Information processing device, ink jet recording apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To solve such a problem that, when a post-processing step mechanism is attached to a sheet discharge section, sheet jams are likely to occur.SOLUTION: An information processing device controls an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium and allows a post-processing step mechanism which executes a post-processing step on the recording medium having the image recorded thereon to be attached to a sheet discharge section where the recording medium is discharged. The information processing device comprises storage means that stores a recording setting being a setting for recording the image, and control means that sets the recording setting. The control means is capable of setting, as the recording setting, the second recording setting in which curling of the recording medium is reduced compared with the first recording setting when the post-processing step mechanism is attached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an inkjet recording apparatus, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When using a recording device such as a printer, post-processing, such as stapling after printing, can be time-consuming. To solve this problem, a mechanism equipped with post-processing functions can be installed independently, and productivity can be improved by performing post-processing automatically. However, a separate mechanism for the post-processing process poses the problem of requiring a large amount of installation space. To address this problem, a recording device has been proposed that can perform post-processing without increasing the space required by inserting a small post-processing mechanism into the paper discharge section where the recording medium is discharged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-70446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a post-processing mechanism is installed in the paper discharge section, the height of the paper discharge outlet becomes narrower, which results in a problem in that paper jams (also called paper jams) are more likely to occur.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus, an inkjet recording apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for reducing paper jams even when a post-processing mechanism is attached to a paper discharge section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve this problem, for example, an information processing device of the present invention has the following arrangement: An information processing apparatus that controls an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium and that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and that can be attached to a paper discharge unit to which the recording medium is discharged, a storage means for storing recording settings for recording the image; a control means for setting the recording settings, When the post-processing mechanism is installed, the control means can set a second recording setting as the recording setting, which discharges the recording medium in a state where curling is reduced compared to the first recording setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even when the post-processing mechanism is attached to the paper discharge section, it is possible to reduce paper jams. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system of the printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the flow of image data conversion processing. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the recording apparatus in detail. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a UI for setting print settings and post-processing steps. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of a curled state during single-sided printing. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating deformation of a recording medium on a paper discharge tray. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the vicinity of the paper discharge unit to which the post-processing mechanism is attached. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of ink ejected and curl. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between printing time and curl amount. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a printing process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a printing operation table. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a curled state during double-sided printing. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the UI for settings to prevent paper jams. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printing operation according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a UI for setting a countermeasure against paper jams according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a paper jam occurrence information table. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a control system of a recording system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the recording system includes an image processing device 101, a recording device 108, and a post-processing mechanism 116. The image processing device 101 and the recording device 108 are connected via a network 118 so as to be able to send and receive information to and from each other.

[0011] The image processing device 101 generates image data to be recorded by a recording device 108 based on instructions from a user or the like, and transmits the data to the recording device 108. The image processing device 101 is a computer such as a host PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The image processing device 101 has a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a HDD 104, a display I / F 105, an input I / F 106, and a data transfer I / F 107.

[0012] The CPU 102 is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit and is a processor also called a central processing unit. In addition to or instead of the CPU 102, the image processing device 101 may include other processors such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a QPU (Quantum Processing Unit). The CPU 102 reads programs stored in the HDD 104, loads the programs into the RAM 103 as a work area, and executes various processes. The CPU 102 also executes various processes in accordance with commands received from a user via the input I / F 106 and a touch panel (not shown). For example, the CPU 102 executes programs stored in the HDD 104 in accordance with the commands, generates image data that can be recorded by the recording device 108, and transfers the image data to the recording device 108. Some or all of the various processes executed by the CPU 102 may be implemented using one or more circuits, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0013] The RAM 103 is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, and is a memory that can read and write data at high speed. The RAM 103 temporarily stores programs read by the CPU 102, as well as data required for executing the programs and data resulting from the processing of the programs.

[0014] The HDD 104 is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive, and is a non-volatile storage device that can retain data even without a power supply. The HDD 104 stores programs, data required to execute the programs, and data resulting from the processing of the programs.

[0015] The display I / F 105 is an interface connected to a display device that displays an image, such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, etc. The display I / F 105 outputs the image output by the CPU 102 to the display device.

[0016] The input I / F 106 is an interface connected to an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse for a user to input commands and data.

[0017] The data transfer I / F 107 is an interface connected to the network 118. The data transfer I / F 107 outputs data output by the CPU 102 or the like to an external device such as a recording device 108 via the network 118. The data transfer I / F 107 also receives data transmitted by an external device via the network 118 and outputs the data to the CPU 102 or the like.

[0018] With the above-described configuration, the image processing device 101 performs predetermined processing on image data received from the recording device 108 via the data transfer I / F 107 in accordance with a program stored in the HDD 104. The image processing device 101 displays the program processing results and various information on a display (not shown) via the display I / F 105.

[0019] The recording device 108 records (also referred to as printing) an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data transmitted from the image processing device 101. The recording device 108 is, for example, an inkjet recording device, also referred to as an inkjet printer. The recording device 108 is configured to be able to mount a post-processing mechanism that performs post-processing on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded. The recording device 108 has a CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, an image processing accelerator 109, a data transfer I / F 110, a printhead controller 114, a printhead 115, and a data buffer 119. At least some of the CPU 111, RAM 112, ROM 113, image processing accelerator 109, data transfer I / F 110, printhead controller 114, printhead 115, and data buffer 119 are computers and are examples of information processing devices.

[0020] The CPU 111 is an example of a control means and is a processor also called a central processing unit. The recording device 108 may have other processors, such as an MPU, a GPU, or a QPU, in addition to or instead of the CPU 111. The CPU 111 reads a program stored in a ROM 113, loads the program into a RAM 112 as a work area, and executes various processes. For example, the CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 113 in accordance with a command from a user, and controls the recording device 108 to record an image on a recording medium based on image data transmitted from the image processing device 101. The CPU 111 directly or indirectly controls a post-processing mechanism. Some or all of the various processes executed by the CPU 111 may be implemented using one or more circuits, such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0021] The RAM 112 is an example of a storage means, and is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, which is a memory that can read and write data at high speed. The RAM 112 temporarily stores programs read by the CPU 111, as well as data required for executing the programs and data resulting from the processing of the programs.

[0022] ROM 113 is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory, and is a non-volatile memory that can retain data even without power supply. ROM 113 stores programs, data necessary for executing programs, and the like.

[0023] The image processing accelerator 109 executes image processing at high speed. The image processing accelerator 109 is hardware that can execute image processing faster than the CPU 111. The image processing accelerator 109 may be, for example, a GPU. The image processing accelerator 109 is started when the CPU 111 writes parameters and data required for image processing to a predetermined address in the RAM 112, and after reading the parameters and data, executes predetermined image processing on the data. However, the image processing accelerator 109 is not an essential element, and equivalent processing can be executed by the CPU 111.

[0024] The data transfer I / F 110 is an interface connected to a network 118. The data transfer I / F 110 receives data such as image data output by the image processing apparatus 101 via the network 118.

[0025] A printhead controller 114 controls a printhead 115 based on instructions from the CPU 111 or the like to print an image.

[0026] The print head 115 ejects ink onto a print medium under the control of the print head controller 114 to print an image. The print head 115 ejects ink made of four color pigments. The four colors are, for example, KCMY (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). The print head 115 has multiple nozzle rows 115k, 115c, 115m, and 115y, each having a plurality of nozzles. The ejection amount of each nozzle is, for example, 4 pL.

[0027] The data buffer 119 temporarily stores data, for example, image data transmitted by the image processing device 101.

[0028] The post-processing mechanism 116 performs post-processing on recording media on which images have been recorded. The post-processing mechanism 116 has a data transfer I / F 117. The post-processing mechanism 116 is detachably installed in the recording device 108. The post-processing mechanism 116 is connected, for example, to a member to which the recording device 108 ejects recording media on which images have been recorded. When the post-processing mechanism 116 is installed in the recording device 108, the data transfer I / F 117 is connected to the recording device 108 so as to be able to send and receive data such as commands. When the post-processing mechanism 116 is attached to the recording device 108, the post-processing mechanism 116 performs post-processing based on instructions from the CPU 111 of the recording device 108 or the like received via the data transfer I / F 117. The post-processing includes any of a stapling process for bundling multiple recording media on which images have been recorded, a punching process for punching holes in the recording media, and a shift sorting process.

[0029] <Image processing flow> 2 is a block diagram showing the flow of image data conversion processing in the recording system of this embodiment. The image data conversion processing for the recording device 108 will be described below.

[0030] The printing device 108 of this embodiment performs printing using four colors of ink: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The print head 115 has nozzle arrays that eject these four colors of ink. As shown in FIG. 2, each image processing in the printing system is executed by the image processing device 101 and the printing device 108.

[0031] The programs that run on the operating system of the image processing device 101 include applications, printer drivers, etc. The applications and printer drivers are executed by the CPU 102. The applications include, for example, applications for creating documents and applications for creating illustrations.

[0032] In application processing J01, the CPU 102 that executes the application generates image data corresponding to an image to be recorded (printed) by the recording device 108. The CPU 102 passes the image data generated in application processing J01 to the printer driver.

[0033] In the printer-to-print image data generation process J02, the CPU 102 executes a printer driver to generate image data and transmit it to the recording device 108. Specifically, the CPU 102 generates image data in a PDL (page-description language) format. Hereinafter, image data in the PDL format will be referred to as PDL data. PDL is a page description language. An example of a PDL is Adobe®'s "PDF." PDL is a widely used image format that can describe not only bitmaps but also vector data such as lines and text. The CPU 102 executes the printer driver to generate printer-to-print image data in the PDL format from image data passed from an application. The CPU 102 executes the printer driver to generate printer-to-print image data by adding a header section, such as print setting information set through a user interface (UI) of the image processing device 101. The CPU 102 controls the data transfer I / F 107 of the image processing device 101 to transmit the printer-to-print image data to the data transfer I / F 110 of the recording device 108 via the network 118. The recording device 108 stores the received image data in a data buffer 119 .

[0034] In image data analysis processing J03, the CPU 111 (image processing unit) of the recording device 108 analyzes the image data transmitted by the image processing device 101. The CPU 111 sequentially reads the PDL data from the data buffer 119. The CPU 111 interprets the drawing commands included in the PDL data and converts the PDL data into raster image data in a format similar to a bitmap. The CPU 111 stores the converted raster image data in the data buffer 119. The CPU 111 then performs image processing on the analyzed and converted raster image data.

[0035] The CPU 111 executes pre-processing J04, which is color conversion processing for matching colors between models, post-processing J05, which is color separation processing, gamma correction processing J06, halftoning processing J07, which is binary quantization, and print data generation processing J08. Each process will now be briefly described.

[0036] In the pre-processing J04, the CPU 111 executes color matching processing to match colors that differ between models.

[0037] In the post-processing J05, the CPU 111 executes color separation processing to convert the 8-bit data R, G, and B obtained in the pre-processing J04 into color separation data (here, 8-bit data C, M, Y, and K) corresponding to the combination of inks that reproduces the color represented by this RGB data. Specifically, the CPU 111 uses a conversion table (for example, a three-dimensional LUT (lookup table)) in which RGB data and CMYK data corresponding to the inks are associated one-to-one. The CPU 111 converts the RGB data into CMYK data by referring to the conversion table. For example, in a three-dimensional LUT, each of the R, G, and B values, each expressed in 8 bits (0 to 255), is associated in advance with a CMYK value expressed in 8 bits (0 to 255). Based on the conversion table, the CPU 111 converts image data of (R, G, B) = (0 to 255, 0 to 255, 0 to 255) into image data of (C, M, Y, K) = (0 to 255, 0 to 255, 0 to 255, 0 to 255). For example, the CPU 111 converts (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0) into (C, M, Y, K) = (0, 0, 0, 255). The CPU 111 converts (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255) into (C, M, Y, K) = (0, 0, 0, 0). The CPU 111 converts (R, G, B) = (0, 128, 0) into (C, M, Y, K) = (128, 0, 128, 0).

[0038] In this embodiment, a plurality of conversion tables are set in advance and stored in the ROM 113. For example, at least two types of conversion tables are provided. The CPU 111 switches between the conversion tables to be used according to predetermined conditions. Details will be described later.

[0039] In the gamma correction process J06, the CPU 111 performs gradation value conversion on the ink color data of the color separation data obtained in the subsequent process J05, which is the color separation process. Specifically, the CPU 111 converts the color separation data so that it linearly corresponds to the gradation characteristics of the recording device 108 by using a one-dimensional LUT corresponding to the gradation characteristics of each color ink of the recording device 108.

[0040] In the halftoning process J07, the CPU 111 executes a quantization process to convert each of the 8-bit color separation data C, M, Y, and K into 1-bit data. In this embodiment, the CPU 111 uses a binary dithering method to convert the 256-level 8-bit data into 2-level 1-bit data.

[0041] In print data creation process J08, CPU 111 creates print data by adding print control information to print image data containing 1-bit dot data. CPU 111 stores the created print data in data buffer 119.

[0042] In drive process J09, the CPU 111 sequentially reads out the binary print data stored in the data buffer 119 and passes it to the printhead controller 114. The printhead controller 114 converts the 1-bit data for each color into drive pulses for the printhead 115 and outputs them. This causes the printhead 115 to eject ink at predetermined timing.

[0043] <Details of recording device> 3 is a diagram showing in detail the overall configuration of the recording device 108 of this embodiment. The recording device 108 will be described in more detail below. In the following description, the xyz directions refer to the xyz directions indicated by the arrows at the bottom left of FIG.

[0044] The recording device 108 is a multifunction device that performs various processes related to image recording and image reading operations. The recording device 108 includes a print unit 2 and a scanner unit 3. The recording device 108 performs various operations by using the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3 individually or in conjunction with each other. FIG. 3 shows the recording device 108 in a standby state in which neither a recording nor a reading operation is being performed. Note that the recording device 108 of this embodiment is a multifunction device that includes both the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3, but it may also be configured without the scanner unit 3.

[0045] The scanner unit 3 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner). The ADF automatically feeds documents. The FBS reads (scans) documents that are automatically fed and documents placed on the platen of the FBS by the user.

[0046] The printing unit 2 has a housing 4, a first cassette 5A, a second cassette 5B, a first paper feed unit 6A, a second paper feed unit 6B, one or more conveying rollers 7, one or more pinch rollers 7a, one or more spurs 7b, a flapper 11, a paper discharge roller 12, a paper discharge tray 13, a guide 18, and an inner guide 19.

[0047] The housing 4 accommodates and holds each member of the print unit 2.

[0048] The first cassette 5A and the second cassette 5B are detachably mounted on the bottom vertically below of the housing 4. The first cassette 5A and the second cassette 5B store recording media S such as cut sheets. The first cassette 5A stores relatively small recording media up to A4 size in a flat stack. The second cassette 5B stores relatively large recording media up to A3 size in a flat stack.

[0049] The first paper feed unit 6A is provided near the first cassette 5A. The second paper feed unit 6B is provided near the second cassette 5B. The first paper feed unit 6A and the second paper feed unit 6B separate and feed the stored recording media one by one. When a recording operation is performed, either the paper feed unit 6A or 6B selectively feeds a recording medium S from either the cassette 5A or 5B.

[0050] The conveying roller 7, the discharge roller 12, the pinch roller 7a, the spur 7b, the flapper 11, the discharge roller 12, the discharge tray 13, the guide 18, and the inner guide 19 constitute a conveying mechanism for conveying the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. In the following description, upstream and downstream refer to the upstream and downstream of the conveying path of the recording medium S.

[0051] The plurality of transport rollers 7 are arranged along the transport path on the upstream and downstream sides of the recording head 8 and the platen 9. The transport rollers 7 are drive rollers that are rotationally driven by a transport motor.

[0052] The pinch rollers 7a are disposed downstream of the paper feed units 6A and 6B. The pinch rollers 7a nip the recording medium S fed from the paper feed units 6A and 6B together with the conveyance roller 7. The pinch rollers 7a are driven rollers that rotate as the conveyance roller 7 rotates.

[0053] The plurality of spurs 7b are arranged along the conveyance path downstream of the recording head 8 and the platen 9. The spurs 7b, together with the conveyance roller 7 or the paper discharge roller 12, sandwich the recording medium S and convey it.

[0054] The flapper 11 is a member for switching the direction in which the recording medium S is conveyed during double-sided recording operation in which images are recorded on both sides of the recording medium S.

[0055] The guide 18 is provided along the transport path of the recording medium S. The guide 18 guides the recording medium S, which is transported by the transport rollers 7 and the like, along the transport path.

[0056] The inner guide 19 is disposed near the pinch roller 7a and is a member extending in the y direction, and has a curved side surface. The inner guide 19 guides the recording medium S along the side surface.

[0057] The discharge rollers 12 are disposed downstream of the transport rollers 7 and downstream of the transport path. The discharge rollers 12 are drive rollers driven by a discharge motor. The discharge rollers 12 discharge the recording medium S transported along the transport path onto a discharge tray 13.

[0058] The recording medium S that has been discharged by the discharge roller 12 after the recording operation is completed is stacked on the discharge tray 13. The discharge tray 13 is an example of a discharge unit.

[0059] The printing unit 2 further includes a recording head 8 , a platen 9 , an ink tank unit 14 , an ink supply unit 15 , and a maintenance unit 16 .

[0060] The print head 8 of this embodiment is a full-line type color inkjet print head. The print head 8 has multiple ejection ports that eject ink in accordance with print data. The multiple ejection ports are arranged in the y direction over an area corresponding to the width of the print medium S. When the print head 8 is in the standby position, the ejection port surface 8a of the print head 8 faces vertically downward (-z direction) as shown in FIG. 3 and is capped by a cap unit 10. When performing a printing operation, the CPU 111 changes the orientation of the print head 8 so that the ejection port surface 8a faces the platen 9.

[0061] The platen 9 is a flat plate extending in the y direction and is disposed midway along the transport path. During a recording operation, the platen 9 faces the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 and supports the recording medium S, on which the recording operation is performed by the recording head 8, from the rear.

[0062] The ink tank unit 14 stores four colors of ink to be supplied to the recording head 8, respectively.

[0063] The ink supply unit 15 is provided in the flow path connecting the ink tank unit 14 and the recording head 8, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the ink inside the recording head 8 to an appropriate range. This embodiment employs a circulation-type ink supply system. Therefore, the ink supply unit 15 adjusts the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 and the flow rate of the ink collected from the recording head 8 to an appropriate range.

[0064] The maintenance unit 16 includes a cap unit 10 and a wiping unit 17. The maintenance unit 16 operates the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17 at predetermined timing to perform maintenance to maintain and restore the ejection performance of the recording head 8. The cap unit 10 operates at predetermined timing to cap the ejection port surface 8a. The wiping unit 17 cleans the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8.

[0065] <About the post-processing mechanism> The post-processing mechanism can be mounted on or near the paper output tray of the recording device 108. This allows the user to use the post-processing function without increasing the footprint. Figure 7 is a diagram of the vicinity of the paper output section of Figure 3 with a post-processing mechanism 704 mounted thereon.

[0066] The post-processing mechanism 704 is installed along the paper discharge tray 701, and whether it is installed or not can be determined by a sensor 702. The post-processing mechanism will now be described. The functions of the post-processing mechanism include a shift sort function, a punch function, and a staple function.

[0067] The shift sorting function is a mechanism that shifts the stack of paper by number of copies so that it can be separated into separate stacks after finishing. As will be explained in detail later, after printing, moisture is applied to the printing surface of the recording medium S, which breaks the hydrogen bonds of the media and causes the recording medium S to swell, causing the recording medium S to warp so that the printing surface becomes convex. After ejection, the following recording medium S is ejected on top of the preceding recording medium S, which is still in a warped state on the ejection tray. Without sorting, the left and right ejection positions are aligned, so paper jams do not occur even if the recording media S collide with each other. However, with shift sorting, the following recording medium S will rush into the preceding recording medium S, which has a convex warp on the bottom after ejection, at the shifted position, causing the recording media S to collide with each other. This collision between the recording media S makes jams more likely to occur.

[0068] The staple function automatically staples recording media S. When multiple sheets of recording media S need to be stapled together to create documents such as meeting materials and proposals, the staple function can significantly reduce the time it takes to create the documents. However, when using the staple function, any misalignment in the stack of recording media S is fixed, which results in an unattractive appearance, so higher alignment is required. In addition, multiple sheets of recording media S must be clamped within the narrower opening of the stapler, making jams more likely to occur even with a small amount of curl.

[0069] The punch function is a function that punches holes in the printed recording medium S. The punched holes are used to bundle the recording media S together and file them using rings or the like. If there is a large amount of misalignment during filing, the alignment of the recording media S after filing will be poor, so higher alignment is required. In addition, multiple sheets of recording media S must be sandwiched within the narrower opening of the puncher, making jams more likely to occur even with a small amount of curl.

[0070] <About print settings> Fig. 4(a) shows a print setting UI 401 that a user operates to set print settings for a recording device. Print settings are also called recording settings. Fig. 4(b) shows a post-processing process selection UI 407 for setting post-processing processes. UI is an abbreviation for user interface.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the print setting UI 401, which the user operates when instructing the recording device 108 to make print settings, allows the following selections to be made. For example, the user may select settings such as print paper type selection 402, print quality setting 403, color mode 404, and single-sided / double-sided setting 405 via the print setting UI 401. Here, the print paper setting refers to setting a recording medium such as plain paper, thin paper, or postcard. The print quality setting refers to setting different print qualities or speeds such as fine, standard, or draft. The color mode setting refers to setting either color printing or monochrome printing. The single-sided / double-sided setting refers to specifying either single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

[0072] <About post-processing settings> As shown in FIG. 4(a), the print setting UI 401 includes a post-processing setting button 406. The post-processing setting button 406 can be selected only when the sensor 702 determines that a post-processing mechanism is installed. When the user selects the post-processing setting button 406, a post-processing process selection UI 407 is displayed as shown in FIG. 4(b). The displayed post-processing process selection UI 407 includes a shift sort checkbox 408, a punch function checkbox 409, and a staple function checkbox 410. The user selects a desired post-processing process via the post-processing process selection UI 407. The post-processing mechanism executes the post-processing process in accordance with the selection instruction.

[0073] <The principle behind curling> Figure 5 is a diagram showing the curled state of a recording medium during single-sided printing. Figure 5(a) shows the recording medium before printing, and Figure 5(b) shows the curled recording medium after printing.

[0074] Inkjet recording devices often use water-based inks. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5(a), when ink is ejected onto only one side of the paper (recording medium) and an image is printed on only one side, water (the solvent component of the ink) penetrates the fibers of the paper. This causes the surface of the paper to swell, causing the paper to curl and bulge. The water that has penetrated into the fibers of the paper then evaporates, causing the surface to shrink more than before printing. As a result, the paper curls with the printed surface facing inward, as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0075] The mechanism of curling will now be explained in more detail. When moisture is applied to paper, the hydrogen bonds formed between the cellulose fibers in the paper are broken. This means that the addition of moisture causes the cellulose to swell and a chemical phenomenon to occur. At this time, ink penetration is not uniform across the depth of the paper, with less ink in deeper areas. The fibers in the ink-soaked area, i.e., the area that comes into contact with water, swell. This causes the moisture-exposed surface to curl toward the opposite side, resulting in a negative curl. However, as the moisture in the cellulose gradually evaporates, the cellulose begins to shrink and the broken hydrogen bonds recombine. In this process, the hydrogen bonds do not recombine at the broken location, but rather recombine at a different location, resulting in a positive curl, in which the paper gradually curls toward the moisture-exposed surface.

[0076] Positive curl occurs when the reverse side curls toward the reverse side, creating a concave front side, while negative curl occurs when the reverse side curls toward the reverse side, creating a convex front side. Positive curl is particularly problematic when inkjet printing on plain paper. Positive curl can cause misalignment of the ejected printing medium or paper jams.

[0077] <Carl and Jam> Furthermore, a phenomenon in which a paper jam occurs when a curled recording medium is ejected will be described in detail.

[0078] In inkjet printing, the amount of curl that occurs on the printing medium varies depending on the printing duty of the image or the amount of ink applied (amount applied). In particular, when a large amount of ink is applied, the curl of the printing medium after printing tends to be large. Similarly, low temperatures and low humidity also cause large curls. Therefore, if the printing medium continues to be transported in a large curled state and is then ejected onto the paper output tray of the printing device, the curl of the printing medium will increase because the curl will no longer be regulated within the transport path. Alternatively, if the printing medium is ejected onto the paper output tray when its curl state is not stable, the printing medium may subsequently be significantly deformed.

[0079] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating deformation of recording media on a paper output tray. Fig. 6A shows the state of a recording medium ejected onto the paper output tray. Fig. 6B is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a subsequent recording medium is ejected onto the paper output tray while the recording medium previously placed on the paper output tray remains curled and raised.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6(a), if the recording medium is not curled, the subsequent recording medium discharged from the discharge outlet 603 will not come into contact with the preceding recording medium even if the preceding recording medium is placed on the discharge tray.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6(b), when a preceding recording medium placed on the paper discharge tray 601 is curled and raised, and a subsequent recording medium is discharged from the paper discharge port 603, the subsequent recording medium comes into contact with the preceding recording medium. As a result, the subsequent recording medium is pushed upward and deformed, causing a paper jam.

[0082] The curl of the preceding recording medium is reduced with the passage of time, and when the curl settles to a height lower than the position where the paper is discharged, the succeeding recording medium is discharged without coming into contact with the preceding recording medium, so that no paper jam occurs.

[0083] <Post-processing mechanism and paper jam> Here, paper jams when a post-processing mechanism is installed will be described using FIG. 7. Height H indicates the height from the bottom of the paper discharge port 703 to the paper discharge tray 701 before the post-processing mechanism 704 is installed. Height H' indicates the height from the bottom of the paper discharge port 703 to the paper discharge position of the post-processing mechanism 704 after the post-processing mechanism 704 is installed. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the stackable height H' of the paper discharge section is narrowed by installing the post-processing mechanism 704. However, as described above, curl occurs during printing. When the post-processing mechanism 704 is installed, the stacking height H' is narrowed, so it is necessary to reduce the amount of curl more than when the post-processing mechanism 704 is not installed, making it less likely for paper jams to occur.

[0084] <Amount of ink and curl> The more moisture is applied per unit area of ​​the paper, the deeper the moisture penetrates into the paper. Hydrogen bonds are broken in the depth direction of the paper, and the number of fibers participating in curling increases, so it is known that the degree of curling increases depending on the amount of application.

[0085] The relationship between the ink ejection amount and the curl amount will be explained in detail below. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ink ejection amount and the curl amount.

[0086] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the directions in which paper tends to curl. As mentioned above, paper, which is a recording medium, has a fiber direction (also called the grain of the paper). Here, let's assume that the paper in this embodiment is composed of fibers flowing in the vertical direction. In this case, the paper tends to curl in the horizontal direction. In particular, when the ink ejection amount is small (e.g., 3.0 ng / dpi), the occurrence of vertical and horizontal curls is almost the same. On the other hand, when the ink ejection amount is large (e.g., 20.0 ng / dpi), horizontal curls are more likely to occur than vertical curls.

[0087] FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the results of investigating the relationship between the amount of ink applied and the amount of initial curl (curl) generated by the following method.

[0088] An inkjet recording device was used as the recording device, and solid printing was performed on plain paper with a constant amount of ink, and the amount of curl was measured immediately after the paper was ejected from the recording device. The time when printing finished was set as 0, and after ejection, the paper was turned face down and the maximum height (H) of the back curl above the edge of the paper was measured at four points, and the average value was calculated and evaluated.

[0089] As is clear from Figure 8(c), in areas where the ink amount is small, the amount of curl increases as the ink amount increases. On the other hand, as the ink amount increases, the amount of curl remains approximately constant.

[0090] The reason for this behavior is that curling is determined by the difference in the stretch (tension) of the paper between the front and back sides. Therefore, when the amount of ink applied is small, the paper stretches a lot and the amount of curl gradually increases. On the other hand, once the amount of ink applied exceeds a certain amount, the amount of water that penetrates into the paper increases, and conversely, the difference in the stretch (tension) of the paper between the front and back sides decreases, and the amount of curl does not change.

[0091] <Speed ​​and Curl> The relationship between the elapsed time after printing and the curl amount will be described in detail below. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the printing time and the curl amount.

[0092] Figure 9(a) shows the relationship between the time elapsed after printing and the amount of curl. The horizontal axis shows the time elapsed since the ink was applied, and the vertical axis shows the amount of curl. The initial amount of curl is the amount of curl that rises on the printed surface as the paper fibers swell in response to the ink moisture immediately after printing. The final amount of curl is the amount of curl that turns the printed surface inward as the moisture inside the paper evaporates and the surface shrinks.

[0093] The amount of curl was measured in the same manner as above, by printing a solid image on plain paper with a constant amount of ink, and measuring the amount of change immediately after the paper was ejected from the printer.

[0094] As is clear from Figure 9(a), the initial curl amount is large immediately after ink is applied, and decreases over time. However, the final curl amount tends to increase over time. The reason for this behavior is that immediately after printing, the surface of the paper swells, causing curling that causes the surface to rise. After that, the moisture that has penetrated into the paper evaporates, causing the surface to shrink more than before printing, causing the paper to curl with the printed side facing inward.

[0095] To address this issue, one method is to delay paper ejection until the maximum initial curl of the preceding recording medium is lower than the position of the paper ejection outlet of the paper ejection tray inside the recording device, thereby preventing paper jams caused by contact with the following recording medium. Furthermore, it is better to eject the paper before the final curl amount increases beyond the predetermined curl tolerance, which will be described later. In other words, it is preferable to eject the paper during a time period when the initial curl amount and the final curl amount are equal to or less than the curl tolerance.

[0096] Figure 9(b) shows the results of investigating the relationship between printing speed and curl amount using the following method. Printing speed is also called recording speed. The horizontal axis shows the time elapsed since ink was applied, and the vertical axis shows the curl amount. Note that the values ​​immediately after ejection and after paper ejection shown below the horizontal axis are for draft mode.

[0097] Furthermore, the amount of curl that occurs when printing in standard mode at a print speed of 60 ips and in draft mode at 30 ips in this embodiment is shown. In standard mode, the initial curl amount exceeds the allowable curl amount, as indicated by the 60 ips arrow. The 60 ips arrow indicates paper ejection in standard mode.

[0098] For example, if printing is continued in standard mode without changing the print speed, depending on the amount of ink applied to the print sample, the amount of initial curl at the time of paper ejection may exceed the allowable curl amount, causing the subsequent recording medium to come into contact with the preceding recording medium and causing a paper jam.

[0099] The initial curl amount of the preceding recording medium decreases with the passage of time, and if the initial curl settles to a height lower than the position where the paper is discharged, the following recording medium is discharged without coming into contact with the preceding recording medium, so that no paper jam occurs.

[0100] By lowering the print speed, it is possible to take a longer time from the start of printing to paper ejection, and to reduce the amount of initial curl after ejection. In other words, in draft mode, which has a slow print speed, the amount of initial curl when the paper is ejected is below the allowable curl amount, as shown by the 30 ips arrow.

[0101] Therefore, it is preferable to set the printing speed based on the relationship between the printing speed and the amount of curling that occurs.

[0102] <Printing behavior when post-processing functions are set> Based on the above, an example of the operation to be performed regarding the installation of the post-processing mechanism and curl reduction when setting the post-processing step will be described.

[0103] As mentioned above, installing a post-processing mechanism narrows the paper discharge port, making paper jams more likely to occur. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of curl after printing when the post-processing mechanism is installed compared to when the post-processing mechanism is not installed. For example, as a method for reducing the amount of curl, the CPU 111 may reduce the printing duty. The printing duty may be, for example, the density of the image recorded on the recording medium. In this case, the CPU 111 may display a UI warning that reducing the printing duty will reduce the printing density. As mentioned above, the CPU 111 can reduce the amount of curl by adjusting the printing speed (also called the recording speed) or by adjusting the printing time (also called the recording time). In this case, the printing speed and printing time can be adjusted by changing the standby time during printing (also called recording), changing the carriage scanning speed, or increasing the number of printing passes. When extending the printing time to reduce the amount of curl, the CPU 111 may also adjust the standby time during printing. As mentioned above, the amount of ink applied can also be reduced to reduce the amount of curl. When post-processing is set, the amount of curl can be reduced by implementing these methods. Combining these methods can also reduce paper jams.

[0104] Based on the above, the operation of the recording device 108 when the post-processing step is applied will be described below. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the recording device 108.

[0105] In step S102, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a post-processing mechanism is attached. For example, the CPU 111 may make this determination based on a detection signal from the sensor 702 shown in FIG.

[0106] In step S103, the CPU 111 sets the installation flag for the post-processing mechanism stored in the RAM 112. Here, the installation flag being ON indicates that the post-processing mechanism is installed, and OFF indicates that the post-processing mechanism is not installed. Therefore, if the CPU 111 determines that the post-processing mechanism is installed based on the detection signal from the sensor 702, it sets the installation flag to ON. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the post-processing mechanism is not installed, it sets the installation flag to OFF. Note that if the installation flag is ON, the user can select the post-processing setting button 406 in the print setting UI 401.

[0107] In step S104, the CPU 111 displays the print setting UI 401 and accepts a print setting instruction from the user. Here, if the installation flag is ON, the CPU 111 displays a post-processing setting button 406 on the print setting UI 401. When the user selects the post-processing setting button 406, the CPU 111 switches the display to a post-processing step selection UI 407. The CPU 111 accepts an instruction to select a post-processing step selected by the user in the post-processing step selection UI 407. The CPU 111 saves the accepted print settings in the RAM 112.

[0108] In step S105, CPU 111 references printing operation table 1110 in ROM 113 in accordance with the print settings acquired in step S104, reads out the corresponding printing operation program, and loads it into RAM 112. As a result, CPU 111 executes the printing operation in accordance with the user's print settings. FIG. 11 is a diagram of printing operation table 1110. Printing operation table 1110 includes printing numbers that indicate printing operations associated with combinations of post-processing and print settings. The print settings include curl countermeasure strength, print quality, and double-sided settings. CPU 111 reads out the desired printing operation program based on the printing number indicated in printing operation table 1110 and executes the printing operation.

[0109] In step S106, CPU 111 accepts print settings. For example, CPU 111 displays, along with normal print settings, alternative print setting candidates for reducing curl as post-processing settings, and displays a screen for accepting the alternative print setting candidates as post-processing settings. The alternative print setting candidates will be described below. The alternative print setting candidates are settings that cause paper to be ejected with reduced curl on the recording medium, and are an example of second recording settings. Normal print settings other than the alternative print setting candidates are an example of first recording settings.

[0110] <Print settings and ink amount> Regarding the setting of the alternative printing candidate, the print settings and print time will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0111] As shown in Figure 11, the print mode with curl prevention strength set to "1," print quality set to "standard," and duplex setting set to "none" has the print number "A-00." The print mode with curl prevention strength set to "1," print quality set to "draft," and duplex setting set to "none" has the print number "A-01."

[0112] If the ink application volume for the print operation with print number A-01 is set to be less than the ink application volume for the print operation with print number A-00, the amount of curl can be reduced for the print operation with print number A-01. For example, for print number A-00, you can set it to print with an ink application volume of 10.0 ng / 600 dpi, and for print number A-01, you can set it to print with an ink application volume of 5.0 ng / 600 dpi.

[0113] The print mode with anti-curl strength set to "2," print quality set to "Standard," and duplex setting set to "None" has the print number "B-00." The print mode with anti-curl strength set to "2," print quality set to "Draft," and duplex setting set to "None" has the print number "B-01." If the ink application volume for print operation B-00 is set to less than the ink application volume for print operation A-00, print operation B-00 will reduce the amount of curl more than print operation A-00, which has anti-curl strength set to "1." For example, the ink application volume for print operation B-00 is 8.0 ng / 600 dpi. If the ink application volume for print operation B-01 is set to less than the ink application volume for print operation A-01, print operation B-01 will reduce the amount of curl more than print operation A-01, which has anti-curl strength set to "1." For example, the ink application volume for print operation B-01 is 3.0 ng / 600 dpi.

[0114] Here, curling during double-sided printing will be explained. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating curling of a recording medium during double-sided printing. Fig. 12(a) is a diagram illustrating curling when there is no difference in ink amount between the front and back. Fig. 12(b) is a diagram illustrating curling when there is a difference in ink amount between the front and back. Fig. 12(c) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the difference in ink amount between the front and back and the amount of curl. In Fig. 12(c), the horizontal axis represents the difference in ink amount between the front and back [ng / dpi], and the vertical axis represents the amount of curl [mm].

[0115] As shown in Figure 12(a), when the difference in ink volume between the front and back of the recording medium is small, the difference in cellulose swelling between the front and back of the recording medium is small, and therefore the amount of curl is small. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12(b), when the difference in ink volume between the front and back of the recording medium is large, the difference in cellulose swelling between the front and back of the recording medium is large, and therefore the amount of curl is large. As shown in Figure 12(c), when the difference in ink volume between the front and back of the recording medium is large, the amount of curl increases, but once the difference in ink volume exceeds a certain value, the amount of curl remains almost unchanged. In other words, if the difference in ink volume between the front and back of the recording medium is large, the amount of curl increases, which means that the amount of curl is smaller in double-sided printing than in single-sided printing. Therefore, paper jams are less likely to occur in double-sided printing than in single-sided printing.

[0116] <Print settings and print speed> The print time for print number A-00 is set to t (seconds), the print time for print number A-01 is set to s (seconds), the print time for print number B-00 is set to t' (seconds), and the print time for print number B-01 is set to s' (seconds).

[0117] Set t' (seconds) > t (seconds). As mentioned above, the print speed can be adjusted by adjusting the waiting time during printing, the carriage scanning speed, or by increasing the number of print passes. By increasing the strength of the anti-curl settings, the print speed can be slowed down, the amount of curl can be reduced, and alignment can be prioritized.

[0118] Returning to FIG. 10 , as described above, in step S106, the CPU 111 displays a change recommendation UI 1301 that recommends changing to print settings that prioritize alignment. The print settings that prioritize alignment are an example of settings that output paper in a state that reduces the occurrence of paper jams. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a UI that allows the user to select a change to print settings that address paper jams. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing an example of the change recommendation UI 1301. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the change recommendation UI 1301 has a message requesting the user to select whether or not to make the change, a button 1302 for instructing the user to change to an alternative candidate, and a button 1303 for instructing the user not to change to the alternative candidate. Note that the message requesting the user to select whether or not to make the change may encourage the user to change to the print settings of the alternative candidate.

[0119] In S107, CPU 111 determines whether to change to an alternative candidate while displaying change recommendation UI 1301. When the user presses change button 1302, CPU 111 determines to change to an alternative candidate and proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, when the user presses no change button 1303, CPU 111 maintains the print settings of step S104 and proceeds to step S109.

[0120] In S108, CPU 111 resets the print settings to the alternative print settings. To confirm the user's print settings, CPU 111 may display print setting UI 401 of FIG. 4 with the print quality selected as draft, and allow the user to select alternative print settings. Alternatively, CPU 111 may display print setting UI 1305 of FIG. 13B, which shows alternative candidate print settings for reducing curl when outputting paper, and accept a change to the alternative print settings from the user. FIG. 13B shows a UI for accepting the alternative candidate print settings. Print setting UI 1305 includes a radio button 1306 for selecting draft mode, a radio button 1307 for selecting monochrome mode, a radio button 1308 for selecting double-sided mode, a radio button 1309 for selecting not to change the print settings, and an OK button 1310. When the user selects a radio button and presses OK button 1310, CPU 111 resets the print settings to the alternative candidate print settings based on the selected radio button. 13(b), when the user selects the double-sided mode, the CPU 111 selects a print setting with a strong anti-curl strength (for example, "2") and other settings that are the same as the user's settings from the print operation table 1110. The CPU 111 resets the selected print setting as the alternative print setting.

[0121] In S109, the CPU 111 executes the operation program based on the print settings that have been set, and prints an image on a recording medium.

[0122] The above describes the case of draft mode as a print setting that prioritizes alignment. However, alternative print settings for reducing curl are not limited to draft mode. Eco mode, draft mode, monochrome mode, and other modes that use less ink and can suppress curl can be used as alternative print settings because they enable highly aligned printing. The amount of reduction in print speed and ink volume may vary depending on the type and combination of post-processing steps. For example, if stapling, among post-processing steps, requires the highest level of alignment, the speed may be further reduced and the amount of ink applied may be further reduced than when shift sorting is performed. For example, when shift sorting is performed, the CPU 111 sets the anti-curl strength in FIG. 11 to "1." On the other hand, when stapling is performed, which requires the highest level of alignment, the CPU 111 may set the anti-curl strength in FIG. 11 to "2."

[0123] With the above-described configuration, this embodiment can reduce the incidence of paper jams even when a post-processing step is set.

[0124] Specifically, the CPU 111 of the recording apparatus 108 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to reset print settings to suppress curl when a post-processing mechanism is attached to the paper discharge tray 13. As a result, the first embodiment can suppress curl when the paper is discharged even when the height H' of the paper discharge position is narrower than when the mechanism is not attached, and can therefore prevent the preceding recording medium from exiting the paper discharge port 703. As a result, the first embodiment can prevent the following recording medium from coming into contact with the preceding recording medium even when a post-processing mechanism is attached to the paper discharge tray 13, and can therefore prevent paper jams.

[0125] In the first embodiment, UIs 1301 and 1305 are displayed to the user, and when the user selects a setting to suppress curl, the print settings are switched to suppress curl and the print operation is executed, thereby realizing the print operation desired by the user.

[0126] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a UI displayed a recommended print setting mode with a small amount of curl to a user who installed a post-processing mechanism and set up post-processing. In this embodiment, an example of a UI display after a paper jam occurs while the user is repeatedly printing will be described.

[0127] In the following, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the actual operation will be described.

[0128] <Displays the jam avoidance priority print mode every time a jam occurs> The actual flow will be explained using FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the printing operation of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, an occurrence information table indicating whether or not a paper jam has occurred on the recording medium is saved, and a paper jam occurrence is determined based on the occurrence information table. In this embodiment, a UI that accepts print settings to suppress curling is displayed based on the determination result. As with the first embodiment, the process of installing the post-processing mechanism and the process of sensor detection of the installation of the post-processing mechanism are the same. The subsequent processing will be explained.

[0129] First, in step S201, the CPU 111 displays a print setting UI 401 and receives a print setting instruction from the user. Here, if the user presses a post-processing setting button 406, the CPU 111 may display a post-processing step selection UI 407 and receive a post-processing step setting from the user.

[0130] In step S202, the CPU 111 determines whether a paper jam occurred in the most recent printing operation. FIG. 16 shows a paper jam occurrence information table 161. The occurrence information table 161 is a table showing information about the occurrence of a paper jam. The occurrence information table 161 includes a print number, an occurrence flag associated with the print number, and an occurrence date and time. The occurrence flag indicates whether a paper jam occurred in the printing operation for that print number. A "1" occurrence flag indicates that a paper jam occurred, and a "0" occurrence flag indicates that a paper jam did not occur. Note that even if the occurrence flag is set once, if no paper jam occurs in subsequent printing operations for the same print number, the CPU 111 may set the occurrence flag to "0." The occurrence date and time indicates the date and time when the paper jam occurred most recently. For example, the CPU 111 may update and save the occurrence flag and occurrence date and time for the corresponding print number for each printing operation. If the CPU 111 determines that a paper jam has not occurred based on the occurrence information table 161, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that a paper jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0131] In step S203, the CPU 111 displays the print setting UI 1505 shown in FIG. 15, which includes print settings recommended to prevent paper jams. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a UI for settings to prevent paper jams in the second embodiment. In other words, the CPU 111 displays the print setting UI 1505 based on the determination result of the occurrence of a paper jam. Here, a print operation table 1110 for preventing curls shown in FIG. 11 is stored in advance in the ROM 113. The print operation table 1110 in FIG. 11 is similar to the content described in step S106 of the first embodiment. The CPU 111 references the print operation table 1110 and displays the recommended print settings on the UI. For example, if the CPU 111 receives print settings with a curl prevention strength of "1" from the user in step S201, it displays the print setting UI 1505 shown in FIG. 15, which includes print settings of alternative candidates with a curl prevention strength of "2" based on the print operation table 1110. The CPU 111 receives print settings of the alternative candidates from the user via the print setting UI 1505. The CPU 111 resets the print settings of the received alternative candidates as new print settings. Note that the CPU 111 may reset the print settings based on the print number in the print operation table 1110.

[0132] In step S204, CPU 111 reads a print operation program and performs a print operation based on the print settings set by print setting UI 401 in Fig. 4 and print setting UI 1501 in Fig. 15. Here, if CPU 111 has reset the print settings to reduce the occurrence of paper jams in step S203, it performs a print operation using the reset print settings.

[0133] In this way, in this embodiment, if a paper jam occurs in the most recent print, CPU 111 takes measures to prevent the paper jam by changing the print settings, so that the rate of paper jam occurrence can be reduced from the next print onwards after the paper jam occurred, depending on the print environment and print settings used by the user.

[0134] (Third embodiment) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a user sets print settings that reduce the amount of curl before a paper jam occurs. In this embodiment, an example is described in which a user resets print settings to reduce the amount of curl when a paper jam occurs during printing.

[0135] In the following, the description of the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the actual operation will be described.

[0136] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the third embodiment. The printing process of the third embodiment will be described using Fig. 17. As in the above-described embodiments, the process of installing the post-processing mechanism and the process of detecting the installation of the post-processing mechanism with a sensor are the same. The subsequent processes will be described.

[0137] In step S171, CPU 111 accepts print settings from the user. For example, CPU 111 may display print setting UI 401 and accept print setting instructions from the user. Here, when the user presses post-processing setting button 406, CPU 111 may display post-processing step selection UI 407 and accept post-processing step settings from the user. Note that in this embodiment as well, printing operation table 1110 shown in FIG. 11 is stored in ROM 113.

[0138] In step S172, CPU 111 reads out a printing operation program based on the print settings received from the user, performs a printing operation, and records an image on a recording medium.

[0139] In step S173, CPU 111 determines whether a paper jam has occurred during the printing operation. If CPU 111 determines that a paper jam has not occurred during the printing operation, it ends the printing process. If CPU 111 determines that a paper jam has occurred during the printing operation, it proceeds to step S173.

[0140] In step S174, CPU 111 resets the print settings received from the user to alternative print settings. Here, the alternative print settings are, for example, print settings that can suppress curl more than the print settings received from the user. Therefore, CPU 111 may select and reset the alternative print settings by referencing print operation table 1110 shown in FIG. 11 . For example, CPU 111 may select and reset a print setting that is the same as the print setting received from the user, except for print setting "2," which suppresses curl more strongly than the print setting received from the user. Furthermore, CPU 111 may select and reset a print setting that has not caused a paper jam as an alternative print setting based on occurrence information table 161 shown in FIG. 16 . Furthermore, CPU 111 may display print setting UI 1305 shown in FIG. 13B of the first embodiment and print setting UI 1505 shown in FIG. 15 of the second embodiment to receive the alternative print settings from the user.

[0141] In step S175, CPU 111 reads the print operation program again based on the reset alternative print settings and performs the print operation. Note that CPU 111 may resume the print operation after receiving information from a sensor or the user that the paper jam has been resolved.

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, when a paper jam occurs, the print settings are changed to reduce the amount of curl, and then the printing operation is restarted, thereby preventing repeated paper jams from occurring.

[0143] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments may be combined. When the embodiments are combined, the user may select the process of each embodiment, and the CPU 111 may execute the process based on the user's selection.

[0144] This embodiment has been described using a serial head as an example, but a line head may also be used. Furthermore, in the case of a line head, the amount of ink applied to the paper surface at one time is large, so the amount of curl is expected to be large. Therefore, this embodiment can achieve even greater effects.

[0145] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the user selects alternative print settings and the CPU 111 resets the print settings based on the selection, but resetting of print settings is not limited to this. For example, if the CPU 111 determines that the resetting conditions are met, the CPU 111 may automatically reset the print settings to suppress curl. If a post-processing step is set and a post-processing step mechanism is installed, the CPU 111 may determine that the resetting conditions are met. Note that, as described above, print settings that suppress curl may further reduce the speed, further reduce the amount of ink applied, or a combination of these.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the CPU 111 of the recording device 108 processes the print settings and the resetting of the print settings, but the subject of this processing is not limited to the CPU 111. For example, the CPU 102 of the image processing device 101 may process the print settings and the resetting of the print settings. In this case, the CPU 102 may display each user interface on the display device of the image processing device 101.

[0147] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0148] The disclosure of this specification includes the following information processing apparatus, inkjet recording apparatus, information processing method, and program. (Item 1) An information processing apparatus that controls an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium and that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and that can be attached to a paper discharge unit to which the recording medium is discharged, a storage means for storing recording settings for recording the image; a control means for setting the recording settings, The information processing device is characterized in that, when the post-processing process mechanism is installed, the control means is capable of setting a second recording setting as the recording setting, which ejects the recording medium with less curl than the first recording setting. (Item 2) When the post-processing mechanism is installed, the control means displays a user interface for a user to select a change to the second recording setting, and accepts a change to the second recording setting from the user. 2. The information processing device according to item 1, (Item 3) The control means accepts any one of shift sorting, stapling, and punching as a process to be executed by the post-processing mechanism. 3. The information processing device according to item 1 or 2, (Item 4) The control means sets the second recording setting to a lower recording duty than the first recording setting. 4. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 5) When the control means sets the print duty to be reduced, it displays a message indicating that the print density of the image will be reduced. 5. The information processing device according to item 4. (Item 6) The second recording setting is a setting for a longer recording time than the first recording setting. 6. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, (Item 7) When the recording time is set to be long, the control means adjusts a waiting time during recording of the image. 7. The information processing device according to item 6, (Item 8) When the recording time is set to be long, the control means adjusts the recording speed of the image. 8. The information processing device according to item 6 or 7, (Item 9) The control means stores occurrence information indicating whether a jam has occurred in the recording medium, determines whether a jam has occurred based on the occurrence information, and displays a user interface for accepting the second recording setting based on the determination. 9. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein: (Item 10) The control means stores occurrence information indicating whether a jam has occurred in the recording medium, and when a jam occurs during a recording operation, sets the second recording setting based on the occurrence information and performs the recording operation again. 10. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that: (Item 11) An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10; a paper ejection unit to which the recording medium on which the image has been recorded is ejected and to which a post-processing mechanism for performing a post-processing process on the recording medium is attached; An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: (Item 12) An information processing apparatus that controls an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium and that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and that can be attached to a paper discharge unit to which the recording medium is discharged, a storage step of storing recording settings, which are settings for recording the image; a control step of setting the recording settings, An information processing method characterized in that, in the control process, when the post-processing process mechanism is installed, a second recording setting can be set as the recording setting, which ejects the recording medium with less curl than the first recording setting. (Item 13) 11. A program for causing a computer to function as a control means for the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10.

[0149] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 108... Recording device, 116... Post-processing process mechanism, 102... CPU, 111... CPU, 112... RAM, 113... ROM, 13, 601, 701... Paper output tray, 702... Sensor, 401, 1305, 1501, 1505... Print setting UI, 407... Post-processing process selection UI, 1110... Print operation table, 1301... Change recommendation UI, 161... Occurrence information table.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that controls an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium and that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and that can be attached to a paper discharge unit to which the recording medium is discharged, a storage means for storing recording settings for recording the image; a control means for setting the recording settings, An information processing device characterized in that, when the post-processing process mechanism is installed, the control means is capable of setting a second recording setting as the recording setting, which ejects the recording medium with less curl than the first recording setting.

2. When the post-processing mechanism is installed, the control means displays a user interface for a user to select a change to the second recording setting, and accepts a change to the second recording setting from the user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The control means accepts any one of shift sorting, stapling, and punching as a process to be executed by the post-processing mechanism.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The control means sets the second recording setting to a lower recording duty than the first recording setting.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. When the control means sets the print duty to be reduced, it displays a message indicating that the print density of the image will be reduced.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,

6. The second recording setting is a setting for a longer recording time than the first recording setting.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. When the recording time is set to be long, the control means adjusts a waiting time during recording of the image.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. When the recording time is set to be long, the control means adjusts the recording speed of the image.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

9. The control means stores occurrence information indicating whether a jam has occurred in the recording medium, determines whether a jam has occurred based on the occurrence information, and displays a user interface for accepting the second recording setting based on the determination.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The control means stores occurrence information indicating whether a jam has occurred in the recording medium, and when a jam occurs during a recording operation, sets the second recording setting based on the occurrence information and performs the recording operation again.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

11. The information processing device according to claim 1 ; a paper ejection unit to which the recording medium on which the image has been recorded is ejected and to which a post-processing mechanism for performing a post-processing process on the recording medium is attached; An inkjet recording apparatus comprising:

12. An information processing apparatus that controls an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium and that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and that can be attached to a paper discharge unit to which the recording medium is discharged, a storage step of storing recording settings, which are settings for recording the image; a control step of setting the recording settings, An information processing method characterized in that, in the control process, when the post-processing process mechanism is installed, a second recording setting can be set as the recording setting, which ejects the recording medium with less curl than the first recording setting.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as the control means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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