page is a position that is determined based on the print data of the second page.

7. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the recording medium is transported the specified length by the first transport operation, the position of the downstream nozzle of the printing means is located downstream of the printing start position of the second page.

8. The printing means has a carriage equipped with a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, The position of the printing means when the conveying means conveys the recording medium is the position of a nozzle that is on the downstream side in a medium conveying direction among the plurality of nozzles.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

9. the cutting means is located downstream of the printing means in a medium transport direction, The position to be cut in the recording medium is the beginning position of the second page.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

10. When printing multiple copies, the control means controls the recording medium to be conveyed based on the print start position determined when the first copy is processed.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

11. A conveying means for conveying a roll-shaped recording medium; A printing means for printing on the recording medium; cutting means for cutting the recording medium; A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of printing a plurality of pages on the recording medium, comprising: a processing step of performing a predetermined cutting function, which is a function of not cutting the recording medium by the cutting means during a period from when printing of a first page by the printing means is completed until when printing of a second page that is printed next to the first page is started, and temporarily stopping printing of the second page and cutting the recording medium when a position to be cut on the recording medium reaches a cutting position by the cutting means during printing of the second page; a first transport operation of transporting the recording medium a predetermined length in a direction in which the recording medium is discharged and stopping the same after the printing of the first page by the printing means is completed; a second transport operation, which is performed after the first transport operation and before printing on the second page, transports the recording medium in the ejection direction until a print start position of the second page on the recording medium reaches a position of the printing means; a control step of controlling the conveying means to perform the above; 11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

12. A conveying means for conveying a roll-shaped recording medium; A printing means for printing on the recording medium; cutting means for cutting the recording medium; 11. A program for causing a computer of an image forming apparatus capable of printing a plurality of pages on said recording medium to function as a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

13. A conveying means for conveying a roll-shaped recording medium; A printing means for printing on the recording medium; cutting means for cutting the recording medium; A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of an image forming apparatus capable of printing multiple pages on the recording medium to function as a control means of the image forming apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images