Printer, control method of printer and program

Abstract

To improve usability of a user who performs double-sided printing using a printer performing printing on roll paper.SOLUTION: A printer having a double-sided printing function of performing printing on double sides of roll paper includes: reception means capable of receiving a plurality of jobs; and printing means for preferentially printing a page printed on the surface of the roll paper rather than a page printed on the rear face of the roll paper, among pages included in the plurality of jobs received by the reception means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing device, a control method for a printing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices capable of printing on both sides of a recording medium are known. For example, some printing devices that use cut paper cut to a standard size as the recording medium are equipped with a duplex printing mechanism that allows printing on both sides of the recording medium. When such a printing device receives a command to start duplex printing from a host computer such as a personal computer, it uses the duplex printing mechanism to print images based on print data on both sides of the recording medium.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when a double-sided printing start instruction is received from the host computer, the printer stores the fact that double-sided printing is in progress in a storage device, and subsequently prints based on print data sent from the host computer are treated as double-sided printing. Even when printing based on print data for one page, the page following the front side is fixed to the back side, and double-sided printing is performed.

[0004] Recently, with the growing need for digital printing, there has been a demand for double-sided printing even in printers that use roll paper as a recording medium. However, printers that use roll paper may not be equipped with a double-sided printing mechanism. When printing double-sided on roll paper in such a printer (i.e., when the printer receives a double-sided printing instruction from a host computer to print on both the front and back sides), after printing on the front side is complete, the user removes the roll paper from the printer and switches the side to be printed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 7-309038 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the double-sided printing method of Patent Document 1, printing is performed alternately on the front and back sides of each page. Therefore, when the method of Patent Document 1 is applied to a printing device that prints on roll paper, the user must switch the side of the roll paper on a page-by-page basis, which results in frequent laborious paper roll swapping. Furthermore, even when a printing device receives multiple jobs that can handle both the front and back sides of a sheet (print instructions sent from a computer, etc.), the laborious task of swapping the roll paper occurs each time a job with a different print side is received.

[0007] In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to improve usability for users who perform double-sided printing using a printing device that prints on roll paper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a printing device having a double-sided printing function that prints on both sides of roll paper, characterized by having a receiving means capable of receiving multiple jobs, and a printing means that, of the pages included in the multiple jobs received by the receiving means, prioritizes printing pages that are to be printed on the front side of the roll paper over pages that are to be printed on the back side of the roll paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve usability for users who perform double-sided printing using a printing device that prints on roll paper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printing device. [Figure 2] Perspective view of a printing device [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing device; [Figure 4] Printing application GUI screen [Figure 5]A diagram illustrating a front-side job and a back-side job [Figure 6] Illustration explaining how to reload roll paper for printing on the back side [Figure 7] A diagram showing the positional relationship between the marker and the detection sensor [Figure 8] Diagram explaining image rotation processing [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall flow of double-sided printing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] Continuation of Figure 9A [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how jobs are printed after sorting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart of a job rearrangement process in a printing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining job rearrangement according to the first embodiment; [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of processing in a host computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of processing in a printing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a process associated with reloading roll paper in a printing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 16] A message prompting you to turn the roll over and reload it [Figure 17] GUI screen according to the first embodiment [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart of processing during single-sided printing in a host computer according to the first embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining job rearrangement according to the first embodiment; [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart of processing in a host computer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] GUI screen according to the second embodiment [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart of a process associated with reloading roll paper in a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] GUI screen according to the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the relative arrangement of each component of the device used in the following embodiments, the device shape, etc. are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted in this specification as appropriate.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printing device for printing on roll paper according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the printing device refers to a device that has only a printing function, but is not limited to this. For example, the printing device may also function as a copier by further including a reading device that reads images on a document, or may be a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that has other functions added.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 100 includes a printer controller 120, a printer engine 150, a HDD 161, and an input / output device 162. The printing device 100 can be connected to a host computer 190 via a network 191. The printer controller 120 includes a HDD interface (I / F) 121, an input / output device I / F 122, a ROM I / F 125, and a memory controller 126. The printer controller 120 also includes a host I / F 127, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 128, a controller engine interface 129, and an image processing unit 130. These are connected via a system bus 132. The printer controller 120 also includes a flash ROM 123 and a RAM 124, which are connected to the system bus 132 via the ROM I / F 125 and the memory controller 126, respectively. A printing application 192 (described later) is installed on the host computer 190, and a user can use the printing application 192 to send data to be printed to the printing device 100.

[0014] CPU 128 is a central processing unit in the form of a microprocessor (microcomputer) that controls the overall operation of printing device 100 by executing programs and activating hardware. Flash ROM 123 stores programs executed by CPU 128 and various data necessary for various operations of printing device 100. RAM 124 is used as a work area for CPU 128, as a temporary storage area for various received data, and stores various setting data.

[0015] The image processing unit 130 performs various image processing, such as converting (expanding) print data (e.g., data expressed in a page description language) handled by the printing device 100 into image data (bitmap image data), and other image processing. The image processing unit 130 also converts the color space (e.g., YCbCr) of the image data included in the input print data into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). The image processing unit 130 also performs various image processing on the image data as needed, such as resolution conversion to an effective number of pixels (i.e., a number that can be printed by the printing device 100), image analysis, image correction, and the like. The image data obtained by these image processing operations is stored in the RAM 124 or the HDD 161.

[0016] The printer engine 150 is a printing unit that forms images. The printer engine 150 includes an inkjet head 151, a detection sensor 152, a conveyance motor 153, a cutter unit 159, an interface 154 with the printer controller 120, and an optical sensor 155. These components are connected via a system bus 156.

[0017] The inkjet head 151 is a printing unit that prints images onto roll paper based on image data. The inkjet head 151, for example, holds multiple print heads for multiple colors, and ejects ink from the inkjet head 151 in synchronization with the transport of the roll paper to form an image on the roll paper. Note that, although an inkjet printer that uses ink as a recording material will be described as an example of the printing device according to this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to printing devices using various printing methods, such as thermal printers (dye-sublimation, thermal transfer, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, laser printers, and other electrophotographic printers.

[0018] The cutter unit 159 is a mechanism that cuts roll paper used as a recording medium for printing. The cutter unit 159 cuts the roll paper to a specified length after an image is printed on it. If the paper type causes paper dust to scatter when cut by the cutter unit 159, settings to draw a cutting dust reduction line at the cutting position to prevent paper dust from scattering during cutting are stored in the Flash ROM 123.

[0019] Furthermore, independent of the cutting waste reduction line setting, the operation setting of the cutter unit 159 for each paper type can be stored in the Flash ROM 123. Specifically, for paper types that cannot be cut using the cutter unit 159, a setting (user cut) that does not move the cutter unit 159 so that the user can cut with scissors is stored in the Flash ROM 123. For paper types that require the user to hold down the roll paper while cutting in order to create a crooked cut line, a setting (eject cut) that moves the cutter unit 159 through user operation is stored in the Flash ROM 123. For paper types for which user cut and eject cut settings are not performed, a setting (auto cut) that automatically cuts with the cutter unit 159 is stored in the Flash ROM 123.

[0020] The transport motor 153 is a motor for driving transport rollers that transport the roll paper, and is controlled by the CPU 128. The optical sensor 155 is a measuring means for measuring the attribute values ​​of the recording medium, and is a reflective optical sensor that includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light-emitting element, a specular reflection light receiving element, and a diffuse light receiving element. The printing device 100 uses the optical sensor 155 to measure attribute values ​​such as the intensity of specular reflection light and diffuse reflection light from the paper placed on the platen, and the thickness of the paper.

[0021] The detection sensor 152 is a measuring means for detecting markers (described below) printed on the roll paper, and is a reflective optical sensor like the optical sensor 155. With the double-sided printing function, after printing on the front side, the roll paper is fed for printing on the back side, and the detection sensor 152 is mainly used to read the markers printed on the roll paper.

[0022] The input / output device 162 includes hard keys and a panel for the user to perform various operations, as well as a display unit for displaying (presenting) various information to the user. The input / output device 162 may also display information to the user by outputting a sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator. When feeding paper, the user uses the input / output device 162 to select a paper type and communicates the correct paper type to the printing device 100, allowing the printing device 100 to perform the transport set for each paper type.

[0023] HDD 161 is a non-volatile storage area that can store and read programs to be executed by CPU 128, print data such as jobs described below, and setting information required for various operations of printing device 100. Note that instead of HDD 161, other large-capacity storage devices such as flash memory may be used.

[0024] In this embodiment, the input / output device 162 exists inside the printing device 100, but this is not limiting and the input / output device 162 may be connected as an external device via a network 191, for example. The host computer 190 may also function as the input / output device 162. In addition to the input / output device 162, the printing device may be able to further connect other input / output devices via the network 191, etc.

[0025] The host computer 190 is, for example, an external device that serves as a supply source of print data, and has a printer driver installed. Instead of the host computer 190, the printing device 100 may be provided with a data providing device that serves as a supply source of print data, such as an image reader, a digital camera, or a smartphone. The connection between each device and the printing device 100 is not limited to via the network 191, and may be directly connected, for example, via wireless communication.

[0026] 2 is a perspective view of the printer 100, which can feed rolled paper and take up the printed roll paper, when the roll paper is being set in the printer, and the roll paper can be set in the paper feed section by opening the paper discharge guide section 500. As shown in the figure, the height direction (direction of gravity) is the Z-axis direction, the transport direction of the roll paper 1 in the printing section 400 (see FIG. 3) is the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (the left-right direction of the printer 100) is the X-axis direction.

[0027] When the paper discharge guide unit 500 is in the open state, it is possible to set roll paper in the roll setting unit 200. The user can input various commands to the printing device 100, such as specifying the roll paper size and type, via the various switches and touch panel provided on the input / output device 162.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing device 100. When the paper discharge guide unit 500 in Figure 2 is in the closed state, the roll paper 1 pulled out from the roll paper core 201 set in the roll setting unit 200 is connected to the winding unit 600 and wound up. The roll paper 1 pulled out from the roll paper set in the roll setting unit 200 is transported through the transport unit 300 to the printing unit 400. The printing unit 400 is a printing means capable of printing images, and prints images onto the roll paper 1 by ejecting ink from the inkjet head 151.

[0029] The platen 15 of the printing unit 400 sucks the backside of the roll paper 1 through suction holes provided in the platen 15 by using negative pressure generated by the suction fan 16. This regulates the position of the roll paper 1 so that it fits along the platen 15, enabling high-precision image printing by the inkjet head 151.

[0030] The inkjet head 151 ejects ink from its orifices using ejection energy generating elements such as electrothermal transducers (heaters) or piezoelectric elements. When an electrothermal transducer is used, the heat generated by the element causes the ink to bubble, and the resulting bubble-forming energy is used to eject the ink from its orifices. The inkjet head 151 is not limited to an inkjet system, and the printing system of the printing unit 400 is also not limited; for example, it may be a serial scan system or a full line system. In the serial scan system, an image is printed by transporting the roll paper 1 and scanning the inkjet head 151 in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the roll paper 1. In the full line system, a long inkjet head 151 extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the roll paper 1 is used, and an image is printed while the roll paper 1 is continuously transported.

[0031] The detection sensor 152 reads markers (described later) printed on the roll paper 1 and transmits the results to the printer controller 120. This makes it possible to align the positions of the front and back images when performing double-sided printing.

[0032] The optical sensor 155 is attached to the inkjet head 151 and measures the roll paper width in addition to the specular reflection light intensity, diffuse reflection light intensity, and roll paper thickness of the roll paper 1. The inkjet head 151 is moved to detect the width and leading edge of the paper, and the results of this detection are transmitted to the printer controller 120.

[0033] The leading end of the roll paper 1 is fixed to the roll paper tube 206 set in the winding section 600, and by rotating the set roll paper tube 201, the roll paper 1 printed in the printing section 400 can be continuously wound up. After printing, the roll paper can be cut to the length desired by the user using the cutter unit 159.

[0034] <Outline of the printing application> FIG. 4 shows a GUI screen of the print application 192 installed in the host computer 190 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] When a user executes printing, the user starts up print application 192 on host computer 190, and GUI screen 301A shown in FIG. 4(a) is displayed on the display of host computer 190. The user can select a file to print from among the files stored in host computer 190 by pressing file selection button 302 on GUI screen 301A. The file selected with file selection button 302 can be confirmed on preview screen 303. When the user presses print button 305, host computer 190 creates a print job for the selected file. If the user wants to cancel printing, the print application 192 can be terminated by pressing cancel button 306.

[0036] In this specification, a "(print) job" refers to a print command sent from the host computer 190 to the printing device, and more specifically, refers to print data as a unit for which repeated printing processing is performed. In this specification, a job created by selecting one page at a time for the front side is basically referred to as a front side job, and a job created by selecting one page at a time for the back side is referred to as a back side job. However, the unit of a job is not limited to one page, and a job may be a unit of multiple pages on both sides.

[0037] When the user checks the double-sided printing checkbox 304 on the GUI screen 301A, the GUI screen 301A transitions to the GUI screen 301B shown in Fig. 4(b). The user can select an image to be printed on the front side of the double-sided printing via the GUI screen 301B.

[0038] If the print button 305 is pressed without checking the double-sided printing checkbox 304, a print job with the single-sided printing function (single-sided print job) is created. Information identifying the front and back sides, which will be described later, may not be added to this single-sided print job, or information identifying the front side may be added.

[0039] GUI screen 301B in FIG. 4(b) is a screen for selecting a file to be printed on the front side. The user selects an image file to be printed on the front side from among the image files stored in host computer 190 via GUI screen 301B. Image 310 is a preview image showing the specific contents of the file selected by the user, and the user can check the print result (printed matter) of the selected file in the preview. In the example of FIG. 4(b), an image corresponding to the front side of the first job, which will be described later, is selected. If the user presses the "Select back side" button 307 in this state, the screen transitions to GUI screen 301C shown in FIG. 4(c).

[0040] GUI screen 301C in FIG. 4(c) is a screen for selecting a file to be printed on the back side. The user selects an image file to be printed on the back side from among the image files stored in host computer 190 via GUI screen 301C. Image 311 is a preview image showing the specific contents of the file selected by the user, and the user can check the print result of the selected file in the preview. In the example of FIG. 4(c), an image corresponding to the back side of the first job described below is selected. At this time, if the user wants to select an image for the front side again, pressing "Return to front side" button 308 will transition to GUI screen 301B in FIG. 4(b), where the user can reselect the file to be printed on the front side.

[0041] Pressing the print button 305 on GUI screen 301C creates a front-side job for printing on the front side (i.e., the page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper) and a back-side job for printing on the back side (i.e., the page to be printed on the back side of the roll paper). When creating these jobs, identification information (hereinafter referred to as front / back identification information) is added to each job to identify whether it corresponds to the front or back side of double-sided printing. Specific examples of the front / back identification information according to this embodiment include the front side of a double-sided printing job, the back side of a double-sided printing job, the front side of a single-sided printing job, the back side of a single-sided printing job, etc.

[0042] In other words, a front side job corresponding to a file selected via GUI screen 301B is created with identification information indicating the front side added, and a back side job corresponding to a file selected via GUI screen 301C is created with identification information indicating the back side added.

[0043] Regarding the addition of front / back identification information, a variable or flag indicating the front (or back) side may be added to the corresponding job. Also, information that identifies the front / back side, such as job1_ryomenomote or job1_ryomenura, may be added to the end of the name of each job sent to the printing device 100. Furthermore, instead of adding front / back identification information, each job may be created to include front / back identification information.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a front-side job and a back-side job created by a printing application, and shows an example in which a user operates the printing application according to the above procedure, checks the double-sided printing checkbox 304, and creates a double-sided printing job twice. Here, for the job created the first time, the front-side job will be referred to as "first job (front)" and the back-side job will be referred to as "first job (back)." Also, for the job created the second time, the front-side job will be referred to as "second job (front)" and the back-side job will be referred to as "second job (back)."

[0045] Fig. 5(a) shows an image 310 to be printed in the first job (front), Fig. 5(b) shows an image 311 to be printed in the first job (back), Fig. 5(c) shows an image 312 to be printed in the second job (front), and Fig. 5(d) shows an image 313 to be printed in the second job (back). In this example, four types of jobs are created, and it is assumed that each diagram in Fig. 5 corresponds to the first job (front), first job (back), second job (front), and second job (back) used in the following explanation.

[0046] <Resetting the roll paper> The resetting of roll paper will be explained below using Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram that explains how to reset roll paper for printing on the back side after printing on the front side of the roll paper has been completed. First, an overview of resetting roll paper will be explained using this conceptual diagram.

[0047] When a job to which the above-described front / back identification information is added is sent from the host computer 190 to the printing device 100, the marker 207 described below is printed after printing of the image 310 is completed. Setting data for the marker 207 is stored in the Flash ROM 123, and the printer controller 120 reads this setting data from the Flash ROM 123 and sends a print instruction for the marker 207 based on the read setting data to the inkjet head 151.

[0048] When printing on the front side, as shown in Figure 6(a), the roll paper tube 201 is rotated in the direction of arrow R to transport the roll paper 1 in the direction of arrow P, the image on the front side is printed by the printing unit 400, and the roll paper 1 is wound up by the winding unit 600.

[0049] 7 shows the positional relationship on the XY coordinate plane between the marker 207, detection sensor 152, and roll paper 1. In accordance with instructions from the printer controller 120, the inkjet head 151 prints a marker 207 that extends in the main scanning direction (X direction) of the inkjet head 151 on the roll paper after printing the image on the front side. As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the marker 207 is printed in a position that will pass the detection sensor 152 when the roll paper 1 is turned over and printing of the image on the back side begins.

[0050] When printing on the back side of the roll paper 1 after printing on the front side is finished, the user removes the take-up side roll paper tube 206 in FIG. 6(a) before starting printing. As shown in FIG. 6(b), this removed roll paper tube is reset as the feed-side roll paper tube 201 so that the winding direction is different from that in FIG. 6(a). The reset roll paper tube rotates in the direction of arrow R', which is opposite to arrow R in FIG. 6(a), thereby transporting the roll paper 1 in the direction of arrow P'. The printing unit 400 prints an image on the back side, and the take-up unit 600 takes up the roll paper 1. In this way, by resetting the roll paper, the take-up side roll paper tube 206 around which the roll paper 1 with the front side printed is wound is set in the roll setting unit 200 and becomes the feed-side roll paper tube 201 when printing on the back side.

[0051] By resetting the roll paper in this way, the roll paper 1 is fed to the printing unit 400 with the printed image 310 facing down. Furthermore, the paper feed / printing direction P for the front side and the paper feed / printing direction P' for the back side are relatively opposite. The roll paper supplied from the roll paper core 201 set in the roll setting unit 200 is transported through the transport unit 300 to the printing unit 400. The detection sensor 152 emits light onto the back side of the roll paper, optically detecting the marker 207 that was just printed, and reports the detection results to the printer controller 120.

[0052] Figure 7(b) shows the positional relationship between the detection sensor 152 and the marker 207 when feeding the back side. As shown in Figure 7(b), the marker 207 is printed at a fixed distance from the image 310' on the front side, and after detecting the marker 207, the roll paper 1 is transported a specified transport distance before printing based on the back side job begins. This makes it possible to align the printing positions of the image 310' on the front side and the image 311 on the back side (see Figure 8(b)).

[0053] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining image rotation processing for a job, illustrating the state in which an image is printed on the surface of roll paper. Specifically, Figure 8(a) shows the state in which image 310 is printed on the front surface of roll paper, and Figure 8(b) shows the state in which image 311 is printed on the back surface after image 310 has been printed on the front surface. Arrow P in Figure 8(a) indicates the paper feed and printing direction when printing image 310 on the front surface, and arrow P' in Figure 8(b) indicates the paper feed and printing direction when printing image 311 on the back surface. In Figure 8(b), image 310' printed on the front surface is represented by a dashed line. While the printed position of image 311 on the back surface would normally overlap with the printed position on the front surface, it is offset in Figure 8(b) for ease of explanation.

[0054] As mentioned above, as shown in Figure 8(b), the paper feed / printing direction P of the front side of the roll paper and the paper feed / printing direction P' of the back side when the roll paper is reset are relatively opposite, so resetting the roll paper reverses the paper feed / printing direction. Therefore, in order to print the front and back side images in the same direction, the image must be rotated 180 degrees when creating a back side job. Therefore, when creating a back side job, the host computer 190 performs a rotation process to rotate the image to be printed in that job 180 degrees, and then sends the job created in this way to the printing device 100. This rotation process is performed by an application on the host computer 190 when the job is created, but it can also be performed by the printing device 100 after receiving the job.

[0055] [First embodiment] Based on the above-described configuration, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0056] <Double-sided printing process> 9A and 9B, the overall flow of double-sided printing in this embodiment, specifically the flow in which the host computer creates a front-side job and a back-side job and the printing device prints based on these jobs, will be described below.

[0057] In step S1, the host computer 190 accepts the user's selection of the double-sided printing mode. Specifically, the selection acceptance of this step is performed when the user checks the double-sided printing checkbox 304 on the GUI screen 301A shown in FIG. 4(a). Note that hereinafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated to "S~".

[0058] In S2, the host computer 190 accepts the image selection of the image to be printed in the first job. Specifically, when the user selects the image to be printed on the front side of the recording medium via GUI screen 301B (FIG. 4(b)) and the image to be printed on the back side of the recording medium via GUI screen 301C (FIG. 4(c)), these image selections are accepted in this step. In this specification, the first job is referred to as the "first job," the image to be printed on the front side of roll paper 1 is referred to as the "front side image," and the image to be printed on the back side is referred to as the "back side image."

[0059] In S3, the host computer 190 accepts the user pressing the print button 305.

[0060] In S4, the host computer 190 creates a front-side job for printing the front-side image received in S2. Note that the front-side job created in this step is referred to as "first job (front side)" because it is a front-side job for printing the front-side image of the first job.

[0061] In S5, the host computer 190 creates a back side job for printing the back side image received in S2. Note that the back side job created in this step is referred to as "first job (back side)" because it is a back side job for printing the back side image of the first job.

[0062] In S6, the host computer 190 transmits the first job (front) created in S4 to the printing device 100, and the printer controller 120 of the printing device 100 receives the first job (front).

[0063] In S7, the host computer 190 transmits the first job (back side) created in S5 to the printing device 100, and the printer controller 120 of the printing device 100 receives the first job (back side).

[0064] In S8, printer controller 120 sends to printer engine 150 a print instruction to print the received first job (front).

[0065] In S9, the printer engine 150 starts printing based on the print instruction received in S8, that is, starts printing the front side image of the first job.

[0066] In S10, similar to S1, the host computer 190 accepts the user's selection of the double-sided printing mode.

[0067] In S11, similar to S2, the host computer 190 accepts image selection of the front and back images to be printed in the second job (hereinafter referred to as the second job).

[0068] In S12, the host computer 190 accepts the user pressing the print button 305.

[0069] In S13, the host computer 190 creates a front-side job for printing the front-side image received in S11. Note that the front-side job created in this step is referred to as "second job (front side)" because it is a front-side job for printing the front-side image of the second job.

[0070] In S14, the host computer 190 creates a back side job for printing the back side image received in S11. Note that the back side job created in this step is referred to as "second job (back side)" because it is a back side job for printing the back side image of the second job.

[0071] In S15, the host computer 190 transmits the second job (front) created in S13 to the printing device 100, and the printer controller 120 of the printing device 100 receives the second job (front).

[0072] In S16, the host computer 190 transmits the second job (back side) created in S14 to the printing device 100, and the printer controller 120 of the printing device 100 receives the second job (back side).

[0073] In S17, the printer controller 120 rearranges the jobs to be printed so that the front side image of the second job is printed with priority over the back side image of the first job. This rearrangement will be described later.

[0074] When printing of the first job (front side) is completed, in S18, printer engine 150 transmits a printing completion notification of the first job (front side) to printer controller 120. Printer controller 120 receives the printing completion notification of the first job (front side).

[0075] In S19, the printer controller 120 sends a print instruction for the marker 207 to the printer engine 150.

[0076] In S20, the printer engine 150 performs printing based on the print instruction received in S19, that is, prints the marker 207.

[0077] When printing of the marker 207 is completed, the printer engine 150 transmits a notification of completion of printing of the marker 207 to the printer controller 120 in S21.

[0078] In S22, printer controller 120 sends a print instruction to printer engine 150 to print the second job (front side) as the job to be printed next to the first job (front side), in accordance with the result of sorting the jobs in S17.

[0079] In S23, the printer engine 150 starts printing based on the print instruction received in S22, that is, starts printing the front side image of the second job.

[0080] When printing of the second job (front side) is completed, in S24, printer engine 150 transmits a printing completion notification of the second job (front side) to printer controller 120. Printer controller 120 receives the printing completion notification of the second job (front side).

[0081] In S25, the printer controller 120 sends a print instruction for the marker 207 to the printer engine 150.

[0082] In S26, the printer engine 150 performs printing based on the print instruction received in S25, that is, prints the marker 207.

[0083] When printing of the marker 207 is completed, the printer engine 150 transmits a notification of completion of printing of the marker 207 to the printer controller 120 in S27.

[0084] In S28, the printer controller 120 sends a display instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a message prompting the user to reload the roll paper before printing on the back side of the roll paper.

[0085] In S29, the input / output device 162 displays a message prompting the user to turn over the roll paper and reset it, in accordance with the display instruction sent in S28. The message displayed in this step is, for example, "Please turn over the roll paper and reset it."

[0086] After S29, the user removes the take-up side roll paper tube 206, and printer engine 150 accepts this removal. Then, in S30 (see FIG. 9B), printer engine 150 sends a roll paper removal completion notification to printer controller 120.

[0087] If the user sets the roll paper core 206 in the roll setting unit 200 after S30, the printer engine 150 receives a notification in S31 that the roll paper has been reset.

[0088] In S32, the printer engine 150 sends a roll paper reset completion notification to the printer controller 120.

[0089] In S33, the printer controller 120 sends a paper feed instruction to the printer engine 150.

[0090] In S34, the printer engine 150 performs a paper feeding operation.

[0091] In S35, the printer controller 120 transmits a detection instruction to the printer engine 150 to detect the marker 207.

[0092] In S36, the printer engine 150 reads the marker 207 using the detection sensor in accordance with the detection instruction sent in S35.

[0093] In S37, the printer engine 150 transmits the result of the detection in S36 to the printer controller 120.

[0094] In S38, the printer controller 120 sends to the printer engine 150 an alignment instruction to align the roll paper.

[0095] In S39, the printer engine 150 aligns the print start position according to the alignment instruction sent in S38. Specifically, the roll paper 1 is conveyed a predetermined amount from the position where the marker 207 is printed.

[0096] In S40, printer engine 150 sends a registration completion notification to printer controller 120. Printer controller 120 receives the registration completion notification.

[0097] In S41, the printer controller 120 sends to the input / output device 162 a display instruction to display a GUI screen that allows the user to select the job order.

[0098] In S42, the input / output device 162 displays a GUI screen for selecting the job order in accordance with the display instruction sent in S41. Note that Fig. 17 shows an example of the GUI screen displayed in this step.

[0099] After S42, the user makes a selection via the GUI screen displayed in S42, and in S43 the printing device 100 accepts the user selection via the input / output device 162. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the order of printing the back side job is selected as second job (back side), first job (back side), as shown in FIG.

[0100] In S44, the input / output device 162 transmits a notification of the selection result in S43 (that is, in this example, the order of the second job (back side), the first job (back side)) to the printer controller 120. The printer controller 120 receives this notification.

[0101] In S45, the printer controller 120 sends a print instruction to the printer engine 150 to print the second job (back side).

[0102] In S46, the printer engine 150 starts printing based on the print instruction received in S45, that is, starts printing the back side image of the second job.

[0103] When printing of the second job (back side) is completed, in S47, the printer engine 150 transmits a printing completion notification of the second job (back side) to the printer controller 120.

[0104] In S48, the printer controller 120 sends a print instruction to the printer engine 150 to print the first job (back side).

[0105] In S49, the printer engine 150 starts printing based on the print instruction received in S48, that is, starts printing the back side image of the first job.

[0106] When printing of the first job (back side) is completed, in S50, the printer engine 150 transmits a printing completion notification of the first job (back side) to the printer controller 120.

[0107] In S51, the printer controller 120 determines that printing of all jobs has been completed, and sends a print completion notification for the relevant jobs to the host computer 190.

[0108] In S52, the printer controller 120 sends a display instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a GUI screen for notifying the user that printing has finished.

[0109] In S53, the input / output device 162 displays a GUI screen to notify the user that printing has finished.

[0110] <Job sorting> FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how, when the jobs to be printed are received in the order of first job (front), first job (back), second job (front), and second job (back), these jobs are rearranged and the rearranged jobs are printed. Note that arrow P in FIG. 10(a) indicates the printing direction of the front side, and arrow P' in FIG. 10(b) indicates the printing direction of the back side. Below, details of the job rearrangement performed in S17 (see FIG. 9A) mentioned above will be explained using FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). Note that in FIG. 10(b), the front side image and the back side image are shown shifted, as in FIG. 8(b).

[0111] When printing device 100 of this embodiment receives multiple jobs, it stores the received jobs in HDD 161 in the order in which they were received, and starts printing the received jobs in the order they are received if they are ready to be printed. Therefore, if the received jobs include both front and back side jobs, it is necessary to rearrange the jobs so that front side jobs are printed with priority over back side jobs in order to reduce the effort required to reset the roll paper.

[0112] As mentioned above, when printing on the back side, resetting the roll paper reverses the printing direction on the back side from the printing direction on the front side. Therefore, as shown below, it is necessary to perform job switching processing that takes the reversal of the printing direction into account.

[0113] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(a), front-side jobs are printed in order of earliest reception. That is, in this example, the first job (front) is printed first, followed by the second job (front). On the other hand, as for back-side jobs, because the printing direction P' of the back side is relatively reversed to the printing direction P of the front side, as shown in FIG. 10(b), job rearrangement processing must be performed so that jobs are printed in order of latest reception. By performing this job rearrangement processing, in this example, the second job (back) is printed first, followed by the first job (back).

[0114] Here, job rearrangement based on the above-mentioned concept will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a detailed flow diagram of the job rearrangement process (S17 in FIG. 9A) in the printing device 100 of this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 11 are performed by the CPU 128 expanding program code stored in the Flash ROM 123 into the RAM 124 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 11 may be performed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electrical circuit.

[0115] If printer controller 120 receives another job while printing a job, it starts the sorting process shown in FIG.

[0116] In S1101, the CPU 128 refers to the job list stored in the HDD 161 and acquires the first job in the list.

[0117] In S1102, the CPU 128 determines whether the job acquired in the most recent process (referred to as the target job) is a front-side job. To determine whether the job is a front-side job in this step, the front / back identification information added to the job can be used. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1103. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false (i.e., the target job is a back-side job), the process proceeds to S1104.

[0118] In S1103, the CPU 128 arranges the target jobs in the job list in the order of printing from the top.

[0119] In S1104, the CPU 128 arranges the target job in the order of printing from the end of the job list.

[0120] In S1105, the CPU 128 attempts to acquire the job received next to the target job.

[0121] In S1106, the CPU 128 determines whether there is a job acquired in S1105 (a job received after the target job). If the determination result in this step is true, the processing of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process returns to S1102, and it is determined whether the target job is a front-side job.

[0122] Each diagram in Figure 12 is a list that maintains the correspondence between the order of jobs to be printed by printing device 100 (referred to as printing order in the diagram) and the job names of jobs received by printer controller 120 of printing device 100, and this list is stored in HDD 166. In this list, jobs received by printer controller 120 are listed from the top in the order they were received, and when a new job is received, the new job is additionally listed after the jobs already listed. Furthermore, the jobs listed in this list are printed in order from top to bottom.

[0123] 9A, it is assumed that printer controller 120 receives jobs in the order of first job (front), first job (back), second job (front), and second job (back), resulting in the list before the jobs are rearranged as shown in Fig. 12(a). The rearrangement of the jobs in the list (first job (front), first job (back), second job (front), and second job (back) received by printer controller 120) will be described below with reference to Figs. 12(a) and 12(b).

[0124] Figure 12(a) shows the list immediately after the printer controller 120 receives the second job (back) at S16 in Figure 9(a), and Figure 12(b) shows the result after the list in Figure 12(a) has been sorted at S17 in Figure 9(a).

[0125] As shown in FIG. 12(a), in this example, printer controller 120 receives jobs in the following order: first job (front side) → first job (back side) → second job (front side) → second job (back side). Therefore, these jobs must be rearranged. Specifically, for front side jobs, the jobs received first are rearranged, and for back side jobs, the jobs received first are rearranged. FIG. 12(b) shows the result of this rearrangement, and the final printing order is first job (front side) → second job (front side) → second job (back side) → first job (back side).

[0126] The processing flow explained so far will be explained in detail below, with the processing in the host computer 190 and the processing in the printing device 100 being separately explained.

[0127] <Processing in the host computer when printing on both sides> 13 is a flowchart showing the process in the host computer 190 according to this embodiment, from creating a double-sided print job to sending the created double-sided print job to the printing device 100. The process in this flowchart begins when the user launches a print application on the host computer. Note that, hereinafter, content that overlaps with the above description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0128] First, in S1301, the host computer 190 starts the print application 192 and displays the GUI screen of the print application 192 on the display. Note that the GUI screen 301A in Fig. 4(a) is an example of the GUI screen displayed in this step. The following description will be given using the example in Fig. 4(a).

[0129] In S1302, the host computer 190 determines whether the selection of a front image by the user has been accepted. Specifically, the user can select an image file to be printed from among the image files stored in the host computer 190 by pressing the file selection button 302 in FIG. 4(a). If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1303. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until the selection of a front image is accepted.

[0130] In S1303, the host computer 190 determines whether the user has checked the double-sided printing check box 304 (FIG. 4A). If the result of the determination in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1304. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in this step is false, the process waits until the check is received.

[0131] Note that single-sided printing is performed if the user presses the print button 305 before checking the double-sided printing checkbox 304. This single-sided printing will be described later using the flowchart in FIG.

[0132] In S1304, the host computer 190 shifts from the normal printing mode to the double-sided printing mode, and as a result, the GUI screen displayed on the display of the host computer 190 switches from the GUI screen 301A to the GUI screen 301B.

[0133] In S1305, the host computer 190 determines whether it has received a user press of the "select back side" button 307. If the determination result in this step is true, the GUI screen displayed on the display of the host computer 190 switches from GUI screen 301B to GUI screen 301C, and the process proceeds to S1306. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until the "select back side" button 307 is pressed.

[0134] In S1306, the host computer 190 determines whether the user's selection of a back side image has been accepted. Specifically, the user can select the image file they wish to print from the image files stored in the host computer 190 by pressing the file selection button 302 in FIG. 4(c). If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1307. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until the selection of a back side image is accepted.

[0135] In S1307, the host computer 190 determines whether it has received a user press of the print button 305. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1308. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until the print button 305 is pressed.

[0136] In S1308, the host computer 190 creates a front-side job by adding front-side identification information indicating the front side to the image selected in S1302.

[0137] In S1309, the host computer 190 performs the rotation process of the back side image. S In step 1306, the selected image is rotated by 180 degrees.

[0138] In S1310, the host computer 190 generates a back side job by adding front / back identification information indicating the back side to the image acquired in the rotation process in S1309.

[0139] In S1311, the host computer 190 transmits to the printing apparatus 100 the front-side job created in S1308 and the back-side job created in S1310.

[0140] When the host computer 190 creates multiple double-sided printing jobs according to the flow of Fig. 13, the jobs are sent to the printing device 100 in the order in which they were created. For example, when the host computer 190 creates two double-sided printing jobs and sends the two double-sided printing jobs to the printing device 100, the first job (including the first job (front) and the first job (back)) is first created according to the flow of Fig. 13 and sent to the printing device 100. Then, the second job (including the second job (front) and the second job (back)) is created according to the flow of Fig. 13 and sent to the printing device 100.

[0141] <Processing in the printing device when printing on both sides> Fig. 14 is a flowchart of processing in the printing device 100 according to this embodiment, which is processing for printing based on a job received from the host computer 190. Note that, at the start of this flow, it is assumed that the printing device 100 is started (powered on) and is in a state in which it is able to receive a job from the host computer 190. Note that the series of processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 14 is performed by the CPU 128 expanding program code stored in the Flash ROM 123 into the RAM 124 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 14 may be performed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electrical circuit.

[0142] In S1401, the CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 included in the printing device 100 receives a job sent by the host computer 190.

[0143] In S1402, the CPU 128 determines whether front side printing is in progress or whether front side printing is possible. If the determination result in this step is true, proceed to S1409. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, proceed to S1403. Note that "front side printing possible" refers to a state in which the printing device 100 is powered on and can start printing on the front side of the roll paper 1 when a front side job is received. If the front side of the roll paper 1 has not been fed into the printing device 100, it is not in a state in which front side printing is possible. Whether front side printing is possible or not can be determined based on whether the roll paper core 201 is rotating in the direction of arrow R and whether the detection sensor 152 has detected the leading edge of the roll paper 1.

[0144] In S1403, the CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 determines whether the back side of a double-sided print job is currently being printed or whether back side printing is possible. If the determination result in this step is true, proceed to S1404. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the processing in Figure 14 ends. Note that, like the state in which front side printing is possible, "back side printing is possible" refers to a state in which the printing device 100 is powered on and can start printing on the back side of the roll paper 1 when a back side job is received. Whether back side printing is possible can be determined based on whether the roll paper tube 201 is rotating in the direction of arrow R' and whether the detection sensor 152 has detected the leading edge of the roll paper 1.

[0145] In S1404, the CPU 128 waits for the printing of the job to finish, and when the printing finishes, the process proceeds to S1405.

[0146] In S1405, CPU 128 determines whether the next job is a front-side job or a back-side job for double-sided printing, or whether there is no next job. If it is determined that the next job is a front-side job, the process proceeds to S1406. If it is determined that the next job is a back-side job, the process proceeds to S1416. If it is determined that there is no next job, the process in FIG. 14 ends.

[0147] In S1406, the CPU 128 sends a display instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a message urging the user to reset the roll paper in order to print on the front side of the roll paper. When the display instruction sent in this step is received, the input / output device 162 displays a message urging the user to reset the paper face down, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. Upon seeing this message, the user resets the roll paper in order to print on the front side of the roll paper. Specifically, the user removes the take-up side roll paper core 206 and sets it as the feed side roll paper core 201 (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0148] In S1407, the CPU 128 accepts the instruction to reload the roll paper.

[0149] In S1408, the CPU 128 starts printing the next job.

[0150] In S1409, the CPU 128 executes the above-described front and back job rearrangement process (see FIG. 11).

[0151] In S1410, if the CPU 128 is in the process of printing the front side, it waits for the printing of the job to finish. When printing finishes, it proceeds to S1411. If the CPU 128 is not in the process of printing the front side (that is, if the state is such that printing on the front side is possible), it proceeds to S1411 without executing any processing.

[0152] In S1411, CPU 128 determines whether the job is a double-sided printing job based on the front / back identification information added to the job that has finished printing in S1410. Specifically, if the job that has finished printing has been added with front / back identification information indicating that it is a double-sided printing job, CPU 128 determines that the job is a double-sided printing job. On the other hand, if the job that has finished printing has been added with front / back identification information indicating that it is a single-sided printing job, CPU 128 determines that the job is not a double-sided printing job. If the determination result in this step is true, CPU 128 proceeds to S1412. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, CPU 128 proceeds to S1413.

[0153] In S1412, CPU 128 executes the marker printing process. Specifically, CPU 128 sends an instruction to print marker 207 to printer engine 150, and printer engine 150 prints marker 207 on roll paper 1.

[0154] In S1413, the CPU 128 determines whether the next job is a front-side job, a back-side job, or whether there is no next job. If it is determined that the next job is a front-side job, the process proceeds to S1414. If it is determined that the next job is a back-side job, the process proceeds to S1415. If it is determined that there is no next job, the process in FIG. 14 ends.

[0155] In S1414, the CPU 128 starts printing the next job, the front side job, and returns to S1410.

[0156] In S1415, roll paper resetting processing is performed to print on the back side. The roll paper resetting processing performed in this step will be described later with reference to Figure 15. When the resetting processing in this step is complete, proceed to S1416.

[0157] In S1416, the CPU 128 transmits a display instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a GUI screen for selecting a back-side job. This GUI screen is a screen for selectively determining the printing order by specifying the back-side job to be printed, as shown in FIG. 17, for example. The input / output device 162 that receives the display instruction transmitted in this step displays a GUI screen including at least a list of the received back-side jobs. If there are multiple jobs, the list displays them in descending order of reception, based on the job sorting described above. Therefore, the user can specify the back-side jobs in the order displayed.

[0158] In this embodiment, the configuration is such that user input is accepted via the GUI screen displayed on the input / output device 162 in S1416, but instead of displaying such a selection GUI screen, the back-side job may be printed as rearranged. Also, the user may be able to switch whether or not to display the selection GUI screen by setting the application.

[0159] In S1417, the printing apparatus 100 accepts the selection of the printing order (order in which printing is performed) of the back side job via the GUI screen (see FIG. 17) displayed in S1416.

[0160] In S1418, the CPU 128 starts printing the back-side job selected in S1417, and the process returns to S1404.

[0161] As explained above, if the CPU 128 receives a job while printing on the front side of the roll paper, it proceeds to job sorting processing (S1402 YES → S1409). If printing on the back side is in progress, the sorting processing of S1409 is not executed (S1402 NO), and the sorting processing is executed when the next front side job is printed (S1405 front → ... → S1409).

[0162] <Resetting the roll paper to print on the back side> The roll paper resetting process for printing on the back side (S1415 in FIG. 14) will be explained in detail below using FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the process associated with resetting roll paper, which is executed by the printing device 100 when printing on the back side of roll paper. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 15 are carried out by the CPU 128 expanding program code stored in Flash ROM 123 into RAM 124 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 15 may be carried out by hardware such as an ASIC or electrical circuit.

[0163] In S1501, the CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 sends a display instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a message urging the user to reload the roll paper in order to print on the back side of the roll paper. When the display instruction sent in this step is received, the input / output device 162 displays a message urging the user to reload the paper upside down, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. Upon seeing this message, the user reloads the roll paper in order to print on the back side of the roll paper. Specifically, the user removes the take-up side roll paper core 206 and sets it as the feed side roll paper core 201 (see FIG. 6(b)).

[0164] In S1502, the CPU 128 determines whether a request to reset the roll paper has been received. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1503. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until a request to reset the roll paper is received.

[0165] In S1503, the CPU 128 executes a detection process for the marker 207 using the detection sensor 152.

[0166] In S1504, the CPU 128 executes a print start registration process. Specifically, the CPU 128 transmits a print start registration instruction to the printer engine 150, and upon receiving the instruction, the printer engine 150 performs the registration.

[0167] As explained above, in this embodiment, the printer controller 120 of the printing device 100 sorts the front and back jobs sent by the host computer 190 according to a predetermined priority. This eliminates the need to remove the roll paper from the printing device after each double-sided printing job is completed when multiple double-sided printing jobs are received. The roll paper only needs to be reset when switching from printing multiple front-side jobs to printing multiple back-side jobs, enabling efficient double-sided printing in a printing device that prints on roll paper.

[0168] <When the received jobs include both double-sided and single-sided print jobs> The following describes a case where the jobs received by the printing device 100 according to this embodiment include both a double-sided printing job and a single-sided printing job. Note that, hereinafter, content that overlaps with the above description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0169] <Processing on the host computer before the mixed case described above occurs> 18 is a flowchart of processing in the host computer 190 according to this embodiment, in which a single-sided print job is created and sent to the printing device 100. The processing of this flowchart is started in response to a user launching a print application on the host computer.

[0170] First, in S1801, the host computer 190 starts the print application 192 and displays the GUI screen of the print application 192 on the display. Note that the GUI screen 301A in Fig. 4(a) is an example of the GUI screen displayed in this step. The following description will be given using the example in Fig. 4(a).

[0171] In S1802, the host computer 190 determines whether the selection of a front image by the user has been accepted. Specifically, the user can select the image file they wish to print from the image files stored in the host computer 190 by pressing the file selection button 302 in FIG. 4(a). If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1803. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until the selection of a front image is accepted.

[0172] In S1803, the host computer 190 determines whether it has received a user's press of the print button 305. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S1804. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until it receives a press of the print button 305. Note that, unlike the case in FIG. 13 described above (S1303 YES -> S1307), in this flow, the print button 305 is pressed without the double-sided printing checkbox 304 being checked.

[0173] In S1804, the host computer 190 generates a single-sided print job (also a front-side job) by adding front / back identification information indicating single-sided printing to the front-side image acquired in S1802.

[0174] In S1805, the host computer 190 transmits the single-sided print job created in S1804 to the printing apparatus 100.

[0175] <Processing in the printing device when the above-mentioned mixed formats exist> The processing in the printing device when the jobs received by the printing device 100 include a mixture of double-sided printing jobs and single-sided printing jobs will be described below with reference to Figures 14 and 19. As mentioned above, Figure 14 is a flowchart of the processing in the printing device 100, and the diagrams in Figure 19 show how the list changes as the received jobs are rearranged.

[0176] It is assumed that in S1401, CPU 128 of printer controller 120 receives a single-sided print job (referred to as the second job) created according to the flow in Fig. 18. Also, it is assumed that before the second job is received, the first job (front side) and the first job (back side) have already been received or stored, and the first job (front side) is currently being printed. Below, we will explain the application of the flow in Fig. 14 to such a specific case.

[0177] In S1401, CPU 128 of printer controller 120 receives the second job sent by host computer 190. Immediately after receiving the second job in this step, the printing order is first job (front side) → first job (back side) → second job, as shown in FIG. 19(a).

[0178] In S1402, the CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 determines whether the front side of the double-sided printing is being printed or is ready for printing. In this case, as described above, the first job (front side) is being printed, so the process proceeds to S1409.

[0179] In S1409, CPU 128 of printer controller 120 executes job rearrangement processing (see FIG. 11). When the rearrangement processing of FIG. 11 is executed in this case, three jobs, including a double-sided print job and a single-sided print job, are rearranged so that printing is given priority to the front side of the roll paper.

[0180] Here, we will explain the case where the sorting process of S1409 is performed on the list shown in FIG. 19(a). In this case, taking into consideration that the second job, which is a single-sided print job, is the front-side job, the second job is sorted immediately after the first job (front side) so that it is printed before the first job (back side). When the second job is placed next to the first job (front side), the sorting process ends. Ultimately, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the jobs are sorted in the order of first job (front side) → second job → first job (back side).

[0181] In S1410, the CPU 128 waits for the completion of printing the first job (front side). When the printing of the first job (front side) is completed, the process proceeds to S1411.

[0182] In S1411, CPU 128 references the front / back identification information added to the job that finished printing in S1410 and determines whether the job is a double-sided printing job. In this case, the job that finished printing in S1410 is the first job (front side), and the first job (front side) is a double-sided printing job. Therefore, the determination result in S1411 is true, and the process proceeds to S1412.

[0183] In S1412, CPU 128 executes the marker printing process. Specifically, CPU 128 sends an instruction to print marker 207 to printer engine 150, and printer engine 150 prints marker 207 on roll paper 1.

[0184] In S1413, CPU 128 determines whether the next job is a front-side job, a back-side job, or whether there is no next job. In this case, the job following the first job (front side) is the second job, and this second job is a single-sided printing job (i.e., a front side job). Therefore, the process proceeds to S1414.

[0185] In S1414, the CPU 128 starts printing the next job, the second job, and returns to S1410.

[0186] In S1410, the CPU 128 waits for the completion of printing of the second job. When the printing of the second job is completed, the process proceeds to S1411.

[0187] In S1411, CPU 128 references the front / back identification information added to the job that finished printing in S1410 and determines whether the job is a double-sided printing job. In this case, the job that finished printing in S1410 is the second job, and the second job is a single-sided printing job. Therefore, the determination result in S1411 is false, and the process proceeds to S1413.

[0188] In S1413, CPU 128 determines whether the next job is a front-side job or a back-side job, or whether there is no next job. In this case, the job following the second job is the first job (back), and this first job (back) is a back-side job. Therefore, the process proceeds to S1415.

[0189] In S1415, the roll paper is reset (FIG. 15) for printing on the back side. The following will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0190] In S1501, the CPU 128 of the printer controller 120 sends an instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a message (for example, FIG. 16) that prompts the user to set the roll paper upside down. When the display instruction sent in this step is received, the input / output device 162 displays a message such as that shown in FIG. 16. Upon seeing this message, the user resets the roll paper to print on the other side of the roll paper. Specifically, the user removes the take-up side roll paper core 206 and sets it as the feed side roll paper core 201 (see FIG. 6(b)).

[0191] In S1502, the CPU 128 determines whether a request to reset the roll paper has been received. If it determines that a request to reset the roll paper has been received, the process proceeds to S1503.

[0192] In S1503, CPU 128 uses detection sensor 152 to perform detection processing for marker 207. In this case, marker 207 is not printed after printing of the second job, which is a single-sided print job, is completed. Therefore, after printing of the first job (front side) is completed, roll paper is transported to the printed marker position, and printing of the first job (back side) can be started from the marker position of the first job (front side).

[0193] In S1504, the CPU 128 executes the print start registration process, and then proceeds to S1416 in FIG.

[0194] Thereafter, when printing of all jobs is completed, printing of the jobs ends in S1404, and it is determined in S1405 that there is no next job, and the printing process ends.

[0195] As described above, in this embodiment, even when both single-sided and double-sided print jobs are received or stored by the printing device 100, the jobs are rearranged so that printing is given priority to the front side of the roll paper. This eliminates the need to reset the roll paper in the printing device 100 each time printing of an individual job is completed, reducing the user's workload.

[0196] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, when multiple jobs including double-sided and single-sided printing jobs are received, the front-side jobs that print on the front side of the roll paper are printed together, and after the front-side jobs are printed, the roll paper is turned over and reloaded, and the back-side jobs that print on the back side of the roll paper are printed together.

[0197] According to the first embodiment, the frequency of removing roll paper can be reduced, enabling efficient double-sided printing. However, if the number of received jobs is small, this may not necessarily be efficient. For example, if the received jobs include one front-side job and one back-side job, it is more efficient than the first embodiment to print the front-side job, cut the roll paper with cutter unit 159, and then turn over the cut paper and feed or print it.

[0198] Therefore, in this embodiment, we will explain a configuration in which the user can select whether to cut the roll paper or reset the roll paper after printing the front-side job. Note that, from here on, content that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0199] <Processing in the host computer when printing on both sides> 20 is a flowchart showing the processing in the host computer 190 according to this embodiment, from creating a double-sided print job to sending the created double-sided print job to the printing device 100. The processing in this flowchart is started in response to a user launching a print application on the host computer.

[0200] First, in S2001, the host computer 190 starts the print application 192 and displays the GUI screen of the print application 192 on the display. Note that the GUI screen 301A in Fig. 4(a) is an example of the GUI screen displayed in this step. The following explanation will be given using the example in Fig. 4(a).

[0201] The processes of S2002 to S2007 are the same as those in the first embodiment (S1302 to S1307 in FIG. 13). Here, it is assumed that the host computer 190 accepts the user's selection of the front and back images, then accepts the press of the print button, and proceeds to S2008.

[0202] In S2008, the host computer 190 displays the GUI screen of the print application 192 on the display. The GUI screen in FIG. 21 is an example of a GUI screen displayed in this step. This screen allows the user to select whether to cut the roll paper and print the back side job after printing the front side job in the printing device 100, or to reset the roll paper and print the back side job as in the first embodiment. Via the GUI screen as shown in FIG. 21, the host computer 190 accepts the user's selection of the back side printing method by pressing either the "Cut roll paper and print back side" button or the "Reset roll paper and print back side" button.

[0203] In S2009, the host computer 190 determines what back-side printing method has been accepted from the user. Specifically, if the user presses the "Reload roll paper and print back side" button in Fig. 21 and the accepted back-side printing method is "Print after reloading," the process proceeds to S2010. On the other hand, if the user presses the "Cut roll paper and print back side" button in Fig. 21 and the accepted back-side printing method is "Print after cutting," the process proceeds to S2011. If neither button has been pressed, the process waits until a button is pressed.

[0204] In S2010 and S2011, the host computer 190 creates information that enables the printing apparatus 100 to determine the back surface printing method (hereinafter referred to as information for determining the back surface printing method).

[0205] More specifically, in S2010, the host computer 190 creates information (referred to as first determination information) as determination information for the back side printing method, indicating that the roll paper will be reset after printing the front side job and then printing the back side job.

[0206] In S2011, the host computer 190 creates determination information (hereinafter referred to as second determination information) as determination information for the back side printing method, which indicates that the roll paper is to be cut after printing the front side job and then printing the back side job.

[0207] In S2012, the host computer 190 creates a front-side job. Specifically, the front-side job is created by adding front / back identification information indicating the front side of the double-sided print job and the determination information (i.e., either the first information or the second information) created in S2010 or S2011 to the image selected in S2002.

[0208] The processes in S2013 and S2014 are the same as those in the first embodiment (S1309 and S1310 in FIG. 13).

[0209] In S2015, the host computer 190 transmits to the printing apparatus 100 the front-side job created in S2012 and the back-side job created in S2014.

[0210] <Processing in the printing device> Printing device 100 according to this embodiment operates according to the flowchart in Fig. 14, just like the first embodiment. Furthermore, in addition to the front / back identification information described in the first embodiment, information for determining the back-side printing method is added to the job received by printing device 100. Furthermore, if the back-side printing method is printing that involves cutting the roll paper after printing on the front side (printing after cutting), after printing of the front-side job is completed in S1410 (Fig. 14), CPU 128 sends an instruction to printer engine 150 to cut the roll paper with cutter unit 159.

[0211] Figure 22 is a flowchart of the processing in the printing device 100 according to this embodiment, which is associated with resetting roll paper when printing on the back side of the roll paper. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 22 are carried out by the CPU 128 expanding program code stored in Flash ROM 123 into RAM 124 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 22 may be carried out by hardware such as an ASIC or electrical circuit.

[0212] In S2201, CPU 128 uses the information for determining the back side printing method added to the job to determine whether the back side printing method selected by the user is "print after cutting" or "print after resetting the roll paper." If "print after resetting the roll paper" is specified as the back side printing method, the process proceeds to S2204. In this case, the processing from S2204 onwards is the same as in the first embodiment (S1501 to S1504 in FIG. 15). On the other hand, if "print after cutting" is specified as the back side printing method, the process proceeds to S2202.

[0213] In S2202, the CPU 128 sends a display instruction to the input / output device 162 to display a GUI screen (for example, FIG. 23) that prompts the user to cut the roll paper and set the cut paper face down. When the display instruction sent in this step is received, the input / output device 162 displays a GUI screen such as that shown in FIG. 23. Upon viewing this GUI screen, the user cuts the roll paper and sets the cut paper face down.

[0214] In S2203, the CPU 128 determines whether a user has requested that the cut paper be turned over and set. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S2206. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process waits until the cut paper is turned over and set.

[0215] From S2202 to S2203, the user inserts the cut paper face down from the paper discharge guide unit 500 side in Fig. 3. The transport roller 12 rotates and transports the cut paper from the paper discharge guide unit 500 side toward the roll set unit 200, thereby feeding the back side of the paper after cutting.

[0216] The processes in S2004 and S2005 are the same as those in the first embodiment (S11501 and S11502 in FIG. 15).

[0217] In S2206, the CPU 128 executes a detection process for the marker 207 using the detection sensor 152.

[0218] In S2207, CPU 128 executes alignment processing for starting printing. Specifically, CPU 128 transmits an alignment instruction for starting printing to printer engine 150, and printer engine 150, upon receiving the instruction, performs alignment. When the alignment processing is completed, the processing of this flow ends.

[0219] When printing after cutting is specified as the back surface printing method, the CPU 128 may not execute the rearrangement process of the front and back surface jobs (S1409 in FIG. 14).

[0220] As described above, this embodiment allows the user to select the method for printing on the back side of roll paper: cutting the roll paper before printing the back side job, or resetting the roll paper before printing the back side job. This configuration can reduce the user's workload depending on the situation.

[0221] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processes by software; some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processes by a single CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0222] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an operating system running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0223] [Technical Features of the Present Disclosure] The present disclosure includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A printing device having a double-sided printing function for printing on both sides of roll paper, characterized in that it has a receiving means capable of receiving multiple jobs, and a printing means that, of the pages included in the multiple jobs received by the receiving means, prioritizes printing pages that are to be printed on the front side of the roll paper over pages that are to be printed on the back side of the roll paper. (Configuration 2) The printing device described in Configuration 1 further comprises a storage means for storing the multiple jobs in a list in the order received by the receiving means, and a sorting means for rearranging the order of the multiple jobs included in the list so that pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper are printed preferentially over pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, and the printing means prints on the roll paper based on the jobs included in the list in accordance with the order rearranged by the sorting means. (Configuration 3) A printing device as described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the pages printed on the front side of the roll paper are created with identification information added to indicate that they correspond to the front side of a printed material printed using the double-sided printing function, and the pages printed on the back side of the roll paper are created with identification information added to indicate that they correspond to the back side of a printed material printed using the double-sided printing function. (Configuration 4) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the sorting means sorts the pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper from the top of the list in the order in which they are received, and sorts the pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper from the end of the list in the order in which they are received. (Configuration 5) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that when the job received by the receiving means includes pages to be printed on the back side of multiple rolls of paper, the sorting means sorts the pages to be printed on the back side of the multiple rolls of paper in descending order. (Configuration 6) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the receiving means receives a first job including a first front page, which is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper, and a first back page, which is a page to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, and a second job including a second front page, which is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper, and a second back page, which is a page to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, the printing means prints the first front page, the second front page, the first back page, and the second back page in that order. (Configuration 7) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the printing device further has a single-sided printing function, and the pages printed on the front side of the roll paper are created with identification information added to indicate that they correspond to the front side of the printed material printed using the single-sided printing function. (Configuration 8) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that when the receiving means receives a job including pages to be printed on the front and back sides of the roll paper using the double-sided printing function and a job including pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper using the single-sided printing function, the printing means prioritizes printing the pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper using the single-sided printing function over the pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper. (Configuration 9) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that when the receiving means receives a first job including a first front page, which is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper, and a first back page, which is a page to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, and a second job including a second front page, which is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper, the printing means prints the first front page, the second front page, and the first back page in that order. (Configuration 10) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a determination means for determining whether the front side is being printed or is ready for front side printing when a job is received by the receiving means, and when the determination means determines that the front side is being printed or is ready for front side printing, a sorting process is executed by the sorting means. (Configuration 11) A display unit, A printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, further comprising a display control means for displaying a first screen for accepting selections regarding the order in which pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper are to be printed. (Configuration 12) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper are displayed on the first screen in the order sorted by the sorting means. (Configuration 13) The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that it is possible to accept a user setting as to whether or not the first screen is to be displayed. (Configuration 14) A printing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 13, further comprising a cutter unit for cutting the roll paper, wherein the display control means displays a second screen for selecting either a method of resetting the roll paper and printing on the reverse side, or a method of cutting the roll paper and printing on the reverse side. (Control method) A control method for a printing device having a double-sided printing function for printing on both sides of roll paper, characterized by comprising a receiving step capable of receiving multiple jobs, and a printing step for preferentially printing pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper over pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, among the pages included in the multiple jobs received by the receiving means. (Program) A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a printing device having a double-sided printing function for printing on both sides of roll paper, the control method comprising a receiving step capable of receiving multiple jobs, and a printing step for preferentially printing pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper over pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, among the pages included in the multiple jobs received by the receiving means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 1 roll of paper 100 Printing device 128 CPU 150 printer engine 161 HDD

Claims

1. A printing device having a double-sided printing function for printing on both sides of roll paper, a receiving means capable of receiving a plurality of jobs; a printing means for printing pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper preferentially over pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper among the pages included in the plurality of jobs received by the receiving means; A printing device comprising:

2. a storage means for storing the plurality of jobs in a list in the order in which they are received by the receiving means; a sorting unit that sorts the order of the plurality of jobs included in the list so that pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper are given priority over pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, The printing unit prints onto the roll paper based on the jobs included in the list in the order sorted by the sorting unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper is created with identification information added thereto, the identification information indicating that the page corresponds to the front side of a printed matter to be printed by the double-sided printing function; The page printed on the back side of the roll paper is created with identification information added thereto, indicating that the page corresponds to the back side of a printed matter printed by the double-sided printing function.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

4. the sorting means sorts the pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper from the top of the list in the order in which they are received, and sorts the pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper from the bottom of the list in the order in which they are received.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

5. When the job received by the receiving means includes multiple pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, the sorting means sorts the multiple pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper in descending order.

4. The printing device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. When the receiving means receives a first job including a first front page that is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper and a first back page that is to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, and a second job including a second front page that is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper and a second back page that is to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, the printing means prints the first front page, the second front page, the first back page, and the second back page in this order.

5. The printing device according to claim 4.

7. the printing device further has a single-sided printing function; 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein the page printed on the front side of the roll paper is created with identification information added thereto indicating that the page corresponds to the front side of the printed material printed using the single-sided printing function.

8. When the receiving means receives a job including pages to be printed on both the front and back sides of the roll paper using the double-sided printing function, and a job including pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper using the single-sided printing function, the printing means gives priority to printing the pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper using the single-sided printing function over the pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper.

8. The printing device according to claim 7.

9. When the receiving means receives a first job including a first front page that is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper and a first back page that is a page to be printed on the back side of the roll paper, and a second job including a second front page that is a page to be printed on the front side of the roll paper, the printing means prints the first front page, the second front page, and the first back page in this order.

9. The printing device according to claim 8.

10. The printing apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether the front side is being printed or is ready to be printed when the job is received by the receiving unit, When the determination means determines that the front side is being printed or that the front side is ready for printing, the sorting means executes a sorting process.

5. The printing device according to claim 4.

11. A display unit; The printer further includes a display control means for displaying a first screen for accepting selection regarding the order in which pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper are to be printed.

5. The printing device according to claim 4.

12. On the first screen, pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper are displayed in the order sorted by the sorting means.

12. The printing device according to claim 11.

13. A user setting as to whether or not the first screen is to be displayed can be accepted.

13. The printing device according to claim 12.

14. The printer further includes a cutter unit for cutting the roll paper. The display control means displays a second screen for selecting either a method of resetting the roll paper and printing on the reverse side, or a method of cutting the roll paper and printing on the reverse side.

12. The printing device according to claim 11.

15. A control method for a printing device having a double-sided printing function for printing on both sides of roll paper, comprising: a receiving step capable of receiving a plurality of jobs; a printing step of printing pages to be printed on the front side of the roll paper preferentially over pages to be printed on the back side of the roll paper among the pages included in the plurality of jobs received in the receiving step; A control method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 15.

Images