Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer having a function of performing a cutting process to a sheet, which can generate image data suitable for two-sided printing.SOLUTION: A printer 1 generates raster data showing an image that is printed on a first surface of a sheet of an A4 size and raster data showing an image that is printed on a second surface of the sheet, when performing two-sided printing and cut using a cutter unit 16. Each raster data are used for performing printing so that images based on print data are arranged on cut sheets of an A5 size, when cutting the sheet of an A4 size into the sheets of an A5 size. Further, the printer 1 prints an image on a first surface of the sheet of A4 size using a printing engine 15, on the basis of the generated raster data; re-conveys the sheet having the image printed on the first surface to the printing engine 15; and prints an image on a second surface of the sheet, and cuts the sheet having images printed on two sides thereof, using the cutter unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 cutting processing 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. Since Patent Document 1 does not provide a detailed description of the generation of image data within the printer, there is room for improvement in the generation of image data within the printer, especially for double-sided printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printer made for the purpose of solving this problem is a printer equipped with 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 the 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 the printer obtains print data and, when performing double-sided printing and the processing, outputs first raster data that is raster data indicating an image to be printed on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size and second raster data that is raster data indicating an image to be printed on a second side that is the opposite side of the first side of the sheet. and generating printing data based on the print data, the first raster data and the second raster data being data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size, and being data for printing such that, when the sheet is cut to the second standard size, the image based on the print data is placed on a sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting, the printer is further configured to print on the first side of the sheet of the first standard size based on the generated first raster data using the print engine, re-transport the sheet after printing on the first side to the print engine for printing on the second side of the sheet, print on the second side of the re-transported sheet based on the generated second raster data using the print engine, and perform the processing on the sheet after printing on the first side and the second side to cut it to the second standard size using the processing unit.

[0006] The printer disclosed in this specification generates first raster data and second raster data for printing on both sides of a first standard size sheet, the first raster data and second raster data being raster data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than the second standard size for both sides of the first standard size sheet, so that an image based on the print data is arranged on the sheet of the second standard size after cutting, when processing for double-sided printing and cutting is performed. As a result, an image of the first standard size is printed on both sides of the sheet, the second standard size. Therefore, by subsequently performing processing for cutting by the processing unit, a desired output result is obtained in which the image based on the print data is printed on both sides of the sheet of the second standard size after cutting.

[0007] 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

[0008] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology for generating image data suitable for double-sided printing in a printer having a function for performing processing related to cutting on a sheet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [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 internal configuration of the printer. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a printing process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a long-side cutting printing process. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of left long edge binding and right long edge binding. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a long side cutting and arrangement process. [Figure 7]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for transferring raster data to a memory area. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter bound on the left long edge. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a short-side cutting printing process. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of upper short edge binding and lower short edge binding. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a short side cutting and arrangement process. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter bound on the upper short edge. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of 2-in-1 printing processing. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter bound on the top long edge. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed matter bound on the left short edge. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a long-side 2-in-1 arrangement process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of short side 2in1 arrangement processing. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for transferring raster data to a memory area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a printer will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present embodiment discloses a printer having a cutter that cuts a sheet.

[0011] 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 "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a cutter unit 16, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. The cutter unit 16 is an example of a processing unit.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The memory 12 of the printer 1 of this embodiment stores various programs and various data, including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, a print program 22, and cutting settings 24. 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 program and data 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.

[0014] Note that an example of the memory 12 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 via the communication IF 14, or a memory or HDD provided in a device connected to the printer 1 via the communication IF 14 are also examples of the memory 12.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 include an indicator lamp, various buttons, and a numeric keypad.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The print engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image on a print medium such as a sheet using toner by electrophotography, for example, as shown in Fig. 2. Note that while Fig. 2 illustrates the printer 1 performing monochrome printing, the printer 1 may also have a function for performing color printing. In the following description, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 2, the top and bottom in the figure are the top and bottom directions, and the left and right in the figure are the front and rear directions, with the right being the front.

[0019] 2, the print engine 15 of the printer 1 includes a 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.

[0020] 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0021] The printer 1 has a paper feed tray 31 that stores sheets, a paper discharge tray 32 to which the sheets are discharged, a flap 36, and a plurality of conveying rollers that cooperate to convey the sheets in order to convey the sheets to the print engine 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of conveying rollers include a junction roller 41, a guide roller 42, a paper discharge roller 43, and a paper discharge roller 44, and are driven and controlled by the controller 10. Furthermore, the printer 1 has a plurality of conveying paths for the sheets, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2. The plurality of conveying rollers and the plurality of conveying paths are an example of a conveying mechanism. The printer 1 may have a manual feed port 33 that can accept the insertion of a sheet by a user. The printer 1 may also have an opening (not shown) that opens in a range including a position on an extension line of the traveling direction of the sheet that has passed through the print engine 15.

[0022] The flap 36 is provided at a position downstream of the print engine 15 and upstream of the discharge tray 32 in the sheet transport direction, and is displaced by the controller 10. The flap 36 switches the sheet transport path by being positioned, for example, at either a front position indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 2 or a rear position indicated by a solid line in Fig. 2.

[0023] The printer 1 can perform double-sided printing by controlling the position of the flap 36 and the drive of each transport roller. Specifically, when performing double-sided printing, the printer 1 first prints on the first side of a sheet fed from the paper feed tray 31 using the print engine 15, places the flap 36 in the forward position, and transports the sheet after printing on the first side to the guide roller 42. Furthermore, the printer 1 controls the guide roller 42 to stop the sheet being transported and reverse the transport direction. The guide roller 42 is also called a reversing roller because it also has a role of reversing the transport direction of the sheet. Note that the transport rollers other than the guide roller 42 may not be capable of reverse drive.

[0024] Furthermore, the printer 1 transports the sheet whose transport direction has been reversed from rear to front via a reversing path R3 provided below the print engine 15, and guides it to a junction roller 41 in front of the print engine 15. As a result, the sheet after printing on the first side is retransported to the print engine 15 with the second side, which is the opposite side to the first side, facing upward. The printer 1 then uses the print engine 15 to print on the second side of the retransported sheet, thereby enabling double-sided printing.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 has a cutter unit 16, and the flap 36 is disposed at a forward position, and a sheet that has been printed on one side or both sides and has not yet been discharged can be conveyed to the cutter unit 16 via a guide roller 42. The printer 1 can, for example, convey a sheet to the position of the cutter unit 16, stop the sheet, and move a cutter blade along the sheet to cut the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and divide the sheet into two sheets. The cutter unit 16 may be configured to cut the sheet by moving a blade extending in the width direction of the sheet up and down. Cutting a sheet is an example of processing for cutting. Hereinafter, processing for cutting will be referred to as "cutting".

[0026] The printer 1 of this embodiment has a face-down configuration in which the printed side is discharged facing down. When performing double-sided printing, the printer 1 discharges the sheet so that the first side, which is the side printed first, faces up and the second side, which is the side printed last, faces down. When performing cutting using the cutter unit 16, the printer 1 performs double-sided printing, and then positions the flap 36 at the front position and performs cutting using the cutter unit 16. The printer 1 then discharges the two cut sheets, with the front half in the sheet conveyance direction facing down first to the discharge tray 32 via the discharge rollers 44, and the rear half on top of that with the second side facing down. On the other hand, when cutting using the cutter unit 16 is not performed, the printer 1 performs double-sided printing, positions the flap 36 at the rear position, and discharges the double-sided printed sheet with the second side facing down to the discharge tray 32 via the discharge rollers 43.

[0027] The printer 1 conveys standard-sized cut paper in the longitudinal direction and cuts it perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction with the cutter unit 16, thereby outputting the sheet divided into front and rear halves. The printer 1 conveys, for example, an A4-sized sheet in the longitudinal direction and cuts it at the center position in the longitudinal direction, thereby outputting 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.

[0028] The printer 1 can also convey a letter-sized sheet along its length, cut it at the center of its length, and 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. The process of printing on a letter-sized sheet and cutting it is the same as the process of printing on an A4-sized sheet and cutting it. In this specification, the description of the letter size is omitted, but in the following description, by replacing "A4" with "letter" and "A5" with "half letter," the description will be of the process of printing on a letter-sized sheet, cutting it, and outputting it as two half-letter-sized sheets.

[0029] Next, the operation of the printer 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The following process basically indicates the process of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program. That is, the processes such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "decision", "identification", "acquisition", "reception", and "control" in the following description indicate the process of the CPU 11. The process by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS". In addition, the process 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 process 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] The procedure for 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 the print data to be printed is started. Note that the procedure for acquiring multiple pages of A5-sized print data and performing double-sided printing on an A4-sized sheet will be described below. Note that the printer 1 may acquire the A4-sized print data and reduce it to acquire the A5-sized print data to be printed.

[0033] The printer 1 can receive and acquire print data to be printed, for example, from an external device via the communication IF 14. The printer 1 can also read and acquire print data from a USB memory or the like connected to the printer 1. If the printer 1 is equipped with a scanner, the printer 1 can acquire image data acquired by reading an image of an original with the scanner as 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 print data.

[0034] Furthermore, the printer 1 acquires print settings used for printing. The printer 1 may acquire print settings set in the print data, or may acquire print settings set in the printer 1. The printer 1 may be capable of accepting print settings via, for example, the operation panel 13. The print settings include settings related to cutting and settings for whether or not to perform double-sided printing. When double-sided printing is performed, this may be the case where print settings including double-sided printing are set in the print data received from an external device, or the case where print data is acquired from a USB memory or a scanner in a state where the printer 1 is set to perform double-sided printing. Furthermore, when the print settings accepted via, for example, the operation panel 13 include settings related to cutting, the printer 1 may store a cutting setting 24, which is information indicating "cutting enabled" or "cutting disabled", based on the setting.

[0035] CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image to be printed by rasterizing the acquired print data in a procedure described below. To this end, CPU 11 first prepares a raster area and a memory area in memory 12 for writing the raster data (S101). Instead of reserving the raster area and the memory area in S101, CPU 11 may reserve them at the required timing. Also, the memory area and the raster area may be reserved before acquiring the print data.

[0036] The memory area is an area used to pass the generated raster data to print engine 15, and is an area capable of storing raster data for one surface of the sheet to be printed. For example, when performing double-sided printing on an A4 size sheet, CPU 11 prepares two continuous memory areas large enough to write raster data for one A4 size surface. Specifically, CPU 11 prepares two continuous vertically elongated memory areas 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. Note that the memory areas may or may not include margins.

[0037] The print engine 15 of the printer 1 prints on one side of an A4-sized sheet transported lengthwise, line by line or band by band, from one short side to the other short side, based on one side'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. Note that below, the leading edge of the memory area may be referred to as "top" and the trailing edge as "bottom." The long side of the memory area may be referred to as "vertical" and the short side as "horizontal."

[0038] The raster area is an area for rasterization, and may be an area 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.

[0039] Next, the CPU 11 acquires the binding method and binding margin settings as print settings for double-sided printing (S102). There are four types of binding methods for double-sided printed sheets: left long edge binding, right long edge binding, top short edge binding, and bottom short edge binding. The long side or short side is the long side or short side of the output sheet. The top, bottom, left, and right of the binding method indicate the position of the binding edge relative to the image of the first page. The binding margin is the width of a blank space provided at the binding position in addition to the margin. Note that the following description assumes that print data of a portrait image is acquired. If the print data is a landscape image, the CPU 11 may convert it to a portrait image in advance to generate raster data. For example, the CPU 11 can rotate the landscape image by 90 degrees and handle it as a portrait image.

[0040] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the setting is to cut the printed sheet (S103). The CPU 11 may determine to cut the printed sheet when information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored as the cutting setting 24. The CPU 11 may also determine to cut the printed sheet when information enabling cutting is associated with the print setting of the print data.

[0041] Also, the printer 1 may determine to cut, for example, when A5 size print data is acquired in a state where A4 size sheets are to be printed and information indicating "cutting enabled" is stored in the cutting setting 24. Alternatively, the printer 1 may determine to cut, for example, when A5 size print data is acquired in a state where A4 size sheets are to be printed, regardless of the cutting setting 24. In other words, the cutting setting 24 and settings related to cutting in the print settings may not be necessary. Note that the state where A4 size sheets are to be printed corresponds to, for example, a case where the print settings include information indicating that A4 size sheets are to be printed or information indicating that paper is to be fed from a tray in which A4 size sheets are stored.

[0042] For example, when print data of multiple A5-sized pages is acquired, the printer 1 can print four pages on both sides of an A4-sized sheet by arranging two pages of images on one side of the sheet. When the setting is for cutting, the printer 1 can output two A5-sized sheets with A5-sized images printed on each side by cutting the sheet printed on both sides at its center. On the other hand, when the setting is for not cutting, the printer 1 can output an A4-sized sheet with two pages of A5-sized images printed on each side. The print data acquired with the setting for cutting is an example of first print data, and the print data acquired with the setting for not cutting is an example of second print data.

[0043] If it is determined that the document is to be cut (S103: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the binding setting acquired in S102 is long-side binding or short-side binding (S105). If it is determined that the binding setting is left-side binding or right-side binding, that is, long-side binding (S105: long-side binding), the CPU 11 executes long-side cut printing processing (S111).

[0044] The procedure of the long edge cut printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4. First, CPU 11 acquires print data for four pages (S201). CPU 11 rasterizes the acquired print data for four pages using a raster area to generate raster data for four pages (S202). The print data for four pages is print data to be printed on one A4 size sheet. Note that if the print data is less than four pages, CPU 11 proceeds to S235 instead of executing S201. Note that the processing of S235 will be described later.

[0045] Then, the CPU 11 judges whether the print settings acquired in S102 of the print process include a binding margin setting (S205). If it is judged that a binding margin setting is included (S205: YES), the CPU 11 judges whether the binding direction is left or right (S206). That is, the CPU 11 judges whether left long edge binding or right long edge binding is set. As described above, since the print data is assumed to be a portrait image, the long sides are positioned on the left and right of the image, and the short sides are positioned on the top and bottom of the image.

[0046] If it is determined that the binding is on the left long edge (S206: left), the CPU 11 sets a binding margin of a set size on the left side of the raster data of odd-numbered pages and on the right side of the raster data of even-numbered pages (S207). That is, the CPU 11 generates raster data including a binding margin, instead of shifting the print position of the image. To achieve this, the CPU 11 may generate raster data including a binding margin by adding raster data indicating a binding margin, such as white data, to raster data based on print data. Furthermore, when generating raster data based on print data, the CPU 11 may also generate raster data including a binding margin by including data indicating a binding margin.

[0047] The left long edge binding is a setting in which, for example, odd-numbered pages are bound by aligning their left long edges, as shown in FIG. 5A, to produce a left-opening booklet-like printed matter. In the case of left long edge binding with the cut setting, the printer 1 provides a binding margin on the left long edge of the image of the odd-numbered page and on the right long edge of the image of the even-numbered page, which is the reverse side of the odd-numbered page. FIG. 5 shows a state in which two sheets, which have been cut after printing four pages, are bound by long edge binding, and each number in the figure is an example indicating a page. As will be described later, the printer 1 prints an image based on the raster data of the first page and an image based on the raster data of the second page on both sides of the upper half of the sheet before cutting, and prints an image based on the raster data of the third page and an image based on the raster data of the fourth page on both sides of the lower half of the sheet before cutting.

[0048] Specifically, when left long edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the left side of the image represented by the print data as raster data for odd-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the left side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data to the right. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the left side of an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine a method of generating a binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, on the right side of the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the left side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image to the right without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0049] Furthermore, when left long edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the right side of the image represented by the print data as raster data for even-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data to the left. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may determine the method of generating the binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, on the left side of the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the right side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image to the left without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0050] If it is determined that right long edge binding is required (S206: right), the CPU 11 sets a binding margin of a set size on the right side of the raster data of odd-numbered pages and on the left side of the raster data of even-numbered pages (S208). Right long edge binding is a setting that, for example, as shown in Fig. 5(B), aligns the right long edges of odd-numbered pages and binds them to produce a right-opening booklet-like printout. In the case of right long edge binding with cutting setting, the printer 1 sets a binding margin on the right long edge of the image of the odd-numbered page and the left long edge of the image of the even-numbered page, which is the back side of the image.

[0051] Specifically, when right long edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the right side of the image represented by the print data as raster data for odd-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data to the left. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin on the right side of an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine a method of generating a binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, on the left side of the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin on the right side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image to the left without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0052] Furthermore, when right long edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided on the left side of the image represented by the print data as raster data for even-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided on the left side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data to the right. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided on the left side of an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may determine the method of generating the binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, on the right side of the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided on the left side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image to the right without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0053] After S207 or S208, or when it is determined that the binding margin setting is not included (S205: NO), the CPU 11 executes the long side cut arrangement process (S211). The long side cut arrangement process is a process for writing the generated raster data to a memory area so that the arrangement is suitable for the long side binding with cutting. The procedure of the long side cut arrangement process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] In the long edge cut arrangement process, CPU 11 reserves a memory area for two A4 size pages (S301). The first of the two pages is a memory area for the first page, which is printed first by print engine 15 in a later procedure, and the second page is a memory area for the opposite side to the first page, which is printed after the first page has been printed. If the memory area has already been reserved, CPU 11 skips S301.

[0055] Then, CPU 11 rotates the raster data for the second page of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the long edge cut printing process (FIG. 4) by 90 degrees to the left and writes it from the top of the memory area for the first side (S311). Note that in the process of S311, it is sufficient that the raster data is written to an area of ​​the memory area corresponding to the top half of the first side so that the image based on the print data is printed in the top half of the sheet before cutting, rotated 90 degrees to the left with respect to the long edge direction of the sheet before cutting. Here, for the sake of convenience, it is described that the generated raster data is rotated and written.

[0056] In step S311, the raster data for the second page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the first side, with the top of the image facing left, as shown in Fig. 6(A). If a binding margin is provided in step S207 or S208 of the long edge cut printing process, the raster data including the binding margin is rotated and written as the raster data for each page.

[0057] Next, CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the fourth page out of the four pages of raster data generated in the long edge cutting printing process, by 90 degrees to the left, and writes it next to the raster data of the second page in the memory area of ​​the first side (S312). As a result, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the raster data of the fourth page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the first side so that the top of the image is to the left, that is, in the same orientation as the second page. As a result, the memory area of ​​the first side is in a state where the first raster data is written, which is raster data in which the raster data of the second page and the raster data of the fourth page are linked together, and which is raster data indicating the image to be printed on the first side.

[0058] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the long edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the second side (S313). As a result, as shown in Fig. 6(C), the raster data of the first page is written in the upper half of the memory area of ​​the second side with the top of the image facing right.

[0059] Then, CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the third page out of the four pages of raster data generated in the long edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it next to the raster data of the first page in the memory area of ​​the second side (S314). As a result, as shown in Fig. 6(D), the raster data of the third page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the second side so that the top of the image is to the right, that is, in the same orientation as the first page. As a result, the memory area of ​​the second side is in a state where the second raster data is written, which is raster data in which the raster data of the first page and the raster data of the third page are linked and which is raster data indicating the image to be printed on the second side.

[0060] The first raster data and the second raster data may be raster data that indicates an image of a size closer to A4 size than A5 size, and may be data that does not include margins, for example. After S314, the CPU 11 ends the long side cutting arrangement process and returns to the long side cutting printing process of FIG.

[0061] Returning to the explanation of the long-side cut printing process in Fig. 4, CPU 11 causes print engine 15 to print a top-to-bottom inverted image based on the memory area for the first side into which the raster data was written in the long-side cut arrangement process in S211 (S221). As described above, the orientation of the image written in the memory area for the first side is a left-to-right inversion of the orientation of the image written in the memory area for the second side. By further inverting this image up-to-down, an image that is top-to-bottom and left-to-right inverted is obtained.

[0062] In S221, the CPU 11, for example, specifies the end address of the memory area and the memory size of the transfer target, and instructs the DMA (short for Direct Memory Access) controller to transfer data to the recording buffer in reverse order. The recording buffer is an area used by the print engine 15 and is smaller in size than the memory area. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the DMA controller reads the memory area 28 in which the raster data 281 of the second page and the raster data 282 of the fourth page are written from the end address 28b to the start address 28a in reverse order, and transfers the data to the recording buffer 30. In this way, the process of inverting the generated raster data is not required.

[0063] The print engine 15 reads the raster data transferred to the recording buffer 30 in the forward direction, and prints an image based on the read raster data on an A4 size sheet. As a result, the print engine 15 obtains and prints an image corresponding to the raster data stored in the memory area from the end of the image in the reverse direction. For example, the print engine 15 prints two pages of images on the first side of an A4 size sheet based on the raster data stored in the memory area shown in FIG. 6(B).

[0064] In addition, since the data transfer speed by the DMA controller is faster than the printing speed by the print engine 15, data can be passed to the print engine 15 without interruption by transferring the next data to the recording buffer 30 after it has been read by the print engine 15.

[0065] Next, the CPU 11 inverts the sheet after printing on the first side and transports it again to the print engine 15, and causes the print engine 15 to print an image based on the memory area for the second side into which the raster data was written in the long side cutting and arrangement process of S211 (S222). As described above, the CPU 11 controls the flap 36 and the guide roller 42 (see FIG. 2) to transport the second side again toward the photoconductor drum 51 of the print engine 15. At this time, the sheet after printing on the first side is inverted front to back and transported with the side on which the second page is printed on the first side facing forward. In other words, if the printer 1 prints from the first short side, which is one of the short sides of the sheet, to the second short side, which is the other short side, when printing on the first side, it will print from the second short side to the first short side when printing on the second side.

[0066] Then, CPU 11 designates the top address of the memory area for the second side and the memory size of the transfer target, and instructs the DMA controller to transfer in normal order to the recording buffer. As a result, print engine 15 prints two pages of images, as shown in FIG. 6D, on the second side of the sheet that has already been printed on the first side, based on the raster data stored in the memory area for the second side.

[0067] In the left long edge binding, as shown in FIG. 8A, a 2-4 image is printed on the first side of an A4 size sheet 60, in which an image based on the print data of the second page and an image based on the print data of the fourth page are arranged in the same direction, and a 1-3 image is printed on the second side, in which an image based on the print data of the first page and an image based on the print data of the third page are arranged in the same direction. FIG. 8A shows an example in which a binding margin is set for left long edge binding, and binding margins 601 to 604 are provided for the images of each page. The binding margin 601 of the first page and the binding margin 602 of the second page are provided on the upper short side of the sheet 60 at the same position on both sides of the sheet 60. The binding margin 603 of the third page and the binding margin 604 of the fourth page are provided in the center of the sheet 60 at the same position on both sides of the sheet 60. The center of the sheet is the cut position where the cutter unit 16 cuts the sheet in a procedure described later.

[0068] Thereafter, the CPU 11 conveys the sheet printed on both sides toward the cutter unit 16 (see FIG. 2), controls the cutter unit 16 to cut the sheet at the center, and sequentially ejects the two cut sheets (S223). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the upper half 60A of the sheet before cutting becomes the first sheet 61 after cutting. On the sheet 61, an image of the first page and an image of the second page are printed in the same orientation on both sides, and the upper sides of each become the same side edge 611 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 601 and 602 are arranged on the same long side of both sides of the sheet 61. Moreover, the lower half 60B of the sheet before cutting becomes the second sheet 62 after cutting. On the sheet 62, an image of the third page and an image of the fourth page are printed in the same orientation on both sides, and the upper sides of each become the same side edge 621 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 603 and 604 are arranged on the same long sides of both sides of the sheet 62 .

[0069] As described above, printer 1 is configured to perform face-down output, so for example, as shown in Fig. 8(B), two cut A5-sized sheets 61 and 62 are discharged first with the first page facing down, and then sheet 62 is discharged on top of it with the third page facing down. Since the image orientation of each discharged page is consistent, it is possible to obtain the desired output result in which the images are aligned in page order. For example, by binding the printed matter with the binding margin as is, the printed matter becomes a left-opening booklet as shown in Fig. 5(A).

[0070] Then, CPU 11 judges whether or not there is print data for four more pages (S231). If it is judged that there is print data for four pages (S231: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to S201 to obtain print data for the next four pages and performs similar processing. Note that after instructing print engine 15 to print in S221, CPU 11 may execute the processing from S231 onwards in parallel with printing by print engine 15.

[0071] If it is determined that there is not enough print data for four pages (S231: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the processing of all the acquired print data has been completed (S233). If it is determined that the processing has not been completed (S233: NO), that is, if there is print data for less than four pages, the CPU 11 replaces the pages with no print data with blank data (S235) and proceeds to S202 to perform printing including blank pages.

[0072] For example, if there is print data for three pages, after S311 of the long edge cut arrangement process (FIG. 6), CPU 11 writes raster data indicating blank pages in the continuation of the memory area for the first side instead of S312. Alternatively, CPU 11 may skip S312. As a result, in the memory area for the first side, raster data for the second page is written in the upper half, and a blank image is written in the lower half, as shown in FIG. 6(A). Furthermore, CPU 11 writes raster data for the first and third pages in the memory area for the second side (S313, S314), just as in the case where there is print data for four pages. Note that even if a binding margin is set, it is not necessary to provide a binding margin for blank pages.

[0073] Then, the CPU 11 passes the memory area to the print engine 15 to print, in the same way as when there is print data for four pages. The print engine 15 prints a 2-white image on the first side, with an image based on the print data for the second page in the upper half and a blank image in the lower half, and then reverses and conveys the sheet to print images 1-3 on the second side. The printer 1 then cuts the printed sheet. As a result, the desired output result is obtained, with the first and second pages printed on both sides of one side and the third page printed on the other side, based on the print data for three pages. This printed matter is, for example, a blank page on the fourth page of the sheet 62 shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0074] Also, when there is print data for two pages, CPU 11 writes a blank page instead of S312 and S314 of the long edge cut arrangement process, or skips S312 and S314. As a result, in the memory area for the first side, the raster data of the second page is written in the upper half and a blank image is written in the lower half, as shown in Fig. 6(A). Also, in the memory area for the second side, the raster data of the first page is written in the upper half and a blank image is written in the lower half, as shown in Fig. 6(C).

[0075] Then, the CPU 11 passes the memory area to the print engine 15 to print, in the same manner as when there is print data for four pages. The print engine 15 prints a 2-white image on the first side, in which an image based on the print data for the second page is arranged in the upper half and a blank image is arranged in the lower half, and then reverses and conveys the sheet, and prints a 1-white image on the second side, in which an image based on the print data for the first page is arranged in the upper half and a blank image is arranged in the lower half. Furthermore, the printer 1 cuts the printed sheet. As a result, the desired output result is obtained, in which the first and second pages are double-sided printed on one side based on the print data for two pages, and both sides of the other side are blank. This printed matter is, for example, the sheet 62 shown in FIG. 8(B) with both sides blank.

[0076] Also, when there is print data for one page, the CPU 11 writes a blank page instead of steps S311, S312, and S314 of the long edge cut arrangement process, or skips these steps. As a result, a blank image is written to both the upper and lower halves of the memory area for the first side, and the raster data of the first page is written to the upper half of the memory area for the second side, and a blank image is written to the lower half, as shown in FIG. 6C.

[0077] In this case, the memory area for the first side is blank and does not need to be printed. CPU 11 passes the memory area for the second side to print engine 15 and cuts it without inverting and transporting it. Print engine 15 prints a first white image on one side of the sheet, with an image based on the print data for the first page in the upper half and a blank image in the lower half, cuts it, and outputs it. This printed matter is, for example, sheet 62 shown in FIG. 8(B) where both sides are blank and the second page of sheet 61 is a blank page.

[0078] In addition, even if the initial print data acquired in S201 of the long edge cut printing process (see FIG. 4) is less than four pages, the printer 1 similarly prints an image with blank pages added from the beginning. This allows the desired output result to be obtained.

[0079] If it is determined that the processing of all the acquired print data has been completed (S233: YES), the CPU 11 ends the long side cutting printing process and returns to the printing process of Fig. 3. After the long side cutting printing process is completed in S111 of the printing process, the CPU 11 ends the printing process of Fig. 3.

[0080] Returning to the description of the printing process in Fig. 3, if the cut setting is selected (S103: YES) and the binding setting is determined to be short-side binding rather than long-side binding, that is, top short-side binding or bottom short-side binding (S105: short-side binding), the CPU 11 executes short-side cut printing process (S112).

[0081] The procedure of the short side cut printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The short side cut printing process is similar to the long side cut printing process shown in Fig. 4, but the orientation of the raster data and the arrangement of the binding margin are different. In the following, the same steps as those in the long side cut printing process shown in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals and the description will be simplified.

[0082] The CPU 11 acquires print data for four pages (S201) and rasterizes each print data to generate raster data (S202). If it is determined that a binding margin setting is included (S205: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the binding direction is top short edge binding or bottom short edge binding (S401).

[0083] If it is determined that the binding is on the top short edge (S401: top), the CPU 11 provides a binding margin of a set size on the top side of the raster data of odd-numbered pages and on the bottom side of the raster data of even-numbered pages (S402). Note that the CPU 11 may add a binding margin by, for example, shifting the position of the image as a whole, or may add a binding margin by reducing the image.

[0084] Top short edge binding is a setting in which odd-numbered pages are bound by aligning their upper short edges, as shown in Fig. 10(A), to produce a top-opening booklet-like printout. When cutting is set to top short edge binding, the printer 1 provides a binding margin on the upper short edge of the odd-numbered page image and on the lower short edge of the even-numbered page image, which is the reverse side of the odd-numbered page image. Fig. 10 shows two sheets that have been printed and cut for four pages and then bound with top short edge binding or bottom short edge binding, and each number in the figure is an example showing a page.

[0085] Specifically, when top short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided at the top of the image represented by the print data as raster data for odd-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided at the top of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data downward. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided at the top of an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine a method of generating a binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, at the bottom of the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided at the top of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image downward without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0086] Furthermore, when top short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided below the image represented by the print data as raster data for even-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided below the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data to the upper side. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided below an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may determine a method of generating a binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, above the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided below the image by shifting the drawing position of the image to the upper side without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0087] If it is determined that bottom short edge binding is required (S401: bottom), the CPU 11 provides a binding margin of a set size below the raster data of odd-numbered pages and above the raster data of even-numbered pages (S403). Bottom short edge binding is a setting that, for example, as shown in Fig. 10(B), aligns the bottom short edges of odd-numbered pages and binds them to produce a bottom-opening booklet-like printout. In the case of bottom short edge binding with cut settings, the printer 1 provides a binding margin at the bottom short edge of the image of the odd-numbered page and the top short edge of the image of the even-numbered page that is the back side of the odd-numbered page.

[0088] Specifically, when bottom short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided below the image represented by the print data as raster data for odd-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided below the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data to the upper side. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided below an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may also determine a method of generating a binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, above the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided below the image by shifting the drawing position of the image to the upper side without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0089] Furthermore, when bottom short edge binding is set, the CPU 11 generates raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided on the upper side of the image represented by the print data as raster data for even-numbered pages. The CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided on the upper side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image based on the print data downward. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may generate raster data with a binding margin provided on the upper side of an image obtained by reducing an image based on the print data. The CPU 11 may determine the method of generating the binding margin based on, for example, whether or not there is a margin of a predetermined width, for example, a margin larger than the width of the binding margin, on the lower side of the image based on the print data. For example, the CPU 11 may generate raster data representing an image with a binding margin provided on the upper side of the image by shifting the drawing position of the image downward without reducing the image based on the print data when there is a margin of a predetermined width, or by reducing the image based on the print data when there is no margin of a predetermined width.

[0090] After S402 or S403, or when it is determined that the binding margin setting is not included (S205: NO), the CPU 11 executes short side cut arrangement processing (S411). The short side cut arrangement processing is processing for writing the generated raster data to a memory area so that the arrangement is suitable for the case where the short side is bound and cut is performed. The procedure of the short side cut arrangement processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0091] In the short side cutting and layout process, the CPU 11 reserves a memory area for two A4 pages (S501). S501 is the same process as S301 in the long side cutting and layout process. If the memory area has already been reserved, the CPU 11 skips S501.

[0092] Then, CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the second page out of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the short edge cut printing process (FIG. 9) by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the first side (S511). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the raster data of the second page is written in the upper half of the memory area of ​​the first side with the top of the image facing right. Note that if a binding margin is provided in S402 or S403 of the short edge cut printing process, the raster data including the binding margin is rotated and written as the raster data of each page.

[0093] Next, CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the fourth page out of the four pages of raster data generated in the short edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it next to the raster data of the second page in the memory area of ​​the first side (S512). As a result, as shown in Fig. 11(B), the raster data of the fourth page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the first side so that the top of the image is to the right, that is, in the same orientation as the second page. As a result, the memory area of ​​the first side is in a state where the first raster data is written, which is raster data in which the raster data of the second page and the raster data of the fourth page are linked and which is raster data indicating the image to be printed on the first side.

[0094] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the short edge cutting printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the second side (S513). As a result, as shown in Fig. 11(C), the raster data of the first page is written in the upper half of the memory area of ​​the second side with the top of the image facing right.

[0095] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the third page of the four pages of raster data generated in the short-side cutting printing process by 90° to the right and writes it next to the raster data of the first page in the memory area of ​​the second side (S514). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(D), the raster data of the third page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the second side so that the top of the image is to the right, that is, in the same orientation as the first page. As a result, the memory area of ​​the second side is in a state where the second raster data, which is raster data in which the raster data of the first page and the raster data of the third page are linked and which is raster data indicating the image to be printed on the second side, is written. After S514, the CPU 11 ends the short-side cutting arrangement process and returns to the short-side cutting printing process.

[0096] Returning to the description of the short-side cut printing process in Fig. 9, CPU 11 causes print engine 15 to print an upside-down image based on the memory area for the first side into which the raster data was written in the short-side cut layout process in S411 (S221). Furthermore, CPU 11 inverts the sheet after printing on the first side, transports it again to print engine 15, and causes print engine 15 to print based on the memory area for the second side (S222).

[0097] In top short edge binding, as shown in Fig. 12(A), an A4 size sheet 70 has a 2-4 image printed on the first side, in which an image based on the print data for the second page and an image based on the print data for the fourth page are arranged in the same direction, and a 1-3 image printed on the second side, in which an image based on the print data for the first page and an image based on the print data for the third page are arranged in the same direction. Fig. 12(A) shows an example in which a binding margin is set for top short edge binding, and binding margins 701-704 are provided for the images of each page. The binding margin 701 for the first page and the binding margin 703 for the third page are provided on the long side on the right side of the second side of the sheet 70, and the binding margin 702 for the second page and the binding margin 704 for the fourth page are provided on the same long side of the first side.

[0098] Thereafter, the CPU 11 cuts the sheet printed on both sides by the cutter unit 16 (see FIG. 2), and sequentially discharges the two cut sheets (S223). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the upper half 70A of the sheet before cutting becomes the first cut sheet 71. On the sheet 71, an image of the first page and an image of the second page are printed in opposite directions, and the lower side of the first page and the upper side of the second page are the same side 711 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 701 and 702 are arranged on the same short side of both sides of the sheet 71. Furthermore, the lower half 70B of the sheet before cutting becomes the second cut sheet 72. On the sheet 72, an image of the third page and an image of the fourth page are printed in opposite directions, and the lower side of the third page and the upper side of the fourth page are the same side 721 of the sheet. Furthermore, binding margins 703 and 704 are arranged on the same short sides of both sides of sheet 72. Then, sheet 72 is discharged on top of sheet 71.

[0099] If print data remains, CPU 11 prints it in the same manner. If there is print data that is less than four pages, the process is the same as in the case of long edge binding. If it is determined that the process of all acquired print data has been completed (S233: YES), CPU 11 ends the short edge cut printing process and returns to the print process of Fig. 3. After the short edge cut printing process is completed in S112 of the print process, CPU 11 ends the print process of Fig. 3.

[0100] As described above, whether long edge binding or short edge binding is set, the desired output result can be obtained according to the binding direction setting and binding margin setting.

[0101] Although the CPU 11 transfers the memory area of ​​the first side rasterized in forward order in reverse order in S221 of the long-side cutting printing process (FIG. 4) or short-side cutting printing process (FIG. 9), it may also be possible to rasterize an inverted image in advance, write it to the memory area, and transfer it in forward order. Specifically, the CPU 11 may rotate the raster data of the fourth page 90° to the right and write it from the beginning of the first page in the memory area of ​​the first side, and subsequently rotate the raster data of the second page 90° to the right and write it. In this way, the raster data of the inverted image is stored in advance in the memory area.

[0102] In this case, CPU 11 instructs the DMA controller to transfer data from the memory area to the recording buffer in forward order. Print engine 15 retrieves and prints the inverted image corresponding to the raster data stored in the memory area in forward order from the top. In this way, the desired output result can be obtained in the same way.

[0103] Also, the printer 1 may execute at least one of a method of rasterizing in forward order and transferring in reverse order and a method of rasterizing in reverse order and transferring in forward order, but may execute both methods and switch between the methods depending on conditions. Also, for example, when the printer 1 acquires print data from an external device equipped with a printer driver, the printer 1 may acquire print data in reverse order by the printer driver. When the printer 1 acquires print data in reverse order in advance, the printer 1 may rasterize in forward order and transfer in forward order. On the other hand, when the printer 1 acquires print data via a print program standard in the OS or when the printer 1 acquires print data from a USB memory or a scanner, the printer 1 may execute a method of rasterizing in forward order and transferring in reverse order, or a method of rasterizing in reverse order and transferring in forward order.

[0104] Next, a case where the cutting setting is not performed will be described. When print data showing four pages of A5 size images is acquired with the setting of not cutting, and is printed on both sides of an A4 size sheet, the printer 1 can perform 2-in-1 printing. 2-in-1 printing is a setting for printing two pages of images side by side on one side of a sheet. When the setting is both double-sided and 2-in-1 printing, the printer 1 prints, for example, two consecutive pages of A5 size images side by side on both sides of an A4 size sheet, and discharges the paper without cutting it.

[0105] For this reason, when the CPU 11 determines in S103 of the printing process in Fig. 3 that the cutting setting is not set (S103: NO), it executes 2in1 printing process (S121). The procedure of the 2in1 printing process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. The 2in1 printing process is similar to the long side cut printing process in Fig. 4 and the short side cut printing process in Fig. 9. The same steps as the long side cut printing process shown in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will be simplified.

[0106] The CPU 11 acquires print data for four pages (S201) and rasterizes each print data to generate raster data (S202). Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether the binding method is set to long edge binding or short edge binding (S601). If cutting is not required, the binding edge is set to one of the edges of the A4 size sheet.

[0107] Long edge binding without cutting is a binding method in which the binding edge is the top or bottom edge of an A5 size portrait image, and the long edge of an A4 size sheet. For example, top long edge binding is a setting in which the top long edge of the side containing page 1 and the top long edge of the side containing page 5 are aligned and bound, as shown in Fig. 14(A), to produce a top-opening booklet-like printed matter. Fig. 14(A) shows two sheets 80 and 81, each with four pages printed, bound with top long edge binding, and each number in the figure is an example showing a page.

[0108] Short edge binding without cutting is a binding method in which the binding edge is the left or right edge of an A5 size portrait image, or the short edge of an A4 size sheet. For example, left short edge binding is a setting in which the left short edge of the side containing page 1 and the left short edge of the side containing page 5 are aligned and bound to produce a left-opening booklet-like printed matter, as shown in Fig. 15(A). Fig. 15(A) shows two sheets 90 and 91, each with four pages printed on them, bound with left short edge binding, and each number in the figure is an example showing a page.

[0109] Then, when it is determined that the binding setting is top long edge binding or bottom long edge binding, that is, long edge binding (S601: long edge binding), the CPU 11 executes long edge 2in1 arrangement processing (S602).

[0110] The procedure for the long side 2in1 layout process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 16. In the long side 2in1 layout process, the CPU 11 reserves a memory area for two A4 pages (S701). If the memory area has already been reserved, the CPU 11 skips S701.

[0111] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the third page out of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the 2in1 print process (FIG. 13) by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the first side (S711). As a result, as shown in FIG. 16(A), the raster data of the third page is written in the upper half of the memory area of ​​the first side with the top of the image facing right.

[0112] Next, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the fourth page out of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2in1 printing process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it next to the raster data of the third page in the memory area of ​​the first side (S712). As a result, as shown in Fig. 16(B), the raster data of the fourth page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the first side with the top of the image facing right.

[0113] Then, the CPU 11 judges whether or not a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is top long edge binding or bottom long edge binding (S721). If it is judged that the binding direction is top long edge binding and a binding margin setting is included (S721: top), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the left long edge of the memory area for the first side (S722). If it is judged that the binding direction is bottom long edge binding and a binding margin setting is included (S721: bottom), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the right long edge of the memory area for the first side (S723).

[0114] That is, in the case of a setting not to cut, the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the entire memory area of ​​one surface. The CPU 11 may add the binding margin by shifting the image, or may add the binding margin by reducing the image.

[0115] After S722 or S723, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S721: None), the CPU 11 writes data in the memory area for the second side in a similar manner. First, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2in1 printing process 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area for the second side (S731). As a result, as shown in Fig. 16(C), the raster data of the first page is written in the upper half of the memory area for the second side with the top of the image facing right.

[0116] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the second page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2in1 print process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it next to the raster data of the first page in the memory area of ​​the second side (S732). As a result, as shown in Fig. 16(D), the raster data of the second page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the second side with the top of the image facing right.

[0117] Then, the CPU 11 judges whether or not a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is top long edge binding or bottom long edge binding (S741). S741 is the same judgment as S721.

[0118] If it is determined that the binding is on the top long edge and that a binding margin setting is included (S741: Top), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the right long edge of the memory area for the second side (S742).If it is determined that the binding is on the bottom long edge and that a binding margin setting is included (S741: Bottom), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the left long edge of the memory area for the second side (S743).

[0119] As a result, the memory area for two sides of A4 size is completed, with two pages of raster data written in each. After S742 or S743, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S741: None), the CPU 11 ends the long side 2in1 arrangement process and returns to the 2in1 print process.

[0120] Returning to the description of the 2-in-1 print process in Fig. 13, if it is determined that the binding setting is not long-side binding but left short-side binding or right short-side binding, i.e., short-side binding (S601: short-side binding), the CPU 11 executes short-side 2-in-1 arrangement processing (S603).

[0121] The procedure for the short side 2in1 layout process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. In the short side 2in1 layout process, the CPU 11 reserves a memory area for two A4 pages (S801). If the memory area has already been reserved, the CPU 11 skips S801.

[0122] Then, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the fourth page out of the four pages of raster data generated in S202 of the 2in1 print process (FIG. 13) by 90 degrees to the left and writes it from the top of the memory area of ​​the first side (S811). As a result, as shown in FIG. 17(A), the raster data of the fourth page is written in the upper half of the memory area of ​​the first side with the top of the image facing left.

[0123] Next, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the third page out of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2in1 printing process by 90 degrees to the left and writes it next to the raster data of the fourth page in the memory area of ​​the first side (S812). As a result, as shown in Fig. 17(B), the raster data of the third page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the first side with the top of the image facing left.

[0124] Then, the CPU 11 judges whether or not a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is left short edge binding or right short edge binding (S821). If it is judged that the binding direction is left short edge binding and a binding margin setting is included (S821: left), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the upper short edge of the memory area of ​​the first side (S822). If it is judged that the binding direction is right short edge binding and a binding margin setting is included (S821: right), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the lower short edge of the memory area of ​​the first side (S823).

[0125] After S822 or S823, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S821: None), the CPU 11 writes data in the memory area for the second side in a similar manner. First, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the first page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2in1 print process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it from the top of the memory area for the second side (S831). As a result, as shown in Fig. 17(C), the raster data of the first page is written in the upper half of the memory area for the second side with the top of the image facing right.

[0126] Furthermore, the CPU 11 rotates the raster data of the second page of the four pages of raster data generated in the 2in1 print process by 90 degrees to the right and writes it next to the raster data of the first page in the memory area of ​​the second side (S832). As a result, as shown in Fig. 17(D), the raster data of the second page is written in the lower half of the memory area of ​​the second side with the top of the image facing right.

[0127] Then, the CPU 11 judges whether or not a binding margin setting is included, and if so, whether the binding direction is left short edge binding or right short edge binding (S841). S841 is the same judgment as S821. If it is judged that the binding direction is left short edge binding and a binding margin setting is included (S841: left), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the upper short edge of the memory area of ​​the second side (S842). If it is judged that the binding direction is right short edge binding and a binding margin setting is included (S841: right), the CPU 11 adds a binding margin to the lower short edge of the memory area of ​​the second side (S843).

[0128] As a result, memory areas for two A4 sheets, each with two pages of raster data written therein, are completed. After S842 or S843, or if it is determined that no binding margin setting is included (S841: None), the CPU 11 ends the short-side 2-in-1 arrangement process and returns to the 2-in-1 print process.

[0129] Returning to the explanation of the 2-in-1 printing process in Fig. 13, after the long side 2-in-1 arrangement process in S602 or the short side 2-in-1 arrangement process in S603, CPU 11 causes print engine 15 to print an upside-down image based on the memory area for the first side into which the raster data has been written (S221). Furthermore, CPU 11 inverts the sheet after printing on the first side, transports it again to print engine 15, and causes print engine 15 to print based on the memory area for the second side (S222). Then, CPU 11 discharges the sheet as is without cutting it (S611).

[0130] 14B, for example, in the case of top long edge binding, an A4 size sheet 80 has a 3-4 image printed on the first side, in which an image based on the print data for the 3rd page and an image based on the print data for the 4th page are arranged in the same orientation, and a 1-2 image printed on the second side, in which an image based on the print data for the 1st page and an image based on the print data for the 2nd page are arranged in the same orientation. If a binding margin is set, a binding margin 802 is provided on the lower long side of the images of the 3rd and 4th pages on the first side, and a binding margin 801 is provided on the upper long side of the images of the 1st and 2nd pages on the second side. The binding margins 801 and 802 are arranged on the same long side of the sheet 80.

[0131] 15B, in the case of left short edge binding, a 3-4 image, in which an image based on the print data for the 3rd page and an image based on the print data for the 4th page are arranged in the same orientation, is printed on the first side of an A4 size sheet 90, and a 1-2 image, in which an image based on the print data for the 1st page and an image based on the print data for the 2nd page are arranged in the same orientation, is printed on the second side. If a binding margin is set, a binding margin 902 is provided on the short side to the right of the image of the 4th page on the first side, and a binding margin 901 is provided on the short side to the left of the image of the 1st page on the second side. The binding margin 901 and the binding margin 902 are arranged on the same short side of the sheet 90.

[0132] If print data remains, the CPU 11 prints it in the same manner. If there is print data that is less than four pages, blank pages are added and printed, as in the case where the cutting setting is set. If it is determined that processing of all acquired print data has been completed (S233: YES), the CPU 11 ends the 2-in-1 print processing and returns to the print processing of Fig. 3. After completing the 2-in-1 print processing of S121, the CPU 11 ends the print processing of Fig. 3.

[0133] That is, in the case of double-sided printing and 2-in-1 printing, the printer 1 prints the images of each A5-sized page on both sides of an A4-sized sheet in a layout different from that in the case of the cut setting, rather than the cut setting. This allows the desired output result to be obtained even in the case of double-sided printing without cutting.

[0134] Up to this point, we have described a configuration in which a continuous memory area 28 (see FIG. 7) the size of one A4-sized sheet is secured, and raster data is stored in this memory area 28. However, instead of the continuous memory area 28 the size of one A4-sized sheet, the printer 1 may secure multiple memory areas smaller than the memory area 28, and distribute and store the raster data in the multiple memory areas.

[0135] In this case, the CPU 11 may prepare two memory areas 291 and 292 in the memory 12, each capable of storing one A5-sized page of raster data, and store one page of raster data in each of them, as shown in Fig. 18, for example. For example, in S311 of the long-side cut arrangement process (Fig. 6), the CPU 11 may store the raster data of the second page in the memory area 291, and in S312, the raster data of the fourth page in the memory area 292. Note that the multiple memory areas 291 and 292 do not need to be contiguous areas, but it is preferable that the memory areas 291 and 292 in total be capable of storing the raster data of one A4-sized sheet.

[0136] Printer 1 may initially prepare multiple memory areas 291, 292, or may first prepare one memory area 291 and then prepare another memory area 292 as necessary. Furthermore, each of the multiple memory areas is not limited to a size capable of storing one A5-sized page of raster data, and may be larger or smaller than that. Furthermore, CPU 11 may store the raster data of the second page in memory area 291 first, or the raster data of the fourth page in memory area 292 first, or may store them in parallel.

[0137] Then, in S221 of the long edge cut printing process (FIG. 4), the CPU 11 transfers the memory areas 291 and 292 in reverse order. Specifically, the CPU 11 designates the memory areas 291 and 292 and instructs the DMA controller to transfer them to the recording buffer 30 in reverse order. The DMA controller transfers the raster data of the fourth page to the recording buffer 30 in reverse order, for example, from the end address 292b of the memory area 292 in which the raster data of the fourth page has been written to the recording buffer 30 toward the start address 292a, and then transfers the raster data of the second page to the recording buffer 30 in reverse order, from the end address 291b of the memory area 291 in which the raster data of the second page has been written to the start address 291a. Even in this way, the print engine 15 can print based on the raster data on the first side of an A4 size sheet by reading the recording buffer 30 in the forward direction.

[0138] In this way, printer 1 does not need to secure a continuous memory area 28 capable of storing the raster data of an image for one surface of a sheet, and the memory load is reduced. On the other hand, if a continuous memory area 28 capable of storing the raster data of an image for one surface of a sheet is prepared, CPU 11 only needs to instruct the DMA controller to transfer the data to recording buffer 30 once. This simplifies the process of transferring the data to recording buffer 30. Also, it becomes easier to rotate and compress an image for one surface of a sheet.

[0139] Furthermore, when using the memory areas 291, 292 each for one A5 page, the printer 1 may prepare a separate memory area for indicating blank pages in advance. Then, for example, when printing an image of less than four pages, the CPU 11 may specify the memory area for indicating the blank pages and instruct the DMA controller to transfer the data to the recording buffer 30, instead of generating raster data including the blank pages.

[0140] Up to this point, an example of a face-down printer 1 that discharges the printed side facing down has been described, but the technology of this embodiment can also be applied to a face-up printer. In the case of a face-up printer, the first and second sides can be printed in reverse order. The writing procedure of the raster data can be reversed, and the transfer procedure to the recording buffer can be reversed. In other words, a face-up printer first executes printing based on the raster data written in the memory area for the second side in the above description, and then prints the first side. This allows the printer to print the side that includes the first page first, and after printing on both sides, discharge the paper with the side that was printed first facing down, thereby discharging the first page facing down.

[0141] As described above in detail, when performing double-sided printing and cutting, the printer 1 of this embodiment generates raster data for two sides, each of which indicates an A4-sized image for double-sided printing, for the first and second sides, for printing so that an image based on the print data is placed on the A5-sized sheet after cutting. As a result, an A5-sized image is printed on each of the first and second sides of the A4-sized sheet. Furthermore, by subsequently cutting the sheet with the cutter unit 16, a desired output result is obtained in which the image based on the print data is printed on both sides of the A5-sized sheet after cutting.

[0142] 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. The printing method of the printer 1 is not limited to an electrophotographic method, but may be an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a thermal method, etc. The printer 1 may also be equipped with two or more paper feed trays and paper output trays.

[0143] Furthermore, the internal configuration of the printer 1 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, the operation panel 13 has been described as being provided in front of the paper discharge tray 32, but it may be provided behind it. Also, for example, the flap 36, the paper discharge rollers 43, and the transport path from the flap 36 to the paper discharge rollers 43 shown in Fig. 2 may not be necessary. In other words, even when cutting or double-sided printing is not performed, the printer 1 may discharge the paper to the paper discharge tray 32 via the paper discharge rollers 44 without cutting with the cutter unit 16.

[0144] In addition, in the printer 1 of the embodiment, both stopping the sheet for processing by the cutter unit 16 and reversing the sheet transport direction for double-sided printing are performed by the guide roller 42, but they may have separate configurations. Also, for example, the guide roller 42 may be disposed upstream of the flap 36 in the sheet transport direction.

[0145] Also, the image rotation directions described in S311 to S314 of the long side cut arrangement process (FIG. 6) of the embodiment may all be reversed, that is, rotated by 270° instead of 90°. Specifically, the CPU 11 may write raster data in S311 and S312 so that the tops of the images of the second and fourth pages are on the right side, and write raster data in S313 and S314 so that the tops of the images of the first and third pages are on the left side. The same applies to S511 to S514 of the short side cut arrangement process (FIG. 11), S711 to S712 and S731 to S732 of the long side 2in1 arrangement process (FIG. 16), and S811 to S812 and S831 to S832 of the short side 2in1 arrangement process (FIG. 17).

[0146] Also, for example, in each of the long side cut placement processing (Figure 6), short side cut placement processing (Figure 11), long side 2in1 placement processing (Figure 16), and short side 2in1 placement processing (Figure 17), raster data has been described as being written into the memory area of ​​the first side and then written into the memory area of ​​the second side, but the procedures for the first and second sides may be reversed or may be performed in parallel.

[0147] In the embodiment, an example in which an A4-sized sheet is cut and output as two A5-sized sheets has been described, but the printer 1 may be capable of cutting sheets of sizes other than A4 size or cutting sheets into sizes other than A5 size. For example, the printer 1 may cut a letter-sized sheet and output as two half-letter-sized sheets. The processing by the cutter unit 16 is not limited to cutting, and may be, for example, processing to perforate a sheet or processing to fold a sheet.

[0148] Furthermore, in the case of short edge binding without cutting, the printer 1 may be able to accept not only left short edge binding and right short edge binding, but also center short edge binding (so-called booklet binding) settings.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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]

[0151] 1. Printer 15 Printing Engine 16 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; The printer includes: When acquiring print data and performing double-sided printing and the above processing, generating first raster data which is raster data indicating an image to be printed on a first side of a sheet of the first standard size, and second raster data which is raster data indicating an image to be printed on a second side of the sheet, the second side being the opposite side to the first side, wherein the first raster data and the second raster data are data indicating an image of a size closer to the first standard size than to the second standard size, and are data for printing such that, when the sheet is cut to the second standard size, the image based on the print data is arranged on the sheet of the second standard size generated by the cutting; The printer further comprises: performing printing based on the generated first raster data on the first side of the sheet of the first standard size using the print engine; re-transporting the sheet, on which printing has been performed on the first side, to the print engine for printing on the second side of the sheet, and performing printing on the second side of the re-transported sheet based on the generated second raster data using the print engine; The processing for cutting the sheet having been printed on the first side and the second side into the second standard size is performed using the processing unit. The printer that is configured to:

2. 2. The printer according to claim 1, The printer includes: The generated raster data for one surface of the first standard size sheet is stored in a continuous memory area; The printer further comprises: 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 and which is stored in the continuous memory area, on a sheet of the first standard size by using the print engine; The printer that is configured to:

3. 2. The printer according to claim 1, The printer includes: The generated raster data for one surface of the first standard size sheet is divided and stored in a plurality of discontinuous memory areas; The printer further comprises: 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 and which is stored in the plurality of discontinuous memory areas, on a sheet of the first standard size by using the print engine; The printer that is configured to:

4. 2. The printer according to claim 1, The printer includes: When the print data for four pages is acquired, generating, as one of the first raster data and the second raster data, raster data in which an image based on the print data of a second page and an image based on the print data of a fourth page are arranged; generating, as the other raster data of the first raster data and the second raster data, raster data in which an image based on the print data of a first page and an image based on the print data of a third page are arranged; The printer that is configured to:

5. 5. The printer according to claim 4, The printer includes: When the print data for four pages is acquired, generating the first raster data and the second raster data so that the image of the first page is arranged on the back side of the image of the second page that is arranged on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size, and the image of the third page is arranged on the back side of the image of the fourth page that is arranged on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size; The printer that is configured to:

6. 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; The printer includes: When acquiring four pages of print data and performing double-sided printing and the above processing, using the print engine to print one of a 2·4 image in which an image based on the print data for a second page and an image based on the print data for a fourth page are arranged, and a 1·3 image in which an image based on the print data for a first page and an image based on the print data for a third page are arranged, on a first side of the sheet of the first standard size; The sheet on which the printing on the first side has been performed is re-transported to the print engine for printing on a second side, which is the opposite side of the first side of the sheet, and the other of the 2.4 image and the 1.3 image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine; The processing for cutting the sheet having been printed on the first side and the second side into the second standard size is performed using the processing unit. The printer that is configured to:

7. 7. The printer according to claim 6, The printer includes: When the print data for four pages is acquired, printing the 2.4 image and the 1.3 image using the print engine so that the image of the 1st page is arranged on the back side of the image of the 2nd page that is arranged on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size, and the image of the 3rd page is arranged on the back side of the image of the 4th page that is arranged on the sheet after being cut to the second standard size; The printer that is configured to:

8. 8. The printer according to claim 7, The printer includes: The processed sheet is discharged with the second surface facing down, and the processing is a process of cutting the sheet of the first standard size and dividing it into two sheets of the second standard size; The printer further comprises: printing an image of each page on the sheet of the first standard size such that the sheet of the second standard size, on which the image of the first page is printed on the second surface and the image of the second page is printed on the first surface, is discharged prior to the sheet of the second standard size, on which the image of the third page is printed on the second surface and the image of the fourth page is printed on the first surface; The printer that is configured to:

9. 8. The printer according to claim 7, The printer includes: The processed sheet is discharged with the second side facing up, and the processing is a process of cutting the sheet of the first standard size and dividing it into two sheets of the second standard size; The printer further comprises: printing an image of each page on the sheet of the first standard size such that the sheet of the second standard size, on which the image of the first page is printed on the first surface and the image of the second page is printed on the second surface, is discharged prior to the sheet of the second standard size, on which the image of the third page is printed on the first surface and the image of the fourth page is printed on the second surface; The printer that is configured to:

10. 8. The printer according to claim 7, The printer includes: Printing is performed on the first surface from a first short side of the sheet of the first standard size toward a second short side opposite the first short side, and printing is performed on the second surface from the second short side of the sheet of the first standard size toward the first short side; The printer further comprises: The print engine obtains an inverted image obtained by inverting the image to be printed on the first surface of the 2.4 image and the 1.3 image vertically and horizontally from the top of the inverted image in a forward direction and prints the inverted image. The printer that is configured to:

11. 8. The printer according to claim 7, The printer includes: Printing is performed on the first surface from a first short side of the sheet of the first standard size toward a second short side opposite the first short side, and printing is performed on the second surface from the second short side of the sheet of the first standard size toward the first short side; The printer further comprises: The print engine retrieves the images to be printed on the first side of the 2.4 image and the 1.3 image in a reverse direction from the end of the images and prints them. The printer that is configured to:

12. 8. The printer according to claim 7, The printer includes: When acquiring print data for three pages and performing double-sided printing and the above processing, using the print engine to print one of a 2.white image in which the image based on the print data for a second page is arranged on one half and a blank image is arranged on the other half of the first surface of the sheet of the first standard size, and the 1.3 image; the sheet on which the printing on the first side has been performed is re-transported to the print engine in order to print on the second side of the sheet, and the other of the 2.white image and the 1.3 image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet by using the print engine; The printer that is configured to:

13. 8. The printer according to claim 7, The printer includes: When acquiring two pages of print data and performing double-sided printing and the above processing, using the print engine to print one of a 2-white image in which the image based on the print data for a second page is arranged on one half and a blank image is arranged on the other half, and a 1-white image in which the image based on the print data for a first page is arranged on one half and a blank image is arranged on the other half, on the first surface of the sheet of the first standard size; the sheet, on which the printing on the first side has been performed, is re-transported to the print engine in order to print on the second side of the sheet, and the other of the 2·white image and the 1·white image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet by using the print engine; The printer that is configured to:

14. 7. The printer according to claim 6, The printer includes: When the first print data, which is print data for four pages, is acquired and double-sided printing and the above-mentioned processing are performed, using the print engine to print one of the 2·4 image, in which an image based on the first print data for a second page and an image based on the first print data for a fourth page are arranged, and the 1·3 image, in which an image based on the first print data for a first page and an image based on the first print data for a third page are arranged, on a first side of the sheet of the first regular size; The sheet on which the printing on the first side has been performed is re-transported to the print engine for printing on a second side of the sheet, which is the opposite side to the first side, and the other of the 2.4 image and the 1.3 image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine; The processing unit is used to cut the sheet having the first surface and the second surface printed into the second standard size, while The printer includes: When the second print data, which is print data for four pages, is acquired and double-sided printing and 2-in-1 printing are performed, using the print engine to print one of a 3-4 image in which an image based on the second print data for a third page and an image based on the second print data for a fourth page are arranged, and a 1-2 image in which an image based on the second print data for a first page and an image based on the second print data for a second page are arranged on a first side of the sheet of the first regular size; The sheet on which the printing on the first side has been performed is re-transported to the print engine in order to print on a second side of the sheet, which is the opposite side to the first side of the sheet, and the other of the 3-4 image and the 1-2 image is printed on the second side of the re-transported sheet using the print engine. The printer that is configured to:

Images