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 (also referred to as sheet clogging) 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 a first recording setting in a case of performing a first post-processing step and a second recording setting in a case of performing a second post-processing step different from the first post-processing step. The control means sets the first recording setting such that the sheet is discharged in a state where a curling amount is suppressed compared with a case where no post-processing step is performed, and sets the second recording setting such that the sheet is discharged in a state where a curling amount is further suppressed than in the first recording setting.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 attached to the paper discharge section, the height of the paper discharge outlet becomes narrower, which poses a problem of increased susceptibility to paper jams (also called paper jams).

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, an inkjet recording apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can reduce paper jams even when a post-processing mechanism is attached to a paper discharge unit. [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 a first recording setting when a first post-processing step is executed and a second recording setting when a second post-processing step different from the first post-processing step is executed; The control means The first recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to when the post-processing step is not performed, The second recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with the curl amount suppressed compared to the first recording setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even if the post-processing mechanism is installed in the paper discharge section, paper jams can be reduced. [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] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a UI for setting a post-processing step according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printing operation according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a printing operation table for preventing paper jams according to the third 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 fourth 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 at least one of a plurality of post-processing steps, such as 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 print settings in the RAM 112.

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

[0109] In step S106, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a post-processing step is set. If the CPU 111 determines that a post-processing step is not set, the process proceeds to step S110. If the CPU 111 determines that a post-processing step is set, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0110] In step S107, CPU 111 determines whether the set post-processing step requires further reduction in curl amount. For example, if stapling, which requires better alignment than shift sorting, is set as the post-processing step, CPU 111 determines that further reduction in curl amount is required. Note that CPU 111 may determine whether further reduction in curl amount is required, for example, by using a table that associates post-processing steps with required curl amounts. If CPU 111 determines that further reduction in curl amount is not required, it proceeds to step S108, and if it determines that further reduction in curl amount is required, it proceeds to step S109.

[0111] In step S108, CPU 111 changes the print settings by a first change process. Specifically, CPU 111 changes the print settings so that the recording medium is discharged with less curl than when the post-processing step is not set.

[0112] In step S109, CPU 111 changes the print settings by a second change process. Specifically, CPU 111 changes the print settings so that the recording medium is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to the print settings by the first change process.

[0113] <Print settings> Changing the print settings when a post-processing step is set will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] For example, as shown in Figure 11, when printing on one side of a sheet, if the post-processing setting is OFF and the standard mode is selected as the print mode, print number A-00 is selected; if the post-processing setting is ON and the standard mode is selected, print number B-00 is selected. The print operation program is set so that print number A-00 prints in t seconds, and print number B-00 prints in t' seconds. Since t' > t, the print speed is reduced when the post-processing setting is ON, reducing the amount of curl when the sheet is ejected. Alternatively, the amount of ink applied when printing number B-00 is set to less than when printing number A-00 is set to less, reducing the amount of curl when the sheet is ejected. For example, print number A-00 prints at 10.0 ng / 600 dpi, while print number B-00 prints at 5.0 ng / 600 dpi.

[0115] Furthermore, the amount of curl is reduced in the double-sided printing operation B-10 compared to the single-sided printing operation A-00. Now, curl during double-sided printing will be explained. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating curl of a recording medium during double-sided printing. Figure 12(a) is a diagram illustrating curl when there is no difference in ink amount between the front and back. Figure 12(b) is a diagram illustrating curl when there is a difference in ink amount between the front and back. Figure 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 Figure 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].

[0116] 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.

[0117] As described above, in order to discharge paper with reduced curl by reducing the amount of printing speed and the amount of ink applied, if a post-processing step is set, CPU 111 may change the print settings based on the type and combination of post-processing steps to further reduce the amount of curl when discharging paper. For example, if stapling, among the post-processing steps, is the step that requires the highest alignment and therefore requires the greatest reduction in curl, CPU 111 may change the print settings by at least one of further increasing the amount of printing speed reduction, using double-sided printing, and further reducing the amount of ink applied compared to the print settings for shift sorting, thereby further reducing the amount of curl.

[0118] In this way, the CPU 111 changes the print settings to change the amount of curl when the paper is discharged depending on whether a post-processing step is set or not. Specifically, the CPU 111 sets the print settings so that the recording medium is discharged with a reduced amount of curl when a post-processing step is set compared to when a post-processing step is not set. Furthermore, even when a post-processing step is set, the CPU 111 sets the print settings so that the amount of curl when the paper is discharged differs depending on the type of post-processing step. For example, in a post-processing step that requires better alignment, the CPU 111 sets the print settings so that the paper is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to when a post-processing step that does not require better alignment is performed.

[0119] After executing step S108 or step S109, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S110.

[0120] In step S110, CPU 111 executes a printing operation. For example, if a post-processing step is not set, CPU 111 executes a printing operation based on the print settings set in step S104, and if a post-processing step is set, CPU 111 executes a printing operation based on the print settings changed in either step S108 or S109.

[0121] As described above, in this embodiment, when a post-processing step is set, the print settings are changed so that paper is discharged with reduced curl, thereby reducing the occurrence of paper jams. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when one of multiple post-processing steps can be selected and set, the print settings are changed to further reduce the amount of curl depending on the type of post-processing step. This allows this embodiment to further reduce the occurrence of paper jams, and by appropriately reducing the amount of curl, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing to reduce the amount of curl, such as extending the printing time. In other words, this embodiment can reduce the occurrence of paper jams while more appropriately reducing the amount of curl based on the type of post-processing step.

[0122] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, we described how paper jams caused by post-processing can be reduced by reducing either the printing speed or the amount of ink applied when applying post-processing. However, slowing down the printing speed directly leads to reduced productivity. Furthermore, reducing the amount of ink applied directly leads to reduced image quality. Therefore, when the post-processing setting is turned on, the printing time increases and the image quality deteriorates, leading to confusion in usability, such as the user mistaking the print settings for a mistake or a printer malfunction. In light of the above, by displaying a message on the driver UI, etc., indicating that measures to reduce jams will be taken when the post-processing setting is turned on, it is possible to prevent user confusion and improve user usability. Below, we will omit a description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment and will instead focus on the actual operation.

[0123] <UI display when setting up post-processing> The actual flow will be described with reference to Fig. 10. First, assume that a post-processing mechanism has been attached to the paper output tray of the printing device by a user, as shown in Fig. 7. In step S102, the CPU 111 determines whether the post-processing mechanism has been attached. The CPU 111 may determine whether the post-processing mechanism has been attached based on whether the sensor 702 has detected that the post-processing mechanism has been attached.

[0124] In step S103, the CPU 111 sets the installation flag for the post-processing mechanism stored in the RAM 112. For example, if the CPU 111 determines that a post-processing mechanism is installed, the CPU 111 sets the installation flag to ON. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that a post-processing mechanism is not installed, the CPU 111 sets the installation flag to OFF. If the installation flag is ON, the CPU 111 displays a post-processing setting button 406 in the print setting UI 401. This allows the user to select the post-processing setting button 406. When the user presses the post-processing setting button 406, the CPU 111 displays a post-processing step selection UI 407 and a message 1301 containing measures to reduce jam occurrence, as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a UI for setting a post-processing step according to the second embodiment. In this example, the CPU 111 displays the message 1301 stating, "Setting post-processing will reduce printing speed and result in lighter images." Note that the message 1301 may contain other wording as long as it is appropriate for reducing jam occurrence. For example, when the CPU 111 reduces the printing speed and lengthens the printing time, it may display a message saying, "Printing time will be longer." The rest of the process is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] As described above, in the second embodiment, even when post-processing settings are made, the user can recognize the reduction in speed and image quality, etc., and thus the user's convenience can be improved by taking measures to reduce the occurrence of paper jams.

[0126] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, a method for reducing the occurrence of paper jams by selecting a preset print operation mode was described. However, the rate of jam occurrence varies depending on a combination of factors, such as the image data used by the user, the print media used, and printing environment conditions such as temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is not possible to reduce all paper jams using only a preset print operation mode. In contrast, if a top-priority print mode that avoids paper jams is preset, printing will always be performed at the lowest possible speed or with the lowest possible image quality.

[0127] In view of the above, when a jam occurs, a mode that gradually reduces the amount of curl is selected to gradually prioritize jam avoidance, thereby making it possible to reduce the occurrence of paper jams. In the following, a description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the actual operation will be described.

[0128] <Change printing operations based on jam occurrence information> The processing flow of the third embodiment will be described using Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the third embodiment. As with the first embodiment, the step of determining whether the post-processing mechanism is installed is the same. The flow thereafter will be described.

[0129] First, in step S201, the CPU 111 acquires and sets print settings set by the user through the print setting UI 401. At this time, the post-processing setting button 406 may be pressed to set post-processing settings from the post-processing step selection UI 407. When the post-processing step setting is accepted, the CPU 111 may set print settings to eject paper with the amount of curl suppressed. Furthermore, if the set post-processing step is stapling, which requires high alignment, the CPU 111 may set print settings so that paper can be ejected with the amount of curl suppressed more than in other post-processing steps.

[0130] In step S202, the CPU 111 calculates the jam occurrence rate for the most recent print and determines whether to change the print settings based on the jam occurrence rate. Specifically, the CPU 111 determines whether the jam occurrence rate is equal to or greater than the jam threshold. The CPU 111 determines whether to change the print settings based on the determination result. 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 print 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 a paper jam does not occur in subsequent print operations for the same print number, the CPU 111 may set the occurrence flag to "0." The occurrence date and time indicates the most recent date and time that a paper jam occurred. For example, 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 jam threshold is set to 0.5 and occurrence information table 161 indicates that five or more paper jams have occurred in the most recent ten printings, CPU 111 determines to change the print settings. The most recent here may be changed as appropriate, such as one hour or one day. If CPU 111 determines based on occurrence information table 161 that the paper jam occurrence rate is not equal to or greater than the jam threshold, it proceeds to step S204 without changing the print settings. On the other hand, if CPU 111 determines that the paper jam occurrence rate is equal to or greater than the jam threshold, it proceeds to step S203 to change the print settings.

[0131] In step S203, CPU 111 replaces the printing operation table to change the print settings to further suppress curl. At this time, a printing operation table 1510 for preventing curl shown in FIG. 15 is stored in ROM 113 in advance, separate from printing operation table 1110 shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, CPU 111 replaces printing operation table 1110 shown in FIG. 11 with printing operation table 1510 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram of a printing operation table for preventing paper jams according to the third embodiment. Here, the printing operation table 1510 for preventing curl shown in FIG. 15 will be described.

[0132] The curl countermeasure printing operation table 1510 shown in FIG. 15 includes countermeasure level, print quality, double-sided setting, and print number. The countermeasure level indicates the degree to which paper jams are avoided and the degree to which curl is suppressed. The higher the value, the higher the priority of jam prevention measures. For example, countermeasure level 5, compared to countermeasure level 1, can suppress curl more effectively by using print settings that apply less ink, print at a slower print speed, or a combination of these. If the CPU 111 determines to change the print settings in step S202, it may change the print settings for print number B-00 in FIG. 11 to print number E1B-00. This change further suppresses curl and prevents paper jams, thereby reducing the paper jam rate from the next printing onward. If the CPU 111 determines to change the print settings in step S202 from the next printing onward, it may change the print settings for print number E1B-00 to print number E1B-01, thereby further reducing the paper jam rate. By performing such an operation, it becomes possible to apply measures against paper jams in stages. Furthermore, when the post-processing step is stapling, which requires high alignment, the CPU 111 may change the print settings so that the paper can be discharged with the amount of curl suppressed more than in other post-processing steps.

[0133] Next, in step S204, when the user issues a print instruction using the print settings in Fig. 4, the CPU 111 performs a print operation corresponding to the print settings of the changed print number. By operating in this manner, it is possible to gradually reduce the jam occurrence rate according to the printing environment used by the user.

[0134] (Fourth 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 print setting is changed to reduce the amount of curl when a paper jam occurs during printing.

[0135] <Change printing behavior when a jam occurs> 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 fourth embodiment. The printing process of the fourth 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 by a sensor are the same. The subsequent processes will be described.

[0137] In step S171, the CPU 111 accepts print settings from the user. For example, the CPU 111 may display a print setting UI 401 and accept print setting instructions from the user. If the user presses the post-processing setting button 406, the CPU 111 may display a post-processing step selection UI 407 and accept post-processing step settings from the user. If the post-processing step settings are accepted, the CPU 111 may set print settings to eject paper with reduced curl. Furthermore, if the set post-processing step is a stapling process that requires high alignment, the CPU 111 may set print settings to eject paper with reduced curl compared to other post-processing steps. Note that in this embodiment as well, the printing operation table 1110 shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the 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 S174.

[0140] In step S174, CPU 111 resets and changes the print settings received from the user to alternative print settings. Here, the alternative print settings are, for example, print settings that can reduce the amount of 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. 15. For example, CPU 111 may select and reset as the alternative print settings a print setting with a countermeasure level "2" that is stronger than the print settings received from the user, but with the same settings as the other print settings. Furthermore, CPU 111 may select and reset as the alternative print settings a print setting in which no paper jam has occurred, based on occurrence information table 161 shown in FIG. 16. Note that if CPU 111 determines that a paper jam has occurred multiple times, it may change the print settings so that the countermeasure level increases with each determination. In other words, CPU 111 sets new print settings so that the amount of curl is reduced stepwise each time a paper jam occurs.

[0141] In step S175, CPU 111 reads out the print operation program again based on the new reset 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] Although the above embodiment has been described using a serial head as an example, 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 a significant effect.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the CPU 111 of the recording device 108 processes print settings and resetting of 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 print settings and changes to print settings. In this case, the CPU 102 may display each user interface on the display device of the image processing device 101.

[0146] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0147] 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 a first recording setting when a first post-processing step is executed and a second recording setting when a second post-processing step different from the first post-processing step is executed; The control means The first recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to when the post-processing step is not performed, The second recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with the curl amount suppressed compared to the first recording setting. 1. An information processing device comprising: (Item 2) The control means accepts any one of shift sorting, stapling, and punching as the post-processing process to be executed by the post-processing mechanism. 2. The information processing device according to item 1, (Item 3) The control means sets the second recording setting to a lower recording duty than the first recording setting. 3. The information processing device according to item 1 or 2, (Item 4) 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. 4. The information processing device according to item 3, (Item 5) The control means sets a recording time in the second recording setting to be longer than that in the first recording setting. 5. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein: (Item 6) When the recording time is set to be long, the control means adjusts a waiting time during recording of the image. 6. The information processing device according to item 5, (Item 7) When the recording time is set to be long, the control means adjusts the recording speed of the image. 7. The information processing device according to item 5 or 6, (Item 8) 8. The information processing device according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein when the recording time is increased, the control means displays a message indicating that the recording time will be increased. (Item 9) The control means stores occurrence information indicating whether or not a jam has occurred in the recording medium, calculates the jam occurrence rate based on the occurrence information, and determines whether or not to change the recording settings based on the occurrence rate. 9. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein: (Item 10) When a jam occurs during a recording operation, the control means changes the recording settings to further suppress curling 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) The second post-processing step is a step that requires a higher degree of alignment of the recording medium than the first post-processing step. 11. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10, (Item 12) the information processing device according to item 1; a paper discharge section to which the recording medium on which the image has been recorded is discharged and to which a post-processing mechanism that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium is attached; An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: (Item 13) An information processing method for controlling 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, comprising: a storage step of storing recording settings, which are settings for recording the image; a control step of setting a first recording setting when a first post-processing step is executed and a second recording setting when a second post-processing step different from the first post-processing step is executed, In the control step, The first recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to when the post-processing step is not performed, The second recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with the curl amount suppressed compared to the first recording setting. 1. An information processing method comprising: (Item 14) 12. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11.

[0148] 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]

[0149] 101...image processing device, 108...recording device, 116, 704...post-processing process mechanism, 102, 111...CPU, 103, 112...RAM, 13, 601, 701...paper output tray, 407...post-processing process selection UI, 1301...message, 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 a first recording setting when a first post-processing step is executed and a second recording setting when a second post-processing step different from the first post-processing step is executed; The control means The first recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to when the post-processing step is not performed, The second recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a curl amount suppressed compared to the first recording setting.

1. An information processing device comprising:

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

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

3. 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:

4. 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.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. The control means sets a recording time in the second recording setting to be longer than that in the first recording setting.

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

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

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

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

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

8. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when the recording time is increased, the control means displays a message indicating that the recording time will be increased.

9. The control means stores occurrence information indicating whether or not a jam has occurred in the recording medium, calculates the jam occurrence rate based on the occurrence information, and determines whether or not to change the recording settings based on the occurrence rate.

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

10. When a jam occurs during a recording operation, the control means changes the recording settings to further suppress curling and performs the recording operation again.

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

11. The second post-processing step is a step that requires a higher degree of alignment of the recording medium than the first post-processing step.

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

12. The information processing device according to claim 1 ; a paper discharge section to which the recording medium on which the image has been recorded is discharged and to which a post-processing mechanism that performs a post-processing process on the recording medium is attached; An inkjet recording apparatus comprising:

13. An information processing method for controlling 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, comprising: a storage step of storing recording settings, which are settings for recording the image; a control step of setting a first recording setting when a first post-processing step is executed and a second recording setting when a second post-processing step different from the first post-processing step is executed, In the control step, The first recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a reduced amount of curl compared to when the post-processing step is not performed, The second recording setting is set so that the paper is discharged with a curl amount suppressed compared to the first recording setting.

1. An information processing method comprising:

14. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images