Printer, control method of printer, and program

Abstract

To suppress lowering of productivity without degrading printing quality.SOLUTION: A printer performs periodic cleaning processing of a printing mechanism of roll paper. The printer includes: storage means for storing a printing job to be input; and control means for controlling execution of the printing job stored in the storage means within a fixed period. When a plurality of printing jobs are stored within the fixed period, the control means determines a printing job to be preferentially executed on the basis of total printing time required for executing a printing job in which a type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is designated as a type of roll paper to be used among the plurality of printing jobs and residual time until the periodic cleaning processing is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for printing on a roll-shaped recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a printing apparatus that prints on roll paper, which is a roll-shaped recording medium, a cleaning process is periodically executed to maintain good print quality. Regarding the cleaning process, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of executing the cleaning process before printing starts or after printing ends, and when the cumulative printing time, which is the total time required for printing after the previous execution of the cleaning process, reaches a predetermined time or more. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of temporarily stopping printing when the total continuous printing time reaches a predetermined time and then executing the cleaning process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, since the execution of the cleaning process is limited to before printing starts and after printing ends, when the cumulative printing time becomes longer than the predetermined time, it is difficult to appropriately execute the cleaning process after printing ends, and it is difficult to maintain print quality. Further, in the method of Patent Document 2, since printing is forcibly stopped to execute the cleaning process, productivity may decrease due to the occurrence of downtime caused by the execution of the cleaning process.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a technique for suppressing a decrease in productivity without degrading print quality.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a printing apparatus that periodically cleans a printing mechanism for roll paper, and includes a storage means for storing an input printing job, and a control means for controlling the execution of the printing jobs stored in the storage means within a certain period. When a plurality of printing jobs are stored within the certain period, the control means determines the total printing time required when executing a printing job in which the type of roll paper designated as the type of roll paper to be used among the plurality of printing jobs is set in the printing mechanism, and based on the remaining time until the start of the periodic cleaning process, determines the printing job to be preferentially executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity without degrading print quality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims. Not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the technology of the present disclosure, and a plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Each step (step) in the flowchart is denoted by prefixing "S".

[0010] <<Embodiment 1>> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire printing system including an image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 101 is an inkjet printer that forms a recording P' by discharging ink onto a recording medium P from a printing unit 103. The recording medium P is supplied from a paper feeding unit 102 to the image forming apparatus 101, and after the recording P' is formed by the image forming apparatus 101, the recording P' is collected by a paper discharging unit 105. The recording medium P passes through a conveyance path by a roller 106. The image forming apparatus 101 inspects an image acquired by a print image acquisition unit 104 with respect to the recording P'. Note that "recording" includes not only forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also widely forming images, patterns, patterns, etc. on a recording medium regardless of whether they are significant or not. Further, it also includes performing processing on the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested so that it can be visually perceived by a human. In the present embodiment, a roll-shaped paper is assumed as the "recording medium", but it may be cloth, plastic film, or the like. Although there is no particular limitation on the components of the ink, in the present embodiment, a case where ink containing a pigment, water, and a resin as coloring materials is used is assumed.

[0011] (Hardware Configuration of the Controller) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a controller 200 of an image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a storage device 204, a general-purpose interface (I / F) 205, an operation unit 206, a job control unit 207, and an engine control unit 208. These devices are connected via a main bus 209 so that they can transmit and receive data to and from each other. A host device 210 is connected to the controller 200 of the image forming apparatus 101 via the general-purpose I / F 205.

[0012] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a processor that comprehensively controls each part within the image forming apparatus 101. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 202 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. of the CPU 201. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 stores a group of programs executed by the CPU 201. The storage device 204 stores applications executed by the CPU 201, job information used for printing, image data, etc. The general-purpose I / F 205 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a LAN (Local Area Network), etc., and accepts input of job data, etc. via the host device 210. The operation unit 206 is a liquid crystal display corresponding to touch input, etc., which displays the current status and settings, presents various information to the user, and accepts user input such as an instruction to resume printing. The job control unit 207 performs control related to printing, such as analysis of print jobs and determination of print order. The engine control unit 208 controls the printing unit 103. The host device 210 prepares image data, etc. necessary for print jobs processed by the image forming apparatus 101.

[0013] (Function Configuration of Job Control Unit) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the job control unit 207 in the image forming apparatus 101. The job control unit 207 includes a print job analysis unit 301, a print job management unit 302, a print control unit 303, a device information management unit 304, and a print mode control unit 305. The job control unit 207 also communicates with the print engine 306 included in the engine control unit 208 and the user interface 307 on the operation unit 206 via the main bus 209.

[0014] The print job analysis unit 301 receives a print job input from the host device 210, analyzes the received print job, and obtains job information such as the number of copies to be printed, print paper information, and the total number of pages. In this embodiment, the print job input from the host device 210 is composed of a PDF file that is the source of print data and print setting information indicating how to output. Print settings refer to settings related to printing, such as single-sided printing or double-sided printing, print quality such as a neat mode or a standard mode, and paper types such as plain paper or thick paper. Note that the print settings may include settings of parameters corresponding to setting items such as color matching during RIP processing.

[0015] The print job management unit 302 manages the job information obtained by the print job analysis unit 301. The print job management unit 302 also performs RIP (Raster Image Processer) processing on the print data included in the received print job to create bitmap format image data, and estimates the printing time of the print job based on the created image data. The printing time of the print job is the time required for printing based on the print job. The print job management unit 302 also determines the print range and print order using the information held by the print control unit 303 and the device information management unit 304, which will be described later. The determination of the print range and print order will be described with reference to FIG. 7, which will be described later. Note that FIG. 7 shows a subroutine of S601 in the print mode setting process shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later. If printing is possible, the print job management unit 302 requests the print control unit 303 to start printing in the determined print order.

[0016] The printing control unit 303 sets the printing speed for the printing engine 306 and makes a printing request according to the printing order notified from the printing job management unit 302. Further, the printing control unit 303 performs control on the printing engine 306 in either the normal mode or the pre-reading mode based on the mode information of the printing mode control unit 305 described later. Furthermore, the printing control unit 303 communicates with the printing engine 306, manages the cumulative printing time in the printing engine 306, and executes an automatic cleaning process when a specified time is reached. The above cumulative printing time is the total time required for printing after the previous cleaning process was executed. The cumulative printing time is also referred to as the total printing time. The above specified time may be a time preset according to the device configuration, such as 600 seconds or 3000 seconds, or may be an arbitrarily set time. When executing the cleaning process, refer to the cycle of the automatic cleaning process, which is the cycle for automatically performing the cleaning process, held by the device information management unit 304 described later.

[0017] The device information management unit 304 manages the states of the image forming apparatus 101, such as the installed paper, remaining paper amount, and remaining ink amount, and holds device information indicating the states of the image forming apparatus 101, such as the installed paper, remaining paper amount, and remaining ink amount. Further, the device information management unit 304 holds the cycle of the automatic cleaning process. The automatic cleaning process is a process that is periodically executed without inputting a maintenance job. The automatic cleaning process is also referred to as a regular cleaning process. The automatic cleaning process is a maintenance process required for the roll paper printing mechanism, such as wiping a recording head (not shown) and circulating ink, to stabilize the print quality. The printing mode control unit 305 manages modes related to printing control, such as normal printing and cleaning, based on the information of the printing job management unit 302 and the printing control unit 303 respectively. The printing engine 306 executes printing or a cleaning process based on an instruction from the printing control unit 303.

[0018] The user interface 307 displays job information and the like managed by the print job management unit 302. Further, the user interface 307 notifies the print job management unit 302 of user operations such as print start and print stop for the print job. In the present embodiment, although the RIP process is executed by the print job management unit 302, a print job including the RIP-processed data obtained by executing the RIP process in the host device 210 may be received.

[0019] (Job Information) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of job information. The job information is held in the print job management unit 302 in the form of a job list 400. The job list 400 holds information on the print jobs stored within a certain period in the order in which they were input. Note that after being input from the host device 210, a print job for which a print request has been received from the user, printed, and completed is deleted from the job list. The job list 400 is information on each job analyzed and acquired by the print job analysis unit 301, and includes information on items such as a job ID 401, the number of pages 402, the number of copies 403, a paper ID 404, a processing status 405, and a predicted print time 406. The job list 400 is displayed on the user interface 307.

[0020] The job ID 401 is a job identifier issued for each print job by the print job analysis unit 301 each time a print job is input to the job control unit 207.

[0021] The number of pages 402 is the logical number of pages specified in the print job. The number of copies 403 is information indicating how many times the received print job is to be repeatedly used, and is information on the number of copies to be printed. The paper ID 404 is an identifier for specifying the paper to be used when printing the received print job, and is used when acquiring information on the paper such as the paper width and paper type. The number of pages 402, the number of copies 403, and the paper ID 404 are all information acquired by analyzing the input print job.

[0022] The processing status 405 is information indicating the processing status of the received print job, and statuses such as "During RIP", "RIP completed", "Waiting for printing", and "Printing" are set according to the processing status of the print job. Note that "During RIP" indicates the state in which the RIP process is being executed, "RIP completed" indicates the state in which the RIP process has been executed, "Waiting for printing" indicates the state in which the printing process is being waited for, and "Printing" indicates the state in which the printing process is being executed.

[0023] The printing prediction time 406 is an estimated value of the total printing time required for printing when the print job is executed. The printing prediction time 406 is calculated by the print job management unit 302 after the RIP process for all pages of the print job based on the print length of the print job and the conveyance speed of the recording medium during printing. The print length of the print job is calculated by the product of the page length in the printing direction per page, the number of pages 402, and the number of copies 403. The page length in the conveyance direction per page can be obtained during the RIP process. The conveyance speed is obtained from the device information management unit 304 using the information of the paper ID 404. Note that the print length can also be referred to as the print quantity.

[0024] (Printing start control) Using FIG. 5, the printing start control by the print control unit 303 and the print engine 306 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the printing start control. FIG. 5(a) shows the case where the number of pages to be continuously printed is small, such as the job ID "0001" in the job list 400, and FIG. 5(b) shows the case where the number of pages to be continuously printed is large, such as the job ID "0002" in the job list 400. The dashed line indicates the control instruction, and the solid line indicates the actual control. "Print #1" to "Print #5000" in the print control unit 303 each indicate the print instruction for the corresponding page, and "Print #1" to "Print #5000" in the print engine 306 each indicate the printing of the corresponding page.

[0025] Note that when the number of pages to be continuously printed is small, it means the number of pages is less than a preset number of pages, which is the number of data that the printing engine 306 can pre-read, and the trigger for starting printing is a print request end command. When the number of pages to be continuously printed is large, it means the number of pages is more than a preset number of pages, which is the number of data that the printing engine 306 can pre-read, and the trigger for starting printing is a print command.

[0026] The printing start preparation time corresponds to the time from when the printing engine 306 starts printing preparation 502 to when it starts printing the page of "Print #1". Also, in FIG. 5(a), the printing time corresponds to the time from when the printing engine 306 starts printing the page of "Print #1" to when it finishes printing the page of "Print #10". In FIG. 5(b), the printing time corresponds to the time from when the printing engine 306 starts printing the page of "Print #1" to when it finishes printing the page of "Print #5000".

[0027] First, the print control unit 303 issues a print preparation command 501 for operating the printing engine 306 and transmits the issued print preparation command 501 to the printing engine 306. The printing engine 306 receives the print preparation command 501 issued by the print control unit 303 and performs print preparation 502 based on the received print preparation command 501. Print preparation 502 is an operation for stabilizing the device, such as transporting and printing roll paper. When the printing engine 306 completes print preparation 502, it notifies the print control unit 303 to that effect. Next, after the print control unit 303 receives a notification that the print preparation 502 has been completed by the printing engine 306, it issues print commands 503 for the pages to be printed. Then, the print control unit 303 issues a print request end command 504 and transmits the issued print request end command 504 to the printing engine 306. The printing engine 306 receives the print request end command 504 and sequentially executes the printing of the pages requested for printing based on the received print request end command 504. When the printing of the requested pages is completed, the processing of the print job ends.

[0028] Here, the printing start timing in the printing engine 306 will be described. In order to execute efficient continuous printing, the printing engine 306 in the present embodiment starts printing in a state where a certain number of print data is pre-read in advance so that the ejection data does not become empty during printing. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the number of data pages pre-read by the printing engine 306 is 1000 pages.

[0029] When the number of pages to be printed is small, as shown in Fig. 5(a), since there is no printing request to read a certain number, the printing engine 306 starts printing when it receives the printing request end command 504. On the other hand, when the number of pages to be printed is large, as shown in Fig. 5(b), a printing request to read a certain number can be issued. In the present embodiment, since the number of data pages pre-read in advance is 1000 pages, when the printing command 505 for the 1000th page is received, the printing engine 306 determines that there is sufficient pre-read data and starts printing. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printing requests for pages after the 1001st page are added each time one page printing is completed, but the printing requests may be made in units of 10 pages at any timing that the printing engine 306 can process.

[0030] (Printing mode setting process) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for setting the printing mode. The process shown in Fig. 6 is executed by the print job management unit 302 when there is a printing request from the user via the user interface 307.

[0031] In S601, the print job management unit 302 acquires device information indicating the paper ID of the installed paper from the device information management unit 304, and uses the acquired device information to search for the corresponding print job in the job list held by the print job management unit 302 to determine the printing range. That is, the print job management unit 302 tentatively determines the print job to be preferentially executed. The details of the printing range determination process will be described with reference to a figure.

[0032] (Printing range determination process (S601)) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the process (S601) for determining the printing range. By performing the process shown in FIG. 7, the printing range and the printing order are determined.

[0033] In S701, the print job management unit 302 checks, for example, whether there is a print job in the job list in which the installed paper ID indicated by the device information is specified as the type of roll paper to be used, in order from the top priority. That is, the print job management unit 302 checks whether there is a print job in which the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is specified as the type of roll paper to be used. If it is confirmed that the print job does not exist (NO in S701), the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 ends. If it is confirmed that the print job exists (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S702.

[0034] In S702, the print job management unit 302 acquires a print job that specifies a paper ID that matches the installed paper ID from the job list. In S703, the print job management unit 302 checks whether the print job acquired in S702 has been RIP-processed. If it is confirmed that it has not been RIP-processed (NO in S703), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that it has been RIP-processed (YES in S703), the process proceeds to S704. In S704, the print job management unit 302 adds the print job whose processing status is RIP-processed among the print jobs acquired in S702 to the print group N. That is, the print job management unit 302 tentatively determines the print group N that includes a plurality of print jobs to be preferentially executed.

[0035] In S705, the print job management unit 302 checks whether all print jobs in the job list have been searched. That is, the print job management unit 302 searches for print jobs that have not been checked in accordance with S701 for all print jobs existing in the job list. If a confirmation result indicating that the search for all print jobs existing in the job list has not been completed is obtained (NO in S705), the process returns to S701. On the other hand, if a confirmation result indicating that the search for all print jobs existing in the job list has been completed is obtained (YES in S705), the process proceeds to S706.

[0036] In S706, the print job management unit 302 finishes the process of adding corresponding print jobs to the print group N to be processed, and sets the next print group (N + 1) of the print group N as the target for the process of adding print jobs. Thereby, the print range including the print jobs constituting the print group N can be determined. Also, when the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is executed next time, the next print range including the print jobs constituting the print group (N + 1) can be determined. That is, the print job management unit 302 can tentatively determine the print group (N + 1) including a plurality of print jobs to be preferentially executed next to the print group N.

[0037] Therefore, when executing a process based on a print job that designates a paper ID different from the paper ID of the installed paper, the plurality of print jobs can be grouped into one group. Note that the print order is determined according to the job information of each print job in the order in which it is added to the print group. When the process of S706 is completed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 ends. That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, grouping is performed to group a plurality of print jobs that specify a paper ID matching the paper ID of the installed paper and whose processing state is RIP-completed into one.

[0038] Here, taking the case where the paper ID of the installed paper is "001" and there are four print jobs shown in FIG. 4 as an example. In S701, among the job IDs "0001", "0002", "0003", and "0004", it is checked whether there is a job ID that specifies the paper ID "001" that matches the paper ID of the installed paper. A confirmation result is obtained that there is a job ID "0001" that specifies the paper ID "001" that matches the paper ID of the installed paper (YES in S701). In S702, the job ID "0001" is acquired. Then, in S703, it is determined whether the processing status of the job ID "0001" is RIP-completed. Since the processing status of the job ID "0001" is RIP-completed (YES in S703), in S704, the job ID "0001" is added to the print group N.

[0039] Since not all the print jobs in the above job list have been searched (NO in S705), the process returns to S701. Then, in S701, in the above job list excluding the job ID "0001", a confirmation result is obtained that there is a job ID "0002" that specifies the paper ID "001" that matches the paper ID of the installed paper (YES in S701). Then, in S702, the job ID "0002" is acquired. And since the processing status of the job ID "0002" is RIP-completed (YES in S703), in S704, the job ID "0002" is added to the print group N. And when a confirmation result is obtained that the search for all the print jobs that specify the paper ID "001" that matches the paper ID of the installed paper in the above job list is completed (YES in S705), the process proceeds to S706. In S706, the print job management unit 302 ends the print group N in order to determine the next print range and sets the next print group (N + 1) of the print group N.

[0040] Next, taking the case where the paper ID of the installed paper is "002" and there are two print jobs with job IDs "0003" and "0004" shown in Fig. 4 as an example. In S701, it is checked whether there is a job ID that specifies the paper ID "002" which matches the paper ID of the installed paper among the job IDs "0003" and "0004". A confirmation result is obtained that there is a job ID "0003" that specifies the paper ID "002" which matches the paper ID of the installed paper (YES in S701). In S702, the job ID "0003" is acquired. Then, it is determined whether the processing status of the job ID "0003" is RIP-completed. Since the processing status of the job ID "0003" is RIP-completed (YES in S703), in S704, the job ID "0003" is added to the print group (N + 1).

[0041] Since not all the print jobs in the above job list have been searched (NO in S705), the process returns to S701. And in S701, a confirmation result is obtained that there is a job ID "0004" that specifies the paper ID "002" which matches the paper ID of the installed paper in the above job list excluding the job ID "0003" (YES in S701). Then, in S702, the job ID "0004" is acquired. And since the processing status of the job ID "0004" is being RIP-processed and not RIP-completed (NO in S703), the process proceeds to S705. And when a confirmation result is obtained that the search for all the print jobs that specify the paper ID "002" which matches the paper ID of the installed paper in the above job list has been completed (YES in S705), the process proceeds to S706. In S706, the print job management unit 302 ends the print group (N + 1) in order to determine the next print range, and sets the next print group (N + 2) of the print group (N + 1).

[0042] Return to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 6. In S602, the print job management unit 302 checks whether it has been able to determine the print range according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. If a confirmation result is obtained that the print range could not be determined (print range = 0), such as when there is no print job that specifies a paper ID matching the installed paper ID, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends. If a confirmation result is obtained that the print range could be determined (print range ≠ 0) (YES in S602), the process proceeds to S603.

[0043] In S603, the print job management unit 302 obtains the print quantity for the print jobs included in the print range. That is, the print job management unit 302 obtains the print quantity by the print jobs that target the print range determined in S601. In S604, the print job management unit 302 predicts the print time when printing is performed based on all the print jobs included in the print range. That is, the print job management unit 302 predicts the print time required for printing based on all the print jobs that target the print range determined in S601. For the print quantity, the information obtained when calculating the print time of each job is used. For the print time, the print prediction time 406 managed on the job list 400 is used.

[0044] In S605, the print job management unit 302 obtains the remaining paper quantity from the device information held by the device information management unit 304. In S606, the print job management unit 302 obtains the remaining time until cleaning starts. The remaining time until cleaning starts (hereinafter referred to as the CL remaining time) is calculated by the difference between the cycle of the automatic cleaning process held by the device information management unit 304 and the cumulative print time managed by the print control unit 303.

[0045] In S607, the print job management unit 302 compares the print time obtained in S604 with the remaining CL time obtained in S606, and determines whether printing can be completed within the remaining CL time based on the comparison result. If it is determined that all printing is completed within the remaining CL time (NO in S607), the process proceeds to S612. That is, when the total print time required to execute a print job specified as the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism among a plurality of print jobs stored within a certain period is not longer than the remaining CL time, the process proceeds to S612. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing cannot be completed within the remaining CL time (YES in S607), the process proceeds to S608. That is, when the total print time required to execute a print job specified as the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism among a plurality of print jobs stored within a certain period is longer than the remaining CL time, the process proceeds to S608.

[0046] In S608, the print job management unit 302 acquires print jobs that can be completed within the remaining CL time from among all the print jobs included in the print range. That is, the print job management unit 302 acquires print jobs that can be completed within the remaining CL time from among all the print jobs targeted for printing within the print range determined in S601.

[0047] In S609, the print job management unit 302 checks whether a job that can be completed within the remaining CL time is found. If it is confirmed that a job that can be completed within the remaining CL time is found (YES in S609), the process proceeds to S610. If it is confirmed that no printable job is found (NO in S609), the process proceeds to S611.

[0048] In S610, the print job management unit 302 sets the normal restart mode for the print mode control unit 305. That is, the print job management unit 302 sets the normal restart mode for executing a print job that can be completed within the remaining CL time acquired in S608. The reason for setting the normal restart mode is that it is determined that the cleaning process can be executed during the reset print jobs. The details of the setting process for the normal restart mode will be described later with reference to the figures.

[0049] In S611, the print job management unit 302 sets the look-ahead restart mode for the print mode control unit 305. That is, the print job management unit 302 prints up to the pages that can be completed within the remaining CL time and sets the look-ahead restart mode for reading the print job to be executed after the periodic cleaning process during the periodic cleaning process. The reason for setting the look-ahead restart mode is that it is determined that it is necessary to execute the periodic cleaning process during the printing based on the print job being processed, and it is to minimize the downtime caused by the execution of the periodic cleaning process. The details of the setting process for the look-ahead restart mode will be described later with reference to the figures.

[0050] In S612, the print job management unit 302 sets the normal print mode for the print mode control unit 305. That is, the print job management unit 302 sets the normal print mode for executing the print job corresponding to the print range tentatively determined in S601. The reason for setting the normal print mode is that it is determined that the automatic cleaning process can be executed during the print jobs without re-determining the print range. Note that the setting process for the normal print mode is a process of executing the print job corresponding to the print range determined in S601 without executing the periodic cleaning process in the interrupted printing state. The setting process for the normal print mode is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), a process of executing the print process based on the print job during the periodic cleaning process.

[0051] Note that when any of the processes in S610, S611, and S612 is completed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0052] (Automatic cleaning process) FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the automatic cleaning process for each printing mode set according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0053] (Normal restart setting process (S610)) FIG. 8(a) is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the normal restart setting process (S610).

[0054] In S811, the print job management unit 302 re-determines the print range determined in S601 based on the analysis result obtained by analyzing the print jobs that can be completed within the remaining CL time found in S609. That is, the print job management unit 302 determines the print jobs obtained in S608 that can be completed within the remaining CL time as the print jobs to be preferentially executed. In S812, the print job management unit 302 issues a print request for the print jobs included in the print range re-determined in S811 and waits until the printing of all pages is completed. That is, the print job management unit 302 issues a print request for the print jobs targeted for printing within the print range determined in S811 and waits until the printing of all pages is completed. If it is determined that the printing of all pages has not been completed (NO in S812), the process of S812 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing of all pages has been completed (YES in S812), the process proceeds to S813.

[0055] In S813, the print job management unit 302 executes a process of requesting the cleaning process for the print engine 306. Note that when the print engine 306 receives the above request, it executes the cleaning process. In S814, the print job management unit 302 waits until the cleaning process executed by the print engine 306 in response to the request in S813 is completed. If it is determined that the cleaning process has not been completed (NO in S814), the process of S814 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cleaning process has been completed (YES in S814), the process proceeds to S815.

[0056] In S815, the print job management unit 302 acquires the print job group included in the print range before re-determination. In the normal restart mode, since paper replacement, paper replenishment, change of print order, etc. may be performed, the print restart waits for an instruction from the user. When receiving an instruction to restart printing from the user, using the print jobs included in the print range before re-determination acquired in S815, the originally scheduled print jobs are set to be printed preferentially. That is, the print job management unit 302 determines, as the print jobs to be preferentially executed, the print jobs that cannot be completed within the CL remaining time among the print jobs specified by the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism. When the process of S815 is completed, the flowchart shown in Fig. 8(a) ends.

[0057] (Preview Restart Setting Process (S611)) Fig. 8(b) is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the preview restart setting process (S611).

[0058] In S821, the print job management unit 302 determines the pages that can be printed within the CL remaining time. The reason for determining the pages is that the printing based on the print job group with the print range determined in S601 cannot be completed within the CL remaining time, and the print job group needs to be divided into print jobs that can be completed within the CL remaining time.

[0059] In S822, the print job management unit 302 waits until the printing of all pages up to the pages determined in S821 is completed. If it is determined that the printing of all pages up to the pages determined in S821 has not been completed (NO in S822), the process of S822 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing of all pages up to the pages determined in S821 has been completed (YES in S822), the process proceeds to S823.

[0060] In S823, the print job management unit 302 sets the pre-reading resume mode before executing the cleaning process. The pre-reading resume mode is a mode in which print commands 503 excluding the print request end command 504 and the print command 505 that trigger the start of printing in FIG. 5 are issued, and the print engine 306 is made to perform pre-reading of print data. The processing after S823 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 9 described later.

[0061] In S824, the print job management unit 302 executes a process of requesting the print engine 306 to perform a cleaning process. When the print engine 306 receives the above request, it executes the cleaning process.

[0062] In S825, the print job management unit 302 executes a pre-reading request for the data to resume printing after the cleaning process. That is, the print job management unit 302 reads out the pages that cannot be printed within the CL remaining time.

[0063] In S826, the print job management unit 302 waits until the cleaning process executed by the print engine 306 in response to the request of S824 is completed. If it is determined that the cleaning process has not been completed (NO in S826), the process of S826 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cleaning process has been completed (YES in S826), the process proceeds to S827.

[0064] In S827, the print job management unit 302 performs an automatic recovery process after the cleaning process. More specifically, the print job management unit 302 receives a notification of the completion of cleaning, issues a print preparation command 501 for starting the printing described in FIG. 5, and after the completion of print preparation 502, issues a command that triggers the start of printing.

[0065] In S828, the print job management unit 302 checks whether printing has resumed. In this embodiment, after the automatic recovery process (S827), if a print completion notification for the first page is received, it is determined that printing has resumed. If a determination result that printing has not resumed is obtained (NO in S828), the process of S828 is executed again. If a determination result that printing has resumed is obtained (YES in S828), the process proceeds to S829.

[0066] In S829, the print job management unit 302 sets the normal printing mode. That is, the print job management unit 302 changes the printing mode from the pre-reading resume mode to the normal printing mode. When the process of S829 is completed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8(b) ends.

[0067] (Print start control when the pre-reading resume mode is set) The processes after the process (S823) of setting the pre-reading resume mode will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of print start control when the pre-reading resume mode is set. FIG. 9(a) shows the case where the number of pages to be printed after cleaning is small, 10 pages, and FIG. 9(b) shows the case where the number of pages to be printed after cleaning is large, 5000 pages. The dashed line indicates a control instruction, and the solid line indicates actual control. "Print #1" to "Print #5000" in the print control unit 303 indicate print instructions for the corresponding pages, and "Print #1" to "Print #5000" in the print engine 306 indicate printing of the corresponding pages. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of pages of data pre-loaded by the print engine 306 is 1000 pages, the same as in FIG. 5.

[0068] When the number of pages to be printed is small, as shown in Fig. 9(a), after the pre-reading restart mode is set, in S824, the print job management unit 302 issues a cleaning command 901. Then, the print control unit 303 sends the cleaning command 901 issued by the print job management unit 302 to the print engine 306. That is, the print job management unit 302 requests the print engine 306 to execute the cleaning process. In this case, since a print request for reading a certain number of pages cannot be issued, a print request end command 904 is required to start printing. That is, the print engine 306 does not perform printing unless it receives the print request end command 904 issued by the print control unit 303. Therefore, in S825, the print job management unit 302 issues a print command 902 for all pages as a print request and causes the print engine 306 to perform pre-reading of print data. After the cleaning is completed, in S827, the print job management unit 302 performs an automatic recovery process after the cleaning process, which is a process for restarting printing. That is, in S827, first, the print job management unit 302 issues a print preparation command 903 to request print preparation. Then, the print control unit 303 sends the print preparation command 903 issued by the print job management unit 302 to the print engine 306 to cause the print engine 306 to perform print preparation. The print preparation in the print engine 306 is an operation for stabilizing the device, such as transporting and printing the roll paper. Normally, a print request for the page to be printed is made after print preparation, but in the case of the pre-reading restart mode, the print request has already been issued for pre-reading. Therefore, after the print preparation is completed, the print job management unit 302 issues a print request end command 904, which triggers printing, to cause the print engine 306 to start printing.

[0069] On the other hand, when the number of pages to be printed is large, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the control for issuing the printing command 902 as a printing request after issuing the cleaning command 901 is the same as in the case of Fig. 9(a). In this case, since there are enough printed pages after cleaning, the printing engine 306 issues a printing command for requesting printing up to the limit value that can be read in advance. In this embodiment, since the number of data pages that the printing engine 306 reads in advance is set to 1000 pages, a printing command for requesting printing up to 999 pages is issued. After cleaning is completed, printing preparation is performed. That is, the print job management unit 302 issues a printing preparation command 903 to request printing preparation. Then, the print control unit 303 transmits the printing preparation command 903 issued by the print job management unit 302 to the printing engine 306 to cause the printing engine 306 to perform printing preparation. Next, the print job management unit 302 issues a printing command "Print #1000" 905 for requesting printing of the 1000th page, which serves as a trigger for starting printing. After that, the print control unit 303 sequentially issues printing commands in the same manner as in the normal case, and issues printing commands for all the pages within the printing range.

[0070] (Each printing mode) The details of each printing mode will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the printing process and cleaning process of each printing mode. An example of job information in list form is shown in Fig. 10(a). In the job list 1000, information on each of the four printing jobs to be processed is registered. It is assumed that the predicted printing time for each printing job has been calculated. In the job list 1000, information regarding the job ID 1001, the number of pages 1002, the number of copies 1003, the processing status 1005, and the predicted printing time 1006 is registered for each printing job.

[0071] Also, assume that the printing range 1011 has already been determined as the target range for continuous printing. The printing range 1011 includes three print jobs: print job 1021, print job 1022, and print job 1023. Since the paper ID 1004 "002" of the print job 1024 is different from the paper ID 1004 "001" which is the printing target of the print jobs 1021 to 1023, the print job 1024 is not included in the printing range 1011 and is determined as a printing range different from the printing range 1011. Also, assume that the period of the periodic cleaning process (automatic cleaning process) 1032 is 3000 seconds and the printing preparation time 1031 is 10 seconds, which will be described later. Note that since the periodic cleaning process 1032 is automatically executed, it can also be called an automatic cleaning process.

[0072] (When normal printing mode is set) Figure 10(b) is a diagram for explaining the printing process and the cleaning process when the normal printing mode set in S612 (when the normal mode is set). The cumulative printing time 1051 is 0 seconds, indicating the state immediately after startup or immediately after cleaning is completed. In this case, assume that three print jobs, print job 1021, 1022, and 1023, whose printing target is the printing range 1011, are scheduled for continuous printing. The printing time related to the printing range 1011 including the printing preparation time 1031 is 10 + 500 + 2000 + 100 = 2610 seconds. Since the cumulative printing time 1051 is 0 seconds, the CL remaining time 1052 is 3000 seconds. The total printing time of the print jobs whose printing target is the printing range 1011 is 2600 seconds, and since all printing can be completed within the CL remaining time of 3000 seconds, printing is executed as it is. The periodic cleaning process 1032 is executed when the scheduled time arrives.

[0073] (When normal resume mode is set) FIG. 10(c) is a diagram for explaining printing processing and cleaning processing in the normal restart mode setting (during normal restart setting) set in S610. Also in this case, it is assumed that three print jobs 1021, 1022, and 1023 with the same print range 1011 as in FIG. 10(b) are scheduled for continuous printing. Further, the cumulative printing time 1053 is in a state where the preceding processing 1033 such as maintenance has been executed after the completion of the previous cleaning process, and since 490 seconds have elapsed, the remaining CL time is 3000 - 490 = 2510 seconds. The total printing time related to the print range 1011 including the print preparation time 1031 is 2610 seconds, which exceeds the remaining CL time of 2510 seconds. Therefore, the print range is re-determined for the print jobs that can be printed within the remaining CL time of 2510 seconds. In this case, excluding the print job 1023 from the print range 1011, only the print jobs 1021 and 1022 are printed. By re-determining the print range, the total printing time becomes 2510 seconds, and the printing of the print jobs 1021 and 1022 can be completed within the remaining CL time. Then, the regular cleaning process 1032 is executed after the completion of the printing of the print job 1022. Note that the print job 1023 excluded from the print range before re-determination due to the re-determination of the print range is not restarted until there is an instruction from the user to restart printing. If there is an instruction from the user to restart printing, a new print range including the print job 1023 is determined and the processing is performed.

[0074] (During predictive restart mode setting) FIG. 10(d) is a diagram for explaining printing processing and cleaning processing at the time of setting the read-ahead restart mode (at the time of read-ahead restart setting) set in S611. In this case, printing job 1024 is scheduled for printing, and the total printing time by printing job 1024 including the printing preparation time 1031 is 10 + 5000 = 5010 seconds. Since the cumulative printing time 1051 is 0 seconds, the CL remaining time 1052 is 3000 seconds. Since the printing of 10 pages × 500 copies = 5000 pages associated with printing job 1024, which is the printing target, cannot be completed within the CL remaining time, the printing job is divided into a plurality within the range printable within the CL remaining time. Printing job 1024 requires 5000 seconds for printing, and the cleaning process is executed every 3000 seconds. Therefore, in the present embodiment, printing job 1024 is divided into two, printing job 1041 and printing job 1043. Printing job 1041 is a printing job composed of the number of pages printable within the CL remaining time, and the remaining pages are printed as printing job 1043 after the regular cleaning process 1032. At this time, by setting the read-ahead restart mode, the printing data reading 1042 of printing job 1043 is executed in parallel with the regular cleaning process 1032, and the restart preparation after the regular cleaning process 1032 is advanced.

[0075] As described above, in the present embodiment, any one of the normal restart mode, the read-ahead restart mode, and the normal printing mode is set according to the comparison result between the printing time of the printing job determined in the printing range and the CL remaining time. Thereby, a regular cleaning process based on the cycle of the automatic cleaning process can be executed, and the print quality can be maintained. Further, by performing pre-reading of the print data in parallel with the cleaning process, printing can be efficiently restarted after the cleaning process is completed. As a result, the downtime caused by the execution of the automatic cleaning process can be minimized, and a decrease in productivity can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity without degrading the print quality.

[0076] <<Embodiment 2>> In this embodiment, a mode of setting a printing mode for print jobs excluded from the printing range by comparing the predicted printing time and the remaining CL time based on unprinted jobs and the remaining paper quantity will be described. In this embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1. The configuration of the printing system in this embodiment is the same as that of the printing system in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] (Multiple Jobs Resume Setting Process) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the multiple jobs resume setting process when a plurality of print jobs are included within the printing range in this embodiment. The overall control of the printing mode setting according to this embodiment is the same as that in the case of FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is a flowchart executed when a determination result that a print job that can be printed is found in S609 (YES in S609). Therefore, it is assumed that at least one print job that cannot be printed within the remaining CL time, which targets the printing range determined in S601, is included.

[0078] In S1101, the print job management unit 302 acquires jobs that cannot be printed within the remaining CL time among the print jobs that target the printing range determined in S601. In S1102, the print job management unit 302 checks whether there is a sufficient remaining paper quantity to print the printing range determined in S601. That is, the print job management unit 302 determines whether the job acquired in S1101 can be printed without replacing or replenishing the paper after the automatic cleaning process by checking whether the remaining paper quantity is sufficient for the entire printing range determined in S601. When a determination result that the remaining paper quantity is sufficient is obtained (YES in S1102), the process proceeds to S1103.

[0079] In S1103, the print job management unit 302 registers the print job acquired in S1101 as print restart data. In S1104, the print job management unit 302 sets a look-ahead restart mode to automatically restart printing after the automatic cleaning process. Since the operation of setting the look-ahead restart mode in S1104 is the same as that in FIG. 8(b), the description thereof is omitted. Note that the print job registered in S1103 corresponds to the print restart data in S825. When the process of S1104 is completed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 ends.

[0080] On the other hand, when a determination result is obtained that the remaining paper amount is not sufficient (NO in S1102), the process proceeds to S1105. In S1105, the print job management unit 302 acquires the print amount that is not printed among the print ranges determined in S601. This is to determine the process after the automatic cleaning process.

[0081] In S1106, the print job management unit 302 calculates the print amount for each paper ID specified by the RIP-completed print jobs registered in the print job management unit 302 and excluding the print range determined in S601. Note that the total print amount, which is the sum of the print amounts of the currently installed paper IDs, is the sum of the calculation results of S1105 and S1106.

[0082] In S1107, the print job management unit 302 determines whether the paper ID for which the calculated total print amount, which is the sum of the print amounts, is the largest is the paper ID of the currently installed paper. In this embodiment, when paper replenishment or paper replacement is performed, it is assumed that printing is performed by executing the print job with the largest possible print amount. When the total print amount of the print job specified as the paper ID of the paper using the currently installed paper ID at the time of restarting printing is the largest (YES in S1107), the process proceeds to S1108.

[0083] In S1108, the print job management unit 302 notifies that it is necessary to perform installed paper replenishment during regular cleaning. As the above notification, a UI screen is used, but it is not limited to this. As the above notification, sounds such as voice guidance or lamps may be used.

[0084] (Paper replenishment notification screen) FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a paper replenishment notification screen. The paper replenishment notification screen 1210 has a message 1211 indicating that it is necessary to perform paper replenishment during regular cleaning, and a "Replenishment completed" button 1212. The "Replenishment completed" button 1212 is a button for receiving a user operation when the paper replenishment is completed. When pressed, the paper replenishment notification screen 1210 is closed. The paper replenishment notification screen 1210 may be displayed on the user interface 307, or may be displayed on a display device (not shown) of the host device 210. By displaying the paper replenishment notification screen 1210 having the message 1211, the user can be made to prepare for paper replenishment. Thereby, the downtime associated with paper replenishment can be minimized. Note that when a change in the loading weight of paper on the paper feed unit is detected and becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, the paper replenishment notification screen 1210 may be automatically closed.

[0085] In S1109, the print job management unit 302 registers a RIP-completed print job that designates a paper ID to be replenished as print restart data. When the process of S1109 ends, the process proceeds to S1104. Note that in S1104, as described above, the print job management unit 302 sets the pre-reading restart mode.

[0086] On the other hand, when the total print volume of a print job using a paper ID other than the currently installed paper ID is the largest (NO in S1107), the process proceeds to S1110. In S1110, the print job management unit 302 notifies that it is necessary to perform paper replacement during regular cleaning. As the above notification, a UI screen is used, but it is not limited to this. As the above notification, sounds such as voice guidance or lamps may be used.

[0087] (Paper Replacement Notification Screen) FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing a paper replacement notification screen. The paper replacement notification screen 1220 has a message 1221 indicating that it is necessary to replace the paper during regular cleaning, and an "Exchange Completed" button 1222. The "Exchange Completed" button 1222 is a button for receiving a user operation when the paper replacement is completed. When pressed, the paper replacement notification screen 1220 is closed. The paper replacement notification screen 1220 may be displayed on the user interface 307 or on a display device (not shown) of the host device 210. By displaying the paper replacement notification screen 1220 having the message 1221, the user can be made to prepare for paper replacement. Thereby, the downtime associated with paper replacement can be minimized.

[0088] In S1111, the print job management unit 302 sets the normal restart mode. The reason for setting the normal restart mode is that the paper ID after replacement is determined by the user, and it is to obtain data in accordance with the paper ID to be used without waste. The description of the normal restart mode setting in S1111 is omitted because it has the same operation as FIG. 8(a). When the process of S1111 is completed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 ends.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, when the automatic cleaning process is executed between print jobs, printing temporarily stops due to the execution of the automatic cleaning process. During that time, based on the remaining paper amount, etc., it is possible to change the printing order after the cleaning process or notify the user to perform paper replacement or paper replenishment. Thereby, subsequent print jobs can be automatically restarted, and the downtime caused by the execution of the automatic cleaning process can be minimized. Also, by referring to the job list held by the print job management unit 302 for the automatic cleaning process, it is possible to present operations necessary after the automatic cleaning process such as paper replenishment or paper replacement, and the restart after the automatic cleaning process can be made more efficient. That is, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity without degrading print quality.

[0090] (Other Embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In this embodiment, the case where the pre-reading resume mode is enabled when the automatic cleaning process is clear for resuming after cleaning, such as during printing or when there is sufficient paper remaining for continuous printing, has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the pre-reading resume setting may always be enabled so as to prioritize the printing job during printing, and the user may be notified of operations according to the pre-reading resume setting, such as paper replenishment or replacement. Furthermore, an automatic cleaning process may be executed with a delay time in the automatic cleaning cycle so that jobs can be printed continuously as much as possible. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to a system or device via a network or various recording media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device may read and execute the program.

[0091] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the case of acquiring the remaining paper amount has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and it is not necessary to acquire the remaining paper amount.

[0092] In the above-described Embodiment 2, in S605 of FIG. 6, the case of acquiring the remaining paper amount has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the acquisition of the remaining paper amount may be executed immediately after or before the start of the setting process of the multiple job resume mode.

[0093] The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0094] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples. (Configuration 1) A printing apparatus that periodically cleans a printing mechanism for roll paper, Storage means for storing the input printing jobs, Control means for controlling the execution of print jobs stored in the storage means within a certain period of time, and having, wherein the control means, when a plurality of print jobs are stored within the certain period of time, based on the total printing time required when executing a print job in which the type of roll paper specified as the type of roll paper to be used among the plurality of print jobs is set in the printing mechanism, and the remaining time until the start of the periodic cleaning process, determines the print job to be preferentially executed A printing apparatus characterized by the above. (Configuration 2) wherein the control means, when the total printing time is longer than the remaining time and there is a print job that can be completed within the remaining time, determines the print job that can be completed within the remaining time as the print job to be preferentially executed, according to the printing apparatus according to Configuration 1. (Configuration 3) wherein the control means, when the periodic cleaning process is completed after executing the print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, acquires, as the print job to be preferentially executed, the print jobs that cannot be completed within the remaining time among the print jobs in which the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is specified, according to the printing apparatus according to Configuration 2. (Configuration 4) wherein the control means, based on all the print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, if printing is possible on the roll paper set in the printing mechanism without replenishing the roll paper, registers the print jobs that cannot be completed within the remaining time as restart data for the printing to be restarted after the periodic cleaning process is completed A printing apparatus according to Configuration 2 or 3, characterized by the above. (Configuration 5) wherein the control means, when performing the periodic cleaning process after executing all the print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, reads out the restart data A printing apparatus according to Configuration 4, characterized by the above. (Configuration 6) further comprising notification means for notifying information, wherein the notification means, based on all print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, if printing on the roll paper set in the printing mechanism without replenishing the roll paper is not possible and the printing amount of the roll paper set in the printing mechanism is the maximum among the total printing amounts for each type of roll paper specified in the plurality of print jobs, notifies information indicating that it is necessary to replenish the roll paper The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 5, characterized in that. (Configuration 7) wherein the control means, registers the print job in which the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is specified as resume data to be used for the printing resumed after completion of the periodic cleaning process. The printing apparatus according to Configuration 6, characterized in that. (Configuration 8) wherein the control means, reads out the resume data when performing the periodic cleaning process after executing a print job that can be completed within the remaining time. The printing apparatus according to Configuration 7, characterized in that. (Configuration 9) wherein the notification means notifies the information via a UI screen. The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 6 to 8, characterized in that. (Configuration 10) further comprising notification means for notifying information, wherein the notification means, based on all print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, if printing on the roll paper set in the printing mechanism without replenishing the roll paper is not possible and the printing amount of the roll paper set in the printing mechanism is not the maximum among the total printing amounts for each type of roll paper specified in the plurality of print jobs, notifies information indicating that it is necessary to replace the roll paper The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 2 to 9, characterized in that. (Configuration 11) The notification means notifies the information via a UI screen. The printing apparatus according to configuration 10, characterized in that. (Configuration 12) The control means When the total printing time is longer than the remaining time and there is no print job that can be completed within the remaining time, determines the pages that can be completed within the remaining time. The printing apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 11, characterized in that. (Configuration 13) The control means When performing the periodic cleaning process after printing the pages that can be completed within the remaining time, reads the pages that cannot be completed within the remaining time. The printing apparatus according to configuration 12, characterized in that. (Configuration 14) The control means When printing the pages that can be completed within the remaining time, completing the periodic cleaning process, and restarting the printing, executes the print job specified for the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism during the periodic cleaning process. The printing apparatus according to configuration 13, characterized in that. (Configuration 15) The control means controls to start the periodic cleaning process when the remaining time runs out. The printing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, characterized in that. (Configuration 16) The storage means stores by associating the print job, the type of roll paper, the printing time required when executing the print job, and the printing amount when executing the print job. The printing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, characterized in that. (Configuration 17) A control method for a printing apparatus that periodically cleans a roll paper printing mechanism, comprising: A storage step of storing the input print job; A control step for controlling the execution of the print job stored within a certain period in the storage step; having; in the control step; when a plurality of print jobs are stored within the certain period, based on the total printing time required when executing a print job designated as the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism among the plurality of print jobs, and the remaining time until the start of the periodic cleaning process, determine the print job to be preferentially executed A control method for a printing apparatus, characterized by the above. (Configuration 18) A program for causing a computer to function as each step of the control method for a printing apparatus according to Configuration 17.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus for periodically cleaning a printing mechanism of a roll paper, comprising: a storage means for storing the input printing jobs; a control means for controlling the execution of the printing jobs stored in the storage means within a certain period; and having wherein the control means when a plurality of printing jobs are stored within the certain period, based on the total printing time required to execute the printing job specified as the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism among the plurality of printing jobs and the remaining time until the start of the periodic cleaning process, determines the printing job to be preferentially executed; A printing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The control means when the total printing time is longer than the remaining time and there is a printing job that can be completed within the remaining time, determines the printing job that can be completed within the remaining time as the printing job to be preferentially executed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control means when the periodic cleaning process is completed after executing the printing jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, acquires, as the printing job to be preferentially executed, the printing jobs that cannot be completed within the remaining time among the printing jobs specified as the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The control means based on all the printing jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, when printing on the roll paper set in the printing mechanism without replenishing the roll paper is possible, registers the printing jobs that cannot be completed within the remaining time as restart data to be used for the printing restarted after the completion of the periodic cleaning process. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by this.

5. The control means reads the restart data when performing the periodic cleaning process after executing all the printing jobs that can be completed within the remaining time. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by this.

6. further comprising a notification means for notifying information, wherein the notification means Based on all the print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, if printing on the roll paper set in the printing mechanism without replenishing the roll paper is not possible, and the print amount of the roll paper set in the printing mechanism is the maximum among the total print amounts for each type of roll paper specified in the plurality of print jobs, notify information indicating that it is necessary to replenish the roll paper The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that.

7. The control means The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the print job specifying the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is registered as restart data used for the printing to be restarted after the periodic cleaning process is completed.

8. The control means When performing the periodic cleaning process after executing the print job that can be completed within the remaining time, the control means reads out the restart data The printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. The notification means notifies the information via a UI screen The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that.

10. Further comprising a notification means for notifying information The notification means Based on all the print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, if printing on the roll paper set in the printing mechanism without replenishing the roll paper is not possible, and the print amount of the roll paper set in the printing mechanism is not the maximum among the total print amounts for each type of roll paper specified in the plurality of print jobs, notify information indicating that it is necessary to replace the roll paper The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that.

11. The notification means notifies the information via a UI screen The printing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that.

12. The control means If the total printing time is longer than the remaining time and there are no print jobs that can be completed within the remaining time, determine the pages that can be completed within the remaining time The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that.

13. The control means When performing the periodic cleaning process after printing the pages that can be completed within the remaining time, the control means reads out the pages that cannot be completed within the remaining time The printing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that.

14. The control means When printing the pages that can be printed within the remaining time, completing the regular cleaning process, and resuming the printing, when resuming the printing, during the regular cleaning process, execute the print job in which the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is specified. The printing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that.

15. The control means controls to start the regular cleaning process when the remaining time runs out. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

16. The storage means stores the print job, the type of roll paper, the printing time required when executing the print job, and the printing amount when executing the print job in association with each other. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

17. A control method for a printing apparatus that periodically cleans a roll paper printing mechanism, comprising: A storage step of storing the input print job; A control step of controlling the execution of the print job stored within a certain period in the storage step; having In the control step, When a plurality of print jobs are stored within the certain period, based on the total printing time required when executing the print job in which the type of roll paper set in the printing mechanism is specified as the type of roll paper to be used among the plurality of print jobs, and the remaining time until the start of the regular cleaning process, determine the print job to be preferentially executed. A control method for a printing apparatus, characterized in that.

18. A program for causing a computer to function as each step of the control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 17.

Images