Printing device, printing system, and method and program for controlling the printing device

Abstract

To provide a printing device, a printing system, and a method and a program for controlling the printing device, capable of suppressing image omission on roll paper irrespective of the width of the roll paper when printing is carried out on the roll paper.SOLUTION: A printing device 200 comprises: printing means (printing unit 211) for printing an image on printing paper by executing a print job; feeding means (feeding unit 215) for selecting, as the printing paper, cut paper and roll paper so as to be fed to the printing means; and selection means (first confirmation dialogue 601) capable of executing a selection operation for selecting one of execution of the print job and execution stop of the print job when the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used for executing the print job is larger than that of the roll paper selected by the feeding means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing system, a control method of a printing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, when transmitting a print job from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer to a printing apparatus, a general-purpose printing protocol built in the OS of the information processing apparatus is used without using a dedicated printer driver provided by a vendor such as the manufacturer of the printing apparatus. As an example of this printing protocol (standard protocol), IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is known. Between the information processing apparatus and the printing apparatus, printing processing is executed by communication according to IPP. Further, as a capability response of the printing apparatus, for example, paper information including various information such as paper type, paper size, and paper feed tray is constructed, and the paper information is acquired via IPP. Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus that can use roll paper as printing paper. In the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the width of the paper to be used in the execution of a print job is larger than the width of the roll paper fed to the printing apparatus, if the print job can be executed as it is, a print position adjustment screen for adjusting the print position on the paper is displayed. Further, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if the print job cannot be executed as it is, the execution of the print job is aborted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the model of the printing device and the type of OS, when printing settings are made, some printing devices display on the screen the paper sizes of all cut papers that the printing device supports. Even when, for example, an A3 roll paper (roll paper with a width of 297 mm) is installed in the printing device, the user can select, on the printing settings screen, a cut paper of A2 size with a width larger than that of the A3 roll paper or a roll paper with a width of 420 mm. Then, when printing is executed with the A2-size cut paper selected, the image is printed in a size suitable for the A2-size cut paper, so there is a problem that image loss due to unintended clipping occurs on the A3 roll paper. Also, the operation of replacing the roll paper for the printing device is not easier than, for example, the operation of replacing A3-size paper (cut paper) with A2-size paper. As described above, in the printing device described in Patent Document 1, when the width of the paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper fed to the printing device, if the printing job can be executed as it is, a print position adjustment screen can be displayed. However, even if the print position adjustment screen is operated, there is a risk that image loss will occur in the printed matter.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device capable of suppressing image loss on a roll paper regardless of the size of the width of the roll paper when printing on the roll paper. Similarly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, a control method for a printing device, and a program capable of suppressing image loss on a roll paper regardless of the size of the width of the roll paper when printing on the roll paper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that prints an image on printing paper by executing a printing job, a paper feeding unit that can selectively supply cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper to the printing unit, a conveying unit that conveys the printing paper from the paper feeding unit to the printing unit, and when a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper by the conveying unit is defined as the width direction of the printing paper, when the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding unit, a selection unit capable of selecting one of the execution of the printing job and the stop of the execution of the printing job.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when printing on roll paper, regardless of the size of the width of the roll paper, it is possible to suppress image loss on the roll paper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4A

Fig. 4B

Fig. 5

Fig. 6A

Fig. 6B

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration capable of exhibiting the same function. Also, any component may be added. Further, any two or more configurations (features) among the embodiments can be combined.

[0010] <<First Embodiment>> Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0011] <Configuration of the Printing System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1000 includes a computer 100, a printing device 200, and an external storage device 300. The computer 100 has an OS 110 installed therein. The OS 110 includes an OS standard printing program 120 and a printing application (hereinafter referred to as "print app") 121. The OS standard printing program 120 is software for controlling the printing device 200. The OS standard printing program 120 is a general-purpose printing program provided by the OS 110 of the computer 100. The OS standard printing program 120 is a program that generates print data that can be printed by printers 200 of a plurality of printer manufacturers. The print data generated by the OS standard printing program 120 is transmitted to the printer 200 according to a protocol such as the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). The print app 121 receives an instruction for print settings from the user and instructs the printing device 200 to execute printing via the OS standard printing program 120. The computer 100 is not particularly limited, and for example, an information processing device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone can be used. The printing device 200 is communicably connected to the computer 100 via an interface 130. The external storage device 300 is communicably connected to the computer 100 via an interface 131. The external storage device 300 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be an auxiliary storage device or a RAM (Random Access Memory) built into the computer 100, or a RAM or the like built into the printing device 200. Further, the external storage device 300 may be an auxiliary storage device or a RAM built into a server (not shown) on the network. The server may be a server that manages information related to the printing device 200 by the manufacturer of the printing device 200. Also, the interface 130 and the interface 131 may each be a network interface or a USB interface.

[0012] <Configuration of the Computer> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM 103, and an auxiliary storage device 104. The computer 100 also includes a display unit 105, a display unit interface (I / F) 106, an input unit 107, an input unit I / F 108, and a network I / F 109. The CPU 101 to the network I / F 109 are connected to each other via a bus 110 so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire computer 100. This CPU 101 can execute various processes using programs, data, etc. stored in the ROM 102 or the auxiliary storage device 104. The ROM 102 stores basic software such as BIOS used for controlling the computer 100 and setting data that does not need to be changed. The RAM 103 is a memory having an area for storing programs and data loaded from the auxiliary storage device 104 or the ROM 102, and various programs and data received from the outside via the network I / F 109. The RAM 103 also has a work area used when the CPU 101 executes various processes.

[0013] The auxiliary storage device 104 is a large-capacity information storage device such as a hard disk drive device. The auxiliary storage device 104 stores, for example, an OS, driver software, various application software, and the like. Usually, various application software is installed in the auxiliary storage device 104 by controlling the external storage device 300. The driver software includes, for example, display control driver software for controlling the display on the display unit 105 by the display unit I / F 106. The driver software also includes keyboard driver software for controlling the keyboard of the input unit 107 by the input unit I / F 108. The driver software further includes pointing device driver software for controlling the pointing device of the input unit 107 by the input unit I / F 108. The driver software also includes a network driver for controlling communication by the network I / F 109. The driver software includes driver software for controlling the printing device 200. In this embodiment, an OS standard printing program 120 is initially installed as software for controlling the printing device 200.

[0014] In the display unit 105, for example, the processing result by the CPU 101 is displayed as an image, characters, or the like. The display unit 105 is not particularly limited, and for example, a CRT, a liquid crystal screen, or other projection devices (projector devices) can be used. Further, as the display unit 105, a touch panel screen having a display function and a user interface function can also be used. The input unit 107 allows an operator (user) of the computer 100 to input various types of information and give an instruction according to the information to the CPU 101. The input unit 107 is not particularly limited, and for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like can be used. The network I / F 109 is an interface for performing data communication with external devices. For example, the network I / F 109 performs connection to an Internet provider via a communication network and data communication with the printing device 200 via the interface 130. The data communication with the printing device 200 is not particularly limited, and for example, includes sending a printing job to the printing device 200. Regarding the connection to the communication network and security, it is preferable to use known methods such as mDNS, HTTP, IPP, and TLS. The network I / F 109 is not particularly limited, and for example, a network board or the like can be used.

[0015] <Configuration of the printing device> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a data conversion unit 204, an operation display unit (display means) 205, and a network I / F 209. Further, the printing apparatus 200 includes a printing unit (printing means) 211, a roll paper feeding unit 212, a cut paper feeding unit 213, and a conveyance unit (conveyance means) 214. And these components of the printing apparatus 200 are connected to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other via a bus 210. The CPU 201 is a computer that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 200. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM 202. The programs include, for example, programs for causing the CPU 201 to execute each part and each means (control method of the printing apparatus) of the printing apparatus 200. The RAM 203 is a memory having an area for storing programs and data loaded from the ROM 202, and various programs and data received from the outside via the network I / F 209. Further, the RAM 203 also has a work area used when the CPU 201 executes various processes.

[0016] The data conversion unit 204 performs analysis of a page description language (PDL) such as PWG-Raster, and conversion of image data such as CG (Computer Graphics) expansion. The PDL supported by the data conversion unit 204 is, for example, PWG-Raster. On the operation display unit 205, for example, the processing results by the CPU 201 are displayed as images, characters, etc. Also, on the operation display unit 205, various screens such as a menu screen are displayed. The operation display unit 205 is not particularly limited, and for example, a liquid crystal screen or the like can be used, but it is preferable to use a touch panel screen having a display function and a user interface function. Thereby, the operation display unit 205 enables an operator (user) of the printing apparatus 200 to input various information and give an instruction to the CPU 201 according to the information. The network I / F 209 is an interface for performing data communication with an external device. For example, the network I / F 209 performs data communication with the computer 100 via the interface 130. The data communication with the computer 100 is not particularly limited, and examples include receiving a printing job from the computer 100.

[0017] The printing unit 211 prints an image included in the printing job on printing paper by executing the printing job received from the computer 100 via the network I / F 209 (printing process). The printing method in the printing unit 211 is not particularly limited, and for example, a printing method using ink, a printing method using toner, etc. can be used. The printing paper is conveyed from the roll paper feeding unit 212 or the cut paper feeding unit 213 to the printing unit 211 (conveying process). This conveyance is carried out by the conveying unit 214. The conveying unit 214 has, for example, a plurality of rollers arranged along the conveying direction of the printing paper. As each roller rotates, the printing paper is conveyed. In the present embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper by the conveying unit 214 is defined as the width direction of the printing paper.

[0018] The roll paper feeding unit 212 has a roll paper as the printing paper installed thereon and supplies the roll paper to the printing unit 211 (paper feeding process). The "roll paper" is paper that is wound in a roll shape before printing and is unwound, i.e., stretched, during printing. In this embodiment, the roll paper feeding unit 212 can supply roll papers with a width of, for example, 10 inches to 44 inches. Also, the roll paper feeding unit 212 of this embodiment can install one type of roll paper out of a plurality of types of roll papers with different widths, but it is impossible to install a plurality of types of roll papers with different widths all at once. The roll paper feeding unit 212 preferably has a roll paper feeding detection sensor (not shown) for detecting whether a roll paper is installed in the roll paper feeding unit 212 and a roll paper width sensor (not shown) for detecting the width of the roll paper installed in the roll paper feeding unit 212. The cut paper feeding unit 213 has cut papers as the printing paper installed thereon and supplies the cut papers to the printing unit 211 (paper feeding process). The "cut paper" is paper that is cut one by one. In this embodiment, the cut paper feeding unit 213 can supply at least one of A4 and B5 cut papers, for example. Also, the cut paper feeding unit 213 of this embodiment can install a plurality of types of cut papers with different widths all at once. The cut paper feeding unit 213 preferably has a cut paper feeding detection sensor (not shown) for detecting whether a cut paper is installed in the cut paper feeding unit 213 and a cut paper width sensor (not shown) for detecting the width of the cut paper installed in the cut paper feeding unit 213. Thus, in the printing apparatus 200, the roll paper feeding unit 212 and the cut paper feeding unit 213 are paper feeding units (paper feeding means) 215 capable of supplying cut papers and roll papers to the printing unit 211, respectively. And during printing, either the roll paper installed in the roll paper feeding unit 212 or the cut paper installed in the cut paper feeding unit 213 is selected. This selection is made on an operation screen (not shown) displayed on the operation display unit 205. As described above, in this embodiment, the roll paper feeding unit 212 cannot install a plurality of types of roll papers with different widths all at once, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to install a plurality of types of roll papers with different widths all at once.In this case, one roll paper is selected from among these multiple types of roll papers during printing.

[0019] <Operation of the printing system> FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a print target image and a print result of the print target image. In the present embodiment, in the print job, cut paper is set as the printing paper that should be (preferably should be) used in the execution of the print job, that is, suitable for the execution of the print job. As described above, the roll paper feeder 212 can accommodate one type of roll paper among a plurality of types of roll papers having different widths. On the other hand, the cut paper feeder 213 can accommodate a plurality of types of cut papers having different widths. And at the time of executing the print job, that is, at the time of printing, either the roll paper installed in the roll paper feeder 212 or the cut paper installed in the cut paper feeder 213 can be selected. Here, it is assumed that the roll paper installed in the roll paper feeder 212 is selected. In this case, the width of the cut paper as the printing paper that should be used in the execution of the print job may be larger than the width of the roll paper selected in the roll paper feeder 212. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A(a), an image 400 to be printed is displayed on the display unit 105 of the computer 100. Also, when printing the image 400 with the printing apparatus 200, it is assumed that the width W401 of the cut paper 401 that should be used in the execution of the print job is larger than the width W402 of the roll paper 402 selected in the roll paper feeder 212. If printing is performed with such a size relationship remaining, since the image 400 is printed in a size suitable for the cut paper 401, there is a possibility that image loss due to unintended clipping may occur on the roll paper 402.

[0020] Therefore, the printing apparatus 200 is configured to be able to suppress the occurrence of such image loss. Hereinafter, this configuration and operation will be described. FIG. 4B is a sequence diagram showing the processes executed among the user, the print application, the OS standard print program, and the printing apparatus.

[0021] In step S41, the user selects to execute printing on the printing device 200 using the printing function of the printing application 121.

[0022] In step S42, the printing application 121 receives the instruction to execute printing in step S41 and displays a printing screen on the display unit 105. The printing application 121 can receive an instruction to start printing settings, an instruction to confirm printing settings, and an instruction to execute printing on this printing screen.

[0023] In step S43, the user gives an instruction to start printing settings on the printing screen displayed on the display unit 105 in step S42.

[0024] In step S44, the printing application 121 receives the instruction to start printing settings in step S43 and gives the instruction to start printing settings to the OS standard printing program 120.

[0025] In step S45, the OS standard printing program 120 receives the instruction to start printing settings in step S44 and displays a printing settings screen on the display unit 105.

[0026] In step S46, the OS standard printing program 120 requests capability information from the printing device 200 via the interface 130. The capability information includes, for example, information on all paper sizes that can be handled by the printing device 200 and the paper size currently installed in the printing device 200. The information on the paper size consists of numerical values indicating the paper width and paper height, etc. In the case of roll paper, the paper height consists of a combination of the minimum height and maximum height values. Also, the capability information includes information on all paper feeding methods that can be handled by the printing device 200, the paper feeding method currently supported by the printing device 200, information on the printing resolution that can be supported by the printing device 200, etc. Note that the communication between the OS standard printing program 120 and the printing device 200 is performed according to the communication protocol of the OS 110 such as IPP.

[0027] In step S47, the printing apparatus 200 receives the acquisition request for the capability information in step S46 and reads out the capability information from the RAM 203. Thereby, the preparation for the response of the capability information to the OS standard printing program 120 is completed. Note that the capability information is not limited to being read out from the RAM 203. For example, based on the detection results of the cut sheet feeding detection sensor and the cut sheet width sensor described above, the second sheet information included in the capability information may be acquired. The second sheet information is information regarding the width W402 of the roll paper 402 selected in the roll paper feeding unit 212. The information regarding the width W402 is acquired based on the detection result of the cut sheet width sensor. And regardless of whether the acquisition source of the second sheet information is the RAM 203 or the cut sheet width sensor, the second sheet information is acquired with the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 200 as the acquisition destination. Thus, in the present embodiment, the CPU 201 also functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the second sheet information. In step S47, the CPU 201 reads out the width of the roll paper set in the printing apparatus and the size of the cut sheet that can be used for printing in the printing apparatus 200 as the capability information. Note that the size of the cut sheet that can be used in the printing apparatus 200 is not related to the sheet size of the sheet currently being fed in the paper feeding unit 215 of the printing apparatus 200.

[0028] In step S48, the printing apparatus 200 responds to the OS standard printing program 120 with the capability information read out in step S47.

[0029] In step S49, the OS standard printing program 120 acquires the capability information responded in step S48. The capability information is stored in the RAM 103, for example. The OS standard printing program 120 updates the print setting screen based on the acquired capability information. Thereby, in the print setting screen, the size of the cut sheet that can be used in the printing apparatus 200 and the width of the roll paper set in the printing apparatus can be selected as the sheet size.

[0030] In step S50, the user gives an instruction to confirm the print settings on the print screen. As a result, the OS standard print program 120 receives the instruction to confirm the print settings. Then, the OS standard print program 120 closes the print settings screen displayed in step S45 and passes an end notification to the print app 121.

[0031] In step S51, the user gives a print execution instruction (execution of a print job) on the print screen. Assume that in this print execution instruction, the roll paper 402 installed in the roll paper feeder 212 is selected as the printing paper.

[0032] In step S52, the print app 121 receives the print execution instruction in step S51 and notifies the OS standard print program 120 of the print execution instruction. The print execution instruction includes image data information to be printed and print setting information. Also, the print setting information includes first paper information regarding the width W401 of the cut paper 401 to be used in the print execution.

[0033] In step S53, the OS standard print program 120 generates a print job based on the print execution instruction notified in step S52.

[0034] In step S54, the OS standard print program 120 transmits the print job generated in step S53 to the printing device 200. The print job particularly includes the first paper information.

[0035] In step S55, the printing apparatus 200 acquires the print job transmitted in step S54. This acquisition is performed by the network I / F 209. Thus, in the present embodiment, the network I / F 209 functions as information acquisition means for acquiring a print job (particularly, first sheet information included in the print job). Then, based on the first sheet information acquired by the network I / F 209 and the second sheet information included in the capability information, the printing apparatus 200 determines whether the width W401 of the cut sheet 401 is larger than the width W40 of the roll paper 402. This determination is performed by the CPU 201. Thus, in the present embodiment, the CPU 201 functions as determination means for determining whether the width W401 is larger than the width W40. Note that in the printing apparatus 200, a part that functions as the determination means may be provided separately from the CPU 201. Further, based on the determination result by the determination means, the printing apparatus 200 determines whether to display a confirmation dialog (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) for asking the user whether to execute printing or cancel printing, and the type of the dialog (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0036] In step S56, the printing apparatus 200 displays a confirmation dialog based on the result in step S55 on the operation display unit 205.

[0037] In step S57, the user selects to execute printing or cancel printing from the confirmation dialog displayed on the operation display unit 205 in step S56.

[0038] When printing execution is selected in step S57, in step S58, the printing apparatus 200 reduces the image 400 of the print job by the printing unit 211 and prints the image 400 on the roll paper 402. This reduction is performed by the ratio (W402 / W401) of the width W401 of the cut sheet 401 to the width W402 of the roll paper 402. Thereby, the printed matter 403 shown in FIG. 4A(b) can be obtained. In the printed matter 403, image loss due to clipping is suppressed, and the entire image 400 fits on the roll paper 402. As described above, in the printing apparatus 200, when printing on the roll paper 402, regardless of the size of the width W402 of the roll paper 402 and without replacing the roll paper 402, it is possible to suppress image loss on the roll paper 402. Thereby, it is possible to omit the waste of printing in which image loss occurs.

[0039] On the other hand, when printing cancellation is selected in step S57, in step S59, the printing apparatus 200 deletes the print job acquired in step S55, and the process ends.

[0040] <Paper determination process> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process (paper determination process) executed by the printing apparatus. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a first confirmation dialog displayed on the printing apparatus. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a second confirmation dialog displayed on the printing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, in step S11, the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 200 controls the network I / F 109 to receive the print job transmitted from the computer 100 in step S54 (see FIG. 4B). As described above, the print job includes first paper information regarding the width W401 of the cut sheet 401 to be used in the execution (printing execution) of the print job.

[0041] In step S12, the CPU 201 reads the first paper information from the print job.

[0042] In step S13, the CPU 201 acquires information regarding the size (particularly the width) of the printing paper currently selected in the paper feeding unit 215, that is, paper information regarding the roll paper of the roll paper feeding unit 212 or the cut paper of the cut paper feeding unit 213.

[0043] In step S14, the CPU 201 determines whether the sizes of both papers match based on the first paper information read in step S12 and the paper information acquired in step S13. As a result of the determination in step S14, if it is determined that the sizes of both papers match, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S14, if it is determined that the sizes of both papers do not match, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0044] In step S15, the CPU 201 controls the printing unit 211, the conveyance unit 214, etc., and performs printing on the printing paper currently selected in the paper feeding unit 215.

[0045] In step S16, the CPU 201 determines whether the printing paper currently selected in the paper feeding unit 215 is roll paper and whether the roll paper is installed (fed) in the roll paper feeding unit 212. As a result of the determination in step S16, if it is determined that the roll paper is installed in the roll paper feeding unit 212, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S16, if it is determined that the roll paper is not installed in the roll paper feeding unit 212, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0046] In step S17, the CPU 201 acquires the second sheet information. Based on the first sheet information read in step S12 and this second sheet information, the CPU 201 determines whether the width W401 of the cut sheet 401 to be used in executing the print job is greater than the width W402 of the roll paper 402 currently selected in the paper feeding unit 215. If, as a result of the determination in step S17, it is determined that the width W401 is greater than the width W402, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S17, it is determined that the width W401 is not greater than the width W402, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In step S18, the CPU 201 controls the operation display unit 205 to display a first confirmation dialog 601 shown in FIG. 6A. The first confirmation dialog 601 is an operation screen on which a selection operation for selecting one of execution of the print job and stopping the execution of the print job is possible (selection step). In the present embodiment, the first confirmation dialog 601 includes a message 603, a button 604, and a button 605. The message 603 is a message indicating that the width W401 of the cut sheet 401 to be used in executing the print job is greater than the width W402 of the roll paper 402 currently selected in the paper feeding unit 215. The button 604 is a button for determining the execution of the print job. By operating the button 604 on the operation display unit 205, the reduced printing described above is performed on the roll paper 402. Thereby, for example, a printed matter 403 in a state where the entire image 400 fits on the roll paper 402 (see FIG. 4A(b)) can be obtained. The button 605 is a button for determining the stop of the execution of the print job. By operating the button 605 on the operation display unit 205, the execution of the print job can be stopped. In the present embodiment, the first confirmation dialog 601 displayed on the operation display unit 205 is used as the selection means for selecting one of execution of the print job and stopping the execution of the print job, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the selection means may be a mechanical button, a keyboard, or the like.

[0048] After executing step S16, in step S19, the CPU 201 controls the operation display unit 205 to display a second confirmation dialog 602 shown in FIG. 6B. The second confirmation dialog 602 is an operation screen that enables a selection operation for selecting one of execution of a print job in its current state, stopping the execution of the print job, and execution of a print job changed to cut paper. In the present embodiment, the second confirmation dialog 602 includes a message 606, a button 607, a button 608, and a button 609. The message 606 is a message prompting selection of a paper feeding method. The button 607 is a button for determining execution of a print job for the currently selected paper, i.e., in its current state. By operating the button 607 on the operation display unit 205, printing on the currently selected paper would seem to be performed, but since the roll paper is not installed in the roll paper feeding unit 212, that fact is displayed on the operation display unit 205 as an error. Note that a message instructing installation of the roll paper may be displayed in the message at this time. The button 608 is a button for determining execution of a print job changed to cut paper. By operating the button 608 on the operation display unit 205, the paper is changed to a desired cut paper, and printing on the cut paper is performed. The button 609 is a button for determining stopping the execution of the print job. By operating the button 609 on the operation display unit 205, the execution of the print job can be stopped.

[0049] <Processing of confirmation dialog> FIG. 7 shows processing executed after the processing described in FIG. 5 in the printing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, in step S20, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the second confirmation dialog 602 is displayed on the display unit 105. As a result of the determination in step S20, if it is determined that the second confirmation dialog 602 is displayed, the processing proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S20, if it is determined that the second confirmation dialog 602 is not displayed, the processing proceeds to step S21.

[0050] In step S21, the CPU 201 determines whether the first confirmation dialog 601 is being displayed on the display unit 105. If, as a result of the determination in step S21, it is determined that the first confirmation dialog 601 is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S21, it is determined that the first confirmation dialog 601 is not being displayed, the process ends.

[0051] In step S23, the CPU 201 determines whether the button 604 of the first confirmation dialog 601 has been operated. If, as a result of the determination in step S23, it is determined that the button 604 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S23, it is determined that the button 604 has not been operated, that is, it is determined that the button 605 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0052] In step S24, the CPU 201 controls the printing unit 211, the conveying unit 214, etc. to perform the reduced printing described above.

[0053] In step S25, the CPU 201 cancels the print job and stops the printing.

[0054] In step S26, the CPU 201 determines whether any one of the buttons 607 to 609 of the second confirmation dialog 602 has been selected. If it is determined in step S26 that the button 607 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S22. If it is determined in step S26 that the button 609 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S25. If it is determined in step S26 that the button 608 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S27. Also, if it is determined in step S26 that the button 608 has been selected, the CPU 201 causes a screen (not shown) for selecting the size of the cut paper to be used to be displayed on the display unit 105. In accordance with the selection of the size of the cut paper on the screen displayed on the display unit 105, the CPU 201 executes the process of step S27.

[0055] In step 22, the CPU 201 controls the printing unit 211, the conveying unit 214, etc., and performs printing on the printing paper currently selected by the paper feeding unit 215.

[0056] In step S27, the CPU 201 controls the printing unit 211, the conveying unit 214, etc., and performs printing on the cut paper that has been changed to be used in this printing.

[0057] In the first embodiment, when the width of the cut paper specified in the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper set in the printing apparatus 200, the user is notified. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user that there is a possibility that the image may protrude from the paper. Furthermore, by displaying the confirmation dialogs shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, it is possible to receive an instruction from the user to perform printing in accordance with the roll paper.

[0058] <<Second Embodiment>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second embodiment will be described. The description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiments, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the first confirmation dialog and the second confirmation dialog are displayed by a computer. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processes executed among the user, the printing application, the status monitor, the OS standard printing program, and the printing apparatus.

[0059] <Configuration of Printing System> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the OS standard printing program 120 and the printing application 121, the computer 100 further has a status monitor 122. The status monitor 122 is a program for monitoring the state of the printing apparatus 200. For example, when an error such as a lack of paper occurs in the printing apparatus 200, the status monitor 122 can detect the error and notify, that is, inform, it on the display unit 105.

[0060] <Operation of the Printing System> FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processes executed among the user, the printing application, the status monitor, the OS standard printing program, and the printing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S60, the status monitor 122 of the computer 100 monitors the state of the printing apparatus 200. This monitoring state is maintained until at least step S55 is completed.

[0061] In step S61, the printing apparatus 200 transmits, as a status response, information regarding which of the first confirmation dialog 601 and the second confirmation dialog 602 to display to the status monitor 122.

[0062] In step S62, the status monitor 122 displays the first confirmation dialog 601 or the second confirmation dialog 602 on the display unit 105 of the computer 100 based on the information transmitted in step S61.

[0063] In step S63, the user selects print execution or print cancellation from the confirmation dialog displayed on the display unit 105 in step S62.

[0064] If print execution is selected in step S63, then in step S64, the printing apparatus 200 reduces the image 400 of the print job by the printing unit 211 and prints the image 400 on the roll paper 402. Thereby, image loss due to clipping is suppressed, and a printed matter 403 (see FIG. 4A(b)) in which the entire image 400 fits on the roll paper 402 can be obtained. Thus, also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when printing on the roll paper 402, regardless of the size of the width W402 of the roll paper 402 and without replacing the roll paper 402, image loss on the roll paper 402 can be suppressed.

[0065] On the other hand, if print cancellation is selected in step S63, then in step S65, the printing apparatus 200 deletes the print job acquired in step S55, and the process ends.

[0066] <Paper determination process> <In the first embodiment, all the processes from step S11 to step S19 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 are executed by the printing apparatus 200. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the processes from step S11 to step S17 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 are executed by the printing apparatus 200, and the processes of step S18 and step S19 are executed by the computer 100.>

[0067] <In step S18, the status monitor 122 displays the first confirmation dialog 601 shown in FIG. 6A on the display unit 105. Thereby, one of the buttons 604 and 605 of the first confirmation dialog 601 can be operated.>

[0068] <In step S19, the status monitor 122 displays the second confirmation dialog 602 shown in FIG. 6B on the display unit 105. Thereby, one of the buttons 607 to 609 of the second confirmation dialog 602 can be operated.>

[0069] <Confirmation dialog process> <In the first embodiment, all the processes from step S20 to step S27 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are executed by the printing apparatus 200. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the processes of step S22, step S24, step S25, and step S27 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are executed by the printing apparatus 200. Also, the processes of step S20, step S21, step S23, and step 26 are executed by the computer 100. Here, the description will be centered on the differences from the above-described embodiments, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.>

[0070] In step S20, the status monitor 122 determines whether the second confirmation dialog 602 is displayed on the display unit 105. If, as a result of the determination in step S20, it is determined that the second confirmation dialog 602 is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S20, it is determined that the second confirmation dialog 602 is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0071] In step S21, the status monitor 122 determines whether the first confirmation dialog 601 is displayed on the display unit 105. If, as a result of the determination in step S21, it is determined that the first confirmation dialog 601 is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S21, it is determined that the first confirmation dialog 601 is not being displayed, the process ends.

[0072] In step S23, the CPU 101 of the computer 100 determines whether the button 604 of the first confirmation dialog 601 has been operated. If, as a result of the determination in step S23, it is determined that the button 604 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S23, it is determined that the button 604 has not been operated, that is, it is determined that the button 605 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0073] In step S26, the CPU 101 determines whether any one of the buttons 607 to 609 of the second confirmation dialog 602 has been selected. If, in step S26, it is determined that the button 607 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S22. If, in step S26, it is determined that the button 609 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S25. If, in step S26, it is determined that the button 608 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0074] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors of a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. Further, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0075] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) Printing means for printing an image on printing paper by executing a printing job, Paper feeding means for selectively supplying cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper to the printing means, Conveying means for conveying the printing paper from the paper feeding means to the printing means, When the width direction of the printing paper is defined as the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper by the conveying means, when the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means, selection means capable of selecting one of the execution of the printing job and the stop of the execution of the printing job. A printing apparatus characterized by comprising. (Configuration 2) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein when the execution of the printing job is selected by the selection means, the printing means reduces the image and prints the image on the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means. (Configuration 3) The printing apparatus according to Configuration 2, wherein when reducing the image, the printing means reduces the image by a ratio of the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job to the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means. (Configuration 4) Information acquisition means for acquiring first paper information regarding the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job and second paper information regarding the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means, Based on the first sheet information and the second sheet information acquired by the information acquisition means, determination means for determining whether the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is greater than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means. The selection means is configured such that, when the determination means determines that the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is greater than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means as a result of the determination by the determination means, the selection operation is enabled. The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) A display means for displaying a screen. The selection means is configured by an operation screen that is displayed on the display means and enables the selection operation. The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The operation screen includes a button for determining the execution of the printing job and a button for determining the stop of the execution of the printing job. The printing apparatus according to Configuration 5. (Configuration 7) The operation screen includes a message indicating that the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is greater than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means. The printing apparatus according to Configuration 5 or 6. (Configuration 8) The paper feeding means is one that can be selectively supplied with a plurality of types of cut paper having different widths. The selection means is capable of a selection operation for selecting one of stopping the execution of the printing job, executing the printing job with the cut paper changed, and stopping the execution of the printing job when the roll paper is not installed in the paper feeding means even though the roll paper is selected by the paper feeding means. The printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) A printing system including a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus communicably connected to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus is Printing means for printing an image on a printing paper by executing a printing job. A paper feeding means for selectively supplying cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper to the printing means respectively, A conveying means for conveying the printing paper from the paper feeding means to the printing means, and The information processing apparatus, When the width direction of the printing paper is defined as the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper by the conveying means, if the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means, the printing system is characterized by comprising a selection means capable of selecting one of the execution of the printing job and the stop of the execution of the printing job. (Method 1) A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: A printing step of printing an image on printing paper by executing a printing job; A paper feeding step of selectively supplying cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper to the printing step respectively; A conveying step of conveying the printing paper from the paper feeding step to the printing step; When the width direction of the printing paper in the conveying step is defined as the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper, if the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected in the paper feeding step, the method is characterized by comprising a selection step capable of selecting one of the execution of the printing job and the stop of the execution of the printing job. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the printing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 120 OS standard printing program 200 Printing apparatus 211 Printing unit 212 Roll paper feeding unit 213 Cut paper feeding unit 214 Conveying unit 215 Paper feeding unit 601 First Confirmation Dialog 602 Second Confirmation Dialog

Claims

1. Printing means for printing an image on printing paper by executing a printing job; Paper feeding means for selectively supplying cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper to the printing means; Conveying means for conveying the printing paper from the paper feeding means to the printing means; When the width direction of the printing paper is defined as the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper by the conveying means, when the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means, selection means capable of selecting one of the execution of the printing job and the stop of the execution of the printing job. A printing apparatus comprising:

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the execution of the printing job is selected by the selection means, the printing means reduces the image and prints the image on the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when reducing the image, the printing means reduces the image by a ratio of the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job to the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means.

4. Information acquisition means for acquiring first paper information regarding the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job and second paper information regarding the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means; Judgment means for judging whether the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means based on the first paper information and the second paper information acquired by the information acquisition means; The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means enables the selection operation when the judgment means judges that the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the printing job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means.

5. Comprising display means for displaying a screen; The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is constituted by an operation screen displayed on the display means and enabling the selection operation.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation screen includes a button for determining the execution of the printing job and a button for determining the stop of the execution of the printing job.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation screen includes a message indicating that the width of the cut paper to be used in the execution of the print job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means.

8. The paper feeding means is one that can selectively supply a plurality of types of cut paper having different widths, The selection means is capable of a selection operation for selecting one of stopping the execution of the print job, executing the print job after changing to the cut paper, and stopping the execution of the print job when the roll paper is not installed in the paper feeding means despite being selected by the paper feeding means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. A printing system including a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus communicably connected to the printing apparatus, The printing apparatus includes Printing means for printing an image on printing paper by executing a print job, Paper feeding means for selectively supplying cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper to the printing means, Conveying means for conveying the printing paper from the paper feeding means to the printing means, The information processing apparatus includes When the width direction of the printing paper is defined as the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper by the conveying means, when the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the print job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected by the paper feeding means, a selection means capable of a selection operation for selecting one of executing the print job and stopping the execution of the print job. A printing system characterized by comprising.

10. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: A printing step of printing an image on printing paper by executing a print job; A paper feeding step in which cut paper and roll paper as the printing paper can be selectively supplied to the printing step; A conveying step of conveying the printing paper from the paper feeding step to the printing step; A selection step capable of a selection operation for selecting one of executing the print job and stopping the execution of the print job when the width of the cut paper as the printing paper to be used in the execution of the print job is larger than the width of the roll paper selected in the paper feeding step, with the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper in the conveying step being defined as the width direction of the printing paper. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, characterized by having.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the printing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images