Printer

Abstract

To provide a technology for generating suitable image data within a printer having a function for performing cutting processing on a sheet.SOLUTION: A printer 1 can transport an A4 size sheet in the longitudinal direction and cut the transported A4 size sheet into A5 size, which is half the size of A4 size, using a cutter unit 40. When the printer 1 acquires print data, the printer generates raster data that indicates an A4 size image and is used to print such that an image based on the print data is arranged on an A5 size sheet that is generated when an A4 size sheet is cut into A5 size, and stores the raster data in a continuous memory area. The printer 1 prints on the A4 size sheet based on the generated raster data using a print engine 15, and cuts the printed A4 size sheet into A5 size using the cutter unit 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a printer having a function of performing cutting-related processing on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers having a function for performing processing related to cutting on sheets are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device having a cutter for cutting sheets, in which, when a print job specifying A4 size is received, if there is no A4 size sheet but there is an A3 size sheet, the A3 size sheet is conveyed and the printed sheet is cut to A4 size by the cutter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-186448 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, when cutting processing is required, the printer needs to generate image data for one sheet according to the output result after processing desired by the user. Patent Document 1 does not provide a detailed description of the generation of image data within the printer, so there is room for improvement in the generation of image data within the printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first printer made with the aim of solving this problem is a printer comprising a print engine capable of printing using toner, a transport mechanism that transports cut paper of a first standard size in the lengthwise direction of the cut paper, and a processing unit that is capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size transported by the transport mechanism to cut it into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, and combinations of the first standard size and the second standard size include at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and when print data is obtained, the printer selects the first standard size rather than the second standard size. The method is configured to generate raster data indicating an image of a size close to a standard size, for printing such that when a sheet of the first standard size is cut to the second standard size, an image based on the print data is placed on the sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting, store the generated raster data in a continuous memory area, perform printing based on the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size stored in the continuous memory area on the sheet of the first standard size using the print engine, and perform the processing to cut the sheet of the first standard size on which printing has been performed to the second standard size using the processing unit.

[0006] When the first printer disclosed in this specification acquires print data, the printer generates raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that the image based on the print data is arranged on a sheet of the second standard size after cutting. The printer stores the generated raster data in a continuous memory area, and performs printing based on the stored raster data on a sheet of the first standard size. Thus, an image of the first standard size is printed on a sheet of the first standard size. The printer further performs processing for cutting on the printed sheet using a processing unit. As a result, a desired output result is obtained in which an image based on the print data is printed on the sheet of the second standard size after cutting.

[0007] A second printer made for the purpose of solving this problem is a printer comprising a print engine capable of printing using toner, a transport mechanism that transports cut paper of a first standard size in the lengthwise direction of the cut paper, and a processing unit that is capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size transported by the transport mechanism to cut it into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size, and combinations of the first standard size and the second standard size include at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter, and when print data is acquired, the first standard size is larger than the second standard size. the printing engine performs the printing based on the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size stored in the plurality of non-contiguous memory areas on the sheet of the first standard size; and the processing unit performs the processing to cut the sheet of the first standard size on which printing has been performed, to the second standard size.

[0008] The second printer disclosed in this specification, when acquiring print data, generates raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that the image based on the print data is arranged on a sheet of the second standard size after cutting. The printer stores the generated raster data in multiple discontinuous memory areas, and performs printing based on the stored raster data on a sheet of the first standard size. Thus, an image of the first standard size is printed on a sheet of the first standard size. The printer further performs processing for cutting on the printed sheet using a processing unit. As a result, a desired output result is obtained in which an image based on the print data is printed on the sheet of the second standard size after cutting.

[0009] A control method for implementing the functions of the printer, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a technology is realized in a printer having a function for performing processing related to cutting on a sheet, whereby suitable image data is generated within the printer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the internal configuration of a printer. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printing process. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a two-page A4 size image (A) rotated and reduced (B) or printed and cut without being reduced (C). [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example (B) of an A5-sized two-page image (A) that has been printed and cut. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printing and cutting one A4 size portrait page image (A) after rotating and reducing (B) or without reducing (C). [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example (B) of an image (A) of one page in portrait orientation on A5 size paper that has been printed and cut. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an A4 size horizontal one-page image (A) being reduced in size (B) or rotated without being reduced in size (C), printed, and cut. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example (B) of an image (A) of one page in landscape orientation on A5 size paper that has been printed and cut. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for A5 size processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for transferring raster data to a memory area. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which two pieces of A5 size raster data are written into an A4 size memory area. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a white area is formed in an A4 size image (A) by whitening (B) or cutting (C). [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for whitening processing. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a separation process. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for transferring raster data to a memory area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a printer having a function of processing a sheet.

[0013] 1, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The printer 1 also includes an operation panel 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a cutter unit 40, which are electrically connected to the controller 10.

[0014] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the programs read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operations. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for the hardware and software used to control the printer 1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the printer 1.

[0015] The memory 12 of the printer 1 of this embodiment stores various programs and data, including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, a print program 22, a cutting setting 24, a reduction setting 25, and a gap setting 26. The print program 22 is a program that cooperates with the OS 21 to cause the printer 1 to perform operations for printing. Details of each piece of information will be described later. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

[0016] Note that an example of memory is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the printer 1, but may be a storage medium that is readable and writable by the CPU 11. For example, an external memory such as a USB memory or HDD connected to the printer 1, or a memory or HDD provided in a device connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14 are also examples of memory.

[0017] Furthermore, computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0018] The operation panel 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for accepting operations by the user. The operation panel 13 may include a touch panel having a notification function and an operation acceptance function. The operation panel 13 may also include an indicator lamp, various buttons, and a numeric keypad.

[0019] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device such as a personal computer. The communication standards of the communication IF 14 include Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. The printer 1 may include multiple communication IFs 14 compatible with multiple communication standards.

[0020] The print engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image on a print medium such as a sheet by a printing method using toner. As shown in Fig. 2, the print engine 15 includes a cylindrical photoconductor drum 51, a charger 52, an exposure device 53, a developing device 54 including a developing roller and a toner container, a transfer roller 56, and a fixing device 57. The charger 52, the developing device 54, and the transfer roller 56 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the photoconductor drum 51 with respect to the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum 51.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a paper feed tray 31 that stores unprinted sheets, and a paper discharge tray 35 to which printed sheets are discharged. Inside the printer 1, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 2, a sheet transport path is formed, which is a path for sheets transported from the paper feed tray 31 to the paper discharge tray 35 via the print engine 15. The configuration for transporting sheets, including the paper feed tray 31, the print engine 15, the paper discharge tray 35, and various transport rollers, is an example of a transport mechanism.

[0022] When the printer 1 executes printing, the photoconductor drum 51 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 2. After the charger 52 charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 51, the exposure device 53 exposes the surface of the photoconductor drum 51 by irradiating it with laser light or the like, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 51. Furthermore, the developing roller of the developing device 54 develops the electrostatic latent image using the toner contained in the toner container, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 51. The formed toner image is transferred by the transfer roller 56 to a sheet that is transported in time. The toner image transferred to the sheet is fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 57. The sheet with the fixed image is further transported and discharged to the discharge tray 35.

[0023] Furthermore, the printer 1 includes a cutter unit 40 as shown in FIG. 2. The cutter unit 40 includes a cutter blade 41 and a flap 42, and has a function of cutting the sheet after fixing and before being discharged to the discharge tray 35. The printer 1 can change the path of the sheet by rotating the flap 42. The printer 1 can transport the sheet before being discharged to the cutter unit 40 by changing the path of the sheet. For example, the printer 1 transports the sheet to a predetermined position, stops the sheet, and moves the cutter blade 41 along the sheet to cut the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The cutter unit 40 is an example of a processing unit. Cutting the sheet is an example of processing. The cutter unit 40 may be configured to cut the sheet by moving a blade extending in the width direction of the sheet up and down.

[0024] Printer 1 transports standard-sized cut paper in the lengthwise direction and cuts it perpendicular to the transport direction, dividing the sheet into front and rear parts. The sheet is transported from the paper feed tray through print engine 15 to cutter unit 40. In the following, the upstream side of the transport direction of the sheet may be referred to as the top of the sheet, and the downstream side may be referred to as the bottom of the sheet.

[0025] For example, the printer 1 can convey an A4-sized sheet along its length and cut it at the center of its length to output it as two A5-sized sheets. In this case, the A4 size is an example of a first standard size, and the A5 size is an example of a second standard size. The printer 1 can also convey a letter-sized sheet along its length and cut it at the center of its length to output it as two half-letter-sized sheets. In this case, the letter size is an example of a first standard size, and the half-letter size is an example of a second standard size.

[0026] Printer 1 stores in memory 12 a setting for enabling or disabling the function of cutter unit 40 as cutting setting 24. Printer 1 can accept a setting instruction from a user via, for example, operation panel 13 or a PJL command. Based on the accepted instruction, printer 1 stores information indicating "cutting enabled" or information indicating "cutting disabled" in cutting setting 24. When information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored in cutting setting 24, printer 1 prints on an A4 or letter size sheet and cuts the sheet in the center, dividing it in half along the long side.

[0027] When information indicating "cutting disabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24, the printer 1 does not cut the sheet with the cutter unit 40. The operation of the printer 1 when information indicating "cutting disabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24 is the same as in the case of a printer that does not have a cutter unit 40. In this specification, a description of the case when information indicating "cutting disabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24 will be omitted.

[0028] Next, the procedure of the print process for executing printing by the printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 3. This print process is executed by the CPU 11 of the printer 1 based on the print program 22 when acquisition of print data to be printed is started.

[0029] The following processes basically indicate the processes of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program. That is, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following description represent the processes of the CPU 11. The processes by the CPU 11 also include hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted and the operation of each program is described. That is, in the following description, a description to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also refer to "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS." In addition, the processes of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 11." In addition, the processes of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program may be described in abbreviated terms such as "performed by program A."

[0030] Note that "obtaining" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of receiving data without the CPU 11 making a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU obtaining data." In addition, "data" in this specification is represented as a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data that has the same substantial meaning but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. In addition, "requesting" and "instructing" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction to the other party. In addition, information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction is also simply referred to as "request" and "instruction."

[0031] Furthermore, the process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is determined from information A." The process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is determined from information A."

[0032] In the printing process, the CPU 11 acquires print data to be printed (S101). The printer 1 can acquire the print data to be printed, for example, by receiving it from an external device via the communication IF 14. The printer 1 may also acquire the print data by reading it from a USB memory or the like connected to the printer 1. If the printer 1 is equipped with a scanner, the printer 1 may acquire image data acquired by reading an image of an original with the scanner as the print data. If the printer 1 can connect to the Internet via the communication IF 14, the printer 1 can acquire image data downloaded via the Internet as the print data.

[0033] In this specification, a process of printing on an A4 size sheet based on raster data, cutting the printed sheet by the cutter unit 40, and discharging it as two A5 size sheets will be described. In other words, the size of the printed sheet is A4 size, and the size of the discharged sheet is close to A5 size. The process of printing on a letter size sheet and cutting it is the same process as the process of printing on an A4 size sheet and cutting it. Specifically, in the following description, by replacing "A4" with "letter" and "A5" with "half letter", the process of printing on a letter size sheet and cutting it to discharge it as two half letter size sheets will be described. Therefore, the description of the letter size will be omitted in this specification.

[0034] CPU 11 prepares a storage area in memory 12 for writing raster data generated by rasterization (S102). In printer 1, a raster area and a memory area are used as storage areas for writing raster data. In S102, CPU 11 prepares, for example, a raster area and a memory area. CPU 11 secures the raster area and the memory area at the respective timings as necessary.

[0035] The memory area is an area where raster data to be printed on one side of a sheet is written, and is a continuous storage area capable of storing raster data used by print engine 15. Printer 1 transports A4 size sheets along their length. Therefore, CPU 11 prepares a vertically long continuous memory area whose main scanning direction corresponds to the short side of the A4 size and whose sub-scanning direction corresponds to the long side of the A4 size. After the raster data for one sheet is written to the memory area, CPU 11 causes print engine 15 to execute printing.

[0036] The print engine 15 executes printing on a line or band basis from top to bottom of the sheet being transported, based on one sheet's worth of raster data written in the memory area. Therefore, raster data is written in the memory area in order from the line or band at the top of the sheet to the line or band at the bottom of the sheet. For convenience, below, the long side of the memory area may be referred to as vertical and the short side as horizontal. Also, the leading edge of the memory area may be referred to as top and the trailing edge as bottom. The memory area may or may not include a margin.

[0037] The raster area is a storage area for rasterization, and is smaller than the memory area. Then, for example, when raster data of a predetermined size or more is written to the raster area, the CPU 11 passes the raster data to the memory area. This causes the raster data to be written in sequence to the memory area. Note that the CPU 11 may write the generated raster data directly to the memory area without using the raster area. Also, both the memory area and the raster area may be secured before the print data is acquired.

[0038] Then, CPU 11 acquires the size of the image of the acquired print data and judges whether the image is A4 size or A5 size (S105). Here, "A4 size" includes sizes close to A4 size. For example, when print data is acquired that includes an image that is smaller than A4 size by the margins around the image and margin information, CPU 11 judges it to be A4 size. That is, in this specification, A4 size does not mean only images that are strictly A4 size, and hereinafter, an image that is judged to be A4 size in S105 will be described as an "A4 size image". Similarly, "A5 size" also includes sizes close to A5 size.

[0039] The information on the size of the image may be added to the print data as information. That is, the information on the size of the image may be included in the print data or may be added to the print data as information. The information on the size of the image is information indicating the size at which the print data is to be printed, and may be information for all pages of the print data. If the information on the size of the image is not added, the CPU 11 may obtain the size of the image by obtaining one or more lines of print data. If the image size is neither A4 size nor A5 size, the CPU 11 may determine the size that is closer to the size of the image between A4 size and A5 size, or may determine the size that contains the entire image.

[0040] If it is determined that the image is A4 size (S105: A4), the CPU 11 determines whether or not to reduce and print the A4 size image to A5 size based on the reduction setting 25 stored in the memory 12 (S106). The printer 1 can accept an instruction to set whether or not to reduce the image from, for example, the operation panel 13 or a PJL command. Alternatively, the instruction to set the reduction may be added to the print data. Based on the instruction, the printer 1 stores information indicating "reduce" or information indicating "do not reduce" in the memory 12 as the reduction setting 25. By accepting the setting of whether or not to reduce the image, an output result according to the user's desire can be obtained.

[0041] "Reduce" is a setting that indicates that an A4 size image indicated by the print data is reduced to A5 size, printed on an A4 size sheet, and the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40. With the "Reduce" setting, when the printer 1 acquires two pages of portrait A4 size images as shown in Fig. 4(A), for example, the printer 1 rotates each of the two pages of images, reduces them to A5 size, prints the two pages of images on one A4 size sheet, and cuts them, as shown in Fig. 4(B).

[0042] Note that a vertical image is an image whose orientation is so-called portrait. A horizontal image is an image whose orientation is so-called landscape. In addition, since the printer 1 of this embodiment transports A4 size sheets along the longitudinal direction, for the sake of convenience, it may be said that the printer transports A4 size sheets in the vertical direction.

[0043] On the other hand, "do not reduce" is a setting that indicates that an A4 size image indicated by the print data is printed on an A4 size sheet without reduction, and the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40. With the "do not reduce" setting, the printer 1 prints, for example, an A4 size image as shown in Fig. 4(A) on an A4 size sheet, and cuts it as shown in Fig. 4(C).

[0044] Note that "do not reduce" here is not limited to no reduction at all. For example, slight reduction to provide margins is included in "do not reduce." For example, reduction to an extent that is determined to be A4 size in S105 is included in "do not reduce." Note that while FIG. 4C shows only the output result for one page, if "do not reduce" is set, the printer 1 will print and cut the second and subsequent pages without reducing them in the same manner.

[0045] If it is determined that the image is to be reduced (S106: YES), CPU 11 reduces the acquired A4 size print data to generate A5 size print data (S107). The A5 size print data generated in S107 is an example of a reduced image. After S107, or if it is determined that the image in the print data is A5 size (S105: A5), CPU 11 executes A5 size processing (S111).

[0046] In A5 size processing, for example, when two pages of A5 size images in portrait orientation are acquired as shown in FIG. 5(A), the printer 1 rotates the two pages of images and prints them side by side on a single A4 size sheet, as shown in FIG. 5(B), and then cuts them.

[0047] When a one-page vertical A4 size image as shown in Fig. 6(A) is acquired with the "Reduce" setting, the printer 1 rotates the one-page image, reduces it to A5 size, prints it on one A4 size sheet, and cuts it, for example, as shown in Fig. 6(B).When a one-page vertical A4 size image as shown in Fig. 6(A) is acquired with the "Do not reduce" setting, the printer 1 prints the one-page image on one A4 size sheet, and cuts it, for example, as shown in Fig. 6(C).

[0048] In addition, when acquiring a one-page portrait A5-sized image as shown in FIG. 7(A), the printer 1 rotates the one-page image, prints it on an A4-sized sheet, and cuts it, as shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0049] Also, when a one-page horizontal A4 size image as shown in Fig. 8(A) is acquired with the "Reduce" setting, the printer 1 reduces the one-page image to A5 size, prints it on one A4 size sheet, and cuts it, for example, as shown in Fig. 8(B). When a one-page horizontal A4 size image as shown in Fig. 8(A) is acquired with the "Do not reduce" setting, the printer 1 rotates the one-page image, prints it on one A4 size sheet, and cuts it, for example, as shown in Fig. 8(C).

[0050] In addition, when acquiring a one-page horizontal A5-sized image as shown in FIG. 9(A), the printer 1 prints the one-page image on an A4-sized sheet and cuts it, as shown in FIG. 9(B).

[0051] The procedure for A5 size processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. CPU 11 starts processing for the first page of the acquired print data. CPU 11 determines the image orientation for the acquired A5 size print data (S201). Image orientation information may be added to the print data as information, or CPU 11 may determine it based on the acquired print data.

[0052] If CPU 11 cannot clearly determine that the image orientation is landscape, it may treat it as if it were portrait. That is, CPU 11 may determine that the image orientation is portrait in S201. CPU 11 may also determine the image orientation based on the design of the image. The process of S201 and the process that is performed only when the image orientation is determined to be landscape in S201 may be omitted. In that case, CPU 11 may perform the process that is performed when the image orientation is determined to be portrait in S201 for all print data.

[0053] When it is determined that the image orientation is portrait (S201: portrait), CPU 11 performs rasterization and rotation, and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S202). In S202, CPU 11 may perform either rasterization or rotation first, or may perform them in parallel. Specifically, CPU 11 performs rasterization on print data representing a portrait A5 size image to generate raster data, and writes the generated raster data to the raster area so as to represent an image rotated by 90 degrees or 270 degrees. Alternatively, CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image rotated by 90 degrees or 270 degrees, and write it to the raster area.

[0054] 11, the CPU 11 writes the raster data accumulated in the raster area in order from the top address 28a of the memory area 28 capable of storing raster data for one A4 size sheet. The raster data written to the memory area in S202 is raster data representing an image obtained by rotating image data representing an A5 portrait image. The CPU 11 repeats the above procedure in S202 until raster data 281 based on one page of print data is written to the upper half of the memory area 28 for one A4 size sheet.

[0055] Also, if it is determined that the image orientation is landscape (S201: landscape), CPU 11 rasterizes the print data as is and passes the generated raster data to the memory area (S203). The raster data written to the memory area in S203 is raster data representing an A5 landscape image that was generated based on print data representing an A5 landscape image. CPU 11 repeats the above procedure in S203 as well until raster data based on one page of print data is written to the upper half of memory area 28 for one A4-sized sheet.

[0056] That is, the raster data generated in S202 or S203 has a size corresponding to the short side of A4 size in the main scanning direction and half the long side of A4 size in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, A5 size raster data 281 is written in the upper half of memory area 28, and nothing is written in the lower half. Note that the raster data written in memory area 28 does not need to represent an image of A5 size exactly. For example, the raster data may be raster data representing an image excluding margins, etc.

[0057] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the raster data for one A4-sized sheet has been delivered to the memory area 28 (S207). When the raster data for one A5-sized page has been delivered to the upper half of the A4-sized memory area 28, processing for one sheet is not complete.

[0058] If it is determined that processing for one page is not complete (S207: NO), CPU 11 determines whether or not the acquired print data contains data for the next page that has not been rasterized (S211). If it is determined that there is a next page (S211: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to S201, generates raster data 282 for the next page, and passes it to memory area 28 (S202 or S203). In this case, CPU 11 writes raster data 282 in the lower half of memory area 28, which is a continuation of memory area 28 in which one page's worth of raster data 281 is written in the upper half, as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

[0059] If the print process determines in S105 that the size is A4, and determines in S106 that the data should be reduced and executes the A5 size process, the print data for the next page is also reduced, and the process proceeds to S201 using the reduced data. The A5 size image obtained by reducing the A4 size image of the first page is an example of a first reduced image. The A5 size image obtained by reducing the A4 size image of the second page is an example of a second reduced image.

[0060] When it is determined that the raster data for one A4 page has been delivered to the memory area 28 (S207: YES), the CPU 11 issues an instruction to start printing (S208). For example, by writing two pages of A5 size raster data 281 and 282 into the upper and lower halves of the A4 size memory area 28, the raster data for one A4 page is written into the memory area 28, as shown in FIG.

[0061] In S208, the CPU 11 transfers two pages of A5-sized raster data 281 and 282 from the memory area 28 for one A4-sized sheet to the storage buffer 30 used by the print engine 15. The CPU 11, for example, designates the start address 28a and the end address 28b of the memory area 28 and instructs the DMA (abbreviation of Direct Memory Access) controller to transfer the data to the storage buffer 30. The print engine 15 reads the raster data transferred to the storage buffer 30 in the forward direction and prints an image based on the read raster data on an A4-sized sheet. The storage buffer 30 is an area smaller in size than the memory area 28. Since the data transfer speed by the DMA controller is faster than the printing speed by the print engine 15, the data can be transferred to the print engine 15 without interruption by transferring the next data to the storage buffer 30 after it has been read by the print engine 15.

[0062] Furthermore, since information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24, the CPU 11 controls the flap 42 to further transport the printed sheet by the print engine 15 and to have the cutter unit 40 cut it. As a result, for example, as shown in the lower part of Figs. 4 to 9, two A5-sized sheets, each having an A5-sized image based on the print data printed thereon, are discharged to the discharge tray 35. The CPU 11 performs the process of transporting and cutting the printed sheet in parallel with the A5-sized process. That is, the printer 1 can perform the process of cutting the printed sheet and the generation of raster data to be printed on the next sheet in parallel.

[0063] The cutting position by the cutter unit 40 of the printer 1 may be shifted from the center position in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, which is the set cutting position, due to misalignment of the sheet during transport or misalignment when the cutter blade 41 is driven. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the cutting error, which is the maximum difference between the center position of the sheet and the actual cutting position, is, for example, 3 mm. In other words, the cutting position by the printer 1 of this embodiment is within a range of ±3 mm from the center position in the long side direction of the A4 size. If an image is printed within a range of ±3 mm from this center position, toner may adhere to the cutter blade 41.

[0064] When "Cutting enabled" is set in the cutting setting 24, the printer 1 prints so that no image is placed within a range of ±3 mm including the center position in the longitudinal direction of an A4 size sheet. In other words, the CPU 11 forms a white area with no image within a range of ±3 mm from the center position in the sub-scanning direction of the A4 size memory area. In the following, the center position in the sub-scanning direction of the memory area is simply referred to as the "center position."

[0065] For example, if the acquired print data is an A5-sized image with a margin of 3 mm or more, writing two pages of A5-sized raster data in sequence into an A4-sized memory area will create a white area of ​​6 mm or more in the center due to the margins of both pages. In this case, CPU 11 can create an appropriate white area between the two raster data by simply arranging the two raster data with margins one above the other. The white area in this case is an example of a margin area.

[0066] Also, the long side of an A4 size sheet is 297 mm, which is 1 mm longer than twice the short side of an A5 size sheet, which is 148 mm. Therefore, if the margin is 3 mm, the CPU 11 may write the margins by 0.25 mm, which is one-fourth of 1 mm, on both sides of the A5 size raster data in the longitudinal direction of the memory area, as shown in Fig. 12. In this way, a white area with a width of 6.5 mm including the margins is formed in the center position, so that the width of the margins of the cut sheets is uniform.

[0067] Also, if the acquired print data is A5 size and the margins are less than 3 mm, the CPU 11 may, for example, arrange two raster data pieces vertically spaced apart from each other to create a white area within a range of ±3 mm from the center position, including the margins. For example, the CPU 11 writes the raster data into the memory area so that the margins on the top and bottom edges are small, and increases the margins on the center position side, thereby securing the white area and arranging the raster data. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may form a white area by overwriting a solid white image at the center position.

[0068] By writing raster data with a white area in the center to the memory area, when printing is performed based on this memory area, no image is placed within a range of ±3 mm from the center of the sheet. Therefore, when a sheet with this image printed on it is cut by the cutter unit 40, toner is less likely to adhere to the cutter blade 41, and early deterioration of the cutter unit 40 is suppressed.

[0069] After S208, the CPU 11 determines whether the acquired print data includes data for the next page (S211). If there is print data for the next page after issuing an instruction to print based on the memory area 28 in which the raster data is stored (S211: YES), the CPU 11 prepares a new raster area and proceeds to S201 to process the next data.

[0070] If there is no next page, that is, if it is determined that the end of the print data has been obtained (S211: NO), CPU 11 determines whether or not unprinted raster data remains (S212). Unprinted raster data is raster data in memory area 28 in which raster data 281 is written in the upper half and raster data 282 is not written in the lower half, and is raster data that has not been passed to print engine 15.

[0071] If it is determined that unprinted raster data remains (S212: YES), CPU 11 passes raster data indicating a blank page to the lower half of memory area 28 (S215) and instructs print engine 15 to start printing (S216). For example, if the acquired print data is print data for one A5-sized page, CPU 11 generates raster data in which the image of that one page is placed in the upper half of memory area 28 and blank data is placed in the lower half. Note that if print engine 15 is configured not to form an image in a portion corresponding to a memory area in which data has not been written, or if a memory area can be prepared with blank data written in advance, S215 may be omitted.

[0072] The print engine 15 prints based on the memory area in which this raster data has been written. Furthermore, the CPU 11 cuts the printed sheet using the cutter unit 40 and discharges it as two A5 size sheets. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 9, one of the two A5 size sheets discharged is an A5 size sheet on which an image based on the acquired print data is printed, and the other is a blank A5 size sheet.

[0073] Note that when the print data is A5 size, or when the print data is A4 size and is to be reduced and printed, and it is known that the total number of pages of the print data is an odd number, the printer 1 may place blank pages in the upper half of the sheet. In this case, the printer 1 may control the print engine 15 not to form an image in the upper half of the sheet. For example, the CPU 11 may write white data in the upper half of the memory area. The printer 1 may also be able to accept a user setting as to whether or not to place blank pages in the upper half of the sheet.

[0074] On the other hand, when, for example, two pages of A5 size print data are acquired (S207: YES), the CPU 11 writes the raster data 281, 282 showing the respective images into the upper and lower halves of the A4 size memory area 28. When the orientation of the A5 size image is portrait (S201: portrait), the CPU 11 writes the raster data into the memory area 28 so that the top and bottom of the image are on the short side of the A5 size sheet after cutting (S202), for example, as shown in FIG. 11. When the orientation of the image is landscape (S201: landscape), the CPU 11 writes the raster data into the memory area so that the top and bottom of the image are on the long side of the A5 size sheet after cutting (S203). Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, two A5 size sheets on which images of two pages based on the print data are printed, which are rotated according to the image orientation of the print data, are output. This allows a desired output result to be obtained.

[0075] Also, for example, when A4 size print data is acquired in a state where information indicating "reduced" is stored as the reduction setting 25, the CPU 11 reduces the A4 size print data to A5 size (S107) and performs the same process as when A5 size print data is acquired (S111). Specifically, when one page of A4 size print data is acquired, an A5 size sheet on which a reduced image of the print data is printed and a blank A5 size sheet are output as shown in FIG. 6B. When two pages of A4 size print data are acquired, two A5 size sheets on which a reduced image of the print data is printed are output as shown in FIG. 4B. Therefore, in this case as well, an A5 size sheet on which the image of the print data is appropriately printed is output.

[0076] After S216, or if it is determined that there is no unprinted raster data remaining (S212: NO), the CPU 11 ends the A5 size process and returns to the print process.

[0077] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, if it is determined that the image size of the print data that has started to be acquired is A4 size and that it is not to be reduced (S106: NO), the CPU 11 determines a method of forming a gap based on the gap setting 26 stored in the memory 12 (S121). When printing an A4 size image without reducing it, the CPU 11 forms a gap that becomes a white area in the center of the A4 size image. There are two methods of forming the gap: "whitening" and "cutting".

[0078] The printer 1 can receive the gap setting instruction, for example, from the operation panel 13 or a PJL command. Alternatively, the gap setting instruction may be added to the print data. The printer 1 stores information indicating "whiteout" or information indicating "cut" as the gap setting 26 in the memory 12 based on the user's instruction.

[0079] "Whiteout" is a setting that overwrites white data with an appropriate white area width in the center of an A4 size image as shown in Fig. 13(A) to create an A4 size image as shown in Fig. 13(B), and cuts the image in the white area. In Fig. 13(B), part of the letter "B" in the image at the center has been lost due to the overwriting of the white data.

[0080] On the other hand, "cut" is a setting that indicates that, for example, an A4 size image as shown in Fig. 13(A) is divided in half at the center, and the divided images are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other to create an image with a white area in the center, and then cut at the white area. In Fig. 13(C), the white area is formed in the center by reducing the top and bottom margins. Note that when the "cut" setting is used and a sufficient white area cannot be created by simply arranging the images vertically spaced apart, the CPU 11 may reduce the size of the image.

[0081] When it is determined that the gap formation method is "whitening" (S121: whitening), the CPU 11 executes whitening processing (S122). The procedure of the whitening processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 14. The CPU 11 starts processing for the first page of the acquired print data.

[0082] In the whitening process, the CPU 11 determines the image orientation of the acquired A4 size print data (S301). Image orientation information may be added to the print data as information, or may be acquired by the CPU 11 based on the acquired print data. S301 is the same determination as S201.

[0083] When it is determined that the image orientation is landscape (S301: landscape), CPU 11 performs rasterization and rotation, and passes the generated raster data to the memory area (S302). CPU 11 writes raster data representing an image rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees based on print data representing a landscape A4 size image into the memory area. CPU 11 may perform either rasterization or rotation first, or may perform them in parallel.

[0084] The CPU 11 repeats the process of S302 until raster data is written in the memory area for one A4 size sheet. The process of S302 is the same as the process of S202 for the A5 size process. However, in S302, the CPU 11 writes white data in the memory area corresponding to the white area. For example, after writing raster data in the memory area for one sheet, the CPU 11 replaces the raster data in a 6 mm wide range in the center of the sub-scanning direction with raster data of a solid white image. By overwriting the solid white image, the CPU 11 can easily form a white area in the image to be printed. Instead of overwriting, the CPU 11 may write white data from the beginning without writing raster data in the memory area corresponding to the white area.

[0085] Also, if it is determined that the image orientation is portrait (S301: portrait), CPU 11 rasterizes the print data as is to generate raster data, and passes the generated raster data to the memory area (S303). Based on the print data representing a portrait A4 size image, CPU 11 writes the raster data representing the image to the memory area. CPU 11 determines whether or not to rotate the image depending on the image orientation, so that the entire image is appropriately placed in the A4 size memory area. In this case, the A4 size raster data passed to the memory area does not have to be exactly A4 size.

[0086] CPU 11 repeats the process of S303 until raster data is written into the memory area for one A4 size sheet. The process of S303 is the same as the process of S203 in the A5 size process. However, in S303, CPU 11 writes white data into the memory area corresponding to the white area, just like S302.

[0087] Then, the CPU 11 issues an instruction to start printing (S308). S308 is the same process as S208 in the A5 size process described above. The print engine 15 prints an A4 size image on an A4 size sheet based on the raster data including the white area stored in the memory area. Furthermore, the CPU 11 causes the cutter unit 40 to cut the printed sheet. As a result, the printer 1 discharges the printed sheet as two A5 size sheets. By providing the white area, when the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40, toner is less likely to adhere to the cutter blade 41, and early deterioration of the cutter unit 40 is suppressed.

[0088] After S308, CPU 11 determines whether the acquired print data includes data for the next page (S311). If it determines that the print data for the next page exists (S311: YES), CPU 11 prepares a new raster area and proceeds to S301 to process the next data. If it determines that there is no next page, that is, that the end of the print data has been acquired (S311: NO), CPU 11 ends the whitening process and returns to the print process.

[0089] Returning to the description of the print process in Fig. 3, if it is determined that the gap formation method is "slicing" (S121: Slicing), the CPU 11 executes the slicing process (S123). The procedure of the slicing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 15. The CPU 11 starts processing the first page of the acquired print data.

[0090] In the segmentation process, CPU 11 determines whether or not an image needs to be reduced (S401). CPU 11 determines that reduction is necessary, for example, when an A4-sized image is divided into upper and lower halves with a white area provided between them, and the entire image does not fit on an A4-sized sheet. CPU 11 may also determine that reduction is necessary, for example, when the margin on the short side set in the print data to be printed is less than 5 mm. If it is determined that reduction of the image is necessary (S401: YES), CPU 11 decides to reduce the print data, and stores information indicating the reduction (S402).

[0091] Note that the CPU 11 may always reduce the image without making the determination in step S401. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may never reduce the image, and if the image protrudes beyond the A4 size range due to cutting, the image of the protruding portion may not be printed.

[0092] After S402, or when it is determined that the image does not need to be reduced (S401: NO), the CPU 11 determines the image orientation for the acquired A4 size print data (S405). S405 is the same process as S301 of the whitening process.

[0093] When it is determined that the image orientation is landscape (S405: landscape), CPU 11 performs rasterization and rotation, and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S406). CPU 11 writes raster data representing an image rotated by 90 degrees or 270 degrees based on print data representing a landscape A4 size image into the memory area. The process of S406 is the same as the process of S202 in the A5 size process. CPU 11 repeats the process of S406 until half of the raster data for one page has been written into the memory area. Note that CPU 11 may perform either rasterization or rotation first, or may perform them in parallel.

[0094] When it is determined that the image orientation is portrait (S405: portrait), CPU 11 performs rasterization and transfers the generated raster data to the memory area (S407). CPU 11 writes the raster data representing the image into the memory area based on the print data representing the portrait A4 size image. The process of S407 is the same as the process of S203 in the A5 size process. CPU 11 repeats the process of S407 until half of the raster data for one page has been written into the memory area. Note that when information indicating reduction is stored, CPU 11 generates raster data of a reduced size, for example, about 98% of the A4 size, in S406 or S407.

[0095] When half of one page's worth of raster data has been written to the memory area, CPU 11 adds white data to the memory area at a location that corresponds to the white area. CPU 11 adjusts the start position of raster data writing in S406 or S407 so that the white area is located at the center. For example, CPU 11 writes raster data so that the end position of writing is half the white area above the center position. CPU 11 determines the start position of writing in the memory area according to, for example, the size of the long side of the image and the size of the margins set in the print data.

[0096] Following the added white area, CPU 11 writes the remaining half of the raster data for one page generated in S406 or S407 into the memory area. By dividing the image to be printed in half and arranging them apart from each other, CPU 11 can easily form raster data that includes a white area.

[0097] Then, the CPU 11 issues an instruction to start printing (S415). S415 is the same process as S208 in the A5 size process described above. The print engine 15 prints an A4 size image on an A4 size sheet based on the raster data including the white area stored in the memory area. Furthermore, the CPU 11 causes the cutter unit 40 to cut the printed sheet. As a result, the printer 1 discharges the printed sheet as two A5 size sheets. By providing the white area, when the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40, toner is less likely to adhere to the cutter blade 41, and early deterioration of the cutter unit 40 is suppressed.

[0098] After S415, CPU 11 judges whether the acquired print data includes data for the next page (S421). If it judges that the print data for the next page exists (S421: YES), CPU 11 prepares a new raster area and proceeds to S401 to process the next data. If it judges that the print data for the next page does not exist, that is, that the last print data has been acquired (S421: NO), CPU 11 ends the segmentation process and returns to the print process.

[0099] If the CPU 11 determines YES in S421, the process may proceed to S405 instead of S401. In other words, after determining whether or not to reduce the first page, the CPU 11 may not perform the determination in S401 for the second and subsequent pages, and may perform the same process based on the determination result for the first page.

[0100] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, the CPU 11 ends the printing process after the A5 size process in S111, the whitening process in S122, or the segmentation process in S123. In either case, since printing is performed based on raster data with white areas, the possibility of toner adhering to the cutter blade 41 is low.

[0101] As described above in detail, when the printer 1 of the first embodiment acquires print data of A5 size or A4 size, it generates raster data that indicates an image of a size close to A4 size, and is used to print such that the image based on the print data is arranged on a cut A5 size sheet. Furthermore, the printer 1 prints on an A4 size sheet based on the generated raster data, and cuts the printed sheet with the cutter unit 40. This outputs an A5 size sheet on which an image based on the print data is printed. Thus, the desired output result is obtained.

[0102] For example, in a line printer that prints one line at a time using ink, the sheet transport can be controlled independently of the printing timing even while printing one sheet. For example, after printing halfway up the sheet, printing can be stopped and the sheet transported to provide a white area. However, in a page printer that prints using toner, printing and sheet transport are linked, and it is not possible to transport the sheet alone or stop transport during printing. The printer 1 of this embodiment generates raster data including a white area suitable for cutting before starting printing, so two A5 size sheets with properly printed images are discharged.

[0103] Next, a second embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the memory area to which raster data is written and the procedure for transferring the raster data to the print engine 15. The same configurations and procedures as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and will not be described. Note that, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a process will be described in which printing is performed on an A4 size sheet based on raster data, the printed sheet is cut by the cutter unit 40, and the two A5 size sheets are discharged.

[0104] In the printer 1 of the second embodiment, in S102 of the print process (see FIG. 3), multiple memory areas smaller than the area capable of storing A4 size raster data are prepared. The multiple memory areas do not need to be contiguous. In this respect, it differs from the first embodiment, which prepares a contiguous memory area 28 (see FIG. 11) capable of storing A4 size raster data.

[0105] The printer 1 of the second embodiment may prepare two memory areas 291 and 292 in the memory 12, each capable of storing one page of A5-sized raster data, as shown in Fig. 16. The printer 1 may prepare a plurality of memory areas 291 and 292 from the beginning, or may prepare one memory area 291 first and further prepare a memory area 292 as necessary. The memory areas 291 and 292 are not contiguous areas, and for example, the end address 291b of the memory area 291 shown in Fig. 16 and the start address 292a of the memory area 292 are not contiguous.

[0106] Like the printer 1 of the first embodiment, the printer 1 of the second embodiment can execute the A5 size process described above and can output the various printed materials shown in Figures 4 to 9. When portrait-oriented A5 size print data is acquired (S201: portrait), the CPU 11 generates raster data by rasterizing and rotating the data, for example, as shown in Figure 16, and writes the generated raster data to the memory area 291 (S202).

[0107] Furthermore, because generation of raster data for one A4-sized sheet has not been completed (S207: NO), CPU 11 generates raster data by rasterizing and rotating based on the print data for the second page, and writes the generated raster data to memory area 292 that is not contiguous with memory area 291 (S202). As a result, one A5-sized page's worth of raster data is written to each of the two memory areas 291 and 292.

[0108] Then, in S208, the printer 1 executes printing with the print engine 15 based on the raster data written in the memory areas 291 and 292. The CPU 11 first causes the DMA controller to transfer the raster data from the start address 291a to the end address 291b of the A5-sized memory area 291 in which the raster data of the first page has been written, to the storage buffer 30. After transferring the raster data of the memory area 291 to the end, the CPU 11 then causes the raster data from the start address 292a to the end address 292b of the A5-sized memory area 292 in which the raster data of the second page has been written, to the storage buffer 30. As a result, the raster data stored in the memory area 291 and the raster data stored in the memory area 292 are combined in the storage buffer 30.

[0109] Print engine 15 reads the raster data transferred to storage buffer 30 in the forward direction and prints an image based on the read raster data on an A4 size sheet. That is, print engine 15 prints an image based on the raster data of the first page written in memory area 291, followed by an image based on the raster data of the second page written in memory area 292 on one A4 size sheet.

[0110] Furthermore, the printer 1 controls the flap 42 to transport the printed sheet to the cutter unit 40, and drives the cutter unit 40 to cut the printed sheet. As a result, two printed sheets cut to A5 size are ejected, as shown in the lower rows of FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0111] In the printer 1 of the second embodiment, if raster data for one A5 page remains (S212: YES), the CPU 11 transfers the raster data of the blank page to the storage buffer 30 (S215-S216). The CPU 11 may prepare a memory area in advance for storing the raster data of the blank page, and specify the memory area to have the DMA controller transfer the data to the storage buffer 30.

[0112] The multiple non-contiguous memory areas may each be a memory area smaller than the memory area capable of storing raster data for one A4 size sheet, and are not limited to the memory areas 291, 292 capable of storing raster data for one A5 size page. The multiple non-contiguous memory areas may be, for example, a memory area smaller than one A5 size page, or may be multiple memory areas of different sizes.

[0113] As described above in detail, the printer 1 of the second embodiment also outputs an A5 size sheet on which an image based on print data is printed. Furthermore, the printer 1 of the second embodiment stores the generated raster data for one sheet in a plurality of discontinuous memory areas 291, 292, rather than storing it in the continuous memory area 28 of the RAM as the printer 1 of the first embodiment does. Then, when transferring the raster data to the storage buffer 30, the printer 1 combines the raster data stored in each of the memory areas 291, 292 to form raster data for one sheet. This eliminates the need to secure a continuous memory area in the RAM capable of storing the raster data for one sheet of image, thereby reducing the memory load.

[0114] On the other hand, the printer 1 of the first embodiment stores the generated raster data in a contiguous memory area 28 equivalent to one A4-sized sheet, and transfers the stored raster data to the storage buffer 30 in the order in which it was recorded. By storing the raster data of one sheet's worth of image in the contiguous memory area 28 of the RAM, the printer 1 only needs to transfer the raster data stored in the contiguous memory area 28 to the storage buffer 30 as is. This simplifies the process of transferring the raster data to the storage buffer 30. It also makes it easier to rotate and compress the image of one sheet's worth.

[0115] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the printer 1 is not limited to a dedicated printer, but may be a multifunction machine, a copier, a fax machine, etc. Also, the printer 1 may have multiple paper feed trays and paper output trays.

[0116] 4 to 9 and 13 are merely examples. Furthermore, the printer 1 may display a warning message if image information is lost due to whitening or cutting.

[0117] In the embodiment, the cutting error of the printer 1 is 3 mm, and the white area is within a range of ±3 mm from the center position, but the size of the white area is not limited to this. For example, the size of the cutting error may differ depending on the model of the printer 1. Also, the size of the white area may be set by the user.

[0118] Also, in the embodiment, the printer 1 accepts a setting of either cut enable or cut disable as the cut setting 24, but it does not have to accept it. That is, the printer 1 may always have cut enable. Also, while it has been described that either cut enable or cut disable is stored in the cut setting 24, in the case of cut disable, the cut setting 24 may not be stored instead. That is, the printer 1 may have cut enable set as long as the cut setting 24 is stored.

[0119] Also, for example, when the printer 1 receives an instruction to print on an A5 size sheet and there is no paper feed tray that contains A5 size sheets, the printer 1 may enable cutting.

[0120] In the embodiment, when printing multiple pages of an A5 size image or an image reduced from A4 size to A5 size, two pages of images are printed on one A4 size sheet, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, each page may be printed on a single A4 size sheet and cut to output multiple pages of A5 size sheets and multiple blank sheets. In this case, the blank sheets may be either the upper half or the lower half.

[0121] In addition, in the embodiment, an example is shown in which an A4 size sheet is cut and discharged as an A5 size sheet, but the cutter unit 40 of the printer 1 may be capable of processing sheets of sizes other than A4 size, or processing A4 size into sizes other than A5 size. In addition, the processing by the cutter unit 40 may be processing related to cutting, and is not limited to cutting, and may be processing such as perforating a sheet or folding a sheet.

[0122] Printer 1 may also have an EWS (embedded web server) function. In that case, printer 1 may be able to accept setting instructions such as cutting setting 24, reduction setting 25, gap setting 26, etc. from a PC browser or the like via the EWS. Printer 1 may also be able to accept commands other than PJL commands, and may be able to accept setting instructions such as cutting setting 24, reduction setting 25, gap setting 26, etc. in accordance with commands other than PJL commands.

[0123] In this specification, the printer 1 that conveys the sheet in the long side direction has been described, but there may be a printer that conveys the sheet in the short side direction and cuts it along the conveying direction. In that case, the orientation of the image differs from that described in this specification, and an image in which the top and bottom of the design are in the short side direction and the left and right are in the long side direction is considered to be vertical.

[0124] In addition, in any of the flowcharts disclosed in each embodiment, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be changed as desired or the processes can be executed in parallel, as long as no contradiction occurs in the process content.

[0125] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as ASIC, or a combination of these. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various forms, such as a recording medium having a program for executing the processes recorded thereon, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Printer 15 Printing Engine 40 Cutter unit

Claims

1. a print engine capable of printing using toner; a conveying mechanism that conveys a cut sheet of a first standard size in a longitudinal direction of the cut sheet; a processing unit capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size conveyed by the conveying mechanism to cut the cut paper into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size; A printer comprising: The combination of the first standard size and the second standard size includes at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter; When print data is acquired, generating raster data indicating an image having a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, the raster data being for printing such that, when a sheet of the first standard size is cut into the second standard size, an image based on the print data is arranged on the sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting; storing the generated raster data in a continuous memory area; performing printing based on the raster data, which indicates an image having a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, stored in the continuous memory area, on a sheet of the first standard size using the print engine; The processing for cutting the printed sheet of the first standard size into the second standard size is performed by using the processing unit. The printer that is configured to:

2. a print engine capable of printing using toner; a conveying mechanism that conveys a cut sheet of a first standard size in a longitudinal direction of the cut sheet; a processing unit capable of processing the cut paper of the first standard size conveyed by the conveying mechanism to cut the cut paper into a second standard size that is half the size of the first standard size; A printer comprising: The combination of the first standard size and the second standard size includes at least one of a combination in which the first standard size is A4 and the second standard size is A5, and a combination in which the first standard size is letter and the second standard size is half letter; When print data is acquired, generating raster data indicating an image having a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, the raster data being for printing such that, when a sheet of the first standard size is cut into the second standard size, an image based on the print data is arranged on the sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting; The generated raster data is divided and stored in a plurality of discontinuous memory areas; performing printing based on the raster data representing an image having a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, stored in the plurality of discontinuous memory areas, on a sheet of the first standard size, using the print engine; The processing for cutting the printed sheet of the first standard size into the second standard size is performed by using the processing unit. The printer that is configured to:

3. 3. The printer according to claim 1, When the print data of one page of the second standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that an image based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting and the other sheet is blank; The printer that is configured to:

4. 3. The printer according to claim 1, When the print data of two pages of the second standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that an image of a first page based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and an image of a second page is placed on the other sheet; The printer that is configured to:

5. 5. The printer according to claim 4, When the print data of two pages of the second standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that an image of a first page based on the print data is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting and an image of a second page is placed on the other sheet, the raster data including a blank area where no toner is applied between the image of the first page and the image of the second page; The printer that is configured to:

6. 3. The printer according to claim 1, When the print data of one page of the first standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of the print data having a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that a reduced image obtained by reducing the image of the print data to the second standard size is placed on one of the two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is blank; The printer that is configured to:

7. 7. The printer according to claim 6, A setting as to whether or not to reduce the image of the first standard size to the image of the second standard size is acceptable; When the setting for reducing the image of the first standard size to the image of the second standard size is accepted and the print data of one page of the first standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of the size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that a reduced image obtained by reducing an image of the print data to the second standard size is placed on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and the other sheet is blank; When the setting of not reducing the image of the first standard size to the image of the second standard size is accepted and the print data of one page of the first standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing the image based on the print data so as to be arranged on a sheet of the first standard size; The printer that is configured to:

8. 3. The printer according to claim 1, When the print data of two pages of the first standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that a first reduced image obtained by reducing an image of a first page based on the print data to the second standard size is arranged on one of the two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting, and a second reduced image obtained by reducing an image of a second page based on the print data to the second standard size is arranged on the other sheet; The printer that is configured to:

9. 9. The printer according to claim 8, When the print data of two pages of the first standard size is acquired, generating the raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, for printing such that the first reduced image based on the print data is arranged on one of two sheets of the second standard size generated by the cutting and the second reduced image is arranged on the other sheet, the raster data having a margin area where no toner is applied between the first reduced image and the second reduced image; The printer that is configured to:

10. 3. The printer according to claim 1, The processing by the processing unit is a processing of cutting the sheet transported by the transport mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The printer that is configured to:

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