Printing apparatus, control method therefor, and program

Abstract

To solve such a problem that it is necessary to select a similar envelope type after measuring an envelope with a ruler, since it is necessary to perform printing by shifting an image by the width of a flap when shortening the required printing time by performing printing (long-edge feeding) in which an envelope is set with its flap positioned in the main scanning direction and its short edge parallel to the conveyance direction.SOLUTION: A printing apparatus capable of printing on an envelope with a flap comprises: first reading means which reads the width of the envelope in the opening / closing direction with the flap opened; second reading means which reads the width of the envelope in the opening / closing direction with the flap closed; storage means which stores a flap size calculated from the reading results of the width of the envelope by the first and second reading means; and printing means which executes printing on the envelope by offsetting the flap size.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device capable of printing images on envelopes, a control method for the printing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming device (printing device) has one or more paper storage units, from which paper is fed one sheet at a time and images are formed (printed) on the fed paper. The size of the paper stored in the paper storage unit can be set, for example, to a standard size such as A4 or B4, or to an arbitrary size such as 210mm x 290mm. It is also possible to set the size of an envelope as a special standard size. For paper that includes a protruding portion such as a glue tab (hereinafter referred to as a "flap") or the index portion of index paper, the paper is set so that the flap is at the trailing edge in the sub-scanning direction, and the paper area up to the flap is treated as a standard size for printing. In this case, there is known a technology that specifies the flap size required to print an image correctly on an envelope while minimizing the user's efforts (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-169769 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, for paper such as envelopes, where the sub-scanning length is longer than the main scanning length, printing with the long edge parallel to the transport direction (short edge feed) takes a long time. Therefore, one possible approach to shorten the printing time is to set the envelope so that the flap is aligned with the main scanning direction and print with the short edge parallel to the transport direction (long edge feed). In this case, the image needs to be shifted by the width of the flap before printing. However, since the flap width varies depending on the envelope manufacturer, the user must manually input the flap width, which places a burden on the user. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes that the flap size of the envelope can be automatically set by using a guide or sensor to determine the length of the long edge and comparing it with a standard size. However, in Patent Document 1, the flap size cannot be determined unless the user selects a standard envelope size each time. Also, for envelopes whose size is unknown, the user must measure the size using a ruler or the like and then select the closest envelope type. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a mechanism that allows easy setting of envelope size and flap size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is a printing device capable of printing on envelopes with flaps, characterized by having a first reading means for reading the width of the envelope in the opening / closing direction when the flap is open, a second reading means for reading the width of the envelope in the opening / closing direction when the flap is closed, a storage means for storing the flap size calculated from the results of reading the envelope width by the first and second reading means, and a printing means for offsetting the flap size and printing on the envelope. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the envelope size and flap size can be easily set. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an example of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a controller according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation unit of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the manual feed tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are views showing examples of UI screens displayed on a display unit of an operation unit of the MFP according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are views showing examples of UI screens displayed on a display unit of an operation unit of the MFP according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for selecting a paper feed cassette that is a target for automatic paper selection. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a job according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of job data attributes according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a selection process for a paper feed cassette of the MFP according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method for setting an envelope flap size according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of a process for setting an envelope flap size according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an envelope flap size setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a method for setting an envelope size according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of an envelope size setting process according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process for an envelope in a PDL job according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a printed envelope. [Figure 20] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a method for setting an envelope size according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart of an envelope size setting process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] Printer hardware configuration 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP"; MFP stands for Multi-Function Peripheral), which is an example of a printing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that although this embodiment will be described using a multifunction peripheral as the printing device, the printing device may also be a single-function peripheral (SFP: Single-Function Peripheral). The controller 101 controls the MFP in an overall manner. The scanner 102 is controlled by the controller 101 to read an original document and create image data of the original document image. In this embodiment, the printer engine 103 is an electrophotographic printer engine, and under the control of the controller 101, prints an image on a recording medium (a sheet such as paper or an envelope, hereinafter referred to as a "sheet"). The finisher 104 can be connected to the printer engine 103, and can perform, for example, stapling on a plurality of sheets output from the printer engine 103. The finisher 104 is also controlled by the controller 101. The network interface 105 provides the controller 101 with two-way communication via the interface, and allows connection to a PC 107, which is an external device, via a network. The operation unit 106 provides a user interface, and is equipped with a display unit and a keyboard, and displays information from the controller 101 and transmits instructions from the user to the controller 101 .

[0010] Controller hardware configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the controller 101 according to this embodiment. Inside the controller 101, a CPU 201 is connected via a bus 209 to a memory 202, a display unit 203 and keyboard 204 of the operation unit 106, a ROM 210, and a disk 211. Various programs and data are stored in a disk 211 (storage medium) such as a hard disk or a floppy disk, and are sequentially read into the memory 202 as needed and executed by the CPU 201. The disk 211 may be detachable from the MFP or may be built into the MFP. Furthermore, programs may be downloaded from another PC or MFP via a network and stored in the disk 211. The memory 202 may function as both a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory, or the memory 202 may function as a volatile memory and the disk 211 as a nonvolatile memory. The memory 202 may also be a removable memory medium. The CPU 201 writes display data to a display memory (not shown) to display the data on the display unit 203. The CPU 201 receives instructions from the user when the user inputs data from the keyboard 204 or the touch panel of the display unit 203. The information thus input is transferred to and stored in the memory 202, the disk 211, or the CPU 201 and is used for various processes. A network interface 105 is also connected to the bus 209, and the CPU 201 reads or writes data via this network interface 105, thereby performing communication via the interface.

[0011] Furthermore, the printer engine 103, finisher 104, and scanner 102 are connected to the bus 209. The CPU 201 reads and writes data from these components to perform operations such as printing and scanning, and obtains various statuses. Image data can be saved in the disk 211 or memory 202 of the controller 101 from the scanner 102 or the network interface 105. It is also possible to store image data in advance in a removable memory and then import the data by attaching the memory to the controller 101. Image data stored in the disk 211 can be moved or copied to the memory 202, and various additional images (e.g., page numbers) can be superimposed on the image data in the memory 202 according to instructions received from the operation unit 106. The printer engine 103, finisher 104, and scanner 102 may exist as individual peripheral devices on a network, rather than within the MFP, and may be controlled by the MFP's controller 101.

[0012] (Overview of MFP) 3 is a schematic diagram of an MFP according to this embodiment, in which parts common to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The scanner 102, an image input device, illuminates an image on a piece of paper that serves as an original and scans it with a CCD line sensor to convert the image into electrical image data. The electrically converted image data is used to determine the color and size of the original. Printer unit 302, which is an image output device, converts image data into an image on paper, prints it on paper, and ejects it. The printing operation is started and stopped by instructions from CPU 201 of controller 101. Paper feed cassettes 304-308 consist of manual feed tray 304 and paper feed cassettes (paper storage units) 305-308, each of which can hold multiple sheets of paper (including envelopes). This MFP can print images on envelopes stored in manual feed tray 304 or paper feed cassettes 305-308 based on print data.

[0013] (MFP operation section) FIG. 4 is a top view of the operation unit 106 of the MFP according to this embodiment. The display unit 203 has a touch panel sheet attached to a liquid crystal display, and displays an operation screen and soft keys. When a displayed key is pressed, the display unit 203 transmits the position information of the key to the CPU 201. The keyboard 204 is composed of a plurality of hard keys. The start key 402 is used to instruct the start of an operation to read an original image, etc. In the center of the start key 402 is a two-color LED 403 (green and red), whose color indicates whether the start key 402 is ready to be used. The stop key 404 serves to stop an operation in progress. The numeric keypad 405 is made up of a group of number and letter buttons, and is used to set the number of copies, switch the screen of the display unit 203, and the like. A user mode key 406 is pressed when configuring settings for the MFP.

[0014] 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams of the manual feed tray 304 as viewed from above. In FIG. 5(a), manual feed tray 304 has guide 502 that can move freely on rails 503, and its position can be adjusted to match the size of paper to be set. FIG. 5(b) shows the guide position when A4 size paper is set in portrait orientation, which indicates the transport direction for the long edge feed described above. 5(c) shows the guide position when A4 size paper is set in the landscape orientation. Sensor 504 is a sensor that detects that paper has been placed on manual feed tray 304. When paper is placed on this sensor 504, controller 101 can detect that paper has been set on manual feed tray 304.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the scanner unit 102 and the printer unit 302. As shown in FIG. (Scanner section) First, the scanner unit 102 will be described. Information on an original 602 is read while the original 602 is moved relative to an exposure unit 617 of an original reading device 618. The original 602 is set in an original tray 601. An original feed roller 603 is paired with a separation pad 605 and transports the original 602 one sheet at a time. The transported original 602 is sent into the scanner by an intermediate roller 604, transported by a large roller 608 and a first driven roller 607, and further transported by a large roller 608 and a second driven roller 609. The original 602 transported by the large roller 608 and the second driven roller 609 passes between a flow-reading original glass 610 and an original guide plate 614, passes via a jump base 615, and is transported by a large roller 608 and a third driven roller 616. The original 602 transported by the large roller 608 and the third driven roller 616 is discharged by the pair of original discharge rollers 606. Between the flow-reading original glass 610 and the original guide plate 614, the original 602 is transported by the original guide plate 614 in a manner that keeps it in contact with the flow-reading original glass 610. As the original 602 passes over the flow-reading original glass 610, the surface that is in contact with the flow-reading original glass 610 is exposed by an exposure unit 617. The resulting reflected light from the original 602 is transmitted to a mirror unit 611. The transmitted reflected light passes through a lens 612 and is collected, and is converted into an electrical signal by a CCD sensor 613, which then transmits the signal to the controller 101.

[0016] (Printer section) Next, the printer unit 302 will be described. An example of a full-color image forming apparatus will be shown. The photosensitive drum 619 is charged to a specific polarity potential by a primary charger 630, and the position 629 indicated by the arrow is exposed by an exposure means (not shown) in accordance with instructions from the controller 101. In this way, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the first color component is formed. It is then developed using one of the four developers of the developing unit 620. The intermediate transfer belt 621 is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the first color component image formed on the photosensitive drum 619 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 621 by an electric field generated by a primary transfer roller 628 as it passes through the joint between the photosensitive drum 619 and the intermediate transfer belt 621. After transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 621, the surface of the photosensitive drum 619 is cleaned by a cleaning device 622. This process is repeated sequentially, and four color images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 621 to form a color image. To form a monochrome image, the transfer process is performed only once. The image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 621 in this way is printed onto paper fed from a paper feed cassette 623 by a secondary transfer roller 627. The paper with the printed image is heated and fixed in a fixing unit 624. After fixing, the paper passes through a paper discharge roller 625, is conveyed to a paper discharge port 631, and is then discharged outside the machine. When double-sided printing is performed, the paper with the image printed on one side is circulated through a reversing path 626, and an image is printed on the back side.

[0017] (Display screen) 7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples of UI screens displayed on the display unit 203 of the operation unit 106 of the MFP according to the embodiment. With reference to these figures, a method for setting the size of the paper feed cassette and the paper type from the user mode screen of FIG. 7(a) will be described. When the user mode key 406 on the operation unit 106 is pressed, the user mode screen shown in Fig. 7(a) is displayed. The paper size can be set from this screen. When the button corresponding to the paper setting item 702 in the button group 701 is pressed, a screen for setting the type of paper to be loaded in the paper feed cassette shown in Fig. 7(b) is displayed. The screen in Fig. 7(b) has a group of cassette selection buttons 704, and any paper feed cassette can be selected by pressing any of these buttons. When any paper feed cassette is selected from this group of buttons 704 and the [Settings] button 705 is pressed, the screen shown in Fig. 8(a) is displayed. The screen in Fig. 8(a) has a group of standard size setting buttons 801, and pressing any button in this group of buttons 801 allows you to set any standard size for the paper feed cassette selected in Fig. 7(b). A [User Setting] button 802 is pressed when setting any size of paper. When this [User Setting] button 802 is pressed, the screen shown in Fig. 8(b) is displayed. 8(b) is a screen for setting the size of any paper. After pressing the X button 807, set the size of the paper in the horizontal direction (X direction) using the numeric keypad 806. Similarly, for the vertical direction, after pressing the Y button 808, set the size of the paper in the vertical direction (Y direction) using the numeric keypad 806. If you do not want to set the size, press the [Cancel] button 809, or if you want to set the size, press the [OK] button 810 to execute the setting.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen for selecting a paper feed cassette that is an object of automatic paper selection. When the user mode key 406 on the operation unit 106 is pressed, the user mode screen shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. On this screen, when the button corresponding to the setting of the Cassette Auto ON / OFF item 703 in the button group 701 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. On this screen, the installed paper feed cassettes and the paper sizes contained in those paper feed cassettes are displayed, and the selection button group 901 allows the user to specify whether or not to automatically select that paper feed cassette. A cassette stage for which [ON] is pressed is a cassette that can be used for automatic paper selection, and a cassette for which [OFF] is pressed is a cassette that cannot be used for automatic paper selection. When the [OK] button 902 is pressed, the setting is completed, and the screen returns to FIG. 7A.

[0019] (Print job data structure) 10 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of a job file for a print job in this embodiment. This job file is generated by an application in the device when an instruction to execute a print job is received. The job file is represented by multiple consecutive sets of attribute ID 1001, attribute value size 1002, and attribute value 1003. If the job includes data, a value representing the data is stored as attribute ID 1004, the size of the file name as attribute value size 1005, and the file name of the file holding the document data as attribute value 1006. The attributes include the data format (such as the PDL being used), the number of copies, the cassette stage, the paper size used for printing, and the finishing process specification.

[0020] (Example of print job data attributes) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of attributes of data of a print job according to this embodiment. The attribute ID 1101 indicates the ID number of the attribute. The type ID 1102 indicates the type (size) of the ID, with "1" being an indefinite length and "2" being 1 byte. Value 1103 indicates the possible values, and has a meaning as shown in meaning 1104. The values ​​shown in Fig. 11 are just an example, and there are various other attributes. A job is created by setting these values ​​to the attribute ID, attribute value size, and attribute value shown in Fig. 10.

[0021] -Paper cassette selection process for jobs with specified paper size 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the MFP according to this embodiment when automatically selecting a paper feed cassette for a job in which a paper size is specified. This processing is realized by the CPU 201 of the controller 101 executing a program stored in the memory 202. When the automatic paper selection process is started, first in step S1201, the paper size requested for the process is obtained from the attributes specified in the job. Next, in S1202, the state of the cassette auto selection ON / OFF in Table 1 is set to "ON", that is, the paper feed cassette to be used for automatic paper selection is searched for. [Table 1]

[0022] Next, in S1203, it is determined whether or not there is a paper size in Table 2 that matches the paper size acquired in S1201 among the paper feed cassettes that are in the "ON" state. [Table 2]

[0023] In S1204, it is determined whether or not there is a match in size. If there is a match, the process proceeds to S1205, and if there is no match, the process proceeds to S1206. In S1205, the job is executed using the matched paper cassette, and this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1204 that the size is not available, the user is notified in step S1206 that there is no available size, the job is interrupted, and the process ends.

[0024] (Envelope size setting screen) Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting an envelope size according to this embodiment. After pressing the [Envelope] button 803 on the paper size selection screen in Fig. 8, the screen of Fig. 13(a) or Fig. 13(b) is displayed on the display unit 203 of the operation unit 106. The order of display of Fig. 13(a) and Fig. 13(b) is not important, and either may be displayed first. In this embodiment, an example in which Fig. 13(a) is displayed will be described. 13(a) is displayed, and the user places an envelope on manual tray 304 with the envelope flap open, then adjusts the width of guide 502 to fit the envelope and presses [OK] button 1302. This causes the screen to change to that of FIG. 13(b). When the screen of FIG. 13(b) is displayed, the user places the envelope in the manual feed tray 304 with the envelope closed, then adjusts the width of the guide 502 to fit the envelope, and presses the [OK] button 1304. This completes the envelope paper settings. After completion, the screen transitions to the top screen for paper registration of FIG. 7(b). If the [Cancel] button 1301 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 13(a), the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 7(b) without transitioning to the screen of FIG. 13(b). Also, if the [Cancel] button 1303 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 13(b), the screen transitions to the previous screen of FIG. 13(a). However, the transition destination does not have to be the screen of FIG. 13(a). For example, the screen transition may be to the top screen for paper registration, as in the screen of FIG. 7(b).

[0025] -Envelope size setting process Next, the process of the envelope size setting method according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 14. This process is realized by the CPU 201 of the controller 101 executing a program stored in the memory 202. This process is started when the user presses the [Envelope] button 803 in Fig. 8(a). In S1401, the CPU 201 displays the reading screen 1310 (FIG. 13A) for the envelope width (width in the opening / closing direction of the flap) when the flap is open, and temporarily stores the data of the reading result of the width of the guide 502 in the ROM 210. In S1402, it is determined whether the reading of the envelope width has been completed and the [OK] button 1302 on the screen 1310 has been pressed. If the [OK] button 1302 on the screen 1310 has been pressed (Yes in S1402), the CPU 201 proceeds to S1404, and if not (No in S1402), the CPU 201 proceeds to S1403. In S1404, the reading screen 1320 (FIG. 13(b)) for the envelope width with the flap closed (width in the opening and closing direction of the flap) is displayed, and the data resulting from the reading of the width of the guide 502 is temporarily stored in ROM 210. The stored data is released when the process is completed. On the other hand, in S1403, when the [OK] button 1302 has not been pressed, it is determined whether the [Cancel] button 1301 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] button 1301 on screen 1310 has been pressed (Yes in S1403), CPU 201 ends this processing. If the [Cancel] button S1301 on screen 1310 has not been pressed (No in S1403), CPU 201 returns the processing to S1402 and waits for the completion of reading. Note that if the result of determining in S1403 is not cancellation, the processing returns to S1402, the processing for determining the completion of reading with the flap open, but it may also return to, for example, the top screen of paper settings. Following S1404, in S1405, it is determined whether the [OK] button 1304 on the envelope width reading screen 1320 with the flaps closed has been pressed. If the [OK] button 1304 on the screen 1320 has been pressed (Yes in S1405), CPU 201 proceeds to S1407; if not (No in S1405), CPU 201 proceeds to S1406. In S1407, the CPU 201 stores the data resulting from the reading of the guide 502 in the ROM 210, and calculates the flap size from the difference between the width read when the flap is open and the width stored in the ROM 210. The CPU 201 then stores the flap size data in the ROM 210. This flap size data does not necessarily have to be stored temporarily. For example, it may be linked to the settings of the paper and paper feed cassettes 304 to 308 and retained until the settings are initialized or deleted. On the other hand, in S1406, when the [OK] button on screen 1320 has not been pressed, it is determined whether the [Cancel] button 1303 on screen 1320 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] button 1303 has been pressed (Yes in S1406), CPU 201 ends this process. If the [Cancel] button 1303 has not been pressed (No in S1406), CPU 201 returns the process to S1405 and waits until the envelope reading process with the flap closed is complete. Note that if the result of the determination in S1406 is not cancellation, the process transitions to the reading screen determination process S1405 with the flap closed, but this is not the only option. For example, the process may transition to a top screen for paper settings, etc. Following S1407, in S1408, the calculation result of the flap size is reflected on the envelope setting screen. The flap size may be reflected on the paper setting screen of FIG. 7(b) or on the print setting screen as shown in FIG. 15. Alternatively, the flap size may be stored internally and reflected at the time of printing. In this embodiment, it is displayed on the copy job setting screen of FIG. 15. Also, in this embodiment, the width of the guide 502 when the flap is open is measured and read, and then the width of the guide 502 when the flap is closed is measured and read, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the width of the guide 502 when the flap is closed may be read first, and then the width of the guide 502 when the flap is open may be read. As described above, in the first embodiment, it is now possible to measure the envelope flap size by placing the envelope in an open or closed state without requiring the user to select a paper size. This allows the user to input the envelope flap size without selecting a standard size. Therefore, the envelope flap size can be calculated even for user-defined sizes.

[0026] [Embodiment 2] The first embodiment makes it possible to determine the envelope flap size without requiring the user to select a standard size. However, in the first embodiment, it is difficult to identify the envelope size because only the length of the envelope in the vertical direction (main scanning direction) can be determined. Therefore, in the following second embodiment, a method for setting the envelope size while setting the envelope flap size using the method of the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] FIG. 16 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 203 of the operation unit 106, showing candidate envelopes set in the manual feeder 304 or the like, based on the results of FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b). For example, if a No. 3 long envelope is set, the size of the envelope can be set by selecting the corresponding size 1601 and pressing the [OK] button 1603. Also, pressing the [Cancel] button 1602 cancels the paper setting and transitions to the top screen for paper registration, FIG. 7(b). However, the transition destination is not limited to this. For example, the screen may transition to the previous screen, FIG. 13(b), or the like.

[0028] Envelope size setting process (1) Next, the envelope size setting method according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 17. This process is implemented by the CPU 201 of the controller 101 executing a program stored in the memory 202. Furthermore, steps S1701 to S1707 are the same as steps S1401 to S1407 in FIG. 14, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the description will begin with step S1708. Furthermore, steps S1701 to S1703 and steps S1704 to S1706 do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in FIG. 14. The processing of steps S1704 to S1706 may be performed first. In S1708, it is determined whether there is a similar standard size based on the size of the envelope with the flaps closed that was stored in S1707. If there is a similar standard size (Yes in S1708), CPU 201 proceeds to S1709, and if not (No in S1708), CPU 201 proceeds to S1713. In step S1713, if there is no standard size, the paper size and flap size that have been narrowed down to one are stored in the ROM 210, and the information stored in the ROM 210 is reflected on the envelope setting screen, and this process ends. In step S1709, in the case where there is a similar standard size, the CPU 201 displays candidate standard sizes on the display unit so that the candidate standard sizes can be selected. If there are multiple candidate standard sizes, the information may be stored in the ROM 210 in a lump and displayed in a table (list) format. A specific display example is shown in FIG. 16 and presses the [OK] button 1603 (Yes in S1710), CPU 201 proceeds to S1712. On the other hand, if it is determined that the [OK] button 1603 in the selectable display has not been pressed (No in S1710), CPU 201 proceeds to S1711. If it is determined in S1711 that the [Cancel] button 1602 has been pressed, this processing ends. However, the transition destination in the event of cancellation is not limited to this. For example, the transition may be to the paper registration top screen. On the other hand, if it is determined that the [Cancel] button 1602 has not been pressed either, the CPU 201 returns the processing to S1710 and waits until either the [OK] button 1603 or the [Cancel] button 1602 is pressed, with the envelope candidates still displayed. If it is determined that the [OK] button 1603 has been pressed, in step S1712, the CPU 201 sets the selected envelope size and flap size in the paper feed cassette, and ends this processing.

[0029] Printing process The process of printing onto an envelope in a print job of PDL data according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 18(a) and 18(b). Figure 18(a) shows the process by the PC 107, and Figure 18(b) shows the process by the MFP according to this embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU of the PC 107 and the CPU 201 of the MFP 100 executing a program. (PC processing) 18A, first, in S1801, the user sets print settings for a PDL image output job on the PC 107. The print settings include the number of copies, paper size (envelope size when printing on an envelope), single-sided / double-sided, page output order, sorted output, whether to staple, etc. Next, in S1802, the CPU of the PC 107 issues a print instruction, and at the same time, executes the driver software installed in the PC 107, converting the code data to be printed into so-called PDL data (print data).The PDL data is then transferred to the controller 101 of the MFP 100 via the network interface 105 together with the print setting parameters set in Fig. 15, and this process ends.

[0030] (MFP processing) Next, the processing in the MFP will be described with reference to Fig. 18(b). This processing is realized by the CPU 201 of the controller 101 executing a program stored in the memory 202. First, in step S1803, the CPU 201 sequentially displays the screens shown in Fig. 13(a) and (b) and performs envelope settings according to the process shown in Fig. 14. For example, assume that the flap size calculated using the method described in Fig. 14 is "30.0 mm." In this case, the envelope flap size is updated to "30.0 mm." In S1804, the PDL data transferred from the PC 107 via the network interface 105 is received. In step S1805, the data is rasterized into image data based on the print setting parameters. The image data is stored in the memory 202. In S1806, the offset amount (which is the flap size in this case) is obtained based on the paper size (envelope size) specified in the PDL job. In S1807, the controller 101 selects a paper feed cassette that matches the acquired paper size. The specified paper size here uses the envelope size set in S1713 or S1712 and the flap size calculated in S1707 and stored in the ROM 210. The paper feed cassette in which the set envelope is stored is selected, and the paper feed direction set in that paper feed cassette is acquired. In S1808, the controller 101 controls the printer engine 103 to execute print processing based on the image data. At this time, the output position of the image data is shifted by the offset amount before printing. This makes it possible to obtain the print result shown in FIG. 19(b). If the offset amount is not shifted, the result will be as shown in FIG. 19(c), where the positions of the destination and postal code are shifted. This completes the MFP print processing.

[0031] As described above, in the second embodiment, the envelope flap size can be set while selecting an envelope size from a limited number of options, and the envelope flap size can be input at the same time. Furthermore, if there are no envelopes of a similar size, the envelope flap size can be calculated and set without the user having to set the size, and the offset value can be acquired and printed when printing the envelope.

[0032] [Embodiment 3] In the second embodiment, the user can basically input the envelope flap size without inputting the standard size. However, if there are similar sizes, the user must select the standard size. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method for setting the envelope flap size without requiring the user to input a standard size will be described. 20 shows a method in addition to those shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), in which an envelope is set in manual feed tray 304 or the like in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the flap, and the width in the main scanning direction is read. FIG. 20 is an example of a screen displayed on display unit 203 of operation unit 106. In this method, paper is set in manual feed tray 304 or the like so that the direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the envelope flap (the short side in FIG. 20) faces the main scanning direction, and the width of guide 502 is adjusted to fit the envelope, and the length is measured by pressing [OK] button 2002. The measured information and the information stored in ROM 210 in FIG. 17 are used to identify the size of the envelope.

[0033] Envelope size setting process (2) FIG. 21 illustrates the envelope size setting process of this embodiment, using a flowchart, in accordance with the method of FIG. 20. This process is implemented by the CPU 201 of the controller 101 executing a program stored in the memory 202. Since steps S2101 to S2107 are similar to steps S1401 to S1407, their description will be omitted. Furthermore, steps S2101 to S2103 and steps S2104 to S2106 do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown in FIG. 14. The processing of steps S2104 to S2106 may be performed first. The following description will begin with step S2107. In step S2107, the CPU 201 calculates the envelope flap size. In the next step S2108, the CPU 201 displays a screen prompting the user to place the envelope shown in Fig. 20 in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the flap, and starts reading the envelope with its long side facing the sub-scanning direction. The user sets the envelope and adjusts the width of the guide 502 as shown in the example of Fig. 20, and when reading is complete, presses the [OK] button 2002. In S2109, the CPU 201 determines whether the [OK] button 2002 has been pressed. If the [OK] button 2002 has been pressed (Yes in S2109), the read result of the width of the guide 502 is stored in the ROM 210, and the process proceeds to S2111. If the [OK] button 2002 has not been pressed (No in S2109), the process proceeds to S2110. If it is determined in S2110 that the [Cancel] button 2001 in FIG. 20 has been pressed (Yes in S2110), this process ends. However, the destination of transition is not limited to this. For example, the screen may transition to the top screen of paper registration in FIG. 7(b). If it is determined that the [Cancel] button 2001 has not been pressed (No in S2110), the screen shown in FIG. 20 for reading the envelope width with the long side facing the sub-scanning direction continues to be displayed. In S2111, size information is generated based on the length of the long side of the envelope used to calculate the flap size and the length of the short side of the envelope read in S2109, and this information is reflected in the envelope settings along with the flap size. The generated size information is stored in ROM 210, and this process ends. Regarding how the size information is saved, a similar standard size may be identified and saved as the standard size, as described in the second embodiment, or an arbitrary size may be saved as a user-defined size, as described in FIG. 8(b).

[0034] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible for the user to input the envelope size and envelope flap size without having to select a standard size.

[0035] (Other Examples) 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 device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A printing device capable of printing on envelopes with flaps, a first reading means for reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap open; a second reading means for reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap closed; a storage means for storing the flap size calculated from the results of reading the width of the envelope by the first and second reading means; A printing means for printing on the envelope by offsetting the flap size is provided. A printing device characterized by: (Configuration 2) The first and second reading means read the width of the guide of the manual feed tray on which the envelope is placed. 2. The printing device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The display means displays on a screen a list of envelopes of similar standard sizes that can be selected from the results of reading by the second reading means. 3. The printing device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) a setting means for setting the envelope selected via the screen into a paper feed cassette; 4. The printing device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) a third reading means for reading the width of the envelope in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the flap; generating means for generating size information of the envelope from the reading results of the second and third reading means; 5. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Method 1) A control method for a printing device capable of printing on envelopes with flaps, comprising: a first reading step of reading the width of the envelope in the opening / closing direction with the flap open; a second reading step of reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap closed; a storing step of storing the flap size calculated from the envelope width reading results in the first and second reading steps; A printing step of printing on the envelope by offsetting the flap size. A method for controlling a printing device. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the printing device control method described in Method 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 101 Controller 103 Printer Engine 106 Operation section 304 Manual feed tray 502 Guide 504 Sensors

Claims

1. A printing device capable of printing on envelopes with flaps, a first reading means for reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap open; a second reading means for reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap closed; a storage means for storing the flap size calculated from the results of reading the width of the envelope by the first and second reading means; A printing means for printing on the envelope by offsetting the flap size is provided. A printing device characterized by:

2. The first and second reading means read the width of the guide of the manual feed tray on which the envelope is placed.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. A display means for displaying on a screen a selection of envelope candidates of similar standard sizes based on the reading result of the second reading means.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

4. a setting means for setting the envelope selected via the screen into a paper feed cassette; 4. The printing device according to claim 3.

5. a third reading means for reading the width of the envelope in a direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the flap; generating means for generating size information of the envelope from the reading results of the second and third reading means; 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

6. A control method for a printing device capable of printing on envelopes with flaps, comprising: a first reading step of reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap open; a second reading step of reading the width of the envelope in the opening and closing direction with the flap closed; a storing step of storing the flap size calculated from the envelope width reading results in the first and second reading steps; A printing step of printing on the envelope by offsetting the flap size. A method for controlling a printing device.

7. 7. A program for causing a computer to execute the printing device control method according to claim 6.

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