Image formation device, image formation method, and program

Abstract

To simplify work of cutting and dividing paper, in a function for aligning image data related to a plurality of print jobs in a width direction of paper and printing the image data.SOLUTION: A CPU 111 of an image formation device 1 acquires, for example, information of a user name, as information of an input source, from setting information of a plurality of print jobs received during a prescribed standby time. The CPU 111 adjacently arranges images of the same user according to the acquired user name. When a predetermined standby time has elapsed, or a blank space in a width direction of paper reaches a predetermined threshold or a lower value, the CPU 111 starts the printing processing. Accordingly, work of cutting and dividing paper for each user can be performed in a simple manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a function for printing images aligned in the width direction of a sheet of paper. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, image forming devices such as large format printers that print images on large paper for printing posters and the like have become widespread. In large format printers, roll paper is used as the paper. Images to be printed are usually printed aligned vertically in the paper transport direction, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the roll paper. If the width of the image to be printed is smaller than the width of the paper, there will be unprinted areas in the width direction of the paper, resulting in waste. To prevent such waste of paper, a function called nesting printing is used.

[0003] In nesting printing, images from multiple print jobs are lined up across the width of the paper, and the printer waits to receive the next print job until the paper is full. Printing then begins when the remaining width of the paper is small or a specified waiting time has elapsed. Therefore, depending on the size of the images and the order in which they are received, images of different sizes may be printed side-by-side. This creates the problem of having to cut the paper for each image after printing is complete, which can be cumbersome.

[0004] To address this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for arranging and printing multiple images of the same size adjacent to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-152671 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the layout is determined based on the size of the image, so when print jobs of the same size are input from multiple different users, the images of the different users are printed adjacent to each other, which makes it necessary to cut the paper for each user after printing is completed.

[0007] The present disclosure has an object to simplify the task of cutting sheets of paper when images related to a plurality of print jobs are printed side by side on the paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming device according to the present disclosure is an image forming device that prints on paper in accordance with a print job, and is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring input source information from an input print job, and an arrangement means for arranging images related to the input print job on the paper, and is characterized in that when multiple print jobs are input within a predetermined waiting time, the acquisition means acquires input source information from each of the multiple print jobs, and the arrangement means arranges multiple images related to the multiple print jobs in a line in the width direction of the paper so that they are grouped by input source, based on the information on the multiple input sources acquired by the acquisition means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in a function for printing images related to a plurality of print jobs in a line across the width of a sheet of paper, it is possible to simplify the task of cutting the sheets of paper. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a data configuration of a print job. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of image arrangement. [Diagram 5]4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a printing process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a print job list, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of arrangement flag setting information. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a specific example of a database, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a specific example of attribute information. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of setting the arrangement order in S508. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of image arrangement in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a printing process in a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of print job lists, in which (a) is a first print process and (b) is a second print process. [Figure 13] 1A is a diagram showing a specific example of a database, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a specific example of attribute information, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a specific example of a cutting completion flag. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of an arrangement start position list. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of setting the arrangement position in S1108. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting an arrangement position when a sheet has been cut. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting an arrangement position when a sheet is not cut. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting whether or not to print aligned in the width direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying 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.

[0012] <First embodiment> 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is shown as having only a printing function, but is not limited thereto. The image forming apparatus 100 may further include a reading device for reading an image on a document and have a function as a copier. The image forming apparatus 100 may also be a multi-function peripheral (MFP) with other functions added.

[0013] 1, image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110 and a printing unit 120. Image forming apparatus 100 is connectable to a host device 190 via a network 191. Control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a host IF (interface) 112, a printing unit IF 113, a RAM 114, a ROM 115, an image processing unit 116, and an operation unit 117. These units are connected via a system bus 118.

[0014] CPU 111 is a main controller of image forming apparatus 100. CPU 111 controls the overall operation of image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in ROM 115, using RAM 114 as a work area. For example, when a print job is input from host device 190 via host IF 112, image processing unit 116 performs predetermined image processing on image data included in the received print job in accordance with instructions transmitted from CPU 111. CPU 111 transmits the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to printing unit 120 via printing unit IF 113.

[0015] The RAM 114 is used as a work area for the CPU 111, a temporary storage area for various received data, and a storage area for various setting data. The ROM 115 stores the programs executed by the CPU 111 and various data required for various operations of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0016] The image processing unit 116 is a processor for image processing, and performs various types of image processing. The image processing includes, for example, a process of expanding (converting) image data represented in a page description language into bitmap image data, a color space conversion process, a resolution conversion process, an image analysis process, an image correction process, a process of synthesizing multiple image data to generate one image data, and the like.

[0017] The color space conversion process converts the color space of the input image data (e.g., YCbCr) into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). The resolution conversion process converts the number of pixels into a number that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 100. The image data obtained by these image processes is stored in the RAM 114.

[0018] The operation unit 117 has input devices such as hard keys and a touch panel for the user to perform various operations, and a display for displaying various information to the user. The operation unit 117 also has a sound generator and may notify the user of information by sound (buzzer, voice, etc.).

[0019] The printing unit 120 forms an image on paper based on a print job. The printing unit 120 includes a control unit IF 121, a print controller 122, a ROM 123, a RAM 124, an image processing controller 125, etc. The printing unit 120 also includes an ink supply control unit 127, a head carriage control unit 128, a transport control unit 129, a recording head 130, etc. Each unit is connected via a system bus 131.

[0020] The print controller 122 is composed of a CPU. The print controller 122 controls various mechanisms of the printing unit 120 according to the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 123, using the RAM 124 as a work area. When the print controller 122 receives various commands and image data from the control unit 110 via the control unit IF 121, it temporarily stores them in the RAM 124.

[0021] The print controller 122 sends the image data stored in the RAM 124 to the image processing controller 125, which converts the image data into print data for the recording head 130 to perform a recording operation. When the print data is generated, the print controller 122 causes the recording head 130 to perform a recording operation based on the print data. At this time, the print controller 122 controls the transport control unit 129 to transport the paper.

[0022] According to instructions from the print controller 122, the recording head 130 performs a recording operation in conjunction with the paper transport operation, and print processing is performed. The head carriage control unit 128 changes the orientation and position of the recording head 130 depending on the recording state of the image forming apparatus 100. The ink supply control unit 127 controls the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 130 so that it falls within an appropriate range.

[0023] The recording head 130 prints an image on paper based on the recording data. The recording head 130 holds, for example, a plurality of print heads for a plurality of colors, and ejects ink in synchronization with the transport of the paper to form an image on the paper. Note that the image forming device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described taking an inkjet printer using ink as a recording material as an example, but is not limited to this. The present disclosure is applicable to printing devices using various printing methods, such as electrophotographic methods such as thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, and laser printers.

[0024] 1 shows an example in which operation unit 117 exists inside image forming apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured to be externally attached via network 191. Also, host device 190 may also have the function of operation unit 117.

[0025] Further, the storage destination of the image data is not limited to the RAM 114 and the RAM 124, but may be a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0026] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the supply source of image data (print job) is the host device 190 in which a printer driver is installed, but this is not limiting. Instead of the host device 190, for example, an information processing terminal such as a digital camera or a smartphone may be the supply source of image data. The form of communication connection between each terminal and the image forming device 100 is not limited to a connection via the network 191, and may be, for example, a wireless communication connection.

[0027] The program for realizing the functions of this embodiment may be supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media. A computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device may read the program and execute the functions, or may have various mechanisms execute the programs. The program may be executed by one computer or by multiple computers working together.

[0028] In addition, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC, etc. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a form in which all processes are performed by one CPU, but may be a form in which multiple CPUs perform processes in cooperation with each other, or a form in which one CPU performs some of the processes and multiple CPUs perform other processes in cooperation with each other.

[0029] Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a nesting printing function. The nesting printing function is a function for printing multiple pages (images) side by side in the width direction of the paper when printing on a large-sized recording medium such as roll paper (hereinafter referred to as paper). In this specification, the width direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction. If the paper used is roll paper, the paper transport direction is the longitudinal direction of the roll paper.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 has a print job acquisition unit 211, an input source information acquisition unit 212, a placement unit 213, and a print control unit 214. These functions are realized by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 reading out a program stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 115 or the RAM 114, expanding the program in a work area of ​​the RAM, and executing the program.

[0031] The print job acquisition unit 211 receives print jobs sent from the host device 190 or the like, and registers them in the print job list 600 in the RAM 114. In the nesting printing function, images related to a print job received during a preset nesting waiting time (hereinafter referred to as waiting time) are arranged in the width direction and printed. One print job list holds setting information and image data related to one or more print jobs received during the waiting time. In the following description, an image indicated by image data included in a print job is referred to as an image related to the print job.

[0032] When a preset waiting time has elapsed or when the margins when the images related to the received print job are arranged in the width direction of the paper become smaller than a preset size (execution margin width), the print process is started for the print job held in the print job list. A print job received after the waiting time has elapsed is held in a different print job list and is subject to a different print process.

[0033] The input source information acquisition unit 212 acquires information on the input source of the print job from the received print job. The input source information is information on the sender (supplier) of the print job, such as information for identifying a user (user name, user ID, terminal ID, etc.) or information for identifying a department (department name, department ID, etc.).

[0034] Here, the data structure of a print job will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a print job. As shown in Fig. 3(a), a print job 300 includes image data 301 and setting information 302. The image data 301 is data indicating an image that a user wishes to print, and is data in various image formats such as PDF and JPEG.

[0035] The setting information 302 of the print job 300 stores a set of setting values ​​that are referenced when printing the image data 301. The setting information 302 includes at least the width direction size of the image indicated by the image data 301 and input source information. In the example of Fig. 3(a), the user name is stored in the setting information 302 and is treated as the input source information of this embodiment.

[0036] In addition, when the setting information 312 includes information on the department to which the user belongs (such as the department name or affiliation name), as in the case of the print job 310 shown in FIG. 3(b), the input source information acquisition unit 212 may acquire the department information as the input source information.

[0037] Furthermore, the input source information is not limited to information that identifies an individual. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is a commercial printing machine, a print job may be sent from a customer's terminal. In such a case, customer information (company name, organization name, etc.) included in the print job may be acquired as the input source information.

[0038] Furthermore, the setting information 302, 312 of the print jobs 300, 310 may further include information on the waiting time and execution margin width when performing nesting printing. The execution margin width is a threshold value used to determine whether to end the waiting of the print job and execute printing. If the remaining width (margin) of the paper when the image is arranged on the paper becomes equal to or less than the execution margin width, the print control unit 214 ends the waiting of the print job and starts the print process even during the waiting time. The execution margin width will be described in detail later.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 100 may execute processing by referring to the waiting time and execution margin width of the setting information 302, 312 included in the print job in priority over the device setting information (database 700; FIG. 7) stored in the RAM 114 or the like of the image forming apparatus 100. The device setting information (database 700) is setting information that is preset at the time of shipment, or setting information that is set by the operator via the operation unit 117 from the device setting menu.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2. The arrangement unit 213 arranges images related to multiple print jobs so that they are grouped by input source, based on the input source information acquired by the input source information acquisition unit 212. Specifically, when the arrangement unit 213 acquires a user name as the input source information, the arrangement unit 213 arranges images related to print jobs having the same user name so that they are adjacent in the width direction of the paper. Also, when the input source information acquired by the input source information acquisition unit 212 is department information, the arrangement unit 213 arranges images related to print jobs having the same department information so that they are adjacent in the width direction of the paper.

[0041] 4 is a diagram showing an example of image arrangement in this embodiment. As an example, the following use case (1) will be described.

[0042] Use case (1): "During the standby time, image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job (image 401) from user "A," then receives a print job (image 402) from user "B," and then receives a print job (image 403) from user "A." These print jobs are of a size that fits within available width 404 (e.g., horizontal width) of the paper when arranged in the width direction. Further thereafter, image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from user "C" during the standby time. The image related to user "C's" print job was of a size that did not fit within the width margin of the paper (margin width 405) at the time of reception."

[0043] In use case (1), images 401 and 403 are images related to print jobs sent by the same user. In this case, as shown in Fig. 4, image forming apparatus 100 arranges images 401 and 403 adjacent to each other in the width direction of paper 400 from the left end to the right. Then, image 402 of a different user "B" is arranged in the margin.

[0044] In use case (1), since the remaining width (margin width 405) of the paper 400 after arranging the images 401, 403, and 402 is equal to or less than a preset threshold (execution margin width 406), the print control unit 214 ends the waiting time and starts the first print process. The images related to the print job of user "C" are printed in the second print process. Details of how the images are arranged will be described later.

[0045] The arrangement unit 213 calculates the sum of the widthwise sizes of images related to multiple print jobs input during the waiting time of the nth (n is a positive integer) print process. If the sum of the widthwise sizes is smaller than a preset threshold value (arrangeable width 404), the arrangement unit 213 arranges the image related to the print job input last during the waiting time in the width direction of the paper 400.

[0046] The print control unit 214 controls the printing unit 120 to arrange the images related to the print job in the arrangement positions determined by the arrangement unit 213 , and executes printing on the paper 400 .

[0047] The print control unit 214 calculates the sum of the width sizes of images related to multiple print jobs input during the waiting time of the nth (n is a positive integer) print process. If the sum of the width sizes is smaller than a preset threshold (arrangeable width 404), the image related to the print job input last during the waiting time is printed in the nth print process.

[0048] Furthermore, if the sum of the above-mentioned width sizes is equal to or greater than the threshold value (arrangeable width 404), the print control unit 214 sets the print job input last during the standby time as the target for the (n+1)th print process.

[0049] Furthermore, the print control unit 214 compares the margin width when images related to the multiple print jobs input during the waiting time for the nth print process are arranged side by side in the width direction with the execution margin width 406. If the margin width is greater than the execution margin width 406, the print job input last during the waiting time is targeted for the nth print process. If the margin width becomes equal to or smaller than a preset threshold value (execution margin width 406), the waiting time for the nth print process ends, and the waiting time for the (n+1)th print process begins.

[0050] Next, the flow of the printing process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of print processing executed by image forming apparatus 100. The processing shown in Fig. 5 is performed by control unit 110 reading program code stored in ROM 115, expanding it in RAM 114, and executing it with CPU 111. In the flowchart of Fig. 5, the loop of S501 to S506 is repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of print jobs received. In the following explanation, explanations of overlapping parts will be simplified or omitted. "S" stands for step.

[0051] (Figure 5: First loop) In S501, the host IF 112 receives the first print job from the host device 190. The CPU 111 starts the standby time for the first print process. In S502, the CPU 111 extracts image data 301 from the first received print job and stores it in the RAM 114. The CPU 111 extracts setting information 302 from the first received print job and registers it in the print job list 600.

[0052] 6A is a diagram showing an example of a print job list 600. Registered in the print job list 600 are a job number 601, input source information (user name) 602, reception time 603, width size 604, arrangement flag 605, and arrangement position (arrangement order) 606. The print job list 600 is generated for each print process, i.e., for each standby time, and is stored in the RAM 114.

[0053] Job number 601 is identification information for a print job, and is assigned when CPU 111 registers setting information for a print job in print job list 600. By referencing job number 601, CPU 111 can uniquely identify which print job the information registered in print job list 600 corresponds to. Furthermore, by referencing job number 601, CPU 111 can also uniquely identify the order in which host IF 112 received the print jobs.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the first print job received is assigned the job number "001", and thereafter, different job numbers are assigned to each print job in ascending order.

[0055] Input source information (user name) 602 is information on the input source of the print job. The input source information (user name) 602 is extracted from the setting information of the print job by the CPU 111. The input source information 602 is not limited to information for identifying a user, such as a user name, but may be a department name, a company name, or the like. The input source information (user name) 602 is stored when the CPU 111 registers the setting information of the print job in the print job list 600.

[0056] The reception time 603 is information about the time when the print job is received by the image forming apparatus 100. The reception time 603 is stored when the CPU 111 registers the setting information of the print job in the print job list 600.

[0057] The width size 604 is information about the width direction size of an image related to a print job, and is recorded in the setting information 302. The width size 604 is stored when the CPU 111 registers the setting information of a print job in the print job list 600.

[0058] The arrangement flag 605 is an identifier for recording whether or not an image related to a print job is arranged in the width direction of a sheet of paper. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of arrangement flag setting information 610. As shown in FIG. 6B, the arrangement flag 605 is set to "1" when an image is arranged in the width direction of a sheet of paper, and is set to "0" when an image is not arranged in the width direction. When the setting information of a print job is registered in the print job list 600, the arrangement flag 605 is set to "0". In S504 or S507 described later, the CPU 111 sets the arrangement flag 605 to either "1" or "0".

[0059] The arrangement flag setting information 610 shown in FIG.

[0060] The layout position (layout order) 606 is information indicating the layout position of the image related to the print job on the paper 400. In the first embodiment, the layout order is set as counted from the left edge of the paper 400. The layout position 606 is determined and stored by the CPU 111 in S508.

[0061] In S503, CPU 111 determines whether or not images indicated by the image data extracted in S502 can be printed side by side in the width direction of paper 400. CPU 111 references database 700 (FIG. 7) stored in RAM 114 or ROM 115 to acquire the value of layoutable width 404 of paper 400. Furthermore, CPU 111 references print job list 600 to acquire the values ​​of width size 604 corresponding to all print jobs for which layout flag 605 is set to "1".

[0062] Then, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the images related to the received print job can be arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper 400, based on the acquired arrangement possible width 404 and width size 604. Specifically, the CPU 111 determines the expression (1).

[0063] Sum of width sizes of images related to print jobs with placement flag "1" < placement available width ... (1)

[0064] If formula (1) is satisfied, CPU 111 determines that images related to the received print job can be arranged side by side in the width direction of paper 400. If formula (1) is not satisfied, CPU 111 determines that images related to the received print job cannot be arranged side by side in the width direction of paper 400.

[0065] If the images related to the received print job can be arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper 400 (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S504. If the images related to the received print job cannot be arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper (S503: NO), the process proceeds to S507.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of database 700 referenced by CPU 111. As shown in Fig. 7(a), attribute values ​​of waiting time, available width (404 in Fig. 4), and execution margin width (406 in Fig. 4) are registered in database 700 in association with attribute IDs. Database 700 is a group of information preset as device setting information of image forming apparatus 100, and is stored in RAM 114.

[0067] In the database 700, the attribute ID is an identifier assigned to each attribute as shown in table 710 in Fig. 7(b). Table 710 shown in Fig. 7(b) is also stored in the RAM 114. Note that the identifier values ​​shown in the figure are merely examples, and any value may be assigned.

[0068] In the database 700 shown in FIG. 7(a), the waiting time is set to "60 seconds," the available layout width 404 is set to "1500 mm," and the execution margin width 406 is set to "100 mm." The waiting time is the time from when the first print job is received until printing is executed. The available layout width 404 is, for example, the size in the width direction of the paper 400. As described above, the execution margin width 406 is a threshold value used to determine whether or not to end the waiting for the print job and execute printing.

[0069] Returning to the explanation of S503, in the first loop, when a print job (job number: 001) is received, there is no print job with the arrangement flag 605 set to "1". As shown in Fig. 6A, the width size 604 of the image related to the print job (job number: 001) is "400", which is smaller than the value "1500" of the arrangement possible width 404. Therefore, it is determined that the image data 301 can be arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper 400 (S503: YES), and the process proceeds to S504.

[0070] In S504 , the CPU 111 sets “1” as the placement flag 605 corresponding to the print job (job number: 001 ), and stores the print job in the print job list 600 .

[0071] In S505, the CPU 111 determines whether the margin width 405 of the paper 400 is larger than the execution margin width 406. The CPU 111 references the database 700 to acquire the values ​​of the arrangement possible width 404 and the execution margin width 406. Furthermore, the CPU 111 references the print job list 600 to acquire the width sizes 604 corresponding to all print jobs received during the standby time. The CPU 111 then calculates the margin width 405 of the paper 400 when the images are arranged side by side in the width direction, based on the arrangement possible width 404 and the width sizes 604 corresponding to all print jobs received during the standby time. The margin width 405 is calculated from the following formula (2).

[0072] Margin width = Available width - Sum of widths of print jobs received during waiting time … (2)

[0073] If the paper margin width 405 obtained by formula (2) is greater than the effective margin width 406 (S505: YES), the process proceeds to S506. If the paper margin width 405 obtained by formula (2) is equal to or smaller than the effective margin width 406 (S505: NO), the process proceeds to S508.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the available width 404 is set to "1500", and the actual margin width 406 is set to "100". Also, as shown in Fig. 6(a), at the timing when the print job (job number: 001) is received, the width size 604 of the image related to the print job (job number: 001) received during the standby time is "400". Therefore, the margin width 405 is "1100", which is the value obtained by subtracting the width size 604 "400" from the available width 404 "1500". Therefore, "1100" (margin width 405) is greater than "100" (actual margin width 406) (S505: YES), and the process proceeds to S506.

[0075] In S506, CPU 111 refers to database 700 and acquires the standby time. Furthermore, CPU 111 refers to print job list 600 and acquires reception time 603 corresponding to the received print job. CPU 111 then waits to receive the next print job until the standby time has elapsed from the acquired reception time 603. If no new print job has been received during the standby time (S506: NO), the process proceeds to S508. If a new print job has been received during the standby time (S506: YES), the process returns to S501.

[0076] In the determination process of S505, in the above example, the CPU 111 makes the determination using the execution margin width 406 recorded in the database 700, but the determination may also be made using the execution margin width 406 recorded in the setting information of the print job. It is desirable to give priority to referring to the execution margin width 406 recorded in the setting information of the print job over the execution margin width recorded in the database 700.

[0077] In the above example, in the determination process of S506, CPU 111 makes a determination using the wait time recorded in database 700, but the determination may also be made using information on the wait time recorded in the setting information of the print job. It is desirable to give priority to referring to the wait time recorded in the setting information of the print job over the wait time recorded in database 700.

[0078] A note will now be added regarding reference to the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time. Information on the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time is recorded in the database 700, but may also be recorded in the setting information of the print job. The CPU 111 first determines whether the setting information of the print job includes the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time. If the setting information of the print job does not include the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time, the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time set in the database 700 are referenced.

[0079] If the setting information of the print job includes the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time, the CPU 111 further determines whether or not the information has been set by the user. If the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time have been set by the user in the setting information of the print job, the CPU 111 refers to the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time recorded in the setting information of the print job. If the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time have not been set by the user (are not set), the CPU 111 refers to the execution margin width 406 and the waiting time recorded in the database 700.

[0080] In use case (1), a new print job (job number: 002) is received during the standby time in the first loop (S506: YES), and the process returns to S501.

[0081] (Figure 5: Second loop) Next, the process performed in the second loop will be described. In S501, the host IF 112 receives the second print job sent from the host device 190.

[0082] In S502, CPU 111 extracts image data (image 402) from the second received print job and stores it in RAM 114. CPU 111 extracts setting information 302 from the second received print job and registers it in print job list 600. As shown in Fig. 6(a), "002" is assigned as job number 601 of the second received print job.

[0083] In S503, the CPU 111 determines whether the images 402 related to the second received print job can be printed side by side in the width direction of the paper 400. As described above, the layoutable width 404 is "1500". Furthermore, when the print job (job number: 002) is received, the width size 604 of the image 401 related to the print job (job number: 001) whose layout flag is set to "1" is "400". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the width size 604 of the image 402 related to the print job (job number: 002) is "500".

[0084] Therefore, when the images 401 and 402 are arranged side by side, the sum of the width sizes 604 is "900", which is smaller than the arrangement possible width 404 of "1500". Therefore, the CPU 111 determines that the image 402 can be arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper 400 (S503: YES), and proceeds to S504.

[0085] In S504 , the CPU 111 sets “1” as the placement flag 605 corresponding to the print job (job number: 002 ) and stores it in the print job list 600 .

[0086] In S505, CPU 111 determines whether margin width 405 of paper 400 is larger than effective margin width 406. Margin width 405 of paper 400 is "600" obtained by subtracting width size "400" of image 401 and width size "500" of image 402 from available width "1500". Therefore, since margin width 405 of paper 400 is larger than effective margin width 406 "100" (S505: YES), the process proceeds to S506.

[0087] In S506, the CPU 111 waits for reception of the next print job until the standby time has elapsed. In use case (1), a new print job (job number: 003) is received during the standby time (S506: YES), so the process returns to S501.

[0088] (Figure 5: 3rd loop) Next, the process performed in the third loop will be described. In S501, the host IF 112 receives the third print job sent from the host device 190.

[0089] In S502, CPU 111 extracts image data 301 (image 403) from the third received print job and stores it in RAM 114. Furthermore, CPU 111 extracts setting information 302 from the third received print job and registers it in print job list 600. Note that, as shown in Fig. 6(a), "003" is assigned as job number 601 of the third received print job.

[0090] In S503, CPU 111 determines whether images 403 related to the third received print job can be printed side by side in the width direction of paper 400. When print job (job number: 003) is received, the width sizes of images 401 and 402 related to print jobs (job numbers: 001 and 002) in which arrangement flag 605 is set to "1" are "400" and "500".

[0091] The width size 604 of the image 403 related to the print job (job number: 003) is "450." Therefore, when the images 401, 402, and 403 are arranged side by side, the total of the width sizes 604 is "1350," which is smaller than the layout possible width 404 of "1500." Therefore, the CPU 111 determines that the image 403 can be arranged side by side in the width direction of the paper 400 (S503: YES), and proceeds to S504.

[0092] In S504 , the CPU 111 sets “1” as the placement flag 605 corresponding to the print job (job number: 003 ) and stores it in the print job list 600 .

[0093] In S505, the CPU 111 determines whether the margin width 405 of the paper 400 is larger than the actual margin width 406. The margin width 405 of the paper is "150", which is obtained by subtracting the width sizes of the images 401, 402, and 403, "400", "500", and "450", from the arrangement possible width 404, "1500". Therefore, since the margin width 405 of the paper is larger than the actual margin width 406, "100" (S505: YES), the process proceeds to S506.

[0094] In S506, the CPU 111 waits for reception of the next print job until the standby time has elapsed. In use case (1), a new print job (job number: 004) is received during the standby time (S506: YES), so the process returns to S501.

[0095] (Figure 5: 4th loop) Next, the process performed in the fourth loop will be described. In S501, the host IF 112 receives the fourth print job sent from the host device 190.

[0096] In S502, the CPU 111 extracts image data from the fourth received print job and stores it in the RAM 114. Furthermore, the CPU 111 extracts setting information from the fourth received print job and registers it in the print job list 600. Note that, as shown in Fig. 6(a), "004" is assigned as the job number 601 of the fourth received print job.

[0097] In S503, CPU 111 determines whether images related to the fourth received print job can be printed side by side in the width direction of paper 400. When print job (job number: 004) is received, width sizes 604 of images 401, 402, 403 related to print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, 003) whose arrangement flags 605 are set to "1" are "400", "500", and "450".

[0098] Furthermore, width size 604 of images related to print job (job number: 004) is "200." Therefore, when images related to the fourth received print job are arranged in the width direction, the total width size becomes "1550," which is greater than the layoutable width 404 of "1500." Therefore, CPU 111 determines that image data 301 related to print job (job number: 004) cannot be arranged in the width direction of the paper (S503: NO), and proceeds to S507.

[0099] In S507, the CPU 111 sets the placement flag 605 of the print job (job number: 004) to "0" and stores it in the print job list 600. After that, the process proceeds to S508.

[0100] In S508, the CPU 111 sets the arrangement order of the images 401, 402, and 403 related to the first to third received print jobs by referring to the print job list 600 and the database 700. The process of S508 will be described later in detail.

[0101] 6A, as a result of the processing in S508, "1," "3," and "2" are set as the layout positions (layout order) 606 of the print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, 003). Note that the layout position corresponding to the fourth received print job (job number: 004) is not set because "0" was set in the layout flag 605 in S507.

[0102] In S509, the CPU 111 obtains image data corresponding to the images 401, 402, and 403 arranged in S508 from the RAM 114, and starts printing. In response to an instruction from the CPU 111, the image processing unit 116 performs image processing on the image data and stores it in the RAM 114. The CPU 111 requests the print controller 122 via the print unit IF 113 and the controller IF 121 to execute printing of the images 401, 402, and 403.

[0103] The print controller 122 stores the print jobs of the images 401, 402, and 403 in the RAM 124. The print controller 122 instructs the image processing controller 125 to convert the print jobs into recording data. The image processing controller 125 converts the stored print jobs into recording data so that the recording head 130 can use the data when performing a recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 122 causes the transport control unit 129 to transport the paper, and in conjunction with the transport, causes the recording head 130 to perform a recording operation based on the recording data, thereby completing the process.

[0104] 6A, the layout positions (layout order) 606 of images 401, 402, and 403 corresponding to the received print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, and 003) are "1", "3", and "2", respectively, from the left end. Therefore, the print controller 122 lays out the images 401, 403, and 402 in this order from the left end in the width direction of the paper, and executes the print process.

[0105] In S510, CPU 111 determines whether there is a print job that has not been arranged. That is, CPU 111 refers to print job list 600 and determines whether there is a print job with arrangement flag 605 set to "0". If there is a print job with arrangement flag 605 set to "0" (S510: YES), in S511, arrangement flag 605 corresponding to that print job is set to "1" and the process proceeds to S506. If there is no print job with arrangement flag 605 set to "0" (S510: NO), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0106] In use case (1), when the first print process (S509) is executed, the placement flag of the print job (job number: 004) is set to "0." Therefore, CPU 111 determines YES in S510 and proceeds to S511. In S511, CPU 111 sets placement flag 605 corresponding to the print job (job number: 004) to "1" and proceeds to S506.

[0107] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the arrangement order setting process executed in S508 of Fig. 5. An example of setting the arrangement order for print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, 003, 004) registered in the print job list 600 shown in Fig. 6(a) will be described below. It is assumed that no value is set in the arrangement position (arrangement order) 606 in the print job list 600 at the start of the flowchart in Fig. 8. It is assumed that in the flowchart in Fig. 8, the loop of S801 to S806 is repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of print jobs registered in the print job list 600.

[0108] (Figure 8: 1st loop) First, the process performed in the first loop will be described. In S801, the CPU 111 selects a print job of interest. The print job of interest is the print job to be processed in the loop. In the first loop, the print job with "job number: 001" is selected as the print job of interest. Thereafter, the print jobs of interest are selected in ascending order.

[0109] In S802, CPU 111 determines whether the print job of interest is a target for arrangement. That is, CPU 111 acquires the value of arrangement flag 605 in print job list 600 for the print job of interest, and if the acquired arrangement flag 605 is "1" (S802: YES), proceeds to S803. If the acquired arrangement flag 605 is "0" (S802: NO), this flowchart ends and returns to the flowchart of FIG.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6A, the placement flag 605 of the print job of interest (job number: 001) is "1" (S802: YES), so the process proceeds to S803.

[0111] In S803, the CPU 111 refers to the print job list 600 and determines whether or not the layout position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest has already been set. If the layout position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest has already been set (S803: YES), the process proceeds to S806. If the layout position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest has not yet been set (S803: NO), the process proceeds to S804.

[0112] In the first loop, the layout position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest (job number: 001) is not set (S803: NO), so the process proceeds to S804.

[0113] In S804, the CPU 111 sets the layout position 606 of the print job of interest. In the first embodiment, the CPU 111 sets the layout order, which is the arrangement order in the width direction.

[0114] In S804, the CPU 111 first obtains the maximum value among the layout positions 606 of all print jobs registered in the print job list 600. The CPU 111 then adds "1" to the obtained layout position 606 and sets the result as the layout position 606 of the print job of interest. If the layout position 606 is not set for any print job, the CPU 111 sets the layout position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest to the layout order "1".

[0115] In the first loop, no print job has been set with the arrangement position 606. Therefore, the arrangement position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest (job number: 001) is set with the arrangement order "1".

[0116] In S805, CPU 111 sets arrangement position 606 of print jobs other than the focused print job so that print jobs with the same input source (same user name) as the focused print job are adjacent to each other. Specifically, CPU 111 refers to print job list 600, and acquires job number 601 of a print job for which the same user name 602 as the focused print job is set. CPU 111 further refers to print job list 600, and acquires the maximum value among arrangement positions 606 of all print jobs. Then, CPU 111 adds "1" to the acquired maximum value and sets the value as arrangement position 606 of the print job related to the acquired job number 601.

[0117] If there are a plurality of print jobs to which the same user name (or user ID) as the print job of interest is set, CPU 111 repeats setting of layout position 606 for the number of existing print jobs.

[0118] In use case (1), as shown in Fig. 6(a), there is a print job (job number: 003) to which the same user name "A" as the print job of interest (job number: 001) is set. Also, the maximum value of the arrangement position 606 set in the first loop is "1". Therefore, in S805 in the first loop, "2", which is the maximum value "1" plus "1", is set as the arrangement position 606 of the print job (job number: 003) of the same user as the print job of interest (job number: 001).

[0119] In S806, the CPU 111 refers to the print job list 600 and determines whether or not processing has been completed for all the received print jobs. If processing has not been completed for all the received print jobs (S806: NO), the process returns to S801. If processing has been completed for all the received print jobs (S806: YES), the process proceeds to S807.

[0120] In the first loop, the print jobs with job numbers 002, 003, and 004 registered in the print job list 600 in FIG. 6A have not been processed (S806: NO), so the process returns to S801.

[0121] (Figure 8: Second loop) In step S801 of the second loop, the CPU 111 selects the print job with "job number: 002" as the print job of interest. In the determination process of the arrangement flag 605 in S802, since the arrangement flag 605 of the print job of interest (job number: 002) is "1" as shown in FIG. 6A (S802: YES), the process proceeds to S803.

[0122] In the process of determining whether the arrangement order has been set in S803, since the arrangement position 606 of the print job of interest (job number: 002) has not yet been set (S803: NO), the process proceeds to S804. In S804, the CPU 111 sets the arrangement order of the print job of interest. The maximum value of the arrangement position 606 already set in the second loop is "2". Therefore, the value "3" obtained by adding "1" to the maximum value "2" is set as the arrangement position 606 of the print job of interest (job number: 002).

[0123] In S805, CPU 111 sets the layout order so that print jobs of the same user as the print job of interest (job number: 002) are adjacent to each other. In the second loop, as shown in FIG. 6A, there is no print job with the same user name "B" as the print job of interest (job number: 002), so the process proceeds to S806.

[0124] In S806, CPU 111 determines whether or not processing has been completed for all of the received print jobs with reference to print job list 600. As shown in Fig. 6A, in the second loop, processing has not been completed for print jobs (job numbers: 003 and 004) registered in print job list 600 (S806: NO), so the process returns to S801.

[0125] (Figure 8: 3rd loop) In step S801 of the third loop, the CPU 111 selects the print job with "job number: 003" as the print job of interest. In the determination process of the arrangement flag 605 in S802, since the arrangement flag 605 of the print job of interest (job number: 003) is "1" as shown in FIG. 6A (S802: YES), the process proceeds to S803.

[0126] In the process of determining whether the arrangement order is set in S803, in the third loop, "2" has already been set as the arrangement position 606 corresponding to the print job of interest (job number: 003) (S803: YES). Therefore, S804 and S805 are skipped and the process proceeds to S806.

[0127] In S806, the CPU 111 determines whether or not processing has been completed for all the received print jobs with reference to the print job list 600. As shown in Fig. 6A, in the third loop, processing has not been completed for the print job (job number: 004) registered in the print job list 600 (S806: NO), so the process returns to S801.

[0128] (Figure 8: 4th loop) In step S801 of the fourth loop, the CPU 111 selects the print job with "job number: 004" as the print job of interest. In the process of determining the arrangement flag 605 in S802, in the fourth loop, the arrangement flag 605 corresponding to the print job of interest (job number: 004) is set to "0" (S802: NO), and therefore this flow chart is terminated.

[0129] As a result of the processing up to this point, the arrangement orders "1," "3," and "2" are set as the arrangement positions 606 for the print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, and 003). The arrangement position 606 corresponding to the print job (job number: 004) is not set because the arrangement flag is "0."

[0130] In S807, the CPU 111 arranges the images 401, 402, and 403 related to the first three print jobs based on the set arrangement position (arrangement order) 606, ends the processing of this flowchart, and proceeds to S509 in FIG.

[0131] As described above, in this embodiment, based on information on the input source (user name) of the print job received during the standby time, the layout position 606 is set so that images related to print jobs input from the same input source (user name) are adjacent in the width direction of the paper 400. As a result, images of the same user are printed together on the paper 400, simplifying the task of separating them for each user.

[0132] In the above example, the image arrangement position is determined based on the user name, which is information for identifying a user, as the information of the input source, but is not limited to this. As shown in print job 310 in Fig. 3(b), when setting information 312 of print job 310 includes information for identifying a department, such as a department name or department ID, CPU 111 acquires the information for identifying the department as the information of the input source of the print job. CPU 111 determines arrangement position (arrangement order) 606 so that images related to print jobs input from the same department are adjacent to each other in the width direction.

[0133] In the process of S508, an example has been shown in which the value of the arrangement order in the width direction is set in the arrangement position 606 of the print job list 600, but this is not limiting. Information on the distance in the width direction from the left edge of the paper may be set in the arrangement position 606.

[0134] In the above example, the images of the same user are arranged with the top edges of the images aligned as shown in Fig. 4, but the images may be arranged with the bottom edges aligned. Alternatively, the images may be arranged so that the center positions in the transport direction are aligned. When the top or bottom edges of the image data are aligned, the work of cutting them out becomes easier.

[0135] When aligning the bottom edge or center, it is necessary to record not only the image width size but also the transport direction size information in the print job setting information. Also, not only the image width size but also the transport direction size information is recorded in the print job list 600, and the arrangement position 606 is also determined based on the width size and the transport direction size.

[0136] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which images related to print jobs input from the same input source are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction so as to be grouped together, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, images from the same input source may be arranged adjacent to each other in the paper transport direction so as to be grouped together. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which images of the same user are arranged adjacent to each other in the paper transport direction. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of overlapping parts will be simplified or omitted.

[0137] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, a control unit 110A of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment has a print job acquisition unit 911, an input source information acquisition unit 912, an arrangement unit 913, a print control unit 914, a cutting and recording unit 915, etc. The print job acquisition unit 911, the input source information acquisition unit 912, and the print control unit 914 are similar to the print job acquisition unit 211, the input source information acquisition unit 212, and the print control unit 214 of the first embodiment (Fig. 2).

[0138] The arrangement unit 913 arranges images related to multiple print jobs so that they are grouped by input source, based on the input source information acquired by the input source information acquisition unit 912. Specifically, if the acquired input source information includes information for identifying a user, such as a user name or a user ID, the arrangement unit 913 arranges images of the same user so that they are adjacent in the width direction or transport direction of the paper. Also, if the input source information includes information for identifying a department to which the user belongs, the arrangement unit 913 arranges images of the same department so that they are adjacent in the width direction or transport direction of the paper.

[0139] Furthermore, the arrangement unit 913 changes the arrangement method depending on whether cutting has been performed after the previous print process. If cutting has been performed after the previous (nth; n is a positive integer) print process, in the next (n+1th) print process, images related to multiple print jobs are arranged in the width direction of the paper so that they are grouped together by input source, as in the first embodiment. If cutting has not been performed after the previous (nth) print process, in the next (n+1th) print process, images related to multiple print jobs are arranged in the transport direction of the paper so that they are grouped together by input source. Details of how to determine the arrangement position of images will be described later.

[0140] The cutting recorder 915 records information indicating whether or not the paper has been cut after printing is completed. The cutting recorder 915 records a cutting completion flag in the database 1300 (FIG. 13) as information indicating whether or not cutting is completed. Depending on whether or not cutting is completed, the CPU 111 determines the arrangement position of the image using different processing procedures. The cutting completion flag will be described later.

[0141] 10 is a diagram showing an example of image arrangement in the second embodiment. As an example, the following use case (2) will be described.

[0142] Use case (2): "During the wait time, image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job (image 1001) from user "A," then receives a print job (image 1002) from user "B," and thereafter receives a print job (image 1003) from user "A." Images 1001, 1002, and 1003 related to these print jobs are sized to fit within the margins of the paper (available width) when aligned widthwise. Also, since the wait time has ended at this point, the first print is executed.

[0143] After that, the image forming apparatus 100 further receives a print job (image 1011) from user "B" that fits within the width of the paper during the next waiting time, and further receives a print job (image 1012) from user "A" that fits within the width of the paper during the waiting time.

[0144] In the above-mentioned use case (2), the image forming device 100 arranges the images related to the fourth and fifth received print jobs so that the images related to the print jobs of the same user are adjacent to the images printed in the first printing process in the paper transport direction.

[0145] The flow of printing processing in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The flowchart in Fig. 11 differs from the flowchart in Fig. 5 in the process of setting the layout position in S1108 and the process of setting the cutting completion flag in S1110. The other steps S1101 to S1107, S1109, S1111, and S1112 correspond to the processes in S501 to S507 and S509 to S511 in Fig. 5, respectively.

[0146] (Figure 11: 1st and 2nd loops of the 1st printing process) First, the first print process will be described. The first and second loop processes (S1101 to S1106) in the first print process are the same as those in the first embodiment (S501 to S506 in FIG. 5), so they will be omitted. The third and subsequent loop processes will be described.

[0147] (Figure 11: Third loop of the first printing process) In step S1101 of the third loop, the host IF 112 receives the third print job from the host device 190. In S1102, CPU 111 extracts image data from the third received print job and stores it in RAM 114. Furthermore, CPU 111 extracts setting information from the third received print job and registers it in print job list 1200. "003" is assigned as the job number of the third received print job.

[0148] In S1103, the CPU 111 first determines whether or not the image 1003 related to the print job received in S1101 can be printed side by side in the width direction. The CPU 111 adds up the width sizes of the images 1001, 1002, and 1003 related to the print job received during the standby time, and compares the sum with the layoutable width 1004 set in the database 1300 (FIG. 13).

[0149] If the added value is smaller than the available width 1004, it is determined that they can be printed side by side in the width direction. If the added value is equal to or greater than the available width 1004, it is determined that they cannot be printed side by side in the width direction. If the images 1003 can be printed side by side in the width direction (S1103: YES), the process proceeds to S1104, and if they cannot be printed side by side in the width direction (S1103: NO), the process proceeds to S1107.

[0150] In use case (2), as shown in FIG. 12(a), the width sizes of images 1001, 1002, and 1003 related to the first to third received print jobs are "400," "500," and "450," and the sum of these is "1350." Arrangement possible width 1004 set in database 1300 is "1500." Therefore, in S1103, CPU 111 determines that image 1003 can be printed side by side in the width direction, and proceeds to S1104.

[0151] In step S1104, the CPU 111 sets the arrangement flag for the print job (job number: 003) to "1."

[0152] In S1105, the CPU 111 determines whether the margin width of the paper is greater than the execution margin width. If the margin width of the paper is greater than the execution margin width (S1105: YES), the process proceeds to S1106, and if the margin width of the paper is equal to or less than the execution margin width (S1105: NO), the process proceeds to S1108.

[0153] In use case (2), in the third loop, the paper margin width (available width "1500" - additional value "1350" = margin "150") is greater than the execution margin width (S1105: YES). Therefore, proceed to S1106.

[0154] In S1106, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the next print job has been received during the standby time. If the next print job has been received during the standby time (S1106: YES), the process returns to S1101. If the next print job has not been received during the standby time (S1106: NO), the process proceeds to S1108. In use case (2), in the third loop, no new print job is received during the waiting time (S1106: NO), so the process leaves the loop of S1101 to S1106 and proceeds to S1108.

[0155] Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing a specific example of print job list 1200 at the time when up to the third print job have been received. As shown in Fig. 12(a), the job number of the first print job received is "001", and job numbers "002", "003", and so on are assigned in ascending order thereafter. The layout position 1206 is determined in the next step S1108. The layout position 1206 is the distance from the left edge of the paper in the width direction to the left edge of the image to be placed. The unit is [mm].

[0156] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of database 1300 referenced by CPU 111. As shown in Fig. 13(a), in the second embodiment, a waiting time, a layoutable width, an execution margin width, and a cutting completion flag are registered in database 1300 in association with an attribute ID. Database 1300 is stored in RAM 114. In database 1300, an attribute ID is an identifier assigned to each attribute as shown in table 1310 in Fig. 13(b). Table 1310 shown in Fig. 13(b) is also stored in RAM 114.

[0157] The cutting completion flag recorded in the database 1300 is an identifier indicating whether or not the printed material was cut after the previous printing process was completed. As shown in table 1320 in Fig. 13C, if the printed material was cut after the previous printing process was completed, the CPU 111 sets the value of the cutting completion flag in the database 1300 to "1." If the printed material was not cut after the previous printing process was completed, the CPU 111 sets the value of the cutting completion flag in the database 1300 to "0."

[0158] 13C is stored in the RAM 114. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the paper is cut before the first print process is performed. That is, the cutting completion flag in the database 1300 is set to "1."

[0159] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11. In S1108, the CPU 111 sets the layout positions so that images related to print jobs of the same user are adjacent to each other, with reference to the print job list 1200 and the database 1300. The procedure for setting the layout positions of image data will be described later (FIGS. 15 to 17).

[0160] In the process of S1108 after the third loop, "0", "850", and "400" are set as the layout positions 1206 corresponding to the print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, and 003) as shown in Fig. 12(a). Also, information on the layout start positions is registered in the layout start position list 1400 shown in Fig. 14 in association with the users "A" and "B".

[0161] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of the arrangement start position list 1400. As shown in Fig. 14, information such as a user name (input source information) 1402 and an arrangement start position 1403 is registered in the arrangement start position list 1400. The arrangement start position list 1400 is stored in the RAM 114.

[0162] The CPU 111 assigns a user number 1401 to each user (input source) when registering information such as a user name 1402 and an arrangement start position 1403 in the arrangement start position list 1400. By referring to the user number 1401, the CPU 111 can uniquely identify which user the registered information in the arrangement start position list 1400 corresponds to.

[0163] In the example of Fig. 14, the user number of user "A" is assigned as "001", and the user number of user "B" is assigned as "002." In the layout start position list 1400, the layout start position 1403 stores the minimum value in the width direction among the layout positions (layout position 1206 in Fig. 12(a)) of images related to the print job of each user.

[0164] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11. In S1109, the CPU 111 refers to the print job list 1200, acquires the image data of the print job from the RAM 114, and starts printing. When printing is completed, in step S1110, the CPU 111 sets the value of the cutting completion flag in the database 1300 to "1" or "0."

[0165] In the example of use case (2), as shown in FIG. 12(a), the layout positions of image 1001, image 1002, and image 1003 corresponding to the received print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, and 003) are "0," "850," and "400." Therefore, the left end of image 1001 is located at a position "0 [mm]" from the left end of the paper in the width direction, the left end of image 1003 is located at a position "400 [mm]," and the left end of image 1002 is located at a position "850 [mm]." Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 10, images 1001 to 1003 are located so that their top ends are aligned.

[0166] After the print process after the third loop (the first print process), cutting is not performed. In S1110, the CPU 111 sets the cutting completion flag of the database 1300 to "0".

[0167] In S1111, CPU 111 determines whether there is a print job that has not been placed. CPU 111 refers to print job list 1200 to determine whether there is a print job whose placement flag is set to "0". If there is a print job whose placement flag is set to "0" (S1111: YES), the process proceeds to S1112, where the placement flag corresponding to that print job is set to "1". Then, the process proceeds to S1106. If there is no print job whose placement flag is set to "0" (S1111: NO), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0168] In the print process after the third loop, as shown in FIG. 12A, there is no print job whose arrangement flag is set to "0" (S1111: NO), so the process of this flowchart ends.

[0169] Here, a description will be given of the procedure for setting the arrangement position in S1108 of Fig. 11. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the arrangement position in the second embodiment.

[0170] In S1501, the CPU 111 refers to the database 1300 and acquires a cutting completion flag. If the acquired cutting completion flag is "1" (S1501: YES), the process proceeds to S1504. If the acquired cutting completion flag is "0" (S1501: NO), the process proceeds to S1502.

[0171] In use case (2), when the print job (job number: 001, 002, 003) is received, the cutting completion flag is “1” (the paper has been cut after the previous print process) (S1501: YES), so the process proceeds to S1504.

[0172] In S1504, the CPU 111 executes processing (FIG. 16) for setting the layout position of the image when the paper is being cut.

[0173] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the layout position of an image in a state where the paper has been cut after the previous print process (cutting flag = "1"). The flowchart in Fig. 16 differs from the flowchart in Fig. 8 in that the process of S1606 has been added. Also, unlike the first embodiment, the layout position 1206 in the print job list 1200 shown in Fig. 12 is set not as the layout order but as width direction position information starting from the left edge of the paper. The other steps S1601 to S1605 and S1607 to S1608 correspond to S801 to S805 and S806 to S807 in Fig. 8, respectively.

[0174] (Figure 16: 1st loop) 12A, in the first loop, "0" is set as the arrangement position 1206 corresponding to the print job (job number: 001) as a result of the processing in S1601 to S1605. Also, "400" is set as the arrangement position 1206 corresponding to the print job (job number: 003) of the same user as the print job (job number: 001).

[0175] In S1606, the CPU 111 sets the user arrangement position 1206 of the print job of interest (job number: 001) in the arrangement start position list 1400. That is, the CPU 111 refers to the arrangement start position list 1400 and acquires all user names 1402. Then, the CPU 111 determines whether the user name 1202 of the print job of interest (job number: 001) has already been set in the arrangement start position list 1400.

[0176] If the user name 1202 of the print job of interest (job number: 001) has not yet been set in the layout start position list 1400, the CPU 111 sets the user name 1202 of the print job of interest in the user name 1402 in the layout start position list 1400. The CPU 111 also sets the value of the layout start position 1403 in association with the set user name 1402. The value of the layout position 1206 of the print job of interest (job number: 001) is set in the layout start position 1403.

[0177] 12A, in the first loop, the user name 1402 corresponding to the print job of interest (job number: 001) is not set in the layout start position list 1400. Therefore, "A", which is the user name 1202 of the print job of interest (job number: 001), is set in the user name 1402 in the layout start position list 1400. Furthermore, "0", which is the layout position 1206 of the print job of interest (job number: 001), is set in the layout start position 1403 in the layout start position list 1400.

[0178] In the example of FIG. 14, the CPU 111 assigns "001" as the user number 1401 to the user name 1402 "A."

[0179] (Figure 16: 2nd loop) Next, the process performed in the second loop of the flowchart in FIG. 16 will be described. Through the processing in S1601 to S1605, the arrangement position 1206 corresponding to the print job (job number: 002) is set to "850."

[0180] Also, in S1606, in the second loop, the user name "B" of the print job of interest (job number: 002) has not yet been set in the layout start position list 1400. Therefore, the CPU 111 sets "B", which is the user name 1202 of the print job of interest (job number: 002), to the user name 1402 of the layout start position list 1400. Furthermore, the CPU 111 sets "850", which is the layout position 1206 corresponding to the print job of interest (job number: 002), to the layout start position 1403 of the layout start position list 1400.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 14, "002" is assigned to the user number 1401 of the user (user name: "B").

[0182] (Figure 16; 3rd loop) Next, the process performed in the third loop will be described. In S1603 of the third loop, the layout position 1206 of the print job of interest (job number: 003) has already been set in the first loop (S1303: YES), so the process proceeds to S1607.

[0183] In S1607, since processing has been completed for all print jobs registered in the print job list 1200 in the third loop, the process proceeds to S1608. In S1608, the CPU 111 arranges the images 1001, 1002, and 1003 related to the print jobs (job numbers: 001, 002, and 003) based on the set arrangement positions 1206, and ends this flowchart. After that, the process returns to S1504 in the flowchart of FIG.

[0184] When the process of S1504 in Fig. 15 is completed, the process returns to S1108 in Fig. 11. When the process of S1108 is completed, the process proceeds to S1109, where the CPU 111 starts the first print process.

[0185] Next, the process (second print process) of Fig. 11 after the first print process is completed will be described. In use case (2), after the first print process is completed, the cutting completion flag is set to "0".

[0186] (Figure 11: First loop of the second printing process) The process performed in the first loop (S1101 to S1106) of the second print process will be described. When the first print process is completed, a new print job list 1210 (FIG. 12(b)) is generated and saved in the RAM 114.

[0187] In S1101, the host IF 112 receives the fourth print job sent from the host device 190. In S1102, the CPU 111 registers the fourth received print job in the print job list 1210. In addition, it assigns "004" as the job number (FIG. 12B).

[0188] In S1103, CPU 111 determines whether images related to the received print job (job number: 004) can be arranged and printed in the width direction. When print job (job number: 004) is received, there is no print job with arrangement flag 1215 set to "1". Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, width size 1214 of images related to print job (job number: 004) is "300", which is smaller than the arrangement possible width of "1500". Therefore, images related to the received print job (job number: 004) can be arranged in the width direction of the paper (S1103: YES), and the process proceeds to S1104.

[0189] In step S1104, the CPU 111 sets "1" as the arrangement flag 1215 corresponding to the print job (job number: 004).

[0190] In S1105, CPU 111 determines whether the paper margin width is greater than the execution margin width. As shown in database 1300, the execution margin width is "100." Also, image width size 1214 for the print job (job number: 004) received during the standby time is "300." Therefore, the paper margin width is "1500"-"300"="1200." Therefore, since the determination in S1105 shows that the paper margin width is greater than the execution margin width (S1105: YES), the process proceeds to S1106.

[0191] In S1106, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a new print job has been received during the standby time. In use case (2), in the first loop of the second print process, a new print job (job number: 005) is received during the standby time (S1106: YES), so the process returns to S1101.

[0192] (Figure 11: Second loop of the second printing process) Next, the process performed in the second loop in the second print process will be described. In S1101, the host IF 112 receives the fifth print job sent from the host device 190. In step S1102, the CPU 111 registers the fifth received print job in the print job list 1210. In addition, the CPU 111 assigns "005" as the job number (FIG. 12B).

[0193] In S1103, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the images related to the received print job (job number: 005) can be printed side by side in the width direction.

[0194] When the print job (job number: 005) is received, the image width size 1214 relating to the print job (job number: 004) for which the arrangement flag 1215 has already been set to "1" is "300". Also, the image width size 1214 relating to the received print job (job number: 005) is "600". Therefore, the sum of the width sizes when the images relating to the print jobs (job numbers: 004, 005) are arranged is "300" + "600" = "900", which is smaller than the available arrangement width of "1500". Therefore, in S1103, it is determined that the images can be arranged in the width direction of the paper (S1103: YES), and the process proceeds to S1104.

[0195] In step S1104, the CPU 111 sets "1" as the arrangement flag 1215 corresponding to the print job (job number: 005).

[0196] In S1105, CPU 111 determines whether the paper margin width is greater than the execution margin width. As shown in database 1300, the execution margin width is "100". Furthermore, image width sizes 1214 related to print jobs (job numbers: 004, 005) received during the standby time are "300" and "600". Therefore, the paper margin width is "1500" - "300" - "600" = "600". Therefore, since the determination in S1105 shows that the paper margin width is greater than the execution margin width (S1105: YES), the process proceeds to S1106.

[0197] In S1106, in the second loop of the second print process of use case (2), no new print job is received during the print job waiting time (S1106: NO). Therefore, the process proceeds to S1108.

[0198] In S1108, CPU 111 sets the layout positions so that images related to print jobs of the same user are adjacent to each other, with reference to print job list 1210 and database 1300. CPU 111 executes the flowchart in Fig. 15 and the flowchart in Fig. 17, which is the processing of S1503 in Fig. 15, to set the layout positions of image data in the second print processing. The processing of S1108 in the second print processing will be described later.

[0199] As a result of the process in S1108, as shown in FIG. 12B, "850" and "0" are set as the layout positions 1216 corresponding to the print jobs (job numbers: 004 and 005).

[0200] In S1109, CPU 111 starts printing images related to the received print jobs (job numbers: 004, 005) according to the layout positions set in S1108. When printing is completed, in S1110, CPU 111 sets the cutting completion flag in database 1300 to “0” (no cutting).

[0201] In use case (2), in S1110 after the second print process is completed, there is no print job with the placement flag 1215 set to "0" (S1110: NO), and therefore this flowchart ends.

[0202] Next, the process of setting the image layout position in the second print process (S1108) will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 17. An example of setting the image layout position 1216 for the print jobs (job numbers: 004, 005) shown in the print job list 1210 in Fig. 12(b) will be described.

[0203] In S1501, in the second print process, the cutting completion flag is "0" (S1501: NO), so the process proceeds to S1502.

[0204] 14. In addition, CPU 111 acquires user names 1212 related to all registered print jobs from print job list 1210. Then, CPU 111 determines whether user name 1212 acquired from print job list 1210 is included in user name 1402 acquired from layout start position list 1400.

[0205] If the user name 1212 acquired from the print job list 1210 is included in the user name 1402 acquired from the layout start position list 1400 (S1502: YES), the process proceeds to S1503. If the user name 1212 acquired from the print job list 1210 is different from the user name 1402 acquired from the layout start position list 1400 (S1502: NO), the process proceeds to S1504.

[0206] 12B, the user names corresponding to the print jobs (job numbers: 004, 005) received in the second print process are "B" and "A." The user names set in the layout start position list 1400 in the first print process are "A" and "B." Therefore, the determination in S1502 is YES, and the process proceeds to S1503.

[0207] In S1503, CPU 111 refers to print job list 1210, layout start position list 1400, and database 1300, and sets the layout positions so that images related to print jobs of the same user are adjacent to each other. The procedure (S1503) for setting the layout positions of images in a state where the paper has not been cut in the previous print process (cutting record flag="0") will be described with reference to FIG.

[0208] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the layout position of image data when the paper has not been cut. In the following explanation, an example of determining the layout position of images for print jobs (job numbers: 004, 005) registered in the print job list 1210 in Fig. 12(b) will be explained. Note that the loop of S1701 to S1703 is repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of users set in the layout start position list 1400.

[0209] (Figure 17: 1st loop) First, the first loop will be described. In S1701, the CPU 111 selects a user to be determined from the users set in the arrangement start position list 1400. In the first loop, the user with "user number: 001" (user name: A) is selected as the user to be determined. After that, the users to be determined are selected in ascending order.

[0210] In S1702, CPU 111 acquires the job number of a print job for which the same user name as the user to be judged is set from print job list 1210. CPU 111 refers to print job list 1210 and acquires the maximum value among layout positions 1216 of print jobs for which the same user name as the user to be judged is set. Then, CPU 111 acquires width size 1214 of the image related to the print job for which the acquired layout position 1216 (maximum value) is set. Then, the value obtained by adding width size 1214 to the acquired layout position 1216 is set as layout position 1216 of the print job to which the acquired job number is assigned.

[0211] If the layout position 1216 is not set for the print job related to the acquired job number, the CPU 111 sets the value of the layout start position 1403 set in association with the user to be determined as the layout position 1216 for that print job. As a result, images related to print jobs with the same user name are arranged at the same position in the width direction in the first print process and the second print process. Therefore, images related to print jobs with the same user name are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the paper transport direction.

[0212] A specific example of the process of S1702 will be described. In the print job list 1210 of Fig. 12(b), there is one print job (job number: 005) set with the same user name "A" as the judgment target user (user number: 001) of the first loop. No arrangement position 1216 is set for this print job (job number: 005). Therefore, the value "0" of the arrangement start position 1403 set in association with the judgment target user (user number: 001) is set for the arrangement position 1216 corresponding to the print job (job number: 005).

[0213] In S1703, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the setting of the arrangement position 1216 has been completed for all users set in the arrangement start position list 1400. In the first loop, since the processing has not been completed for the user with the user number "002" (S1703: NO), the process returns to S1701.

[0214] (Figure 17: 2nd loop) In the second loop, in step S1701, the CPU 111 selects the user with "user number: 002" in FIG. 14 as the user to be determined.

[0215] In S1702, the print job list 1210 in Fig. 12(b) contains a print job (job number: 004) with the same user name "B" corresponding to the user to be judged (user number: 002). And, the arrangement position 1216 is not set for this print job. Therefore, the value "850" of the arrangement start position 1403 set in association with the user to be judged (user number: 002) is set as the arrangement position 1216 corresponding to the print job (job number: 004).

[0216] In S1703, since it is determined that the processing has been completed for all users in the second loop (S1703: YES), this flowchart ends and the process returns to S1503 in Fig. 15. When the processing in S1503 is completed, the process returns to S1108 in Fig. 11 and the second print processing is started.

[0217] If the paper is not cut after the second print process, the CPU 111 sets the cutting completion flag in the database 1300 to "0." If the paper is cut, the CPU 111 sets the cutting completion flag in the database 1300 to "1."

[0218] The first and second print processes result in a print result as shown in Fig. 10. That is, images 1001, 1003, and 1012 related to the print job of user "A" are arranged together on the left side of the paper, and images 1002 and 1011 related to the print job of user "B" are arranged together on the right side of the paper.

[0219] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment, the print jobs of the same user are arranged adjacent to the print jobs arranged in the immediately preceding print process in the paper transport direction. This reduces the number of separation points for each user, making the separation work easier.

[0220] The above-mentioned use case is an example, and the present embodiment can be applied to other cases. The example of the arrangement position of the image is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, when the image data of the same user are arranged adjacent to each other in the paper transport direction, the images may be arranged so that the left end portions of the images are aligned as in the above-mentioned example, or the right end portions of the images are aligned. The images may also be arranged so that the center positions in the left-right direction are aligned.

[0221] In the above embodiment, the CPU 111 may receive a setting as to whether or not to arrange images for each input source together. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 1800 that receives a setting as to whether or not to print images of the same user side-by-side in the width direction. The setting screen 1800 is provided with tabs 1801 for selecting setting items, and Fig. 18 shows a state in which the tab related to the nesting printing function is selected.

[0222] 18, a setting screen 1800 has a setting item 1802 for whether or not to perform nesting printing, and next to it is a pull-down list 1803 in which either "Yes" or "No" can be input. When "Yes" is input in the setting item 1802, a setting item 1804 for whether or not to arrange images for the same user side by side is displayed, and next to it is a pull-down list 1805 in which either "Yes" or "No" can be input.

[0223] When the operator inputs "Yes" in the setting item 1802, and then operates the "OK" button 1806 while the operator has input "Yes" in the setting item 1804, the CPU 111 executes the above-mentioned print process (FIG. 5 or FIG. 11). As a result, images of the same user are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction or the paper transport direction.

[0224] Furthermore, it may be possible to set on the setting screen 1800 which input source information is used to arrange the images side by side. For example, on the setting screen 1800, information that can be used as input source information, such as a user name, a user ID, a department name, a department ID, a company name, a company ID, a customer name, a customer ID, etc., is displayed in a selectable manner. The CPU 111 acquires the information selected by the operator as the input source information from the setting information of the print job. In this case, the CPU 111 arranges images having the same selected information (user name, user ID, department name, department ID, company name, company ID, customer name, customer ID, etc.) adjacent to each other.

[0225] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which roll paper (continuous paper, long paper, etc.) was used as the paper, but the present invention is not limited to this, and sheets of paper may also be used. Furthermore, the material of the paper is not limited to paper, and may be a material other than paper, such as a resin sheet.

[0226] (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.

[0227] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus that performs printing on paper in accordance with a print job, An acquisition means for acquiring input source information from an input print job; a placement unit for placing an image related to the input print job on the sheet; Equipped with If multiple print jobs are input within a given waiting time, the acquiring means acquires information on an input source from each of the plurality of print jobs; the arrangement means arranges the images related to the plurality of print jobs in a line in a width direction of the sheet so as to be grouped by input source based on the information of the plurality of input sources acquired by the acquisition means; 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0228] (Configuration 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein, when the information of the input source includes information for identifying a user, the arrangement means arranges the images so that the images are grouped by user.

[0229] (Configuration 3) 2. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein, when the information of the input source includes department information, the arrangement means arranges the images so that the images are grouped by department.

[0230] (Configuration 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the arrangement means further arranges the images arranged in the width direction so that upper ends or lower ends of the images are aligned.

[0231] (Configuration 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement unit arranges the images having the same input source so as to be adjacent to each other in a conveyance direction of the paper.

[0232] (Configuration 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the arrangement means further arranges the images arranged in the transport direction so that left or right ends of the images are aligned.

[0233] (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that when the sum of the widthwise sizes of the images related to the multiple print jobs input within the waiting time in the nth printing process (n is a positive integer) is smaller than a first threshold value, the arrangement means arranges the images related to the multiple print jobs input within the waiting time in a side-by-side relationship in the widthwise direction.

[0234] (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a print control means for setting the print job last input within the waiting time as the target for the (n+1)th printing process when the sum of the widthwise sizes of images related to the multiple print jobs input within the waiting time in the nth printing process (n is a positive integer) is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0235] (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the print control means ends the waiting time and starts a waiting time for the (n+1)th printing process when the width of the margin when the images related to the multiple print jobs input during the waiting time are arranged side by side in the width direction becomes equal to or smaller than a second threshold value.

[0236] (Configuration 10) The cutting device further includes a cutting recorder for recording information indicating whether the paper has been cut, The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that, when information indicating the state in which the paper has been cut is recorded by the cutting recording means, the arrangement means arranges the images having the same input source so that they are adjacent to each other in the width direction.

[0237] (Configuration 11) The cutting device further includes a cutting recorder for recording information indicating whether the paper has been cut, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the arrangement means arranges the images having the same input source so as to be adjacent to each other in the transport direction when information indicating that the paper is not cut is recorded by the cutting recording means.

[0238] (Configuration 12) 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the paper is roll paper.

[0239] (Configuration 13) An image forming method for printing on paper in accordance with a print job, comprising: A control unit of the image forming apparatus An acquisition step of acquiring input source information from an input print job; a placement step of placing an image related to the input print job on the sheet; Including, If multiple print jobs are input within a given waiting time, In the acquiring step, information on an input source is acquired from each of the plurality of print jobs; In the arranging step, the images related to the plurality of print jobs are arranged in a line in a width direction of the sheet so as to be grouped by input source based on the information of the plurality of input sources acquired in the acquiring step. 1. An image forming method comprising:

[0240] (Configuration 14) A control unit of an image forming apparatus that performs printing on paper in accordance with a print job, An acquisition means for acquiring input source information from an input print job; a placement means for placing an image related to the input print job on the sheet; Functioning as a If multiple print jobs are input within a given waiting time, the acquiring means acquires information on an input source from each of the plurality of print jobs; the arrangement means arranges the images related to the plurality of print jobs in a line in a width direction of the sheet so as to be grouped by input source based on the information of the plurality of input sources acquired by the acquisition means; A program to make it function like this.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that performs printing on paper in accordance with a print job, An acquisition means for acquiring input source information from an input print job; a placement unit for placing an image related to the input print job on the sheet; Equipped with If multiple print jobs are input within a given waiting time, the acquiring means acquires information on an input source from each of the plurality of print jobs; the arrangement means arranges the images related to the plurality of print jobs in a line in a width direction of the sheet so as to be grouped by input source based on the information of the plurality of input sources acquired by the acquisition means; 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the information on the input source includes information for identifying a user, the arrangement unit arranges the images so that the images are grouped by user.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the information of the input source includes department information, the arrangement unit arranges the images so that the images are grouped by department.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arranging means further arranges the plurality of images arranged in the width direction so that the upper end or the lower end of the plurality of images aligned in the width direction are aligned.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement unit arranges the images having the same input source so that the images are adjacent to each other in the conveying direction of the paper.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the arrangement unit further arranges the images so that the left and right ends of the images arranged in the transport direction are aligned.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the sum of the widthwise sizes of the images related to the multiple print jobs input within the waiting time in the nth printing process (n is a positive integer) is smaller than a first threshold value, the arrangement means arranges the images related to the multiple print jobs input within the waiting time in a side-by-side arrangement in the widthwise direction.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print control means for designating the print job last input during the waiting time as the target for the (n+1)th printing process when the sum of the widthwise sizes of the images related to the multiple print jobs input during the waiting time in the nth printing process (n is a positive integer) is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the printing control means ends the waiting time and starts the waiting time for the (n+1)th printing process when the width of the margin when the images related to the multiple print jobs input during the waiting time are arranged in the width direction becomes equal to or less than a second threshold value.

10. The cutting device further includes a cutting recorder for recording information indicating whether the paper has been cut, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement means arranges images having the same input source so as to be adjacent in the width direction when information indicating the state in which the paper has been cut is recorded by the cutting recording means.

11. The cutting device further includes a cutting recorder for recording information indicating whether the paper has been cut, The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the arrangement means arranges images having the same input source so as to be adjacent to each other in the transport direction when information indicating that the paper has not been cut is recorded by the cutting recording means.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper is a roll paper.

13. An image forming method for printing on paper in accordance with a print job, comprising: A control unit of the image forming apparatus An acquisition step of acquiring input source information from an input print job; a placement step of placing an image related to the input print job on the sheet; Including, If multiple print jobs are input within a given waiting time, In the acquiring step, information on an input source is acquired from each of the plurality of print jobs; In the arranging step, the images related to the plurality of print jobs are arranged in a line in a width direction of the sheet so as to be grouped by input source based on the information of the plurality of input sources acquired in the acquiring step.

1. An image forming method comprising:

14. A control unit of an image forming apparatus that performs printing on paper in accordance with a print job, An acquisition means for acquiring input source information from an input print job; a placement means for placing an image related to the input print job on the sheet; Function as a If multiple print jobs are input within a given waiting time, the acquiring means acquires information on an input source from each of the plurality of print jobs; the arrangement means arranges the images related to the plurality of print jobs in a line in a width direction of the sheet of paper so as to be grouped by input source based on the information of the plurality of input sources acquired by the acquisition means; A program to make it function like this.

Images